Things to Do in San Jose in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in San Jose
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits right at the tail end of the dry season in San Jose, meaning you'll catch mostly sunny mornings and early afternoons before the weather transitions. You'll get about 10 rainy days total, but these are typically short afternoon bursts rather than all-day washouts, so your morning plans stay intact.
- The humidity at 70% is actually manageable compared to the 85-90% you'd face in summer months. You'll still sweat during midday walks, but it's not the oppressive wall of moisture that makes you want to hide indoors. Early mornings around 7-8am are genuinely pleasant for outdoor activities.
- March falls in shoulder season territory, which means you're looking at accommodation rates that are 20-30% lower than peak winter months while crowds at major attractions remain light to moderate. You won't be fighting for restaurant reservations or waiting in long lines at museums.
- The UV index hits 8, which means you get strong, consistent sunlight perfect for outdoor photography and sightseeing without the brutal intensity of summer. The light quality in March is excellent for capturing the city's architecture, especially in the golden hour before those afternoon showers roll in.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable. You might get three dry days in a row, then two days of afternoon downpours. This makes planning outdoor activities for specific dates a bit of a gamble. The showers typically hit between 2-5pm, so you'll need flexibility in your itinerary.
- March marks the transition period where the weather can't quite decide what it wants to do. Some years lean drier, others wetter. You're essentially gambling on which pattern 2026 will follow. This variability means you can't rely on consistent conditions the way you could in January or February.
- The combination of warmth and 70% humidity means you'll be doing laundry more frequently than you'd expect. Cotton shirts get damp from sweat and take forever to dry in hotel rooms. Plan on either packing extra clothing or finding laundry services every 2-3 days.
Best Activities in March
Downtown San Jose Walking Tours and Museum District
March mornings are ideal for exploring the compact downtown core and museum quarter. The temperature stays comfortable until about 11am, and the lower humidity makes the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking between museums actually enjoyable. The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and Cathedral Basilica are all within a 1.6 km (1 mile) radius. You'll avoid the summer crowds and can actually spend time examining exhibits without feeling rushed. Start at 9am when museums open and you'll have solid outdoor time before afternoon weather becomes unpredictable.
Santana Row and Willow Glen Shopping Districts
March weather is perfect for the outdoor shopping experience at Santana Row, where you can duck into stores or covered areas when those afternoon showers hit. The European-style layout with cafes and boutiques works well with variable weather. Willow Glen's tree-lined streets are particularly nice in March before the heat intensifies. Both areas have enough indoor-outdoor mix that you're not committed to being outside for hours. The crowds are manageable compared to holiday shopping seasons, and spring inventory is hitting stores.
Alum Rock Park Hiking Trails
This is your window for hiking before summer heat makes the exposed trails uncomfortable. March gives you moderate temperatures in the morning hours, and the park's 13 trails ranging from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) loops to challenging 6.4 km (4 mile) climbs are all accessible. The park sits at elevations between 200-400 m (656-1,312 ft), and you'll actually want to hike rather than just survive the heat. The variable March weather means trails are less dusty than late spring but not muddy like winter. Start hikes by 8am to finish before potential afternoon rain.
San Pedro Square Market and Food Hall Experiences
March's variable weather makes food halls and covered markets particularly smart choices. San Pedro Square offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can adjust based on conditions. The market atmosphere works well for testing multiple vendors in one location rather than committing to a single restaurant. Evening visits from 6-9pm are ideal - after the afternoon rain clears but before late-night crowds. The variety means groups with different preferences can all find something, and you're not stuck outside if weather turns.
Winchester Mystery House Tours
This indoor attraction becomes particularly valuable in March when you need weather-proof activities. The mansion tours take 65-110 minutes depending on which you choose, all entirely indoors with climate control. March's medium crowd levels mean you won't be crammed into rooms with 30 other people, and tour guides can actually answer questions. The UV index of 8 makes the outdoor gardens pleasant for the 15-20 minutes you spend there between indoor sections. Book afternoon time slots 2-4pm when outdoor activities are risky anyway.
San Jose Sharks Hockey Games at SAP Center
March is playoff push season for the NHL, which means the energy at Sharks games intensifies compared to early season. Games are entirely indoors with climate control, making them perfect for those unpredictable March evenings. The 2.5-3 hour commitment works well when you don't want to risk outdoor dinner plans. Downtown San Jose before and after games has good restaurant and bar options within 0.8 km (0.5 miles) walking distance. Evening games typically start 7-7:30pm.
March Events & Festivals
Cinequest Film Festival
This internationally recognized film festival typically runs for 10-12 days spanning late February into early March. You'll find screenings at multiple downtown venues including the California Theatre and Camera Cinemas. It's a legitimate reason to visit San Jose in March if you're into independent film - over 200 films from 50+ countries, plus filmmaker Q&A sessions. The festival brings an energy to downtown that you won't find other times of year. Evening screenings work perfectly with March's afternoon rain pattern.