March in Toronto is the tail end of winter pretending to be spring. You'll likely see temperatures swing from -2°C (28°F) overnight to around 6°C (43°F) during the day, with grey skies and the occasional late-season snowfall that melts by afternoon. The sidewalks along Queen Street West tend to be slushy and grey-brown. Patio season hasn't started. The harbour is still too cold for anything. To be fair, the city compensates indoors. The Art Gallery of Ontario runs strong programming, Scotiabank Arena has Maple Leafs games 3-4 nights a week, and March Break (typically the second or third week) fills the Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Science Centre with families. Hotel rates sit below the summer peak by a noticeable margin.
That said, this is not a month people fly across oceans for. You won't find cherry blossoms in High Park yet, the Toronto Islands ferry service runs a reduced winter schedule, and the Distillery District's cobblestone paths feel more bleak than charming under flat March light. If you're already in Ontario, or you're visiting for a specific event like Toronto Comicon or to catch a Leafs playoff push, March works fine. If you're choosing between months, May through October will give you a fundamentally different city.
Why visit in March
- Hotel rates typically run 20-30% below the July-August peak, with downtown properties near the PATH network offering winter deals
- March Break (mid-March) triggers strong family programming at the ROM, AGO, and Ontario Science Centre, with extended hours and special exhibitions
- Maple syrup season begins at Kortright Centre and Mountsberg Conservation Area, both within 90 minutes of downtown
- NHL regular season is in its final stretch, and Maple Leafs games at Scotiabank Arena carry a playoff-race intensity that's harder to find in November
- Indoor food halls like Assembly Chef's Hall and St. Lawrence Market are at their best when you want to escape the cold between activities
Worth knowing
- Average high of 6.1°C (43°F) with lows dropping to -2.3°C (28°F) means you'll still need full winter gear for any outdoor time
- Late-season snowstorms can drop 10-15cm overnight, disrupting transit and making sidewalks treacherous. The city's freeze-thaw cycle in March creates black ice on shaded streets
- Daylight is still limited in early March, with sunset around 6:15 PM at the start of the month, though it stretches to 7:30 PM by month's end after the clocks spring forward
- Many patios, rooftop bars, and outdoor attractions (Centre Island, the Toronto Islands beaches, outdoor markets) remain closed or operate on minimal schedules
Best for
Think twice if
March in Toronto sits in an awkward transition zone. The month often starts with snowbanks still piled along Bloor Street and ends with the odd afternoon where you might unzip your jacket. Daytime highs average 6.1°C (43°F), but the wind off Lake Ontario can make it feel closer to 0°C. Nights still dip to -2.3°C (28°F) regularly. You'll get about 70mm of precipitation across 11 days, split between wet snow and cold rain depending on the week. Humidity sits around 70%. The freeze-thaw cycle is the defining feature. Mornings might start with icy sidewalks, afternoons bring dripping eaves, and evenings refreeze everything. By late March, snow on the ground is mostly gone in the city core, though you might still see dirty patches in shadowed areas north of Eglinton.
Seasonal caution
- Overnight temperatures regularly drop below 0°C (32°F), and wind chill off Lake Ontario can push the feels-like temperature to -10°C (14°F) or lower during the first two weeks
- Late-season nor'easter storms can bring 15-25cm of snow in a single event, shutting down the Gardiner Expressway and delaying TTC surface routes for hours
- The freeze-thaw cycle creates dangerous black ice, particularly on shaded paths through ravine trails like the Don Valley and along the waterfront Martin Goodman Trail
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0 | -7 | 63 |
| Feb | 1 | -7 | 64 |
| Mar | 6 | -2 | 70 |
| Apr | 11 | 3 | 92 |
| May | 18 | 9 | 77 |
| Jun | 24 | 15 | 97 |
| Jul | 26 | 18 | 88 |
| Aug | 25 | 17 | 72 |
| Sep | 22 | 14 | 64 |
| Oct | 16 | 9 | 77 |
| Nov | 8 | 2 | 51 |
| Dec | 3 | -3 | 86 |
Best things to do in March
Catch a Maple Leafs game at Scotiabank Arena
sportsThe NHL regular season enters its final stretch in March, with the Leafs typically in a playoff race. The arena holds 18,800 and the energy on game nights spills into the bars along Bremner Boulevard and York Street. Warm-up skate is visible if you arrive early.
