What March feels like in New York
March is early spring in New York. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights hover around freezing, so frost is common. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in New York in March
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.1 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 10 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in March
On 15 March the sun rises at about 7:10 am and sets around 7:02 pm local time, giving 11 h 52 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 14 min more daylight than mid-February. The sun is out for roughly 70% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in New York. Against February, the average high is 4.7°C (8.5°F) higher, with 23 mm more rain. April continues the upward trend. April averages a high of 15.7°C (60.3°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting New York in March
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is New York in March?
Afternoons average 9.7°C (49.5°F) and nights about 0.3°C (32.5°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in New York in March?
Quite a lot — 111 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in New York in March?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is March or April better for visiting New York?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#6 of 12 vs #9), rated Good against Fair. April is warmer and has more rainy days.