Things to Do in San Jose in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in San Jose

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with daily highs around 23°C (73°F) - ideal for walking the 48 km (30 miles) of trails in Alum Rock Park and Guadalupe River Trail without summer's 32°C+ (90°F+) heat that hits by June
Cherry blossom season peaks mid-to-late March at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park - crowds are 40% smaller than April when families flock for spring break, and morning light between 7-9am creates exceptional photography conditions
Tech conference season brings energy downtown with GDC (Game Developers Conference) spillover visitors and SXSW attendees passing through - hotel rates in neighborhoods like Japantown and Willow Glen stay 25-30% below summer peak pricing until late March
Local produce hits peak variety at farmers markets - strawberry season begins in Gilroy (30 km/19 miles south), artichokes from Castroville arrive fresh, and you'll find asparagus, fava beans, and early stone fruits that disappear by May when markets shift to summer crops

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns mean 10 rainy days spread throughout March - showers can last 2-4 hours (not brief tropical bursts), disrupting outdoor plans at venues like Santana Row or outdoor concerts at SAP Center plaza, and morning fog often lingers until 11am in valley areas
Allergy season peaks hard in March as oak, olive, and juniper trees pollinate simultaneously - the Santa Clara Valley traps pollen with Air Quality Index regularly hitting 150+ on windy days, making outdoor activities miserable for sensitive travelers without antihistamines
Spring break overlap (typically third week of March) creates weekend crowds at family attractions like Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Children's Discovery Museum, with wait times doubling and parking filling by 10am - weekday visits are essential for avoiding chaos

Best Activities in March

Guadalupe River Trail and Los Gatos Creek Trail Cycling

March offers the single best month for cycling San Jose's 48 km (30 miles) of connected urban trails before summer heat arrives. Morning temperatures around 13°C (55°F) warm to comfortable 21°C (70°F) by afternoon, and recent rains keep dust down while trails remain dry enough for road bikes. The Guadalupe River Trail runs 18 km (11 miles) from Alviso Marina to downtown, passing through restored wetlands where migratory birds peak in March. Los Gatos Creek Trail extends 16 km (10 miles) south through Willow Glen and Campbell with zero car crossings. Wildflowers bloom along both routes, and you'll see locals training for summer century rides.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from shops near Diridon Station or downtown for typically 800-1,200 pesos per day for hybrid or road bikes. Most rentals include helmets and locks. Start early (7-8am) on weekends to avoid family traffic after 10am. No booking needed for trail access - completely free. Allow 3-4 hours for a leisurely 32 km (20 mile) ride with stops, or 90 minutes for express downtown-to-Alviso segments. See current bike tour options in the booking section below for guided rides that include local history and food stops.

Alum Rock Park Hiking and Mineral Springs Exploration

California's oldest municipal park transforms in March when winter rains turn normally brown hillsides brilliant green and 13 natural mineral springs flow at peak volume. The park sits in the Diablo Range foothills 13 km (8 miles) east of downtown at elevations from 244-792 m (800-2,600 ft). March weather is perfect - cool enough for the steep 5 km (3.1 mile) North Rim Trail climb without overheating, but warm enough that rattlesnakes remain dormant (they emerge in April). Wildflowers including California poppies, lupines, and Indian paintbrush peak late March. The historic mineral spring pavilions, built in 1890s, are fascinating remnants of San Jose's spa resort era.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs 600 pesos per vehicle, open 8am-sunset daily. No reservations needed except for the Youth Science Institute programs on weekends. Arrive before 9am on weekends for parking - the small lot fills completely by 10:30am March through May. Trails range from easy 2 km (1.2 mile) creek walks to strenuous 8 km (5 mile) ridge hikes gaining 457 m (1,500 ft). Bring 2 liters of water per person - no water available on trails. Allow 2-4 hours depending on route. The Penitencia Creek Trail offers easiest access to mineral springs in 30 minutes roundtrip.