Late-season games carry playoff implications, creating a more intense atmosphere than early-season matchups in October or NovemberBooking tipBuy tickets through the official Ticketmaster partnership at least a week in advance. Weekend games against Montreal or Boston sell out fastest.
Sugar bush day trip to Kortright Centre
natureKortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan (30 minutes north of downtown) runs its maple syrup festival throughout March. You walk through the sugar bush, watch sap being boiled down in the evaporator house, and taste fresh syrup poured over packed snow. The steam from the evaporator smells like warm caramel.
Sap only flows when nights drop below 0°C and days rise above it. March is the only month with this consistent freeze-thaw pattern in southern Ontario.Booking tipWeekday visits avoid the family crowds that pack the trails on March Break weekends.
Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario
cultureThe AGO's Frank Gehry-designed expansion on Dundas Street West houses over 120,000 works. The Galleria Italia, a long corridor of Douglas fir and glass overlooking Dundas, feels particularly good on grey March afternoons when the diffused light softens everything. Wednesday evenings offer extended hours.
Winter exhibitions are still running, crowds are a fraction of summer levels, and the grey weather outside makes a 3-hour gallery visit feel earned rather than like a concession.Walk the PATH underground network
urban explorationToronto's underground PATH system connects 30km of walkways beneath the Financial District, linking Union Station to the Eaton Centre and beyond. Over 1,200 shops and restaurants line the tunnels. In March, it's a practical way to cover 4-5 city blocks without touching slush.
The contrast between freezing sidewalks above and the shirt-sleeve warmth below is at its starkest in March. The system was built for exactly this weather.Visit the Royal Ontario Museum during March Break
cultureThe ROM at Bloor and Queen's Park runs extended programming during March Break, typically the third week of March. The dinosaur gallery on level 2 and the bat cave draw families, but the less-visited Textile and Costume galleries on level 4 are worth the detour.
March Break programming adds hands-on workshops, extended hours until 8:30 PM on select nights, and temporary installations that aren't available during regular weeks.Booking tipVisit on the Tuesday or Wednesday of March Break week. Monday draws the biggest crowds as families kick off the holiday.
Browse Kensington Market on a Sunday afternoon
shoppingKensington Market's car-free Pedestrian Sundays don't start until May, but the neighbourhood's vintage shops, cheese stores, and bakeries along Augusta Avenue and Baldwin Street are open year-round. The smell of fresh bread from My Market Bakery mixes with spices from the bulk stores. March foot traffic is noticeably lighter than summer.
You'll actually get space to browse. In summer, Kensington's narrow streets can feel shoulder-to-shoulder. March gives you the same shops with room to move.Attend a Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena
sportsThe NBA regular season is also winding down in March. The Raptors share Scotiabank Arena with the Leafs, and the arena can flip between hockey and basketball configuration in about 8 hours. The pre-game scene around Jurassic Park (the outdoor viewing area on Bremner) is quiet in March, but indoor energy stays high.
Late-season games have seeding implications, and the crowd tends to skew louder as playoff positioning becomes clear.Take the elevator to the CN Tower observation deck
sightseeingThe CN Tower's LookOut Level sits at 346 metres. On clear March days, you can see the mist rising off Lake Ontario and the ice breaking up along the waterfront. The glass floor at 342 metres still unnerves people after 30 years. Wait times in March rarely exceed 15 minutes.
Summer line-ups for the CN Tower can stretch to 45 minutes or more. In March, you'll walk almost directly to the elevator.What to eat in March
On menus now
Poutine
March cold makes this the right season for Quebec-style fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy. Smoke's Poutinerie on Adelaide Street and Poutini's House of Poutine on Queen West both serve until 4 AM on weekends when the bars empty out.
Street food peaks
Peameal bacon on a bun at St. Lawrence Market
Toronto's signature sandwich is good year-round, but the Carousel Bakery stall at St. Lawrence Market is less crowded in March than during summer tourist season. The cornmeal-crusted pork loin on a kaiser roll has been a Saturday morning tradition since 1977.
