Things to Do in St. Petersburg in March

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March is when St. Petersburg, Florida earns its old nickname, the Sunshine City. Average highs reach 25°C (77°F), lows settle around 17°C (63°F), and the month typically sees only 51mm of rain across about 8 days. Most of those showers roll through in the afternoon and clear within 20 minutes, leaving behind the smell of wet pavement and warm salt air off Tampa Bay. The Gulf of Mexico has warmed enough for comfortable swimming, hovering near 22°C (72°F) at St. Pete Beach. It feels like the sweet spot of the year, the 6-week window between the last cold front of winter and the first sticky wall of summer humidity.

You won't be alone in noticing. March is the collision point of snowbird season, spring break, and the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, an IndyCar race that closes downtown streets for a full weekend. Hotel rates along Beach Drive and the beachfront corridor climb to their yearly peak. The Saturday Morning Market near Al Lang Stadium can draw 10,000 visitors on a good March weekend, and the sound of live music drifts across Vinoy Park most afternoons. That said, the crowds thin noticeably on weekdays. A Tuesday afternoon at the Dalí Museum or a Wednesday morning paddle at Fort De Soto feels like a different city entirely.

The trade-off is straightforward. March delivers the best dry-season weather, with 51mm of rainfall compared to August's 206mm, but peak-season hotel rates and spring break crowds from across the Eastern Seaboard come with it.

Why visit in March

Driest month of the year at 51mm total rainfall, compared to 206mm in August and 154mm in June. Rain showers tend to last under 20 minutes.
Temperatures between 17-25°C (63-77°F) allow full-day outdoor activity without the oppressive heat and humidity that sets in by June.
Stone crab season overlaps with the Plant City strawberry harvest, making March one of the strongest months for seasonal eating in the Tampa Bay area.
The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg brings IndyCar racing to downtown streets, with free viewing spots along the waterfront near Vinoy Park.
The Gulf of Mexico reaches swimmable temperatures around 22°C (72°F), warm enough for extended time in the water without a wetsuit.

Worth knowing

Peak-season hotel rates run 40-60% above the annual average, with beachfront rooms on St. Pete Beach well above off-season pricing.
Fort De Soto Park's beach parking lots fill by 9 AM on weekends, and camping sites book out weeks in advance.
Spring break crowds concentrate on the beach corridor between Treasure Island and Pass-a-Grille, making mid-March weekends particularly congested.
Grand Prix weekend closes several downtown streets for 3-4 days, disrupting access to the waterfront and parts of the Edge District.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 25° / 17°C 51mm rain · 8 rainy days · 72% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.8h/day · 88% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Light, breathable clothing for daytime. A thin long-sleeve shirt or light sweater for evenings when temperatures drop to 17°C. SPF 50 sunscreen is essential since the UV index hits 8-9 in March. Polarized sunglasses for the water glare off Tampa Bay. A compact rain jacket for the occasional 15-minute afternoon shower.

March in St. Petersburg tends to be warm and dry, with mostly clear skies and brief afternoon showers on about 8 days. Morning fog occasionally rolls off Tampa Bay and burns off by 10 AM. Humidity sits around 72%, noticeable but not the damp blanket it becomes in July and August. Evenings cool to a comfortable 17°C (63°F), enough that you might want a light layer for outdoor dining after sunset. The breeze off the Gulf keeps afternoons from feeling stagnant, and the UV index regularly reaches 8-9 on clear days.

Seasonal caution

UV index regularly reaches 8-9 on clear March days. Fair skin can burn in 15-20 minutes without protection. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially on the water or at the beach.
Rip currents occasionally develop along the Gulf beaches, particularly after frontal passages. Check the posted flag conditions at St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille before swimming.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for St. Petersburg
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	20	12	60
Feb	23	15	64
Mar	25	17	51
Apr	28	19	64
May	30	23	63
Jun	31	25	154
Jul	32	26	128
Aug	32	26	206
Sep	30	24	153
Oct	28	21	103
Nov	25	17	54
Dec	22	15	63

Holidays and festivals in March

Public holidays

Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027

Headline events

Citywide

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Early to mid-March (typically the first or second weekend)

IndyCar's traditional season-opening race takes over the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The 1.8-mile temporary street circuit winds past Vinoy Park and along Bayshore Drive, with cars reaching speeds above 170 mph. The event typically spans a full weekend with practice, qualifying, and support races before Sunday's main event. Free viewing areas along parts of the route draw thousands of spectators who spread blankets along the seawall.

