Things to Do in St. John's in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
March Weather in St. John's
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
36°F (2°C)
High Temp
25°F (-4°C)
Low Temp
0.2 inches (5 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Sudden snow squalls can drop 30 cm (12 inches) in 6 hours, closing roads and airports
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Iceberg season peaks - massive 10-story icebergs drift past Signal Hill, best viewed from Cape Spear 15 km (9.3 miles) south of downtown
- + Winter festival energy - locals embrace the cold with outdoor concerts at Bannerman Park and bonfires along the harbourfront
- + Hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks - st. john's hotels in the historic downtown core offer fireplaces and harbour views for a fraction of peak season
- + No cruise ship crowds - you'll have George Street's 22 pubs to yourself, and servers remember your name after night two
Considerations
- − Pack your sense of humour - snow squalls can drop 30 cm (12 inches) overnight, closing the Trans-Canada Highway to the airport
- − Daylight runs 7 AM to 6 PM only - that 4 PM sunset hits different when you're nursing a screech-in hangover
- − Some restaurants close for 'winter break' - call ahead, the newer spots on Duckworth Street
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
St. John's in March is a place of transition. The days grow noticeably longer than the deep winter months, though the air remains crisp, often carrying the sharp, clean scent of the sea. The city is not yet in its summer rhythm. You will see fewer visitors on the steep, colorful streets known as Jellybean Row, their painted wooden facades standing bright against the grey skies. Locals are emerging from the winter, walking the harborfront paths bundled in layers, their breath visible in the cool air. This is a month for bracing coastal walks where you can hear the Atlantic roar against the cliffs, and for seeking the warmth of a pub where the sound of live folk music mingles with the smell of wood polish and hearty food. Given the variable conditions, layering is essential. While the official data suggests minimal rainfall, the reality in St. John's is that weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to a damp, foggy chill within an hour, on the headlands. This makes March an ideal time for indoor discoveries and for coastal tours that offer dramatic, ever-changing views without the crowds of peak season. The light has a particular clarity, casting long shadows across the historic Battery neighborhood and making the ice that clings to the rocks at Cape Spear glitter. For those planning a visit, the questions about St. John's weather in March are frequent, and the answer is one of preparedness. The temperature hovers just above freezing, with highs around two degrees Celsius, so a warm coat, hat, and waterproof boots are non-negotiable companions. It is a time when the city feels authentically itself, between seasons, offering a raw and powerful perspective on Newfoundland's rugged beauty and resilient spirit.
Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour
culturalThis guided tour connects the storybook streets of downtown St. John's with the raw, windswept edge of the continent at Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. You will see the well-known candy-colored houses, hear tales of the city's storied past, and feel the full force of the Atlantic wind on the historic lighthouse grounds. It provides a perfect, condensed narrative of this place, from its sheltered harbor to its exposed frontier.
It frames the entire human and natural history of Newfoundland, from a sheltered colonial port to the very brink of the ocean.
Insider tip: Wear a windproof layer. The gusts at Cape Spear are significantly stronger and colder than in the city center, cutting through ordinary jackets.
Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise
cruiseThis boat excursion ventures along the dramatic cliffs near St. John's, where you might see thousands of puffins beginning their late-season congregation on the sea before heading to land. The engine's rumble gives way to the sound of waves slapping the hull and the cries of seabirds, while the smell of salt spray is ever-present. The perspective of Signal Hill from the water, its stone fortifications rising from the fog, is unmatched.
It offers the singular chance to observe Atlantic puffins in their wild habitat from the deck of a stable boat, with the coastline of Newfoundland as your backdrop.
Insider tip: Bring binoculars for close-up views of the birds and scan the water for seals or whales, which are also possible sightings during this transitional period.
Conception Bay Tour Experience
guided_experienceThis experience takes you beyond St. John's into Conception Bay, a region dotted with historic outport communities like Brigus and Cupids, where the pace slows and the connection to the sea deepens. You will feel the cooler air coming off the bay, see weathered fishing stages on stilts over the water, and hear local stories in a guide's own words. It is a journey into the quieter, rooted heart of Newfoundland.
It immerses you in the authentic, centuries-old culture of the island's coastal communities, far from the urban center.
Insider tip: In March, the roads can be clear but watch for patches of black ice in the shaded lanes of these small towns. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are advisable.
Pedego eBike Rental
adventureRenting an electric bicycle opens up the hills of St. John's, letting you climb from the harbor to the heights of Signal Hill with ease, feeling a cool breeze on your face as you pedal. You can hear the hum of the motor assist as you pass by Quidi Vidi Lake, see the colorful flakes of ice in the gutters, and stop at your own pace to take in the panoramic views. It is freedom on two wheels, tailored for the city's challenging topography.
It transforms the famously steep streets of St. John's from a strenuous hike into an exhilarating, accessible exploration.
Insider tip: Plan your route to include the paved trail around Quidi Vidi Lake and the road up to Signal Hill for the most rewarding vistas. But check the Pedego shop for any trail advisories due to late snowmelt.
The Best of St. John's Private Walking Tour
walking_tourThis private walking tour tailors a path through the compact core of St. John's, from the echoing halls of the Basilica to the narrow, sloping lanes of the Battery district. You will smell wood smoke from a chimney, feel the uneven cobblestones underfoot, and hear detailed anecdotes about the city's merchants, mariners, and misfits that you won't find in a guidebook. The guide's focus is entirely on your interests, creating a personal dialogue with the city.
It delivers a customized and intellectually engaging narrative of St. John's, shaped by your curiosity and a guide's expertise.
Insider tip: Discuss starting at a local coffee shop to fuel up with a dark roast and a warm pastry before heading out into the brisk March air.
Best of St. John's Small Group Tour with Cape Spear & Signal Hill
guided_experienceThis small group tour efficiently covers the essential landmarks of St. John's, including the sweeping ocean views from Cape Spear and the historic military significance of Signal Hill. You will hear the wind whistle through the gun emplacements, see the thick cables of the flagpole that received the first transatlantic wireless signal, and taste the crisp air at the continent's edge. It is a complete overview for those with limited time.
It packs the two most well-known geographic landmarks of the region, along with city highlights, into a single, well-paced excursion.
Insider tip: The group size allows for more interaction than a large bus tour, so come prepared with questions about Newfoundland's history and ecology.
Explore More Activities in St. John's
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See All St. John's Tours on ViatorWhere to Stay in St. John's in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites
From $281 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
Public Holidays in March
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Saint Patrick's Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-NL.
Good Friday
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Easter Monday
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-AB, CA-PE.
Saint Patrick's Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-NL.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View St. John's Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best iceberg viewing isn't from Cape Spear - drive 45 minutes south to Ferryland where a 16th-century lighthouse gives you foreground shots nobody else gets
Order 'Jiggs dinner' at any diner before noon - it's the traditional Sunday meal but available daily in March when locals need comfort food
Skip the overpriced iceberg-watching boat from the harbour - locals drive to Bay Bulls where smaller operators charge half price for longer tours
The Rooms museum cafe has the best harbour view in town, and in March you can get a window seat without booking
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming March means spring - pack like you're going skiing, not sightseeing
Booking st. john's hotels without asking if parking is included - snow clearing means you need a guaranteed spot
Trying to drive to Trinity or Bonavista for day trips - winter storms close highways with 2 hours notice
Wearing cute boots instead of functional ones - the downtown hills turn into ice slides
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