New York City Weather in March: Spring Tease & Packing Essentials
New York City Weather in March – What It's Like in the Flatiron District
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By
Paul Martinez
- Updated
Do you want to visit chilly NYC but don’t feel like dealing with snow days? The New York City weather in March can be a good fit for you. Come over and stay in the Flatiron District for the best home base your adventure could ask for.
✨ Why Visit NYC in March? Top Highlights
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🌷 What’s NYC Weather Like in March?
Expect early spring temps between 34°F–52°F, with 10–12 days of light rain and windy moments—ideal for seeing NYC without heavy snow or summer crowds. -
☕ Best Things to Do Indoors in Flatiron
Spend rainy days at MoMath, Devoción, Eataly, ABC Carpet & Home, and Rizzoli Bookstore—all cozy, walkable favorites. -
🌼 Seasonal Events & March-Only Experiences
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Macy’s Flower Show, and early cherry blossoms at the NY Botanical Garden—all perfect spring teasers. -
✈️ Essential March Travel Tips
Pack light layers, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella; fly into JFK, LGA, or Newark; and base yourself in Flatiron for central access and walkable charm.
We feel the chill of winter months staying behind as spring arrives. There is no chance of a sudden snowfall getting in the way of your plans. Plus, the streets really come back to life after winter. And it gets better: ît is still off season enough for you to have fewer crowds around when hitting the classic sights.
The Flatiron District is a perfect place to set up camp so you can explore the city beyond my favorite blocks. It has many great spots to grab breakfast before a day of acting like a local. Madison Square Park is a refuge when we need to take a break. And we are never too far from the iconic Flatiron Building, how cool is that?
March gives people a chance to get to see a different side of the city that never sleeps, with the New York weather in March making for perfect days if you don’t want to get all bundled up before a day. The Flatiron District, meanwhile, gives everyone the chance to feel like locals.
This guide has everything you need to enjoy March in NYC, with a special nod to what makes the Flatiron District such a great, central home base this time of year.
Top photo: Madison Square Park Looking at the Gold Roof New York Life Building
Average Temperatures in New York City in March
When compared to the weather in January, March temperatures begin to get almost cozy. The Flatiron District has some very windy areas, which can make the day feel a little chillier than it actually is.
New York City Weather in March is the beginning of Spring, so temperatures rise as we get closer to April. The highest daytime averages are close to 52°F (about 7°C), and nights are as cold as 34°F (1°C).
It is the beginning of that lovely spring weather we sometimes see on TV and in movies. There is no snow, but it can get rainy, so get bundled up to enjoy the city! New York never stops, and neither do New Yorkers.
Is the New York City Weather in March Rainy?
March marks the beginning of spring in NYC, so we have more days of precipitation but generally no snow days. The Flatiron District and the city beyond tend to have isolated rain showers, which always show up in the weather forecast.
Like I said, rain is easily predictable so we can always be prepared. You can carry a small umbrella in your bag or put on a stylish wind breaker on top of your outfit to be ready for whatever comes.
How Much Does It Rain in March?
New York City averages 3 to 4 inches (75–100 mm) of precipitation in March, usually somewhere around 3.74 inches, which includes snow. The weather is changing, so expect 10 to 12 days of some form of wet weather during the month.
A little wet weather never stops people from enjoying the Flatiron District! There is so much we can do in this district without ever getting on a subway car. We can grab authentic Italian food in Eataly, browse major flagship stores, or sip some coffee while the rain pours.
Best Things to Do in New York City When it Rains
New York City weather in March can have its rainy days, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop having fun! Here are some things you can do in the Flatiron District without ever setting foot on the subway.
- 🖼️ Visit a Museum: There are more than 170 museums spread throughout the city, but Flatiron locals love going to the Museum of Math for family-friendly fun! The Museum of Sex is great fun for grown-ups too.
- ☕ Grab a Coffee at Devoción or Birch Coffee: Both places offer stylish interiors and some of the best coffee in the city (in my opinion), which pair super well with a sweet treat. There are many other cafés you can visit as well!
- 🍽️ Eataly Flatiron: The perfect Flatiron place to spend a few hours doing pretty much nothing and still having fun. Shop, snack, sip a glass of wine, or sit down for a full meal—all under one roof!
