Things to Do in Uruguay in March

March Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

50 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodations cost 30-40% less than peak summer months (December-February) while weather remains pleasant for all activities
Perfect beach weather with 25°C (77°F) highs and minimal crowds at Punta del Este, La Paloma, and Cabo Polonio - you'll have stretches of coast completely to yourself
Harvest season for wine regions - Canelones and San José wineries offer grape picking experiences and new vintage tastings unavailable other times of year
Ideal hiking conditions in Quebrada de los Cuervos and Valle del Lunarejo - comfortable temperatures with clear morning visibility before afternoon clouds roll in

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon weather - 40% chance of sudden temperature drops and rain showers between 2-5pm can interrupt outdoor plans
Some coastal restaurants and beach services operate on reduced hours or close midweek as tourist season winds down
Shorter daylight hours (sunset around 7:30pm) compared to summer months limit evening outdoor activities

Best Activities in March

Montevideo Walking Food Tours

March's mild mornings (17-20°C/62-68°F) are perfect for exploring Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto and Ciudad Vieja on foot. Local parrillas start firing up earlier for autumn harvest celebrations, and you'll experience the city's famous asado culture without summer's oppressive heat. The 70% humidity makes indoor market visits comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9am-1pm) to avoid afternoon weather changes. Prices typically range $40-60 USD per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for tours that include indoor backup venues like traditional cantinas. See current options in the booking section below.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

This UNESCO World Heritage site is spectacular in March - comfortable walking temperatures, fewer tour buses, and the golden autumn light creates perfect photography conditions. The cobblestone streets are dry most mornings, and you can explore the Portuguese colonial architecture without summer crowds blocking narrow passages.

Booking Tip: Book full-day trips including ferry transport from Buenos Aires or Montevideo. Expect to pay $80-120 USD including transport. Morning departures (8-9am) maximize your time before potential afternoon showers. See current ferry and tour packages in booking section below.

Punta del Este Beach Activities

March offers the sweet spot for Punta del Este - warm enough for swimming (water temperature still 20°C/68°F from summer) but without January's overwhelming crowds and inflated prices. Playa Brava's famous sculpture 'La Mano' is accessible without fighting for photos, and beach clubs operate with relaxed, local atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Beach equipment rentals drop to off-season rates ($15-25 USD/day for umbrellas and chairs). Book accommodations at least 3 weeks ahead as many properties close for maintenance in April. Current beach activity options available in booking section below.

Wine Country Tours in Canelones

March is harvest season (vendimia) in Uruguay's wine regions - the only time visitors can participate in grape picking and witness the winemaking process firsthand. Cool mornings (17°C/62°F) are ideal for vineyard walks, and many bodegas offer exclusive March tastings of new vintages alongside traditional Tannat selections.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experience tours 2-3 weeks ahead as they're limited to weekends and fill quickly. Expect $70-100 USD for full-day experiences including transport from Montevideo and lunch. Look for tours that include multiple vineyard stops. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

Cabo Polonio Nature Experiences

March weather makes this remote coastal village accessible - the 4WD truck ride across sand dunes is comfortable in moderate temperatures, and you can hike to the lighthouse and sea lion colonies without summer's intense sun. The bohemian atmosphere is enhanced by fewer tourists and more interaction with local artisans.

Booking Tip: Book overnight stays in advance as eco-lodges have limited capacity. Day trips from Montevideo run $60-90 USD including 4WD transport. Weather can change quickly, so choose tours with flexible timing. Current Cabo Polonio tour options available in booking section below.

Thermal Springs at Salto

March's variable weather makes thermal spring visits perfect - cool evening temperatures (17°C/62°F) create ideal conditions for soaking in 40°C (104°F) mineral pools. Dayman Hot Springs and Arapey Thermal Resort are less crowded, and the contrast between outdoor pools and crisp air is invigorating.

Booking Tip: Book midweek stays for best rates ($80-150 USD per night including thermal access). Day passes typically cost $20-35 USD. Evening sessions (6-9pm) offer the best temperature contrast. See current thermal resort packages in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia)

Wine regions celebrate the grape harvest with traditional folk music, asado competitions, and wine tastings. Each bodega hosts its own celebration with grape stomping, live gaucho demonstrations, and special vendimia menus featuring seasonal ingredients.

Mid to Late March

Montevideo Autumn Cultural Festival

Local theaters and cultural centers host special programming as the city transitions from summer tourism to local cultural season. Features emerging Uruguayan artists, tango performances, and traditional folk music concerts in intimate venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March showers are brief (20-30 minutes) but frequent, occurring on 10 out of 31 days

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 17°C (62°F) mornings to 25°C (77°F) afternoons require easy adjustment

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestones in Colonia and Montevideo's Old City become slippery when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water increases exposure during coastal activities

Light scarf or wrap - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, essential for outdoor dining

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes longer to dry if caught in rain

Portable umbrella - compact enough for day bags but sturdy enough for sudden afternoon downpours

Insect repellent - March humidity increases mosquito activity, especially in wine country and thermal spring areas

Power adapter (Type C and F) - Uruguay uses European-style plugs with 220V electricity

Cash in small bills - many local establishments and markets prefer cash, ATMs widely available but carry backup

Insider Knowledge

Most beach restaurants switch to weekend-only service after March 15th - plan coastal dining around this schedule or stick to larger resort towns

Buy wine directly from bodegas in March - harvest season offers 20-30% discounts on bulk purchases and exclusive access to limited reserve bottles

March is when locals take their annual vacations before winter - you'll experience more authentic neighborhood life in Montevideo as tourism decreases

Ferry services between Colonia and Buenos Aires reduce frequency in late March - book return trips in advance to avoid being stranded overnight

Avoid These Mistakes

Overpacking summer clothes - March evenings require long sleeves and many tourists underestimate how cool 17°C (62°F) feels with ocean breeze

Not checking restaurant hours - many coastal establishments close midweek or reduce hours as tourist season ends, leaving visitors with limited dining options

Booking accommodations too late - while March is shoulder season, many properties close for maintenance in April, reducing availability and increasing last-minute prices