#StPeteGP

Best things to do in March

Kayaking at Fort De Soto Park

outdoor

Fort De Soto's 1,136-acre park sits at the southern tip of Pinellas County, where the mangrove-lined kayak trails wind through shallow, clear water. Dolphins surface regularly in the channels between the islands, and you'll spot ospreys nesting in the tall Australian pines. The paddle from the boat ramp to Madelaine Key takes about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

March water temperatures around 22°C make for comfortable paddling, and the dry weather means fewer afternoon storms cutting trips short. The water clarity tends to peak before summer algae blooms.

Booking tipArrive before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a parking spot near the kayak launch. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter.

Exploring the Dalí Museum

culture

The Salvador Dalí Museum on Bayshore Drive SE houses over 2,400 works, including 7 of the 18 large-scale masterworks Dalí created after 1948. The geodesic glass bubble on the building's facade casts shifting light patterns across the atrium throughout the day. The third-floor galleries hold the major canvases, and the garden out back overlooks Tampa Bay.

March's dry weather and comfortable temperatures make it easy to combine the indoor galleries with the outdoor sculpture garden and the surrounding waterfront walk. Peak-season hours mean extended evening openings on Thursdays.

Booking tipBook timed-entry tickets online at least a week ahead for March weekends. Thursday evenings typically have shorter lines than Saturday afternoons.

Cycling the Pinellas Trail

outdoor

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail runs 47 miles from St. Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs, following a former railroad corridor. The southern section passes through downtown St. Pete, the Warehouse Arts District, and Seminole before opening into shaded corridors through Largo and Dunedin. The pavement is smooth and flat, suitable for road bikes or cruisers.

Temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C make for comfortable cycling without the heat exhaustion risk that comes with summer rides. March mornings start around 17°C, ideal for a longer ride before midday.

Booking tipBike rental shops near the trail's southern terminus in downtown St. Pete typically have availability on weekdays without reservation. Weekend rentals benefit from booking a day ahead.

Snorkeling at Shell Key Preserve

outdoor

Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island south of Pass-a-Grille, accessible only by boat or kayak. The shallow seagrass beds on the island's eastern side harbor seahorses, sea stars, and juvenile fish. The water is calm and rarely deeper than 1.5 meters near shore, making it approachable for beginners.

The Gulf hits 22°C in March, warm enough for snorkeling without a full wetsuit. Water visibility tends to be better in the dry season before summer runoff clouds the nearshore areas.

Booking tipSeveral boat shuttle services depart from Pass-a-Grille and Merry Pier. Check schedules in advance, as some operators only run on weekends in early March.

Walking the St. Pete Pier District

sightseeing

The St. Pete Pier extends 800 meters into Tampa Bay, with a rooftop park, a splash pad, fishing platforms, and rotating public art installations. The surrounding pier district includes the Spa Beach area, Vinoy Park, and the approach lined with restaurants and bars. Pelicans roost on the railings, and you can watch stingrays glide through the shallows from the lower deck.

March evenings on the pier are warm enough for outdoor dining but not yet humid. The sunset views across Tampa Bay hit peak color around 7:30 PM as the days lengthen toward the equinox.

Booking tipNo reservations needed for the pier itself. For waterfront dining at restaurants nearby, book at least 2-3 days ahead on March weekends.

Visiting the Saturday Morning Market

food

The Saturday Morning Market operates from October through May in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot along 1st Avenue SE. Over 130 vendors sell produce, prepared food, plants, and crafts. The smell of fresh kettle corn and grilled arepas hits you as soon as you cross 1st Street. Local musicians play on a small stage near the center of the market.

March falls in the market's peak season, with the widest vendor selection and the strongest produce showing. Plant City strawberries, citrus, and tomatoes are all in season simultaneously.