- 🛍️ ABC Carpet & Home: A truly local way to enjoy rainy days. Browse unique house decor finds and curated home goods inside a magical building
- 📚 Rizzoli Bookstore: Oh, this is one of my personal favorites, ways to spend rainy days. Get lost among art, travel, and design books in this Flatiron gem! Who knows, you might find your next read there!
Of course, you can also take a quick train ride to the MoMA, the Met, or Broadway for some more fun — but honestly, you are able to spend a whole rainy day right in Flatiron and not miss a beat.
Is it Hot in New York City in March?
Not yet! It is just the beginning of spring, so the weather is still gearing up for those glorious summer weeks. We can still find plenty of cozy spots in town to warm up at.
How Cloudy is New York City Weather in March?
Just like the month of February, March is cloudy pretty much all the time, with cloud coverage hanging around a solid 52% almost every day. That changes around the end of the month! Meanwhile, Flatiron District gives us a golden-age-esque atmosphere. We can grab some artsy pictures for your social media! And when the sun does come out, everyone gets a special treat.
How Humid is it in New York City in March?
New York City weather in March has a humidity level pretty similar to the winter months, in a general range between 40% and 60%, which can feel quite dry most of the month. Local shops like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market in Flatiron have great skin care options if you need to rehydrate your skin!
How Windy is it in New York City in March?
The sensation of wind can vary depending on where in NYC you are. The New York City weather in March gets calmer winds, going from 10.2 to 9.3 miles on average during the month. Wider avenues like 5th or Broadway can feel stronger than that! The secret is building your outfit in smart layers you can put on or take off as needed.
When are Sunrise and Sunset in New York City in March?
Exact times can be hard to predict for the sun, but we can expect:
- Sunrise: 5:45–6:15 AM
- Sunset: 5:45–6:15 PM
For a memorable sunset moment, you can try catching an early spring March sunset behind the Flatiron Building or from the rooftop bars at places like Serra by Birreria inside Eataly.
Is the Water Warm in New York City in March?
It is still early spring, so the water keeps some of that winter chill. You shouldn’t even try to dip your toes in. What you can do is find a nice spot along the river esplanade to look at the water or enjoy warm water in a spa like QC NY—not too far away and much more comfortable.
How Warm is the Water in New York City in March?
Water temperature rises slightly as New York City weather in March gets slightly warmer. It stays between 40°F to 43°F (4°C to 5°C). Still too cold for swimming but perfect to look at from rooftop bars or sunset cruises.
What to Wear in New York City in March
Being a New Yorker, even if temporarily, is all about making style meet function. You will be doing a lot of exploring through town, across many means of transportation, so you’ll want to be extra comfy.
👚 Go for warm base layers like long sleeves and denim pants. You can get good neutral pieces from shops like Uniqlo on Fifth Ave if you have to buy them in town.
🧥 Down or wool coat— you still need an outer layer, so look for tailored cuts if you want to look like a local. New Yorkers love a great statement piece.
🧤 Beanies, gloves, scarves can also be needed if you tend to run cold. I love pieces in neutral tones or as the focal point of color in the outfit.
👢 Waterproof boots with traction soles for walking can be your best friend.
🎒 Chic backpacks or totes—you’ll need room for extra layers, shopping, an umbrella, and maybe a book from Rizzoli you feel like getting.
Unique Things to Do in New York City in March
March in NYC is rich with wonderful cultural experiences—and the Flatiron Neighborhood gives you an easy way to access all of it.
Walk Through the New York Botanical Garden:
There is something magical about seeing nature come back to life. The New York City Botanical Garden is perfect for seeing a good slice of natural life in a short time. Head over to their website to check out updates on admittance and working hours.
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day:
Saint Patrick’s Day is an Irish tradition that is still celebrated by all in this amazing city. There are tons of cultural events going on, but be warned that most people like to enjoy this day by having more than a few drinks.
Have Fun With the Macy’s Flower Show:
This annual event takes place during the months of spring at the store’s flagship location in Herald Square. Each year has different brand partnerships bringing floral magic to this iconic store.
Hit Up the Many City Parks:
Did you know that New York City has over two thousand public parks throughout the boroughs? Early spring is perfect to visit one and see how nature comes back to life after the long winter weeks. Just look up the weather forecast before leaving for the day!
Spend a Day at the Museum:
There is no going wrong with a NYC museum, even if you aren’t usually a museum-goer. New York City weather in March is perfect, but in case it goes south, choose one of the over 170 museums in town to kill some time at.
