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St. John's - Things to Do in St. John's in March

Things to Do in St. John's in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

March Weather in St. John's

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

60°F (16°C) High Temp
35°F (1°C) Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 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

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Best Activities in March

Top things to do during your visit

St. John's in March is a city shaking off winter. The days grow longer. You get more light to examine streets where the salt air carries a crisp, metallic tang. A changeable energy hangs in the damp breeze. This is the time for the St. John's Winterset Festival. The community gathers to celebrate the lingering season. Live music echoes from heritage buildings. The scent of woodsmoke drifts from outdoor gatherings. Locals pull on their boots for festivity, not just necessity. They attend kitchen parties where inside warmth fights the chill on the windowpanes. The rhythm here is defined by contrast. Sunlight glints off the Narrows. Then a snow flurry blows across Signal Hill. This variable weather is just part of the city's character. It demands layered clothing and a flexible plan. Checking the St. John's weather forecast is a morning ritual. Plans are rarely cancelled. They are adapted. The colorful clapboard houses of Jellybean Row look vivid against a grey sky or a dusting of late snow. March has a raw glimpse into local life. Indoor warmth and cultural events provide a hearty counterpoint to the elements.

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

 cruise
★ 4.9 837 reviews from $93

A bracing encounter. You feel the boat rise and fall on deep swells. A cold, salty mist stings your face as you scan the horizon. The stark beauty of the coastal cliffs provides a dramatic backdrop. They are often streaked with the last veins of winter snow. Early-returning seabirds wheel and cry overhead.

Half day. Expensive. Mid-afternoon for the best light.
It is a chance to witness the powerful transition of the marine ecosystem just outside the harbor.
Insider tip: Dress in layers with a waterproof outer shell. The wind on the open water is significantly colder and wetter than on land.
This month: Whale sightings are unlikely in March. Species like humpbacks typically arrive in late April or May. The focus shifts to the dramatic seascape and hardy birdlife.
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Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

 cultural
★ 4.9 252 reviews from $66

You travel from the sheltered harbor to the continent's eastern edge at Cape Spear. You hear stories of naval battles and lighthouse keepers before the historic towers. Feel the full force of the wind that sculpts this coast. The view from the site shows the endless, steel-grey Atlantic. Sometimes distant, slow-moving icebergs drift into view this time of year.

Half day. Moderate. Morning, to catch clearer skies before afternoon cloud cover often rolls in.
It grounds the city's history in the formidable geography that shaped it.
Insider tip: The wind at Cape Spear is relentless. Secure hats and glasses. Brace yourself against the weather-worn railings for stable photos.
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St. John's Downtown Walking Tour

St. John's Downtown Walking Tour

 walking_tour
★ 4.8 219 reviews from $44

A walk through downtown St. John's in March means navigating steep, glistening sidewalks. You duck into warm, welcoming nooks. A guide points out architectural quirks of heritage buildings. Their wood siding is painted in cheerful hues that defy the grey weather. Tales of great fires and resilient rebuilds are shared. You smell the inviting aroma of fresh coffee and baking bread wafting from doorways. It is a sensory anchor in the brisk air.

2-3 hours. Budget. Late morning, allowing time for the day to warm slightly and for shops to open.
This tour reveals the intimate human-scale stories behind the city's well-known, colorful facade.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip. The historic streets are often icy, wet, and uneven.
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Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)

Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)

 guided_experience
★ 4.9 170 reviews from $148

It explores the true stories of generosity that inspired a global phenomenon. A member of the original musical cast leads it. You travel to key locations like the airport and community halls. Firsthand accounts are shared over an included lunch of local fare. They are by turns humorous and moving. The emotional resonance is palpable.

4 hours. Expensive. Any available tour time.
It makes the familiar streets of St. John's feel newly significant. The city becomes a living character in one of Newfoundland's most celebrated contemporary stories.
Insider tip: This is a popular, small-group tour. Reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee a seat.
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St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

 food
★ 4.9 132 reviews from $101

It is a welcome refuge from the March chill. You taste the salty tang of fish and brewis. You try the rich, savory depth of a proper moose stew. Enjoy the sweet, doughy comfort of a touton drizzled with molasses. Each stop is a family-run shop or pub. Owners explain traditions with a warmth that matches the food. The scent of spices and frying dough hangs in the air.

3 hours. Expensive. Late morning or early afternoon, aligning with a lunchtime appetite.
It has a direct, delicious connection to the culinary traditions that have sustained locals through long winters.
Insider tip: Come hungry. The portions are generous and designed to be a full meal across several stops.
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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

 cruise
★ 4.9 558 reviews from $97

It has a concentrated dose of maritime atmosphere closer to St. John's. The boat cuts through the choppy, cold waters of the bay. You see towering rock faces and sea caves. You hear the loud, echoing calls of gulls. You might hear the deep exhalation of a seal. The scale of the cliffs is humbling. Their dark rock is often sheened with moisture from sea spray and melting frost.

2 hours. Expensive. Morning, when waters in the bay can be slightly calmer.
It provides a manageable, impactful experience of the region's dramatic coastal geology and wildlife.
Insider tip: The boat's enclosed cabin has a warm retreat. Rotate between the indoor viewing area and the outdoor deck. Balance comfort with the best perspectives.
This month: Scheduled whale watching is not viable in March. The scenic and geological focus remains compelling.
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Where to Stay in St. John's in March

Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.

Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites in St. John's
★★★★ Mid-Range

Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites

9.1 Excellent · 106 reviews
From $281 / night
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March Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

Early March
St. John's Winterset Festival

Two weeks of outdoor concerts, snow sculpture competitions, and kitchen parties in heritage buildings. Local bands play while you skate on the oval at Bannerman Park, then everyone migrates to a heritage house for traditional music sessions that run past midnight.

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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
Explore More Activities in St. John's

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Continue Planning Your Trip

February

Travel guide for February

April

Travel guide for April

Where to Stay in March

Accommodation guide for St. John's in March

Climate Guide in March

Weather and seasonal patterns for St. John's in March

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is St. John's Like in March?

March in St. John's is firmly late winter — one of the snowiest cities in Canada, it regularly sees cold temperatures, wind off the North Atlantic, and ongoing snowfall well into the month. That said, daylight is noticeably lengthening, the city's pubs and restaurants are warm and welcoming, and you'll share the streets with locals rather than tour groups. It's an atmospheric, unhurried time to visit if you come prepared for genuine Atlantic winter weather.

Is March a Good Time to Visit St. John's?

March is decidedly off-season, which cuts both ways: hotel rates are at their annual low, restaurants have tables available, and the city feels authentically lived-in rather than tourist-facing. The trade-off is real winter — cold, windy, and snowy — and the signature summer draws (icebergs, puffins, whale-watching tours) are months away. For travellers who enjoy raw coastal atmosphere and aren't chasing wildlife, St. Patrick's Day week in particular makes mid-March a genuinely compelling time to be here.

What Are the Best Activities for Adults in St. John's in March?

The Rooms — Newfoundland's flagship cultural centre combining the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives — is outstanding for a cold March day, with exhibits covering everything from Viking-era settlement to the devastating 1942 fire that razed much of the city. Quidi Vidi Brewery offers tours and tastings of their locally crafted ales year-round in a converted 19th-century building beside the lake. Evenings are best spent on or near George Street, where catching a live session of traditional Newfoundland music — fiddle, accordion, bodhran — in a downtown pub is a genuine cultural experience you won't find anywhere else.

What Fun Things Are There to Do in St. John's in March?

More than you'd expect for an off-season winter month. Snowshoeing or winter hiking through Pippy Park gives you the city's rugged landscape without summer crowds; rentals are available locally — check locally for current operators. The downtown arts scene stays active year-round: the LSPU Hall and the Resource Centre for the Arts typically run theatre and events through March. If the weather cooperates, driving the Irish Loop coastal highway or heading out to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve reveals some of Newfoundland's most dramatic scenery with the roads almost entirely to yourself.

What Free Things Can You Do in St. John's in March?

Signal Hill National Historic Site — the clifftop where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901 — is freely accessible year-round, with sweeping views over the Narrows and the open Atlantic. Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America, is a short drive from the city and costs nothing to visit outside Parks Canada's summer fee season. Wandering the famously colourful Jellybean Row houses of downtown and exploring the historic Battery neighbourhood perched above the harbour are both free and genuinely memorable. Check Parks Canada's website for current access hours, as winter conditions occasionally close specific viewpoints.

What Is the Weather Like in St. John's in March?

March in St. John's typically sees daily highs around 0°C to 2°C (32°F–36°F) and overnight lows near -8°C (18°F), though windchill from the North Atlantic regularly makes it feel much colder. The city averages over 300 cm of snowfall annually, and March frequently contributes meaningfully to that total — plan for slippery sidewalks and the possibility of a significant storm. Pack windproof and waterproof outerwear along with insulated, waterproof boots; the wind off the harbour is the most challenging element, not the raw temperature alone.

Is St. Patrick's Day Celebrated in St. John's?

Yes — enthusiastically and authentically. St. John's has one of the oldest Irish diasporas in North America, with Irish immigration dating to the 1600s, and St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is a genuine community celebration rather than a manufactured tourist event. George Street and pubs throughout the downtown core fill with locals, live traditional music, and considerable good cheer. If you're visiting in mid-March, it's worth planning your trip around this date — it's one of the most lively and welcoming nights of the year in the city.

What Should I Pack for St. John's in March?

Pack for serious winter, not chilly spring. Thermal base layers, a mid-layer fleece or wool sweater, and a windproof, waterproof outer shell are all necessary — the Atlantic wind is your primary adversary. Waterproof insulated boots with good traction are essential, as sidewalks alternate between packed snow, ice, and slush; slip-on ice cleats (available at Canadian Tire or MEC locally) are worth picking up if you plan to do any outdoor walking. A warm hat covering your ears and windproof gloves are non-negotiable the moment you step outside.

Are Restaurants and Attractions Open in St. John's in March?

The vast majority of St. John's restaurants, pubs, and cultural venues operate year-round — The Rooms, Quidi Vidi Brewery, and the downtown dining scene are all reliably open. What you won't find yet are seasonal summer operators: whale-watching boats, puffin cruises, and iceberg tour operators don't typically launch until late May or June at the earliest. Smaller outfitters and some rural-area businesses may run reduced winter hours, so it's worth a quick phone call before making a long drive. Signal Hill and Cape Spear are accessible but check the Parks Canada website for any weather-related closures.