Things to Do in Sacramento in March

March Weather in Sacramento

66°C (151°F) High Temp

44°C (112°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather - daily highs around 19°C (66°F) make March ideal for biking the American River Parkway's 51 km (32-mile) trail system without summer's brutal heat
Almond blossom season peaks in early March across the Central Valley - drive Highway 99 north for 45 minutes to see thousands of blooming orchards creating pink and white landscapes
Tourist season hasn't started yet - you'll have Old Sacramento's boardwalks and State Capitol tours mostly to yourself, plus hotel rates are 30-40% lower than summer peak
Rain is minimal with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) expected - perfect for exploring Midtown's mural districts and outdoor farmers markets without weather disruptions

Considerations

March weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 10°C (50°F) and rain one day, then 24°C (75°F) sunshine the next, making daily planning challenging
Many outdoor venues like Thunder Valley's concerts and some river activities don't fully open until April, limiting nightlife and water sport options
Daylight is still short at 11.5 hours, meaning outdoor activities need to be planned between 7am-6pm, and sunset photography opportunities are limited

Best Activities in March

American River Parkway Cycling and Kayaking

March offers perfect conditions for the 51 km (32-mile) paved trail system along the American River. Water levels are optimal from winter rainfall, and temperatures stay comfortable for all-day outdoor activities. The river is calm enough for beginner kayakers, and cyclists avoid both winter mud and summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment from shops near Discovery Park or Sunrise Boulevard access points. Kayak rentals typically cost $40-60 per day, bike rentals $25-35 daily. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend availability. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Central Valley Almond Blossom Photography Tours

Early March is peak bloom season for California's almond orchards. Drive 30-45 minutes north on Highway 99 to witness thousands of acres of pink and white blossoms - a spectacular sight that lasts only 3-4 weeks. The mild March weather and clear air create perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is easiest, but guided photography tours run $120-180 per person. Tours typically depart Sacramento early morning (7am) for best lighting. Book photography workshops 1-2 weeks ahead as they fill quickly during bloom season.

Old Sacramento Historical District Walking Tours

March's mild temperatures and minimal crowds make it ideal for exploring the wooden boardwalks and Gold Rush-era buildings. You can comfortably walk the entire 1.2 km (0.75-mile) district without summer heat fatigue, and photograph the historic riverfront without tourist crowds blocking views.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps are free, but guided historical tours cost $15-25 per person and run daily at 11am and 2pm. Underground tunnel tours ($20-30) operate year-round but are more comfortable in March's cooler weather. Book same-day at visitor centers.

Midtown Sacramento Mural and Arts District Exploration

The R Street Corridor and Midtown grid feature over 200 murals best explored on foot during March's pleasant weather. Start at 16th and R Street, then walk north through the arts district. March's frequent cloud cover actually enhances mural photography by providing even lighting.

Booking Tip: Download the Sacramento Mural Map app for self-guided tours. Food and art walking tours cost $45-65 per person and run Friday-Sunday. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours that combine mural viewing with local restaurant stops.

State Capitol Building and Capitol Park Tours

March offers comfortable temperatures for touring both the indoor Capitol Museum and the 16-hectare (40-acre) Capitol Park with its 200+ tree species from around the world. Many trees begin budding in March, and the park's camellia collection peaks in early March.

Booking Tip: Capitol building tours are free but require advance booking online. Garden tours cost $10-15 per person. Architecture and history tours run $25-35 per person on weekends. Book Capitol tours 1-2 weeks ahead, especially for weekend visits.

Sacramento Delta Waterway Cruises

March marks the start of delta cruising season with comfortable temperatures and calm waters. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of waterways are accessible via riverboat cruises departing from Old Sacramento's riverfront. Wildlife viewing is excellent as migratory birds begin returning.

Booking Tip: Delta cruises typically cost $35-55 per person for 2-hour tours, $75-95 for full-day excursions with meals. Wine tasting cruises run $85-120 per person. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend cruises, as March weather brings locals back to the water.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Sacramento Camellia Festival

Capitol Park's famous camellia collection peaks in early March, featuring over 200 varieties. Local garden clubs often organize informal walking tours and photography meetups during peak bloom, though dates vary yearly based on weather patterns.

Early to Mid March

Almond Blossom Season Photography Workshops

Multiple photography groups organize weekend workshops in the Central Valley during peak almond bloom. These aren't formal festivals but rather organized meetups for photographers wanting to capture California's most spectacular agricultural display.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - March temperatures can swing 14°C (25°F) in a single day, so pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a medium-weight jacket

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Old Sacramento's wooden boardwalks can be slippery, especially during the 10 days of light rain

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - afternoon showers are brief (15-20 minutes) but sudden, and you'll want protection for outdoor activities

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, and Sacramento's valley location intensifies sun exposure during midday hours

Small daypack for cycling - essential for American River Parkway rides where you'll want water, snacks, and layers as temperatures change

Camera with extra batteries - cold March mornings drain phone batteries faster, and you'll want backup power for almond blossom photography

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which can feel sticky even at moderate temperatures

Light scarf or neck gaiter - early morning and evening temperatures drop significantly, especially near the river areas

Sunglasses - March sun reflecting off the Sacramento River can be intense, particularly during afternoon river activities

Insider Knowledge

March is when locals start their outdoor fitness routines after winter - join the American River Parkway at sunrise (around 6:30am) to see Sacramento's running and cycling community in action

Almond blossom timing is unpredictable - call Central Valley visitor centers or check social media hashtags like #AlmondBlossoms before driving north, as peak bloom can shift by 1-2 weeks yearly

Many Sacramento restaurants start their outdoor patio service in March - make dinner reservations for 6-7pm to enjoy comfortable evening temperatures before the sun sets

The California State Fair grounds host winter farmers markets through March - every Saturday 8am-1pm with better prices and less crowds than the famous Sunday Midtown market

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - March mornings start around 7°C (44°F) even when afternoons reach 19°C (66°F), so many tourists get cold during early river activities or sunrise photography

Not checking almond blossom status before driving to orchards - bloom timing varies greatly year to year, and tourists often make the 90-minute Central Valley drive only to find bare trees or finished blooms

Assuming summer attraction schedules apply - many outdoor venues, river rentals, and seasonal tours don't operate full schedules until April, so always confirm operating hours and availability in advance