Bow Bridge in Central Park on a sunny day

Visiting New York City
in March

Why March?

March is a transition month in New York City. Winter begins to fade, spring slowly arrives, and the city feels more active each week.

Visitors can enjoy parades, early blooms, sports events, museum visits, and crisp walks through Central Park. Weather can be unpredictable, so flexible planning and the Sesame Attraction Pass are helpful for mixing indoor and outdoor attractions.

What to Expect

Wind icon

NYC Weather in March

  • Average Daytime Temperatures: 50 F (10C)
  • Average Overnight Temperatures: 36 F (2C)
  • A mix of chilly, rainy, windy, and occasionally mild spring days
  • Late-season snow is possible, especially early in the month
  • Temperatures can change quickly from morning to afternoon
Jacket icon

What to Wear

  • Medium-weight coat or warm jacket
  • Layers such as sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and light thermal pieces
  • Comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet sidewalks
  • Umbrella or light rain jacket
  • Scarf and gloves for colder evenings or observation deck visits

NYC Prices in March

March prices are often moderate compared with peak spring and fall months, although spring break periods can increase demand. Booking accommodation and attractions early is still recommended. Using the Sesame Attraction Pass helps visitors plan a balanced itinerary without paying separate full-price admission at every attraction.

Planning your trip is key to a balanced budget. Use free online resources such as maps, guides, and itinerary tools, and consider the Sesame Attraction Pass if you plan to visit several paid attractions.

Getting Around New York City

NYC is easy to navigate, but travel times can vary by weather, season, and neighborhood. The subway is usually the fastest and most affordable way to get around, while taxis, rideshares, ferries, and hop-on hop-off buses can be useful depending on your itinerary.

Cherry blossoms beside the Queensboro Bridge in New York City
  • Subway icon

    Subway - runs 24 hours a day and connects most major attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Taxi icon

    Taxis and rideshares - convenient for evenings, bad weather, or shorter cross-town trips.

  • Bus icon

    Hop-on Hop-off Buses - useful for sightseeing, photos, and covering multiple landmarks in one day.

  • Walking icon

    Walking - often the best way to enjoy neighborhoods, parks, holiday displays, and waterfront views.

Things to Do in NYC in March

Check out the following ideas for fun things to do in New York City in March.

St. Patrick's Day parade marching band on Fifth Avenue
Close-up of orange orchid blooms
Bethesda Fountain in Central Park on a sunny day
Fans cheering at a hockey game

St. Patrick's Day Parade

One of NYC's most famous parades marches along Fifth Avenue and brings a festive atmosphere to Midtown Manhattan.

Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden

This annual floral exhibition is a beautiful way to welcome spring and makes a great half-day trip to the Bronx.

Central Park Walks

The first signs of spring start appearing in March, making the park a pleasant stop between museums and attractions.

Basketball and Hockey Games

Sports fans can catch NBA and NHL games at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, or nearby venues.

Rainy Day Options in NY

Times Square at night with bright Broadway billboards
Visitor viewing Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans at a museum
Couple enjoying a panoramic city view from a skyscraper
Woman smiling while shopping on a city street

Broadway Shows

A Broadway show is one of the best ways to enjoy NYC when the weather is wet, cold, or too hot for long outdoor sightseeing. Book ahead for popular shows, or check last-minute options at theater box offices.

NYC Museums

Choose from major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim, the American Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of the City of New York.

Indoor Observation Decks

Observation decks with indoor viewing areas are useful when weather changes quickly. They are also a great way to see the skyline without spending the full day outside.

Food Halls and Shopping

Chelsea Market, Essex Market, Brookfield Place, Hudson Yards, and The Shops at Columbus Circle are good options for dining, shopping, and taking a break from the weather.

Why Visit NYC with the Sesame Attraction Pass?

If you are planning to see several attractions in NYC, the Sesame Attraction Pass can help you save money and simplify your itinerary.

Pass holders can choose from more than 70 attractions and tours, including observation decks, museums, sightseeing cruises, and guided experiences.

  • Save up to 50% compared with regular admission prices when visiting multiple attractions.
  • Build a flexible itinerary around the weather, your schedule, and your interests.
  • Access popular NYC experiences without buying separate tickets one at a time.
  • Great value for families, couples, first-time visitors, and repeat travelers.
Sesame Attraction Pass app mobile mockups

Other Months

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in September

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