Things to Do in Richmond in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Richmond
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Early spring weather means comfortable daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) - perfect for walking the Canal Walk, exploring Church Hill, or biking the Virginia Capital Trail without the summer heat. You'll actually want to be outside, which is the whole point of visiting Richmond.
- River conditions are ideal in March. The James River flow is typically strong but manageable, making it prime season for Class III-IV rapids at Belle Isle and Pipeline. Water temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) mean fewer casual paddlers, so experienced kayakers get cleaner lines through the rapids.
- March sits in that sweet spot before peak tourism hits in April-May. Museum lines are shorter, restaurant reservations easier to snag, and hotel rates typically run 15-20% lower than spring peak. You'll get the city without fighting crowds at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or waiting 45 minutes for brunch on Broad Street.
- The craft beer scene is releasing spring seasonals right now. Local breweries like The Veil, Triple Crossing, and Hardywood are tapping fresh IPAs and lighter ales that pair perfectly with the transitional weather. Plus, March means St. Patrick's Day events across Shockoe Bottom with far less chaos than you'd find in bigger cities.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable in March - you might get a 21°C (70°F) sunny day followed by a 7°C (45°F) rainy afternoon. That 70% humidity can make cooler mornings feel damper than the temperature suggests, and you'll need to pack layers for basically every outing. It's not deal-breaking, but it requires flexible planning.
- Ten rainy days means roughly one in three days sees precipitation. These aren't usually all-day downpours, but they can disrupt outdoor plans. If your entire trip revolves around James River activities or the Capital Trail bike ride, you might get unlucky with timing.
- Some seasonal attractions haven't fully opened yet. Outdoor concert venues like Brown's Island and Maymont's Italian Garden are operational but not in full programming mode. If you're expecting peak garden blooms or packed event calendars, you're about 3-4 weeks early.
Best Activities in March
James River Park System White Water Activities
March offers some of the best river conditions of the year. Spring runoff keeps water levels high enough for technical rapids at Belle Isle, Texas Beach, and Pipeline, but the cold water temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) keep casual tourists away. If you're an experienced kayaker or rafter, this is genuinely prime time - cleaner lines, fewer swimmers to dodge, and the rapids are running at their most challenging. The weather variability actually works in your favor here since you're getting wet anyway.
Virginia Capital Trail Cycling
The 52 mile (84 km) paved trail connecting Richmond to Williamsburg is perfect in March before summer humidity makes the ride miserable. Temperatures in the low-to-mid teens Celsius mean you'll stay comfortable on longer sections without overheating. Most cyclists tackle the 32 mile (51 km) Richmond-to-Jamestown section as a day trip. The trail passes through Civil War sites, riverside views, and historic plantations. March means fewer weekend cyclists clogging popular sections near Shirley Plantation.
Museum District Walking Tours
Richmond's Museum District comes alive in March with comfortable walking temperatures and lower visitor numbers. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Science Museum of Virginia, and Children's Museum are all within 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of each other. That UV index of 8 means you'll want sunscreen for afternoon walks, but you won't be dealing with the 32°C (90°F) summer heat. The VMFA is free for permanent collections, making it one of the best value cultural experiences in the Southeast.
Civil War Battlefield Exploration
March weather is ideal for exploring Richmond National Battlefield Park's multiple sites spread across the metro area. You'll cover significant ground at Cold Harbor, Gaines' Mill, and Chimborazo Park without summer heat exhaustion. The 16°C (61°F) highs make 3-4 hour site visits comfortable, and spring means the battlefield landscapes are greening up but not overgrown. These sites are genuinely uncrowded in March - you might have entire sections to yourself.
Shockoe Bottom Food and Brewery Tours
Richmond's food scene is concentrated in Shockoe Bottom, Scott's Addition, and the Fan District. March means spring beer releases at local breweries and comfortable evening temperatures for walking between venues. The craft beer density here is remarkable - you can hit 4-5 breweries within 1.6 km (1 mile) in Scott's Addition. Food tours typically include stops at the 17th Street Farmers' Market (Saturdays year-round), Southern comfort food spots, and emerging restaurants in the Arts District.
Maymont Park and Estate Exploration
This 100-acre (40-hectare) Victorian estate is perfect for March visits. The Japanese Garden and Italian Garden are starting to show early spring color without the peak bloom crowds that arrive in April. The estate mansion offers 45-minute guided tours, and the grounds include a nature center, native wildlife exhibits, and riverside trails. That variable March weather means you can duck into the mansion or nature center during brief rain showers.
March Events & Festivals
Richmond Marathon Training Season Kickoff
While the actual Richmond Marathon happens in November, organized training groups start their spring season in early March. If you're a runner, this is when you'll find group runs launching from various breweries and running stores around the city. It's a good way to meet locals and explore different neighborhoods at a comfortable 16°C (61°F) pace.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Richmond's Irish heritage shows up in Shockoe Bottom and the Fan District around March 17th. Expect pub crawls, traditional music sessions, and green beer specials at bars along Main Street and Cary Street. It's notably more low-key than cities like Boston or Chicago - more neighborhood pub atmosphere than massive street party chaos.