Rochester in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Rochester
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Lilac Festival season begins with early buds appearing - Highland Park's famous lilac collection (1,200 varieties) starts showing color by late March, attracting 20% fewer crowds than peak May bloom
- Prime maple syrup season in nearby Finger Lakes - sugar houses within 48 km (30 miles) like Mendon Ponds area offer fresh syrup tastings and tours, typically $8-15 per person
- NCAA March Madness creates electric atmosphere downtown - sports bars around East Avenue and Park Avenue stay packed, with University of Rochester hosting watch parties throughout the tournament
- Indoor cultural venues hit their stride - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Memorial Art Gallery, and Strong Museum operate full programs without summer tourist crowds, tickets typically 25-30% less than holiday season
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from -7°C to 18°C (19°F to 65°F) within days - you'll need layers for potential snow, rain, and sudden warm spells all in one trip
- Mud season affects hiking trails - popular spots like Mendon Ponds Park and Turning Point Park become muddy and partially inaccessible, with some trails closed until April
- Limited outdoor dining - most restaurant patios remain closed, though a few downtown establishments open for warmer days above 13°C (55°F) which happens only 30% of March days
Best Activities in March
Highland Park Lilac Collection Early Season Tours
March offers the perfect preview of Rochester's world-famous lilac festival without May's massive crowds. Early varieties like Syringa oblata begin budding, and the park's 1,200 lilac varieties across 20 acres create a peaceful walking experience. The weather variability means you might catch snow-dusted branches one day and sunny 16°C (61°F) strolls the next. Local photographers consider this the secret season for dramatic lilac shots.
Finger Lakes Wine Trail Winter-to-Spring Transition Tours
March captures the unique transition period when wineries shift from cozy winter tastings to spring preparations. Indoor tastings feature ice wines and late harvest varieties perfect for cool weather, while vineyard views showcase dramatic seasonal changes. Many wineries within 64 km (40 miles) offer barrel tastings exclusive to this shoulder season, and you'll avoid summer crowds entirely.
Strong National Museum of Play Extended Visits
March's unpredictable weather makes this indoor cultural gem essential. The museum's 285,000 square feet include the National Toy Hall of Fame and world's largest collection of play-related artifacts. Spring break timing means interactive exhibits get heavy use, but weekday mornings remain calm. The museum's climate-controlled environment provides perfect refuge during Rochester's 10 average March rain days.
Genesee River Gorge Photography and Easy Hiking
March offers dramatic gorge views with ice formations breaking up and early spring water flows increasing. The 183-meter (600-foot) deep gorge provides impressive contrasts between winter remnants and spring emergence. High Falls area and Lower Falls trails remain accessible, while longer trails may have muddy sections. The variable lighting from March's changing weather creates exceptional photography conditions.
Public Market and Local Food Scene Exploration
Rochester Public Market comes alive in March as vendors transition from winter storage crops to early spring specialties. Saturday markets feature maple syrup vendors, local cheese makers, and early greenhouse produce. The adjacent Little Theatre district offers perfect indoor dining options for variable weather days. March means fewer tourists and more interaction with local vendors who have time to explain regional specialties.
Indoor Cultural Triangle Exploration
March weather makes Rochester's concentrated downtown cultural venues ideal for art-focused days. The Memorial Art Gallery, this destination, and historic venues like Eastman Theatre create easy indoor itineraries within 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of each other. Special exhibitions often debut in March, and performance venues run full spring seasons without summer competition.
March Events & Festivals
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Season Launch
RPO typically launches spring programming in early March with renewed energy after winter break. Eastman Theatre's intimate 2,326-seat venue provides exceptional acoustics, and March performances often feature guest soloists and premiere pieces. Ticket prices drop 25-30% compared to holiday season.
Maple Syrup Season Celebrations
Regional sugar houses and farms host maple syrup festivals and demonstrations throughout March. Mendon Ponds Park, Genesee Country Village, and nearby Finger Lakes farms offer syrup-making tours, pancake breakfasts, and fresh syrup sales. Weather-dependent but typically runs entire month.