Spring is finally here, but let’s not get overly excited, as temperatures will still take a few weeks to rise.
Although the trees will only begin to bloom in April, nature blesses us with some of the most beautiful flowers, such as the cheerful Crocuses, the elegant Narcissus, and the stunning Tulips. These flowers can be seen in most gardens and meadows, adding a touch of colour and beauty to our surroundings.
Another great thing about March is the increase in daylight, which gives us more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery around us.
Every day, the sun comes up a minute or two earlier and sets a bit later.
Keep in mind that some places may still have snow, especially in the mountains.
Central European Time (CET), one hour behind South Africa until the last Sunday of March, when Summer Time starts (29 March 2026).
Spring.
March in Germany marks the beginning of spring, with days gradually getting longer, temperatures warming, and nature starting to bloom, though chilly weather can still linger.
In March, temperatures in Germany typically range from 0.2°C to 7.4°C, though they can vary depending on the location. On average, the country experiences about 3.8 hours of sunshine per day, with weather conditions fluctuating between winter’s chill and the first hints of spring warmth.
During the festive season of Easter, several towns organise colourful Easter Markets
and embellish town fountains with eggs. Known as Osterbrunnen. These intricately decorated fountains are a sight to behold. But that’s not all — people also adorn trees and dried sticks with eggs, creating enchanting Easter egg trees, also known as Ostereierbäume.
In 2026, Easter falls later in the year, with Good Friday on 3 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April, meaning many of these traditions will unfold in early April rather than March.
Easter in Germany is an joyous holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and a range of traditions that have been passed down through generations. Colourful Easter eggs, traditional bonfires, and a wide variety of delicious foods are just a small part of what makes this festive occasion so special.
March also ushers in Starkbierzeit — a robust, no-nonsense season rooted in Bavarian tradition. This is the time of strong beers, hearty food, and a calendar dotted with lively Starkbierfeste, especially in Bavaria. Originally brewed by monks to sustain them during Lent, Starkbier is rich, malty, and unapologetically bold — much like the festivals themselves. Expect beer halls buzzing with music, satire, and good-humoured political ribbing, as winter loosens its grip and Germany warms up for spring.
Starkbier is as the name suggest a strong beer. It is a legal generic designation for beers in which the original wort content is over 16 °P (degrees Plato). The alcohol level is between 5% and 10%. Most of them are seasonal.
In Munich, Starkbierzeit is called the 5th season. It is during Lent (From Ash Wednesday 14.02.2024 to Easter).
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| der Frühling | spring |
| die Zeitumstellung | daylight saving time change |
| die Fastenzeit | Lent / fasting period |
| der Starkbieranstich | opening of strong beer season |
| die Frühlingssonne | spring sunshine |
| der Frühjahrsputz | spring cleaning |
| die Osterdekoration | Easter decorations |
| der Biergarten | beer garden |
| das Märzwetter | changeable March weather |
| die Frühlingsgefühle | spring feelings / spring fever |
Spargel – the German white gold Bis Johanni – nicht vergessen – sieben Wochen Spargel essen! The Asparagus season in Germany starts towards the end of April and ends on the 24th of June (St. John the Baptist Day) Most Germans eagerly await Spargelzeit and they eat around 125 000
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Grilling in public When you do not have braai facilities at home or want to have more space while meeting your friends for a braai, you can use the grills/fireplaces at a public Grillplatz/grill area.These are usually in bigger parks or around lakes. Grilling in the forest is generally prohibited,
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