Things to Do in Baltimore in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Baltimore
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Early spring weather means you'll catch Baltimore transitioning out of winter - temperatures averaging 7-13°C (45-55°F) make for comfortable walking weather through neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill without the summer crowds or humidity that hits later
- St. Patrick's Day celebrations are genuinely massive here - the parade draws 30,000+ people, Irish pubs in Canton and Locust Point go all out, and you'll find better craic here than most American cities outside Boston. The city's Irish heritage actually shows up in March
- Off-season hotel pricing means you're looking at 30-40% less than summer rates - waterfront hotels in the Inner Harbor that go for $250+ in July are typically $140-180 in March, and you'll actually get waterfront tables at restaurants without waiting
- Crab season technically starts mid-March when watermen begin harvesting - while blue crabs won't peak until summer, you'll find the first local catches appearing at markets like Lexington Market and serious crab houses, and locals are genuinely excited about it after the winter gap
Considerations
- March weather in Baltimore is legitimately unpredictable - you might get a 18°C (65°F) sunny day perfect for the waterfront, then wake up to 2°C (35°F) and sleet the next morning. Pack layers because you'll use them all, sometimes in the same day
- Rain happens frequently enough (10 days on average) that outdoor plans need flexibility - it's not tropical downpours but persistent drizzle that can last hours, the kind that makes wandering through neighborhoods less appealing and leaves the harbor looking grey
- The Chesapeake Bay is still cold at 7-10°C (45-50°F), so forget any waterfront activities beyond walking - harbor cruises run but you'll be freezing on deck, and the beaches at Sandy Point are deserted for good reason
Best Activities in March
Inner Harbor Museum Circuit
March weather makes this perfect timing for Baltimore's museum cluster - the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and American Visionary Art Museum are all within 1.6 km (1 mile) of each other and completely indoor. The aquarium is genuinely world-class with 20,000+ animals, and March weekdays mean you're not fighting summer camp groups. The rain actually enhances the Visionary Art Museum experience since the outdoor sculpture garden gets atmospheric in the mist.
Historic Neighborhood Walking Tours
Fells Point, Mount Vernon, and Federal Hill are perfect in March's 7-13°C (45-55°F) temperatures - comfortable for 2-3 hour walks through cobblestone streets and historic row houses without summer's humidity. The bare trees actually let you see the architecture better, and you'll have local coffee shops and pubs to duck into when those rain showers hit. Mount Vernon's Washington Monument (the first one, built 1829) gives you 70 m (228 ft) views over the city.
Fort McHenry National Monument Visits
The fort where the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the 1814 battle is actually better in March - fewer tourists, and the wind off the Patapsco River on those ramparts feels historically appropriate rather than just cold. The 17 hectare (43 acre) grounds are walkable even in light rain, and the indoor museum sections are extensive. March 13-14, 2026 falls near the anniversary period when they sometimes do special programs.
Edgar Allan Poe House and Literary Sites
Baltimore's Poe connection is legit - he lived, died, and is buried here. March's grey, damp weather actually suits visiting the Poe House on Amity Street and his grave at Westminster Hall. The small house museum takes 30-40 minutes, and the neighborhood context (it's in a rough area, be aware) adds to the atmosphere. Combine with the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Poe collection downtown.
Lexington Market and Food Hall Exploration
Lexington Market just completed a major renovation and March is ideal for exploring Baltimore's food scene indoors. This is where locals actually eat - crab cakes at Faidley's (in business since 1886), pit beef sandwiches, and Lake trout (which isn't trout, it's a Baltimore thing). R. House in Remington offers 10+ vendors in a converted factory. The 70% humidity outside makes the warm, food-filled spaces especially appealing.
American Craft Beer Brewery Circuit
Baltimore's craft beer scene is underrated - Union Craft, Peabody Heights, and Monument City are all local operations offering tours and tastings. March weather makes indoor brewery hopping appealing, and the St. Patrick's Day period (March 17, 2026 is Tuesday) means special releases and events. Most breweries are in converted industrial spaces in neighborhoods like Woodberry and Highlandtown, giving you a different side of the city.
March Events & Festivals
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebrations
Baltimore's Irish community goes genuinely hard for St. Patrick's Day - the parade typically runs the Sunday before March 17 (likely March 15, 2026) through downtown, drawing 30,000+ people. Afterward, Canton and Locust Point neighborhoods have Irish pub crawls that feel more authentic than manufactured. The Shamrock 5K run happens the same weekend. Book accommodations early if you're coming specifically for this.
Baltimore Bike Party
If March weather cooperates (check closer to date), the monthly Bike Party ride brings 500-1,000 cyclists through city neighborhoods on the last Friday. It's free, community-organized, and a unique way to see Baltimore if you're comfortable riding 16-24 km (10-15 miles) at casual pace. Themed rides, very local vibe, starts around 7:30pm from varying locations announced on social media.