Things to Do in New York in March 2026

Visiting New York in March is a good idea if you don't mind the cold. Winter does start giving way to spring, but there are still frosts and you could run into some snow.

One big plus: it's low season, which means fewer tourists and lower prices on flights and hotels.

March in New York 2026

There's always something to do in New York, and March is no exception. Below I'm sharing the best things to do if you're visiting New York in March 2026.

1. Go ice skating in New York

Several of New York's ice rinks are still open in March, so you can still enjoy one of the most classic scenes of New York in winter.

2. RiseNY: Fly over New York

RiseNY is a Disney World style immersive experience right on Broadway (160 West 45 St). It's only been around a few years, so it's still under the radar. I recommend it!

You'll feel like you're flying over the city's most famous landmarks, and you can also walk through galleries devoted to New York's recent history, especially its pop culture and Times Square.

There you'll find interesting exhibits with curiosities like the Village People's costumes.

Tickets to this fairly new New York attraction are included in the New York Pass discount card, and you can also buy RiseNY tickets separately.

3. Broadway musicals

Since it's still cold out, catching a Broadway show in a nice warm theater is a great idea (read how to get discounted tickets).

It's still low season, so you'll get good seats for your favorite shows and better chances of finding cheaper tickets.

4. Visit New York's botanical gardens

The shy beginnings of spring are a beautiful time to visit the New York Botanical Garden.

In March you can walk through the Orchid Show, an orchid exhibition held every spring that runs into April. Check their website for more details on this flower festival.

Late in the month, don't miss the first cherry blossom buds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

You can't miss the show along the cherry blossom esplanade, one of the largest concentrations of flowering cherry trees outside Asia. You'll take gorgeous photos!

5. St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026

On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, «everyone is Irish,» as the slogan of this parade honoring Ireland's patron saint goes.

The route runs along Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street up to 86th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If these festivities appeal to you, I recommend visiting Boston from New York. In that nearby city, every day feels like St. Patrick's.

6. Macy's Flower Show

If you love flowers, check out the Macy's Flower Show. This spectacle announces the arrival of spring in New York.

For those days, the classic department store Macy's Herald Square fills up with floral arrangements, plants and even trees from all over the world. It's worth seeing.

Keep an eye on the official website for confirmation of the 2026 dates.

7. The Orchid Show

In mid February the Orchid Show opens at the New York Botanical Garden, an annual exhibition devoted to orchids. You can visit it through mid April 2026 (read about more things to do during April in New York).

You can buy New York Botanical Garden tickets online. Admission includes entry to the Orchid Show. You'll find all the details for your visit on the official website.

8. Basketball season

March is the heart of NBA season in New York. These are the months when the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are fighting for their playoff lives.

The usual recommendation is to buy tickets to a New York Knicks game at their home court, the impressive Madison Square Garden. There are tickets from $60 if you buy in advance!

Another classic New York spot to catch a game is the Barclays Center, where you can buy tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets at home.

9. Tour New York's museums in March

If the cold gets to be too much, take advantage and visit one of New York's hundreds of museums.

Read our guide to NYC's most important museums to plan your visit, learn how to squeeze the most out of the discount passes, and save by taking advantage of free museum days (or reduced admission).

10. Day trips from New York

With milder weather and longer days, another good plan is to visit other destinations near New York, like Washington DC, Philadelphia, just 2 hours from NYC, or Sleepy Hollow, home of the Headless Horseman.

11. Free walking tours of New York in Spanish

Did you know there are several free tours in Spanish in New York?

They're short guided walks, and it's customary to tip the guide at the end, depending on how much you enjoyed the experience 😀.

You can even book all the free tours! The important thing is to reserve your spot in advance (they fill up fast):

🏙️ Free tour of Downtown Manhattan

🍎 Free tour of Midtown Manhattan

🇮🇹 Free tour of Chinatown and Little Italy

🏢 Free tour of Manhattan's Village

⛲ Free tour of Central Park in Spanish

New York weather in March

In March, winter slowly gives way to spring in New York. It's still cold, snow is possible in the first days of the month, and rain is very likely.

You'll need warm, heavy clothing to handle the low temperatures: a jacket and waterproof shoes, a scarf, gloves and a hat (dress in layers so you don't roast inside heated buildings).

Average temperatures range from a high of 10°C to a low of 2°C.

In mid-March the clocks spring forward an hour, so you'll gain daylight for exploring the city (the sun sets around 6:30 pm).

Still don't have a place to stay in New York in March?

Here's a selection of central hotels that are good and cheap for visiting New York in March.

This list of the 5 most-booked budget hotels among the NewYorkando traveler community will help you decide too 😉:

📍 West Side YMCA on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

📍 HI New York City Hostel also on the Upper West Side.

📍 NY Moore Hostel very well located in Brooklyn.

📍 Pod Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.

📍 Holiday Inn in Chelsea, one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods.

If you're traveling as a family, this selection of family hotels in New York will help you choose. They're well priced and centrally located.

Traveling to New York in another month?

Check out the guide Best time to travel to New York.

There I tell you what happens in New York every month of the year. For example, see what you can do in February in New York, a cold but cheaper month, or in April during the New York spring.