Japantown Cultural District Walking and Food Exploration

San Jose's Japantown is one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the US, and March brings the district alive with preparations for the Cherry Blossom Festival (typically first weekend April). Visit in March to experience authentic community atmosphere before festival crowds arrive. The compact 6-block district centers on Jackson Street and North 6th Street, easily walkable in 2-3 hours. March weather is ideal for strolling between the Japanese American Museum (admission 1,000 pesos), Issei Memorial Building, and dozens of family-run shops selling everything from mochi to imported ceramics. The Buddhist temple offers free public viewing, and you'll find locals preparing for spring celebrations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free and ideal - the district is compact at roughly 1 km (0.6 miles) across. Japanese American Museum offers guided tours Saturdays at 1pm for 1,200 pesos including admission, booking recommended through their website. Food crawls work best 11am-2pm for lunch specials at family restaurants, or 5-7pm for izakaya happy hours. Parking in public lots costs 200-400 pesos for 3 hours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Allow 3-4 hours to properly explore museums, shops, and eat. See current cultural tour options in booking section below for guided experiences including tea ceremony and cooking classes.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Country Day Trips

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA begins just 16 km (10 miles) west of downtown San Jose, and March is crush season's opposite - quiet tasting rooms, attentive staff, and spring vineyard views as vines wake from dormancy and mustard blooms between rows. This region specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet grown at 396-792 m (1,300-2,600 ft) elevation in cool coastal climate. Unlike Napa's crowds and high prices, Santa Cruz Mountains maintains 60+ small family wineries with tastings typically 1,600-2,800 pesos for 5-6 wines. The scenic drive along Highway 17 and Skyline Boulevard offers stunning valley views, and March's clear post-rain skies provide visibility extending to San Francisco Bay.

Booking Tip: Most wineries require reservations even for standard tastings - book 5-7 days ahead directly with wineries. Designated driver is essential as mountain roads are winding and CHP patrols actively. Plan 3-4 wineries maximum in a 5-6 hour day, allowing 90 minutes per stop including drive time. Clusters around Saratoga (20 km/12 miles from San Jose) and Los Gatos (24 km/15 miles) minimize driving. Avoid Saturdays when locals fill tasting rooms - Thursday and Friday afternoons are ideal. See current wine tour options in booking section below for guided transportation that handles driving and reservations.

SAP Center Events and Downtown San Jose Nightlife

March brings peak entertainment season to downtown San Jose as NHL San Jose Sharks play final regular season home games (typically 6-8 games in March), concerts tour through, and the city's nightlife scene thrives in pleasant spring weather. SAP Center sits in the heart of downtown adjacent to Diridon Station, surrounded by 30+ bars, restaurants, and clubs within 800 m (0.5 miles). March weather allows comfortable walking between venues without summer heat or winter rain dampening the vibe. The downtown corridor along South First Street and San Pedro Square Market creates a concentrated entertainment district that comes alive Thursday-Saturday nights from 8pm-2am.

Booking Tip: Sharks tickets range 2,000-8,000 pesos depending on opponent and seat location - weeknight games against non-rival teams offer best value. Book 7-14 days ahead through official channels. Concert prices vary widely from 2,400-12,000+ pesos. Arrive downtown 90 minutes before events for dinner - restaurants within 400 m (0.25 miles) of SAP Center fill completely 60 minutes before game time. VTA light rail runs until midnight on event nights, with Diridon Station directly connected to SAP Center. Parking costs 1,600-2,400 pesos in nearby lots. Post-event, San Pedro Square Market stays open until 11pm with 20+ food and drink vendors. Allow full evening 6pm-11pm for complete experience.

Municipal Rose Garden and Spring Gardens Photography

While roses peak in May, March brings the Municipal Rose Garden's 189 varieties into early bloom phase with 30-40% of plants flowering, and you'll have the 2.3-hectare (5.5-acre) garden nearly to yourself. More importantly, March is prime time for surrounding gardens: the Heritage Rose Garden shows old garden roses, Kelley Park's Japanese Friendship Garden hits cherry blossom peak late March, and Overfelt Gardens' Chinese Cultural Garden displays early spring blooms. March's lower sun angle (compared to harsh summer overhead light) creates ideal photography conditions 8-10am and 4-6pm. Post-rain clarity and 70% humidity keep colors saturated.

