Ann Arbor in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Ann Arbor
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March Madness creates electric atmosphere throughout the city - locals pack bars and restaurants to watch tournament games, creating incredible energy especially around campus
- Perfect weather for exploring on foot - temperatures rarely drop below 25°C (77°F) and highs stay comfortable around 46°C (115°F) with minimal rainfall
- University of Michigan spring activities kick into high gear - outdoor concerts, farmers markets return, and campus buzzes with pre-finals energy
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% after winter conference season ends but before summer tourism peaks - book mid-week for best deals
Considerations
- Spring break timing means many local college students are away, so campus-adjacent businesses have reduced hours and some popular student hangouts feel quieter
- Weather can shift dramatically - one day feels like summer at 46°C (115°F), next day requires layers as temperatures drop 20 degrees
- Mud season affects some hiking trails in nearby Pinckney Recreation Area - trails can be soggy and less appealing for 2-3 weeks in early March
Best Activities in March
University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours
March brings perfect conditions for exploring the 3.2 km² (1,200 acre) campus without winter's harsh winds or summer's oppressive heat. Cherry blossoms begin blooming around the Diag, and you can walk comfortably for hours. Spring semester energy peaks as students prepare for finals, creating authentic campus atmosphere.
Huron River Water Activities
March marks the return of kayak and canoe rentals as ice melts and temperatures warm. Water levels are ideal from snowmelt, and you'll avoid summer's crowded conditions. The 8 km (5 mile) stretch from Delhi Metropark to Barton Dam offers gentle currents perfect for beginners, with wildlife emerging from winter dormancy.
Downtown Art Fair and Gallery Walks
March brings the return of outdoor art events as weather permits. The downtown core within 1.6 km (1 mile) of Main Street becomes walkable without winter gear, making gallery hopping comfortable. Local artists showcase spring collections, and several galleries coordinate opening receptions on first Friday evenings.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens Spring Emergence Tours
March showcases the 121-hectare (300-acre) gardens awakening from winter. Greenhouse tropical displays provide warm refuge on cooler days, while outdoor trails reveal early wildflowers and migrating birds. The conservatory maintains 24°C (75°F) year-round, perfect for March's variable weather.
Local Brewery and Distillery Tours
March is ideal for Ann Arbor's craft beverage scene - comfortable weather for walking between venues within the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) downtown brewery district, plus March Madness creates festive atmosphere. Several breweries offer special releases to coincide with basketball tournament season.
Dexter-Huron and Border-to-Border Trail Cycling
March offers perfect cycling conditions before summer heat and humidity peak. The 32 km (20 mile) Dexter-Huron trail provides paved, flat terrain ideal for casual riders, while B2B trail connects multiple communities. Early spring means fewer crowds but full trail access as snow clears.
March Events & Festivals
March Madness Watch Parties
Ann Arbor transforms during the NCAA Basketball Tournament with watch parties at dozens of bars and restaurants. When University of Michigan plays, downtown becomes electric with maize and blue everywhere. Even non-sports fans enjoy the community energy and special food/drink offerings.
Ann Arbor Film Festival
North America's longest-running independent film festival typically runs in late March, showcasing experimental and avant-garde cinema from around the world. Multiple venues across downtown host screenings, workshops, and filmmaker discussions over 6 days.