Booking tipThe market runs 9 AM to 2 PM every Saturday. Arrive by 9:30 AM to avoid the heaviest foot traffic, which typically peaks between 10:30 AM and noon.

Sunset sailing on Tampa Bay

outdoor

Several marinas along the downtown waterfront and Pass-a-Grille offer 2-hour sunset sailing trips on Tampa Bay. The boats head west toward the Gulf, passing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on longer routes. Dolphins often ride the bow wake, and the water turns copper and orange as the sun drops behind the barrier islands.

March sunsets over the Gulf are particularly vivid as the dry air produces clean sightlines to the horizon. Water conditions tend to be calmer than in summer, when afternoon thunderstorms churn the bay.

Booking tipSunset sails fill quickly during March. Book at least 3-4 days in advance for weekend departures.

Exploring the Warehouse Arts District

culture

The Warehouse Arts District, centered around Central Avenue between 20th and 28th Streets, holds a concentration of galleries, studios, and street art. The Second Saturday Art Walk each month opens studios to the public, and the murals along the alleys change seasonally. The neighborhood has a grittier feel than the polished waterfront, with converted industrial spaces and locally owned coffee shops.

The March Second Saturday Art Walk coincides with peak tourist season, bringing the largest turnout of the year. Artists tend to debut new work during the high-traffic months.

Booking tipThe Art Walk is free and runs from 5 PM to 9 PM on the second Saturday of the month. Street parking fills fast, so the lots along Central Avenue are a safer bet.

What to eat in March

In season: fruit

Plant City strawberries
Plant City, about 40 minutes east on I-4, calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The harvest peaks in February and March, and the berries show up at the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Pete. They're smaller and sweeter than the California varieties most grocery stores carry, with a fragrance you can smell from several feet away.
Florida Ruby Red grapefruit
The tail end of Florida's citrus season still delivers quality Ruby Reds in March, grown in the Indian River district on the state's east coast. The fruit is heavier and juicier than Texas varieties, with a balance of tart and sweet that works well in a fresh-squeezed juice or sliced alongside a breakfast plate. You'll find them at the Saturday Morning Market and at roadside stands along US-19.

On menus now

Stone crab claws
Florida's stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15, and March claws tend to be large and meaty, pulled from the Gulf waters west of Pinellas County. Served chilled with mustard sauce, the sweet, firm meat has a clean oceanic taste. You'll find them at most waterfront restaurants, though prices fluctuate weekly based on the catch.
Smoked fish spread
A Tampa Bay staple made from smoked mullet or whitefish, mixed with cream cheese, lemon, and a hit of hot sauce. March's dry weather makes it ideal patio food, and you'll find versions at the Saturday Morning Market and at fish houses along the Gulf beaches. The smoky, briny flavor pairs well with saltine crackers and a cold beer.

Regular events in March

Second Saturday Art WalkFree

Monthly gallery walk through the Warehouse Arts District, with studios and galleries open to the public from 5 PM to 9 PM. Live music and food vendors line Central Avenue between 20th and 28th Streets.

Second Saturday of March

Saturday Morning MarketFree

Weekly open-air market near Al Lang Stadium with over 130 vendors selling produce, prepared food, and crafts. Runs October through May, with March typically drawing the season's largest crowds.

Every Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM

St. Patrick's Day celebrationsFree

Multiple bars and restaurants along Beach Drive and Central Avenue host St. Patrick's Day events on March 17. The Irish pubs in the Grand Central District typically run live music from early afternoon into the evening.

March 17

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training

The Tampa Bay Rays hold spring training at Tropicana Field's neighboring complex and play exhibition games throughout March. Several other MLB teams train within a 90-minute drive around the Tampa Bay area.

