A Year in New York: March in NYC

Woman in teal dress with flowing skirt, standing near bridge, New York City skyline in background.

Who is this for? 


Younger and older adults who are planning an early spring trip to New York City.


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Man in white shirt and teal pants stands by a railing with city skyline and water background, holding a small plant.

March in NYC


Spring is a season of hope in the city. After months of ice and snow, March thaws winter’s hold on the city and fills the air with light and warmth. From colorful cultural celebrations to flower-filled festivals, March in Manhattan is fresh and exciting. Whether you’re visiting for a spring break escape, a working vacation, or a weekend getaway, here are some of our favorite things to do in March in New York.

Weather 


March is a transitional month, and its weather attests to that fact. The weather is a mix of lingering winter snow and early spring sun, which can lead to unpredictable fluctuations. But we think it’s all part of the month’s charm.


The average temperatures:

  • Average High: 45 - 55°F
  • Average Low: Around 35 - 40°F


What to expect: Occasional late-season snow, and a healthy mix of sun and rain all month long. Temperatures will start low and gradually increase throughout the month.

What to Pack


March’s changing weather means you’ll need to pack for both winter and spring, and everything those seasons bring. While it may be inconvenient to pack a little extra, it’s far better to be prepared than to be caught unaware. 


Here’s a non-exhaustive list of what you’ll need for a Spring Break in New York:

  • Insulated coat 
  • Light jacket
  • Layerable shirts
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Water-resistant shoes (can be the same)



Optional Additions:

  • Compact Umbrella
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
Woman in green hat and yellow coat takes a selfie in a crowd on St. Patrick's Day.

Holiday Events


The start of spring is heralded around the world with religious and cultural celebrations. It should be no surprise that in a city as diverse as New York, many of these traditions continue to thrive. From colorful festivals of life, heritage, and all that’s good in the world, March is a joyful time to visit the city. Here are some holiday events you can look forward to.

St. Patrick’s Day


New York is famous for its parades, and one of its most famous is the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. First held on March 17, 1762 (fourteen years before the Declaration of Independence), New York’s parade is one of the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world.


Every Year, Fifth Avenue fills with marching bands, Irish dance groups, and bagpipers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout Manhattan. After enjoying the parade, get ready to paint the city green! Irish pubs and restaurants across the city offer special menus and live music, well worth checking out. 

Eid al-Fitr


Depending on the lunar calendar, Eid al-Fitr may fall in late March or early April. It’s a time when New York’s Muslim communities celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals. While Ramadan is a family-oriented holiday, neighborhoods like Astoria, Brooklyn, and Upper Manhattan offer halal dining and cultural events that visitors can respectfully participate in.

Holi


Bring in spring with the festival of colors. Holi is a two-day Hindi holiday full of music, dancing, and (of course) color. Cultural organizations and temples often host outdoor festivals featuring music, dance, and colorful powder throws. For the religious and non-religious alike, Holi is a joyful celebration of spring, love, and renewal.

Purim Celebrations


Let’s wrap up our multicultural overview of March holidays with Purim. Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that falls on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which often falls in March.  The festivities are often marked with costumes, parties, and other community events. Neighborhoods with large Jewish populations, such as parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, host family-friendly celebrations, readings of the Megillah, and shared meals.

Woman in orange dress photographing orchids in a greenhouse.

New York Fairs and Festivals



As you may already know, New Yorkers are big on fairs and festivals. So, in addition to the official holidays on the calendar, there are also dozens of smaller celebrations all year round. Here are some of the top events in March in New York.

Macy’s Flower Show


The annual Macy’s Flower Show transforms the flagship store at Herald Square into a not-so-secret garden. Visitors can stroll through stunning floral displays, themed installations, and fragrant blooms. It’s a true homage to the beauty of the spring.

Orchid Show


Speaking of flowers, The Orchid Show at the New York Botanic Garden is another highlight of early spring. Every year, this event showcases thousands of exotic orchids in creative, immersive displays. Evening events often include music and cocktails, making it a romantic and Instagram-worthy experience.

Flamenco Festival


If you love dance, the Flamenco Festival is a must-see. For over 20 years, the Flamenco Festival has brought Spain’s passionate national dance to the city that never sleeps. World-renowned dancers and musicians perform jaw-dropping traditional and contemporary flamenco performances that will take your breath away. Make sure to snag a few tickets before they’re gone!

Woman with curly hair smiles outdoors, wearing a denim jacket; city street with taxis in background.

Things to do 


March in New York isn’t all about fairs and festivals; it’s also a season for sports, art, and seasonal strolls. After you’ve immersed yourself in New York’s diverse celebrations at some of the events above, check out some of these fun things to do!

Big East Basketball Tournament


Kick off March Madness with the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden. The tournament combines all the enthusiasm of college basketball with the big energy of Manhattan. The result? Passionate fans, high-stakes games, and an adrenaline-charged atmosphere that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Yankee’s Home Opener


If basketball isn’t your sport, what about America’s favorite pastime? Late March often marks the beginning of baseball season, and the Yankees’ home opener is a major event in the Bronx. The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium is an iconic New York experience. Even if you are just going for the peanuts and Crackerjacks, you’ll have to check out the old ball game.

Central Park to look at the blossoms


Not everything in the city is exciting and fast-paced. Sometimes, it’s nice to take it slow with a stroll around the park. As temperatures rise, early blossoms begin to appear in Central Park. Cherry trees, magnolias, and early spring flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the city skyline. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the changing season and take a breath between other events.

A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Stay at Incentra Village House

Whether you’re planning to party on St. Patrick’s Day, throw colors at the Holi festival, or catch some early-season games, there’s so much to do in March in New York.  And we invite you to enjoy it all with us at Incentra Village House. 


Incentra Village Guest House offers an authentic New York experience in the heart of Greenwich Village. With private fireplaces and bathrooms in each of our rooms, and WiFi throughout, our inn offers comfort and convenience close to all the city’s best events. Come enjoy March in New York and book today!

About the Author


Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.