Things to Do in Uruguay in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Uruguay
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Late summer warmth without the crushing heat - you get beach weather that actually lets you walk around Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja at midday without melting, unlike January and February when even locals stay indoors between noon and 5pm
- Harvest season means wine country is absolutely buzzing - the vendimia (grape harvest) is wrapping up in Carmelo and Canelones, so bodegas are running special tours where you can actually see production happening, not just empty tanks and promotional videos
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Carnival - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to peak summer, and you can actually get reservations at places like José Ignacio and Punta del Este without booking months ahead or paying resort premiums
- Water temperatures are still genuinely swimmable at 21-23°C (70-73°F) - the Atlantic hasn't cooled down yet, so beach days are completely viable while North American and European visitors are still dealing with winter back home
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by a cold front that drops temperatures to 15°C (59°F) with wind that makes beach plans impossible, and forecasts beyond 48 hours are basically guesswork
- Tourist infrastructure starts winding down mid-month - beach towns like La Paloma and Cabo Polonio see restaurants and tour operators shifting to weekend-only schedules as locals head back to Montevideo after summer holidays, so spontaneous travel gets trickier
- Not ideal for guaranteed beach holidays - if you're flying internationally specifically for beach time, the variable weather means you might spend half your trip in a rain jacket watching grey waves, which is lovely in its own way but probably not what you paid for
Best Activities in March
Wine Country Tours in Canelones and Carmelo
March is harvest season, which means wineries are actually working rather than just pouring samples. You can see grapes coming in, crushing operations running, and winemakers are around to talk because they're on-site daily. The Tannat harvest typically runs through early March, and temperatures in the 20-24°C (68-75°F) range make cycling between bodegas genuinely pleasant rather than sweaty. Boutique wineries in Carmelo offer half-day tours that include vineyard walks, barrel tastings, and asados that showcase the harvest season. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours, weekdays are easier. Expect to pay 2,500-4,500 Uruguayan pesos per person for half-day experiences including tastings and lunch.
Coastal Walks and Cycling in Rocha Department
The eastern beaches from La Paloma to Punta del Diablo are spectacular in March because summer crowds have thinned but weather is still warm enough for all-day outdoor activities. The Cabo Polonio walk from the parking area (7 km / 4.3 miles each way through dunes and coastal scrub) is actually manageable in March temperatures, whereas January heat makes it brutal. Birdwatching is excellent as migratory species pass through, and sea lion colonies are active. Rent bikes in La Paloma or Valizas for 400-700 pesos per day and explore the coastal ruta between beaches. Wind can be strong, so check conditions before committing to long rides.
Montevideo Walking Food Tours
March weather is perfect for walking Montevideo's neighborhoods without the humidity and heat that makes summer street food tours exhausting. The Mercado del Puerto is less mobbed than January-February but still fully operational, and you can actually get a table at the parrilla stalls for lunch. Neighborhoods like Palermo and Pocitos have excellent bakeries and cafes that locals frequent year-round, and March means you can walk between them comfortably. Look for tours that hit traditional confiterías, the Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (MAM), and include mate culture explanations. Tours typically run 3-4 hours and cost 1,800-3,200 pesos including tastings.
Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips
The colonial quarter of Colonia is genuinely pleasant to explore in March because temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and the cobblestone streets that are packed solid in January see reasonable crowds. The ferry from Buenos Aires brings visitors, but March is shoulder season so you can actually photograph the Calle de los Suspiros without waiting for crowds to clear. Budget 5-6 hours minimum for wandering the Barrio Histórico, visiting the lighthouse, and having a long lunch. Ferries from Montevideo take about 2.5-3 hours, or it's a 2-hour drive if you have a car. Independent exploration works well, though guided walks provide historical context most visitors miss.
Thermal Springs Circuit in Western Uruguay
The termas near Salto and Paysandú are actually perfect for March's variable weather - when a cold front rolls through and temperatures drop, soaking in 38-40°C (100-104°F) thermal pools is exactly what you want. These aren't touristy hot springs; they're proper aquatic parks where Uruguayan families spend entire days. Termas del Arapey, Daymán, and Almirón have multiple pools at different temperatures, water slides, and spa services. March sees fewer crowds than peak summer but facilities are fully operational. Plan full-day visits, entry runs 600-1,200 pesos depending on the complex.
Estancia Stays and Gaucho Experiences
March is excellent for estancia tourism because the summer heat has broken but it's not yet cold enough to make horseback riding uncomfortable. Working cattle ranches in the interior offer day visits or overnight stays where you can watch (or participate in) actual ranch work, not just staged performances. Horseback rides across the campos, traditional asados, and mate sessions with gauchos provide genuine cultural immersion. The landscape is still green from summer rains but not muddy. Day visits typically run 2,500-4,000 pesos including lunch and activities, overnights start around 8,000-12,000 pesos per person with meals included.
March Events & Festivals
Vendimia (Grape Harvest) Celebrations
While not a single organized festival, many wineries in Canelones and Carmelo host harvest celebrations and special open-house events in early March as the Tannat grape harvest concludes. These are working celebrations where you might see actual grape processing, participate in foot-stomping traditions, and taste fresh juice alongside finished wines. Events are typically announced on winery social media 1-2 weeks ahead, so flexibility helps. Much more authentic than organized wine festivals.
Criolla del Prado Horse Show
This massive gaucho and criollo horse exhibition typically happens in late March or early April at the Rural del Prado grounds in Montevideo. It's the biggest event in Uruguay's rural calendar, showcasing horsemanship, traditional gaucho skills, cattle competitions, and agricultural displays. If it falls during your March visit, it's absolutely worth attending to see Uruguayan rural culture on full display. Dates vary yearly, so check closer to your travel dates. Entry is usually 200-400 pesos.