New York City in March: Ultimate Travel Guide
Are you planning your trip to New York City in March? Here’s a brief but comprehensive ultimate travel guide I’ve put together for you! It’s got all the little details you need to make the most of your time here.
Is New York City Safe to Travel To?
A hundred per cent! New York is incredibly safe as a tourist destination for all travelers. I have walked the streets so many times late at night after a concert. But you do need to take some precautions, just as you would anywhere else for the first time. As a visitor, it’s good to follow some basic safety guidelines.
First thing to do is good research on where you’re staying, both the place itself and the area around it. Once you get to planning your days, I recommend you only book tours or shows online or through your accommodation if you’re staying at a larger hotel.
Please avoid isolated areas at all costs, no matter the time of day, always keeping an eye on your surroundings. It is always better to be safe than sorry! Also, leave all your fancier stuff back where it’s safe, depending on your plans for the day!
It’s also recommended to be respectful of local customs and dress codes if you see there are any. As tourists, use trusted services to ensure you’re good going from place to place. I’d advise you to only use Uber or even rent a car if you plan on going out at night.
Stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are, and tell them about your plans.
I am definitely biased, but trust me, traveling to the US, more so New York City, can be wonderful if you plan correctly.
Where is New York City, USA?
New York City is way up north in the USA. New York State is a place where history meets so much natural beauty, there’s no way we can go wrong with coming here.
What State is New York City In?
New York City is a lot more than northern delights. You find this town within the state of New York. This Northern state is sandwiched between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, allowing you to also explore the highlands and beautiful coastal areas.
How to Get to New York City, USA?
New York City can be accessed easily by air and road:
By Air: There are a few airports you can use to reach NYC. Both LaGuardia and JFK are in town, easily accessible by the transit system or private ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. You can also fly into Newark.
By Road: New York City connects to other parts of the US pretty well by highway. You could rent a car, go by bus, or hire a private transfer to get where you need to go.
Best Places to Stay in New York City in March
I can’t recommend staying in the Flatiron District enough! It is close to the most iconic places in NYC and also the subway, so you can easily go to other spots around town.
Is there Uber in New York City?
Yes, Uber is in New York City and is a very popular (and convenient) way to get around for everyone. The app works just as it does anywhere else, making it easy to get a ride and go where you want to. Other than Uber, there are more ride-sharing apps, such as Lyft, also available.
New York City in March: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Months to Visit New York City, USA?
I am a summer fan so in my opinion, the best months to enjoy New York City are between May and August in spite of the bigger crowds around. During these days, the weather is nice and sunny and perfect for those who want to enjoy being outside and the outdoors enthusiasts.
Does it Get Cold in New York City?
It gets very cold in this city! New York has cold winters, and temperatures go from 4 to -4 degrees Celsius (40-25°F). It’s considered quite cold by most people, but it is still a great time to enjoy the city.
What is the Coldest Month in New York City?
January is usually the coldest month in New York City, with low temperatures averaging around 1 degree Celsius (34°F).
Packing for New York City in March: What to Bring?
Because New York City weather in March can be quite unpredictable due to the seasons changing, your first packed item needs to be comfy waterproof shoes. Also bring lighter layers like pants and long sleeves, you’ll be able to bundle up if necessary but not get overheated.
We might need a scarf or hat on chillier days, so don’t forget to pack those too. I also recommend you bring a small umbrella to have it on you at all times, the weather is unpredictable but we can be ready!
Is March a Good Time to Visit the USA?
March can be a perfect moment to visit NYC, a balance of fewer crowds and better weather, in case you aren’t someone who enjoys colder temperatures. There are so many themed events to participate in, which can give a unique touch to your time here.
Final Thoughts: Visiting New York City in March
New York City weather in March is a breath of fresh air after three long winter months up north. It’s still calm enough to be considered off season to some travel experts, with nice enough weather that we can ditch thicker layers for our sunglasses and stylish spring outfits. All the iconic New York sights come back to life making for beautiful days…
I am sure that you will feel like exploring all of the five boroughs thoroughly, and there is no better home base for that than the Flatiron District. We can go anywhere starting from these Manhattan blocks.
Discover your next favorite itinerary starting from Flatiron’s official guide hub.
More NYC Weather Planning
- Check out: New York City Weather in February
- Check out: New York City Weather in April
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