What to drink
Hot chocolate at SOMA Chocolatemaker
SOMA's Distillery District location makes single-origin hot chocolate from bean to cup. In March, when the cobblestones outside are still icy, sitting inside with a cup made from their Venezuelan or Ecuadorian cacao is one of the better ways to spend 45 minutes.
In markets
Maple syrup
Fresh-run maple syrup from Ontario sugar bushes hits farmers' markets and restaurants in early-to-mid March. The sap runs when overnight temperatures drop below freezing and daytime temps rise above 0°C, which is exactly March's pattern. Look for maple taffy on snow at sugar bush day trips.
Ontario greenhouse vegetables
Local greenhouse operations in Leamington (Canada's tomato capital, about 4 hours south) start ramping up production in March. You'll find hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers at the North York Farmers' Market and in restaurants that source locally through winter.
Regular events in March
Toronto Comicon
Mid-sized comic convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, running 3 days in mid-March with celebrity guests, artist alley, and cosplay competitions. Draws around 40,000-50,000 attendees across the weekend.
Mid-MarchToronto Maple Leafs home games
The Leafs typically play 6-8 home games in March at Scotiabank Arena. The atmosphere intensifies as the playoff picture becomes clearer.
Throughout MarchCanadian Music Week
Multi-venue music festival and industry conference spanning 5 nights across clubs on Queen West, Ossington, and College Street. Over 800 bands across 40+ venues in recent years.
Late MarchSt. Patrick's Day celebrationsFree
March 17th brings green-themed events to the bars along King West and the Esplanade. The Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade runs along Bloor Street, typically the Sunday closest to the 17th, drawing around 100,000 spectators.
March 17 and surrounding weekendMaple syrup festivals
Multiple conservation areas within day-trip distance (Kortright, Bruce's Mill, Mountsberg) run weekend maple syrup events throughout March, with guided bush walks, evaporator demonstrations, and pancake breakfasts.
Weekends throughout MarchBest places this March
Art Gallery of Ontario
museumFrank Gehry-designed gallery on Dundas Street West with over 120,000 works. The Thomson Collection of Canadian art and the Henry Moore sculpture collection are highlights. Wednesday evening extended hours offer a quieter visit.
ChinatownSt. Lawrence Market
marketOperating since 1803, the Saturday farmers' market in the south building is where locals buy provisions. Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon sandwich draws a steady line. The building's brick-and-beam interior smells of smoked meat and fresh bread.
Old TownDistillery District
historic districtVictorian-era industrial buildings converted to galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. The cobblestone streets can be icy in March, but the indoor galleries and cafes are well-heated. SOMA Chocolatemaker and Mill Street Brewpub are anchor tenants.
CorktownHockey Hall of Fame
museumLocated at Yonge and Front Street in the old Bank of Montreal building. The vault downstairs holds the Stanley Cup (when it's not touring). Interactive shooting and goalie simulators keep kids occupied for an hour or more.
Financial DistrictRoyal Ontario Museum
museumCanada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures, at the corner of Bloor and Queen's Park. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance (Daniel Libeskind, 2007) is polarizing but undeniably recognizable. The dinosaur gallery and Chinese temple art are standouts.
YorkvilleRipley's Aquarium of Canada
aquariumLocated at the base of the CN Tower. The 97-metre underwater tunnel with sharks and rays passing overhead is the centrepiece. March weekday visits have noticeably thinner crowds than summer weekends.
Entertainment DistrictEvergreen Brick Works
market and natureA former brick factory in the Don Valley converted to a community environmental centre. The Saturday farmers' market runs year-round indoors, selling Ontario produce, bread, and preserves. The surrounding Don Valley trails are muddy in March but walkable.
Don ValleyCN Tower
landmark553 metres tall, visible from almost anywhere in the city. The main observation level at 346 metres offers views across Lake Ontario on clear days. The revolving restaurant sits at 351 metres. March means minimal wait times for the elevator.
Entertainment District
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Insider tips
The PATH underground network connects most major downtown hotels to the Eaton Centre, Union Station, and Scotiabank Arena without going outside. Learn the route from your hotel to your main destinations and you can avoid the worst of March weather entirely.
