United States, North America
New York City in March
The city stirring. St. Patrick's Day is huge here; spring-break visitors start arriving late month.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit New York City. The city stirring. St. Patrick's Day is huge here; spring-break visitors start arriving late month.
- Weather
- Unpredictable, highs near 50F (10C), wind off the rivers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in New York City
March is unpredictable. Highs near 50F (10C) can mean a sunny spring-like day followed by a raw, windy one off the rivers. The city is stirring, prices stay fairly low, and crowds build slowly. St. Patrick's Day is a huge event here, and spring-break visitors start to arrive later in the month.
It suits travelers looking for good prices and a fun city trip, especially around St. Patrick's Day. It is less ideal for anyone set on warm park days. If you want spring blossoms, wait for April; if you want perfect weather, choose May.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about New York City this month.
St. Patrick's Day
New York goes all in, with a huge parade and packed pubs. Pick a spot on the route early if you want to watch.
Early spring in Central Park
On mild days, the park starts to wake up. The North Woods feels far from the city.
Good prices before spring break
Early March still has winter-level deals on hotels and shows.
What to pack for March
- A warm, windproof jacket
- Layers for swinging temperatures
- Waterproof shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Come in the first half of March to beat spring-break crowds and price rises later in the month.
Book New York City for March.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in New York CityOpens a hotel search for New York City in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in New York CityWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in New York CityTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in New York City for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in New York City
Central Park
Enter at 72nd Street for the Bethesda Terrace core. Weekday mornings feel local; the North Woods feels like another state entirely.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Too big to finish, so do not try. Pick two wings and go at opening or on Friday and Saturday evenings when it stays open late.
A Broadway show
Book marquee shows weeks ahead; same-day rush, lottery, and the TKTS booth cover the rest. January and September have the best availability.
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Walk it from Brooklyn toward Manhattan for the skyline in front of you the whole way. Before 8am you share it with joggers, not crowds.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Reserve crown access months out. The Staten Island Ferry is the free drive-by alternative with skyline views thrown in.
The High Line and Hudson Yards
An elevated rail line turned garden walk through Chelsea. Least crowded early morning or after dark, when it is lit and lovely.
Beat the crowds
- Flip the icons to the edges of the day: Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square before 8am, the Met at opening, the High Line after dark. Midday belongs to neighborhoods, not landmarks.
- In December, see the tree and the windows on a weeknight before 6pm or after 10pm, and spend your daytime hours downtown or in Brooklyn where the holiday crush thins dramatically.
- Book observation decks for sunrise or the last night slot; midday sells the same view with triple the elbows.
- Museums have quiet valves: Friday and Saturday evenings at the Met, weekday afternoons almost everywhere. First-Friday-type free hours draw the biggest lines of the week, so know the trade.
Know before you go
- New York genuinely never closes seasonally. There is no off season for the museums, theaters, or restaurants; the calendar shifts what is on, not whether the city is open.
- Thanksgiving Day and December 25 are the two days that actually shut most of the city: many museums and restaurants close, though Chinatown famously does not, and Broadway typically plays on December 25.
- Some Broadway shows go dark on Mondays, and most museums close one weekday, commonly Monday or Wednesday. Check the specific show and museum before building your day.
- January through early February brings the year's best availability: restaurant reservations, Broadway seats, and hotel deals that are fantasy in October or December.
New York City in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit New York City?
March is a good month to visit New York City. The city stirring. St. Patrick's Day is huge here; spring-break visitors start arriving late month.
What is the weather like in New York City in March?
Unpredictable, highs near 50F (10C), wind off the rivers.
Is New York City crowded in March?
Crowds in New York City are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning New York City.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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