Columbus in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Columbus

13°C (55°F) High Temp

1°C (33°F) Low Temp

102 mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening means fewer crowds at major attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and German Village - wait times drop 60% compared to summer peaks
March Madness creates electric atmosphere citywide with watch parties at dozens of venues, plus Ohio State basketball tournaments drawing energy throughout the city
Maple syrup season peaks mid-March at local farms within 32 km (20 miles) of downtown, offering weekend tours and tastings unavailable other months
Hotel rates drop 25-35% from winter conference season but before summer tourism kicks in - best value window for downtown accommodations

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from snow to 18°C (65°F) within 24 hours make daily planning challenging - locals call it 'Midwest weather roulette'
Mud season affects outdoor attractions like Olentangy Trail and Scioto Mile - pathways become messy and some sections close temporarily
Daylight saving time change mid-March disrupts sleep schedules for international visitors already dealing with jet lag

Best Activities in March

Indoor Cultural District Walking Tours

March's unpredictable weather makes Columbus's connected indoor cultural corridor perfect. The downtown skywalks and Short North tunnel systems let you explore galleries, breweries, and shops without weather exposure. Spring art exhibitions debut in March, and fewer tourists mean intimate gallery experiences.

Booking Tip: Book cultural district tours 7-10 days ahead, typically $25-40 per person. Look for operators offering indoor route alternatives and rain-day guarantees. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Brewery District Indoor Experiences

March marks the launch of spring beer releases at Columbus's 50+ craft breweries. Cool weather is perfect for indoor taproom hopping, and Saint Patrick's Day month brings special Irish-style brews. The Brewery District's covered areas protect from March's frequent rain showers.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours run $35-55 and include 4-6 tastings. Book weekend tours 2 weeks ahead due to March Madness crowds. Weekday tours have more availability and smaller groups.

Franklin Park Conservatory Seasonal Exhibitions

March showcases the conservatory's butterfly exhibition and spring orchid displays while outdoor gardens remain dormant. The tropical biomes provide warm 27°C (80°F) refuge from March's chill, and visitor numbers are 40% lower than summer months.

Booking Tip: General admission $18-22, special exhibitions add $8-12. Morning visits (9-11am) offer best photography lighting and smallest crowds. Purchase tickets day-of - advance booking unnecessary in March.

German Village Historic Indoor Tours

March's cooler temperatures make the brick-lined indoor spaces of German Village's historic buildings particularly cozy. Many tour operators offer indoor-focused routes highlighting the architecture, beer halls, and bookshops that define this district.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $20-35 per person and last 90 minutes. Book indoor-focused tours during March to avoid weather disruptions. Most tours provide indoor backup routes.

Ohio State Campus and Stadium Tours

March offers ideal timing for Ohio Stadium tours before spring football activities begin. Campus tours showcase the massive university without summer heat or winter ice. March Madness atmosphere makes this particularly exciting for sports fans.

Booking Tip: Stadium tours run $10-15 per person, campus tours often free. Book stadium tours 1 week ahead as March basketball season creates higher interest. Tours operate rain or shine with indoor components.

Indoor Food Market and Cooking Experiences

North Market and other indoor food halls showcase Columbus's food scene without weather concerns. March features seasonal ingredients like ramps and early spring vegetables. Cooking classes focus on comfort foods perfect for variable March temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range $45-85 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Food tours cost $35-60. Book weekend experiences 2 weeks ahead, weekdays often have same-day availability.

March Events & Festivals

Early March (typically first weekend)

Arnold Sports Festival

One of the world's largest multi-sport festivals takes over downtown Columbus with 70+ sports competitions, fitness exhibitions, and vendor markets. The indoor venues provide perfect March weather shelter while experiencing this massive athletic celebration.

Mid March

Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations

Columbus's large Irish-American community creates citywide celebrations throughout March, culminating in the downtown parade and Ireland Irish Festival preparations. The Brewery District and Short North host themed events all month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots with good traction - March brings 102mm (4.0 inches) of rain creating slippery sidewalks and muddy park areas

Layering system with base layer, fleece/sweater, and waterproof outer shell - temperatures swing 14°C (25°F) daily in March

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - afternoon showers hit 60% of March days with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool weather - March UV index reaches 8, especially dangerous with snow reflection

Waterproof phone case or ziplock bags - essential for outdoor activities and sudden downpours

Wool socks and moisture-wicking undergarments - 70% humidity plus rain creates damp conditions that cotton can't handle

Lightweight insulated jacket for indoor venues - many attractions keep temperatures at 16°C (60°F) during shoulder season

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - March mud makes surfaces uneven in parks and outdoor attractions

Small backpack with extra layer - weather changes require carrying options locals call 'Ohio insurance'

Hand warmers for outdoor events - March evenings drop quickly after sunset, especially during sporting events

Insider Knowledge

Most locals avoid outdoor farmers markets in March, making indoor North Market the superior choice with 35+ vendors and full weather protection

Downtown parking meters are free on Sundays and after 6pm weekdays - March's shorter days mean 6pm feels like peak shopping time

The Scioto Mile bike share closes sections during March mud season, but the indoor Olentangy Trail portions remain open with heated rest stops every 1.6km (1 mile)

March is maple syrup season at nearby sugar camps - weekend tours run through April 1st and are unknown to most tourists but beloved by locals

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for cold weather - March heat waves can hit 21°C (70°F) even after morning snow, leaving tourists sweating in winter gear

Planning outdoor activities without indoor alternatives - March weather changes hourly, and even locals keep backup indoor plans

Assuming downtown will be quiet - March Madness and Arnold Sports Festival create unexpected crowds and higher prices at restaurants during event weekends