St. Lawrence Market's Saturday farmers' market gets crowded by 9:30 AM. Arrive at 7 AM when the vendors are still setting up and you'll have room to browse without elbowing through the aisles.
TTC day passes cover unlimited travel on the subway, streetcars, and buses. If you're making more than 3 trips in a day, the pass pays for itself. Buy one from any subway station.
The AGO offers free admission on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 PM. In March, the line to get in is manageable compared to the summer free-night crowds that wrap around the building.
For Leafs games, the bars along Bremner Boulevard and the Rec Room fill up 90 minutes before puck drop. If you want a seat with a view of pre-game warmups on the big screens, arrive 2 hours early.
Uber and Lyft surge pricing kicks in after Leafs and Raptors games let out. Walk 2-3 blocks east to Yonge Street or north to King Street for shorter waits and lower fares.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only a light jacket because the calendar says 'spring.' March in Toronto is still winter in practice. You need the same outerwear you'd bring in January, with maybe one lighter layer for the occasional warm afternoon.
- Booking a Toronto Islands trip without checking the ferry schedule. Winter service runs on a reduced timetable, and some island facilities are closed entirely until May.
- Assuming patios and rooftop bars will be open. Toronto's patio season generally doesn't begin until late April at the earliest, and most rooftop venues stay closed until May.
- Not budgeting enough time for indoor attractions. The ROM, AGO, and Ontario Science Centre each need 3-4 hours minimum. Trying to do all three in one day leaves you rushing through each.
- Driving downtown without checking for Leafs or Raptors game nights. Traffic around Scotiabank Arena gridlocks for 90 minutes before and after events, and parking rates in the area spike on game nights.
Practical tips for March
Book accommodations along the PATH network (hotels near Union Station, the Financial District, or the Eaton Centre area all connect) so you can reach major attractions without braving the cold for more than a few minutes at a time. March Break week sees slightly higher family-hotel occupancy, but business hotels stay discounted. The TTC subway runs from approximately 6 AM to 1:30 AM, with streetcars on King and Queen running 24 hours on reduced schedules. Dress for -5°C even when the forecast says +3°C, because lake-effect wind and shaded streets drop the felt temperature noticeably. Restaurants don't require reservations in March the way they do in summer, but popular brunch spots (particularly along Queen West and in Leslieville) still fill up by 10:30 AM on weekends.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Toronto?
March is a fair-weather month for Toronto. It's still cold (averaging 6°C during the day, -2°C at night) with occasional snowstorms, and most outdoor attractions are closed or reduced. That said, indoor attractions like the AGO, ROM, and Scotiabank Arena are fully operational, hotel rates sit 20-30% below summer peaks, and crowds are thin. It works best for hockey fans, museum lovers, or budget-conscious travelers who don't mind bundling up.
What should I wear in Toronto in March?
Full winter gear. A coat rated to -10°C, waterproof boots with ankle support, thermal layers, hat, and gloves. The wind off Lake Ontario makes the felt temperature significantly colder than the actual reading, particularly along the waterfront and in the Financial District where towers create wind tunnels. By late March, you might get one or two afternoons where a heavy fleece suffices.
Are the Toronto Islands open in March?
The ferry service to the Toronto Islands runs on a reduced winter schedule in March, with fewer departures and some routes suspended. Most island facilities, including the beaches, Centreville Amusement Park, and many food vendors, are closed until May. Ward's Island is accessible but quiet. It's not the best month for an Islands visit.
What events happen in Toronto in March?
Toronto Comicon typically runs mid-March at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The NHL regular season means 6-8 Maple Leafs home games at Scotiabank Arena. Canadian Music Week brings over 800 bands to 40+ venues in late March. The St. Patrick's Day Parade runs along Bloor Street on the Sunday closest to March 17th. Sugar bush maple syrup festivals run at conservation areas within day-trip distance every weekend.
How cold does Toronto get in March?
Daytime highs average 6.1°C (43°F) and nighttime lows average -2.3°C (28°F). Wind chill off Lake Ontario can push the feels-like temperature to -10°C or lower, particularly in the first two weeks of the month. Late-season storms can still bring 15-25cm of snow in a single event. By the final week, you might see occasional afternoons reaching 10-12°C.
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