Buffalo in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Buffalo
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- St. Patrick's Day Festival in Old First Ward (March 16-17, 2025) - authentic Irish-American celebration with 40+ bars within 6 blocks, bagpipe competitions, and corned beef cook-offs drawing 50,000+ visitors
- Maple syrup season peak - local farms 30-45 minutes south offer weekend tours, fresh syrup tastings, and pancake breakfasts for $12-18 per person through late March
- Basketball playoff fever reaches peak intensity - Canisius Golden Griffins and UB Bulls games create electric downtown atmosphere with pre-game crowds filling Chippewa Street
- Indoor attraction season prime time - Albright-Knox Art Gallery's major spring exhibitions launch, Buffalo Museum of Science planetarium shows run extended hours, and brewery tours become most popular as locals seek indoor activities
Considerations
- Lake effect snow unpredictability - can dump 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in 3-4 hours with little warning, especially in southern suburbs, making driving treacherous
- Mud season begins mid-month - hiking trails become impassable, waterfront areas get sloppy, and outdoor activities limited to paved surfaces only
- Higher accommodation costs during St. Patrick's weekend - downtown hotel rates spike 200-300% March 14-18, with many properties requiring 2-3 night minimums
Best Activities in March
Buffalo Brewery District Tours
March is peak season for brewery hopping as locals embrace indoor activities during unpredictable weather. The Larkin District and downtown corridors offer 12+ craft breweries within walking distance. Tours typically run 3-4 hours covering 4 breweries with tastings.
Niagara Falls Winter Photography Tours
March offers impressive ice formations before spring melt begins. Frozen mist creates ethereal landscapes impossible to see other months. Maid of the Mist remains closed, making observation decks less crowded. Professional photography guides available.
Buffalo Architecture Walking Tours
Indoor portions of tours (Darwin D. Martin House, City Hall observation deck) provide warmth between outdoor segments. March lighting enhances Frank Lloyd Wright details and Art Deco facades. Smaller group sizes due to weather make tours more intimate.
Elmwood Village Food Tours
March restaurant week coincides with comfort food season - perfect timing for sampling Buffalo's famous dishes. Indoor food tours visit 6-8 establishments over 3 hours. Wings, beef on weck, and local craft beer featured prominently.
Buffalo Sabres Hockey Experience
March playoff push creates intense atmosphere at KeyBank Center. Pre-game activities on Chippewa Street include heated outdoor bars and indoor tailgating venues. Arena tours available on non-game days showing behind-scenes areas.
Buffalo Museum District Indoor Tours
March weather makes indoor cultural attractions peak season. Buffalo Museum of Science features hands-on exhibits perfect for cold days. Albright-Knox Art Gallery's contemporary collections span multiple climate-controlled buildings.
March Events & Festivals
St. Patrick's Day Festival - Old First Ward
Buffalo's most authentic Irish celebration spanning two days in the historic Irish neighborhood. Features 40+ participating bars, traditional Irish music sessions, bagpipe competitions, and legendary corned beef cook-offs. The parade route covers 1.6 km (1 mile) along South Park Avenue.
Buffalo Restaurant Week
Annual dining event featuring prix fixe menus at 100+ participating restaurants citywide. Three-course lunches typically $20-25, dinners $35-45. Includes farm-to-table establishments, ethnic cuisines, and classic Buffalo joints.