Booking Tip: All gardens are free and open dawn to dusk with no reservations needed. Municipal Rose Garden parking is limited to 30 spaces - arrive before 9am weekends or anytime weekdays for guaranteed parking. Kelley Park charges 600 pesos vehicle entry covering Japanese Friendship Garden access. Photography is unrestricted except no commercial shoots without permits. Allow 90 minutes for Municipal Rose Garden, 60 minutes for Japanese Friendship Garden, 2 hours if combining both in Kelley Park. Best light for photography occurs 7:30-9:30am before fog burns off. Bring macro lens for rose details and wide angle for garden landscapes. See current photography tour options in booking section below for guided sessions with professional photographers who know optimal spots and timing.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Cinequest Film & VR Festival

One of the nation's most innovative film festivals, Cinequest typically runs for 12 days spanning late February into early March, with the majority of screenings and VR experiences happening in the first two weeks of March. The festival transforms downtown San Jose with red carpets at the California Theatre, cutting-edge VR installations, and 200+ films from emerging filmmakers. Unlike traditional film festivals, Cinequest emphasizes technology intersection with storytelling. Tickets for individual screenings run 1,600-2,400 pesos, while festival passes range 8,000-24,000 pesos. The festival creates genuine buzz downtown with after-parties and filmmaker Q&As.

Mid March

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

Downtown San Jose hosts a substantial St. Patrick's Day celebration typically the Saturday before March 17th, with a parade down Market Street starting at 11:30am and a festival in Plaza de Cesar Chavez featuring live music, Irish dancing, and food vendors until 6pm. The event draws 30,000-40,000 people and transforms downtown into a massive street party. Unlike the parade itself which is family-friendly, downtown bars and restaurants create a significant party scene from 2pm onward. Arrive via light rail as street closures make driving impossible and parking lots fill by 10am.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - mornings start at 13°C (55°F) but afternoons hit 23°C (73°F), a 10°C (18°F) swing. Pack a light fleece or hoodie you can tie around your waist by noon, not a heavy jacket that becomes a burden

Waterproof jacket with hood, not umbrella - March rain often comes with wind, and you'll be walking between attractions where umbrellas are cumbersome. Look for packable shells that stuff into daypacks

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - you'll easily walk 8-13 km (5-8 miles) daily exploring downtown, trails, and neighborhoods. San Jose is a sprawling car city, but the interesting parts require walking. Avoid new shoes; bring broken-in pairs

Antihistamine medication even if you don't normally have allergies - Santa Clara Valley's tree pollen in March affects 60% of visitors who have no issues at home. Stock up before arriving as local pharmacies charge premium prices

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite moderate temperatures - UV index of 8 means sunburn in 15-20 minutes unprotected. The comfortable 23°C (73°F) temps fool people into skipping sunscreen, then they burn on trail hikes or outdoor attractions

Reusable water bottle, 1 liter minimum - San Jose tap water is excellent quality, and you'll need hydration for walking and hiking. The 70% humidity means you'll sweat more than the temperature suggests. Refill stations available at most parks and attractions

Light long pants for evenings and restaurants - while shorts work for daytime, temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset, and nicer restaurants in Santana Row or downtown expect long pants. One pair of jeans or khakis covers multiple situations

Small daypack, 15-20 liter capacity - essential for carrying layers as temperature changes, water bottles on hikes, and purchases from farmers markets. San Jose requires more carrying capacity than walkable cities with frequent hotel returns

Polarized sunglasses - critical for driving the bright, reflective highways and for trail hiking where March sun reflects off still-wet vegetation. Regular sunglasses don't cut glare adequately

Cash in small bills - many farmers markets, food trucks, and parking meters still prefer cash. Keep 8,000-12,000 pesos in small denominations. ATMs are available but often charge 400-600 peso fees

Insider Knowledge

Vietnamese food scene in East San Jose along Story Road and Tully Road rivals Westminster's Little Saigon but costs 30-40% less - pho runs 1,200-1,600 pesos for massive bowls, and banh mi shops sell sandwiches for 600-800 pesos. Locals know this area has more authentic flavors than downtown's tourist-oriented restaurants. King Eggroll and Banh Mi Oven are landmarks, but literally any shop in the Story Road corridor between King and White Roads delivers quality

Avoid Highway 101 between 7-9:30am and 4-7pm religiously - San Jose traffic ranks among America's worst, and a 16 km (10 mile) drive can take 75 minutes during rush hour. Plan museum visits, shopping, and indoor activities during these windows. Use Highway 85, 280, or surface streets as alternatives. Light rail VTA runs frequently and avoids traffic entirely for downtown destinations

Farmers markets are the real deal - incomplete text