Cleveland in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Cleveland
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March Madness fever throughout the city - locals are obsessed with college basketball, creating electric atmosphere in sports bars and restaurants with 20-30% discounts on game day specials
- Indoor attractions hit their stride - museums, breweries, and food halls offer special March programming while tourist crowds remain minimal, allowing for genuine interactions with locals
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peaks - downtown properties that cost $200+ in July available for $80-120, with many offering March-specific packages including parking
- St. Patrick's Day celebration is second only to United States - the city's Irish heritage creates authentic festivities with traditional music sessions and locally-brewed Irish stouts, not tourist gimmicks
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might experience snow, rain, and 15°C (59°F) sunshine in one day, making outdoor planning extremely difficult and requiring multiple clothing layers
- Daylight is limited to 11.5-12.5 hours - many outdoor attractions close early or have reduced hours, and the persistent cloud cover makes days feel shorter than they are
- Lake Erie creates harsh wind chills - temperatures feel 5-8°C (10-15°F) colder than reported, particularly in downtown areas near the water
Best Activities in March
Cleveland Museum of Art Extended Visits
March is perfect for deep museum exploration when weather drives you indoors. The museum's recent $350 million renovation showcases world-class collections without summer crowds. Locals spend entire afternoons here during March's unpredictable weather, taking advantage of free admission and rotating special exhibitions.
West Side Market Food Tours
March brings the market's heartiest offerings - perfect for cold weather comfort foods. Vendors offer seasonal specialties like pierogi, bratwurst, and fresh-baked breads that locals crave during dreary weather. Indoor market means weather doesn't affect your plans, and March crowds are minimal.
Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall
March concerts showcase the orchestra's acclaimed classical repertoire during their prime season. The venue's acoustics and intimate atmosphere are perfect for escaping March's harsh weather. Locals consider this Cleveland's crown jewel, and March performances often feature guest soloists and premieres.
Great Lakes Brewing District Walking
March weather is ideal for brewery hopping in Ohio City - short walks between venues, warm interiors for extended stays. Local breweries feature March seasonal releases like maple stouts and spring ales. The concentration of breweries within 0.8 km (0.5 miles) makes weather manageable.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame look ats
March's limited daylight makes this indoor attraction perfect for 3-4 hour visits. Special exhibits rotate quarterly, often featuring new installations in March. Fewer crowds mean you can read every display and interact with multimedia exhibits without rushing.
Tremont Art Gallery Walks
March gallery walks coincide with First Friday events, when locals brave the weather for art openings with complimentary wine and local artist interactions. The neighborhood's density allows for indoor-to-indoor movement with minimal weather exposure.
March Events & Festivals
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
Cleveland's Irish heritage creates one of the Midwest's most authentic St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The parade down Superior Avenue features local Irish dance groups, bagpipe bands, and political figures. Unlike tourist-heavy destinations, this feels genuinely community-driven with local families lining the streets.
NCAA March Madness Viewing Parties
Cleveland transforms into basketball central during March Madness. Sports bars throughout the city offer special viewing parties, bracket competitions, and locally-made tournament foods. The energy is infectious as locals gather to support regional teams.