Things to Do in Baltimore in March

March Weather in Baltimore

16°C (61°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossoms begin blooming late March at Patterson Park and Sherwood Gardens - peak timing without D.C. crowds
Shoulder season pricing on hotels drops 30-40% compared to summer peak, with downtown rooms averaging $120-180/night
Baseball returns - Orioles home opener typically late March/early April at Camden Yards with opening day atmosphere
Perfect weather for outdoor exploration - comfortable 13°C (55°F) afternoons ideal for walking Federal Hill and Fells Point waterfront

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layering - temperatures swing from 5°C (41°F) mornings to 16°C (61°F) afternoons daily
March rain averages 10 days with sudden downpours that can disrupt harbor walking tours and outdoor market visits
Many seasonal attractions like outdoor concerts and rooftop bars haven't fully opened for spring season yet

Best Activities in March

Inner Harbor Museum District Walking Tours

March's cool 13°C (55°F) afternoons are perfect for covering the 1.6 km (1 mile) waterfront loop between National Aquarium, American Visionary Art Museum, and Historic Ships. Indoor exhibits provide warmth during rain breaks, and spring lighting makes harbor photography exceptional.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, but organized tours typically cost $25-45 per person. Book indoor museum tickets online to avoid spring break family crowds. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Fort McHenry and Federal Hill Photography Tours

March's lower humidity and angle of spring sun creates ideal conditions for capturing Baltimore's skyline. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) walk between Fort McHenry and Federal Hill offers dramatic harbor views without summer heat or winter wind chill.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops run $60-120 and fill quickly during cherry blossom season. Golden hour tours (6:30-8pm in March) book 2 weeks ahead through local photography guides.

Hampden and Station North Arts District Exploration

Cool March weather perfect for walking Hampden's 36th Street (The Avenue) vintage shops and Station North galleries. Spring semester brings art student exhibitions, and you'll avoid summer's oppressive heat walking between indoor venues.

Booking Tip: Art walks typically $20-35 per person. Saturday afternoon tours 2-5pm most popular. Many galleries offer free First Friday events. Check current cultural tours in booking section.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Heritage Tours

March marks the return of harbor cruises after winter hiatus. 45-minute tours show off Baltimore's working port and skyline while staying warm in heated cabins. Calm spring waters and fewer crowds make this optimal timing.

Booking Tip: Harbor cruises resume mid-March, typically $18-35 for adults. Weekend afternoon departures most reliable. Book 5-7 days ahead as boats run limited spring schedules.

Edgar Allan Poe and Literary History Tours

March weather ideal for walking between Poe House, Westminster Hall burial site, and related locations across downtown. Cool temperatures perfect for 2-hour walking tours covering 3.2 km (2 miles) of literary history.

Booking Tip: Literary walking tours $25-40, often combined with ghost stories for evening versions. Weekend tours book fastest. Spring break brings student groups, so weekday tours less crowded.

Patterson Park and Sherwood Gardens Cherry Blossom Viewing

Late March brings early cherry blossoms to Baltimore's best spring viewing spots. Patterson Park's pagoda offers 360-degree city views while Sherwood Gardens features 80,000 tulips alongside early flowering trees - without Washington D.C.'s massive crowds.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Peak bloom typically last week of March through early April. Photography tours of gardens run $40-70. Morning light best for photos, arrive by 9am weekends to avoid crowds.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Baltimore Orioles Opening Day

Camden Yards comes alive with Opening Day atmosphere typically late March or early April. The entire downtown buzzes with orange and black as fans flood the Warehouse district bars and restaurants. Even non-baseball fans enjoy the citywide celebration.

March 25th

Maryland Day Festival

March 25th celebrates Maryland's founding with historical reenactments, colonial demonstrations, and traditional crafts at various historic sites around Baltimore. St. Mary's City hosts the main celebration, but Baltimore museums participate with special programming.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - March brings 10 rainy days with puddles on historic cobblestone streets around Fells Point

Layering system crucial - Pack light sweater, medium jacket, and t-shirts for 11°C (20°F) daily temperature swings

Compact umbrella essential - March rain comes in sudden 15-30 minute downpours, not all-day drizzle

Light scarf for harbor breezes - Waterfront winds make 13°C (55°F) feel like 7°C (45°F) near Inner Harbor

Comfortable walking socks - Expect 6-8 km (4-5 miles) daily walking on mixed surfaces from brick to harbor boardwalks

Phone waterproof case - Spring rain can damage electronics during outdoor photography at Federal Hill or Fort McHenry

Light gloves for morning - Early March mornings at 5°C (41°F) make hands uncomfortable for photography or outdoor coffee

Breathable long pants - Cool mornings and potential rain make shorts impractical, but avoid heavy winter materials

Small daypack for layers - You'll shed and add clothing multiple times daily as weather changes

SPF 30+ sunscreen - March UV index of 4 plus harbor water reflection requires protection during 3+ hour outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

March is crab cake shoulder season - restaurants use winter stockpiled crabmeat before fresh summer catch arrives, so quality varies significantly between establishments

Free parking at meters after 6pm and all day Sunday throughout downtown - saves $15-25 daily compared to garage parking near Inner Harbor

Baltimore's Light Rail runs $1.90 each way and connects BWI Airport directly to Camden Yards and Inner Harbor - faster and cheaper than ride-sharing during Orioles games

Local 'hon' pronunciation guide: Baltimore natives say 'Bawl-mer' not 'Bal-ti-more' - using local pronunciation gets better service and recommendations from restaurant staff and shopkeepers

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting warm spring weather - March averages only 16°C (61°F) highs, and waterfront winds make it feel colder than D.C. or Philadelphia

Planning outdoor-only itineraries - 10 rainy days in March means you need indoor backup plans for museums, shopping, or covered markets

Booking summer seasonal tours - Many harbor activities, rooftop bars, and outdoor concert venues don't fully operate until April/May