March can be a great time to visit Toronto, as the city is slowly starting to warm up, but it has its drawbacks. The main advantage of traveling to Toronto in March is that it is during shoulder season, so there are many travel deals. Hotel rates and airfares can be heavily discounted right now.
However, you will need to choose your weeks carefully. March Break is a one- or two-week public holiday for Canadian public school students and is a busy time for popular hotels and attractions in the city. The weeks for the March holidays vary by province, but are one week in Toronto, usually in the middle of the month.
In general, a visit to Toronto in March (assuming you don’t come during the March break) means that the attractions will be less busy than during the summer months.
Toronto weather in March
March weather in Toronto is generally warming up, but it’s still unpredictable. Will it be early spring flower tee weather or a late season blizzard? In March, you often don’t know what you are going to get, so you will need to pack accordingly.
- Average March High: 3ºC / 37ºF
- March average low: -5ºC / 23ºF
- Average March Rain: 5.9 cm / 2.3 inches
- Average March Snowfall: 17.7cm / 7 inches
What to pack
Since March weather in Toronto can often be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to pack for a variety of weather systems, including cold temperatures, snow, and rain. This means having warm, waterproof clothing that includes sweaters, hoodies, and a winter jacket. Also consider having a lighter jacket * such as a raincoat, fleece or windbreaker), hat and gloves, closed shoes and waterproof boots in case of rain or wet snow.
March Events in Toronto
In terms of events and activities, March is a great month to visit Toronto, as there are many activities in the city. Not as much as you can find in July or August (high season), but you should be able to find something interesting to see and do besides Toronto’s top attractions.
Canada Blooms – If you love gardening or just want to learn more about it, Canada Blooms is Canada’s largest garden and flower festival. Expect speakers, demonstrations, workshops dedicated to all things garden, and many beautiful garden displays to see.
Parade St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto: The annual parade on St. Patrick ‘s Day in Toronto takes place in March in Toronto. The fun begins at noon with the parade starting its procession from Bloor and St. George, continuing down Bloor Street through Yonge and ending at Queen Street at Nathan Philips Square.
Celebrate Toronto : March is also when the city comes out to celebrate Toronto’s anniversary at Nathan Philips Square. This is where you can shop for a variety of local vendors of all kinds, stock up on food from Toronto’s best food trucks, take part in a variety of interactive activities in honor of the city’s anniversary, and enjoy skating on the large outdoor rink. free on Nathan Philips Square.
Winter Brewfest : If you’re a fan of craft beer, Winter Brewfest, taking place earlier this month at the quaint Evergreen Brick Works, is worth checking out. You can expect more than 150 beers made by more than 35 brewers from across Ontario and Quebec, as well as delicious food – some of the best food trucks in Toronto.
One of a Kind Show and Sale – Shop for some unique Toronto souvenirs with a visit to the annual One of a Kind Show and Sale spring, where you can browse and shop from hundreds of Canadian artisans, makers and designers selling unique handmade finds that you will not find anywhere else. Jewelry, fashion, glass work, home decor items, body care, children’s clothing, ceramics, textiles, and grocery items are on sale.
Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival – Sketch comedy fans should consider buying some tickets for the various events taking place at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Toronto’s oldest comedy festival.
Toronto ComiCon – Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, ComiCon is a three-day event dedicated to comics in all its forms, from traditional comics to anime to graphic novels. There are many famous guests and comic book artists and authors available, workshops and seminars, panels, Q&A, autograph sessions, and celebrity photography.
March Travel Tips
Shopping is a good way to fill up your time on a frosty day, which can still happen in March. The Eaton Center is one of many indoor shopping centers in the city center, and connects to Toronto’s underground system known as the PATH, full of shops and restaurants. PATH is also connected to several subway stations.
Toronto’s museums and galleries offer respite from the cold winter weather.
If you are planning to visit Toronto during the March holidays, it is a good idea to reserve your hotel room and even think about getting tickets to any show or event that might interest you well in advance of your visit.
For more information on whether you want to visit Toronto in March or other tips for visiting Toronto during certain months, check out our guide to the best time to visit.
