Things to Do in Sacramento in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Sacramento
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring weather transitions bring comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration - you'll catch Sacramento between the winter rains and summer heat, with daytime highs around 18-21°C (64-70°F) that are actually perfect for walking the downtown grid or biking the American River Parkway without overheating
- Almond orchards bloom throughout the Central Valley in early March, creating stunning white and pink landscapes just 32-48 km (20-30 miles) outside the city - locals drive out specifically for this brief two-week window that transforms the agricultural landscape
- Restaurant Week typically runs mid-March, giving you access to Sacramento's farm-to-fork dining scene at prix-fixe prices around 35-50 dollars for three courses - this is when you can try the higher-end spots that normally run 70-90 dollars per person
- Crowd levels drop significantly after Presidents Day weekend, meaning shorter waits at Crocker Art Museum, easier reservations at Midtown restaurants, and better availability at hotels near the Capitol - you're visiting during what locals consider the sweet spot before spring break traffic hits
Considerations
- March weather in Sacramento is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three days of sunshine followed by two days of steady rain, and the 10 rainy days listed can cluster together or spread out randomly, making it tough to plan outdoor activities more than 48 hours ahead
- Daylight Saving Time kicks in mid-March, which sounds minor but actually affects your evening plans since sunset shifts from around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - that first week after the time change, restaurants and attractions tend to be quieter as locals adjust their routines
- Allergies can be brutal in March as tree pollen counts spike with the warming temperatures - if you're sensitive to oak, cedar, or juniper pollen, you'll want to pack antihistamines because the Central Valley's agricultural surroundings create some of the highest pollen counts in California
Best Activities in March
American River Parkway cycling and walking trails
March temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring the 51 km (32 miles) of paved trails along the American River before summer heat arrives. The river runs higher from Sierra snowmelt, and you'll see more wildlife activity as migratory birds pass through. Morning rides between 8-11 AM give you the best conditions before afternoon breezes pick up. The parkway connects multiple access points from Discovery Park through Folsom, so you can choose segments from 8-32 km (5-20 miles) depending on your energy level.
Old Sacramento Waterfront historical walking
The wooden boardwalks and Gold Rush-era buildings are actually more comfortable to explore in March's mild weather than summer when the riverfront gets oppressively hot. You'll avoid the peak tourist season crowds that arrive in June-August, making it easier to explore the California State Railroad Museum and underground tour spaces without feeling rushed. The variable March weather means you can duck into museums during brief showers, then continue walking when it clears.
Farm-to-fork restaurant crawls in Midtown and Downtown
March is peak season for Sacramento's dining identity because spring produce starts appearing at the farmers markets that supply most serious restaurants. You'll find asparagus, artichokes, and early strawberries on menus that won't be available other months. Restaurant Week mid-March offers the best value, but even regular pricing is more accessible than San Francisco or Napa Valley for comparable quality. The weather lets you enjoy outdoor patios without needing heaters or dealing with summer's 38°C (100°F) afternoons.
Central Valley almond blossom drives and photography
Early to mid-March is the only time you can see California's almond orchards in full bloom - over 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) of white and pink blossoms that last roughly two weeks. Drive Highway 99 south toward Modesto or take Highway 5 to Arbuckle, and you'll pass endless orchards about 32-64 km (20-40 miles) from Sacramento. This is genuinely a locals-only experience that most tourists miss because the timing is so specific and weather-dependent. Bring a camera because the contrast between the blossoms and blue sky is striking.
Crocker Art Museum and cultural institution visits
March's variable weather makes this the perfect month to explore Sacramento's indoor cultural spaces without feeling like you're wasting good weather. The Crocker recently expanded and has one of the best Western and California art collections in the state. Weekday mornings are nearly empty, giving you space to actually spend time with the pieces. The museum's contemporary installations rotate frequently, so you'll see different exhibits than summer visitors.
Delta waterways kayaking and wildlife watching
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is often overlooked by visitors, but March offers ideal conditions before summer's heat and boat traffic. Water levels are higher from winter runoff, and migratory birds are actively moving through the Pacific Flyway. You can paddle through calm sloughs and channels, spotting herons, egrets, and sometimes river otters. The variable March weather actually works in your favor - overcast days mean better wildlife viewing since animals are more active without harsh sun.
March Events & Festivals
Sacramento Restaurant Week
Typically runs for 10-14 days in mid-March, featuring prix-fixe menus at 100-plus participating restaurants. This is your chance to try high-end farm-to-fork spots at 35-50 dollars for three courses instead of the usual 70-90 dollars. Reservations fill quickly at popular restaurants, so book tables as soon as the participant list drops in late February. Worth noting that lunch menus are even cheaper at 15-25 dollars if you want to maximize the value.
Camellia Festival
Sacramento is known as the Camellia Capital of the World, and the festival usually happens in early March at the State Capitol grounds. You'll see hundreds of camellia varieties in bloom, with vendors selling plants and gardening supplies. It's a low-key local event that gives you insight into Sacramento's horticultural identity - camellias thrive here because of the mild winters and spring conditions. Free admission, good for a 1-2 hour visit if you're already exploring downtown.