Things to Do in Richmond in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
March Weather in Richmond
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
61°F (16°C)
High Temp
40°F (5°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + March flips the switch on the James. Belle Isle and the North Bank trails firm up, the river glints steel-cold, and you can hike for miles without the May sweat. Pack gloves.
- + Lewis Ginter and Maymont wake first. Daffodils jostle tulips, damp earth and bloom scent slap you awake. Cool air keeps the bouquets crisp.
- + Oyster roasts and ramp suppers fire up early. March crowds are thin, flavors loud. Arrive hungry.
- + Midweek hotel rates still snooze in shoulder-season mode. Late spring graduations and weddings haven't spiked the tags yet.
Considerations
- − Richmond March weather is a two-faced friend. A 61°F afternoon can dive to 40°F by beer o'clock. Bring backup.
- − Expect ten rainy days, most of them the gray drip variety. Shockoe cobbles shine like soap. Tread carefully.
- − Concert series and farmers markets yawn awake. Fewer stalls, softer buzz, first-weekend jitters in the air.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
March in Richmond is sneaky. One afternoon the mercury hits the low sixties, the next a blade-sharp breeze reminds you winter hasn't quit. Locals layer light jackets over shirts and walk the James River before summer's humidity arrives. Gardens show the first flecks of green. But full bloom is weeks away. The weather is good for covering Richmond on foot, by water, or on wheels. Pack for anything. Rainfall stays low and humidity moderate, so outdoor plans beat July or August heat. You'll have the historic streets and brown-green waterways almost to yourself, and the city's layered stories feel intimate without peak-season crowds. The six experiences below are built for this narrow window.
RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond
guided_experienceA RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour zips you through cobblestone alleyways and broad boulevards in an open-air electric vehicle. Feel the cool March air as you pass red brick row houses and hear the guide's stories echo off facades. The compact size slips into Shockoe Bottom lanes bigger tours can't reach.
It is the nimblest, most exposed way to cover Richmond's varied districts fast, giving angles you can't get from a car or bus.
Insider tip: Book late morning. Once the sun softens the chill you'll appreciate the open sides.
Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours
foodThe Church Hill Food Tour climbs past ironwork gates and up steep brick sidewalks to centuries-old spots. Taste tangy vinegar-based barbecue, smell fresh bread from corner bakeries, hear griddles sizzle in classic diners, and feel worn wooden floors of taverns that have served patrons for generations.
It links Richmond's oldest neighborhood culinary history directly to what's on your plate, from Southern staples to modern riffs.
Insider tip: Wear shoes with good grip. The historic district's sidewalks are uneven and steep.
Richmond Downtown Walking Tour
walking_tourThe Richmond Downtown Walking Tour stops at the stark engraved stone Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson. You'll hear the James River rush from the canal walk and feel cast-iron details on old tobacco warehouses. Guides highlight architectural quirks and forgotten corners you miss at speed.
It is the straightest route to absorb Richmond's layered history and architectural texture at observational pace.
Insider tip: Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point and stand near the guide for the clearest audio.
Historic Trolley Tour
culturalThe Historic Trolley Tour gives a comfortable enclosed ride past Richmond's grand monuments and through the Fan. Spot stained-glass patterns in century-old homes and hear a church tower bell. The narration delivers a wide overview, good for orientation.
It covers the greatest number of significant landmarks and historic districts in one relaxed ride.
Insider tip: Sit on the right for the best views of Monument Avenue's statuary and mansion rows.
Hiking the James River in Richmond, VA
adventureHiking the James River in Richmond puts you beside whitewater crashing over granite boulders. Bare March trees frame the skyline across the water. Feel the firm rocky path, smell damp earth and river clay, and taste cool air rolling off the surface as you move through James River Park System trails.
It reveals the wild, powerful river cutting through downtown, a rare urban slice of untamed water.
Insider tip: Wear waterproof hiking shoes. Spring thaw and recent rains leave some trails muddy.
Where to Stay in Richmond in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
March Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Late March
Richmond French Film Festival
The University of Richmond hosts the oldest French film festival in the U.S. No red carpet, just subtitled discoveries in book-scented auditoriums. Directors and actors linger for popcorn chats. A quiet city secret.
Mid-March
Shamrock the Block
Scott's Addition blocks go green for St. Patrick's Day. Green beer, yes, but also local cider, bluegrass, cornhole clatter, Irish egg rolls beside Virginia barbecue. Richmond shrugs off winter in one loud afternoon.
Packing Checklist
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View Richmond Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals know the best flower displays in March aren't always at the big gardens. Take a slow walk through Hollywood Cemetery, where the old magnolias and cherry trees bloom among the historic graves, with views of the rushing James below. Go slow.
For a real taste of the season, ask at any good bakery or farm-to-table restaurant if they have ramps on the menu. These wild, garlicky onions are a Virginia spring rite, available for only a few weeks. Order fast.
Sunday mornings in March are golden hours in Richmond. The city is quiet, the church bells echo in the empty streets, and you can get a table at legendary brunch spots like Millie's or the Jefferson Hotel without the usual two-hour wait. Arrive early.
Don't write off the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts sculpture garden if it's cool. They often have heat lamps going on the patio of their restaurant, and seeing art in the crisp, clear light of a March day is a different experience. Bring coffee.
Avoid These Mistakes
Avoid packing only for the afternoon high of 61°F (16°C). You will be cold at night, near the water. Bring layers.
Don't assume all restaurants and shops in quieter neighborhoods like Church Hill will be open on a Monday. Many are closed or have limited hours early in the week. Check first.
Avoid trying to drive and park in Shockoe Bottom or Carytown on a festival weekend. The traffic snarls are legendary. Use the bus, a bike share, or just walk. Save sanity.
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