Throughout March

Best places this March

Fort De Soto Park
beach and nature
A 1,136-acre county park at the southern tip of Pinellas County, with 7 miles of waterfront, a historic fort from the Spanish-American War era, and some of the clearest water on the Gulf Coast. The North Beach section consistently ranks among the top beaches in the United States.
Tierra Verde
The Dalí Museum
museum
Houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside Spain, including 7 of his 18 large-scale masterworks. The building itself, designed by Yann Weymouth, features a 75-foot geodesic glass atrium. The waterfront garden overlooks Tampa Bay.
Downtown St. Petersburg
St. Pete Pier
landmark
An 800-meter pier extending into Tampa Bay, opened in 2020. Features a rooftop park with native plantings, fishing platforms, a splash pad, and rotating art installations. The approach plaza connects to Vinoy Park and the waterfront dining district.
Downtown St. Petersburg
Sunken Gardens
garden
A 4-acre botanical garden dating to 1903, tucked into a natural sinkhole along 4th Street North. Over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, including some of the oldest tropical plantings in the region. The canopy filters the March sunlight into dappled green shade.
Old Northeast
Pass-a-Grille Beach
beach
The southernmost beach community on St. Pete Beach's barrier island, with a quieter, more residential feel than the main tourist strip. The 8th Avenue commercial block has a handful of restaurants and shops. The Gulf-side beach faces due west for unobstructed sunset views.
Pass-a-Grille
The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art
museum
Opened in 2018 in a converted downtown building, with a focus on American Western art, wildlife sculptures, and Native American artifacts. The ground-floor galleries feature large-scale bronze sculptures. Less crowded than the Dalí, even in March.
Downtown St. Petersburg
Gulfport
neighborhood
A small waterfront town bordering St. Petersburg's southern edge, with an independent arts community, Tuesday evening fresh markets, and a walkable waterfront along Beach Boulevard. The pace is noticeably slower than downtown St. Pete, and the restaurants lean toward casual, locally owned spots.
Gulfport
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
nature
A 245-acre preserve on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with 6 miles of trails through pine flatwoods, willow marsh, and hardwood hammock habitats. Bald eagles nest here in late winter and early spring, and the boardwalk through the marsh section offers close views of wading birds.
South St. Petersburg

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SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreenThe UV index hits 8-9 on clear March days. Reapply every 90 minutes, especially near water where glare intensifies exposure.Shop
Polarized sunglassesThe reflection off Tampa Bay and the white sand beaches is intense. Polarized lenses cut the glare significantly and reduce eye strain on boat trips.Shop
Compact rain jacketAfternoon showers happen on about 8 days in March. They typically pass in 15-20 minutes, so a packable jacket is more practical than an umbrella.Shop
Light long-sleeve shirt or sweaterEvenings drop to around 17°C (63°F), which feels cool after a day in the sun. Outdoor restaurants along Beach Drive can feel breezy after sunset.Shop
Water shoes or reef-safe sandalsShell Key and some Fort De Soto beaches have broken shell fragments that can be sharp underfoot. Water shoes make wading and snorkeling more comfortable.Shop
Reusable water bottleHydration matters more than you'd expect in March. The combination of sun, salt air, and outdoor walking adds up. Refill stations are available at the St. Pete Pier and Fort De Soto.Shop
Wide-brim hatProvides shade for the face and neck during midday beach time or pier walks. March sun is strong enough to cause burns even through light cloud cover.Shop
Breathable walking shoesDowntown St. Pete is walkable, with the Dalí Museum, Pier, and Beach Drive all within a 20-minute walk of each other. Lightweight shoes that handle both sidewalks and sandy paths work best.Shop

Insider tips

The Saturday Morning Market's best produce vendors cluster along the eastern edge near the waterfront. The center aisles tend to be crafts and prepared food. Get there by 9:15 AM for first pick of the Plant City strawberries.
Fort De Soto's East Beach is far less crowded than North Beach, with better shelling and calmer water for kids. The parking lot on the east side rarely fills, even on March weekends when the north lot is jammed by 9 AM.
The free trolley (SunRunner) connects downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach along 1st Avenue South. It runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and avoids the beach traffic bottleneck on the Corey Causeway.
Gulfport's Tuesday Fresh Market (year-round, 9 AM to 2 PM) is a smaller, less touristy alternative to the Saturday Morning Market, with many of the same local growers. The waterfront there is a good spot for a quiet lunch.
For Grand Prix weekend, locals watch from the seawall along Bayshore Drive SE. The paid grandstands offer better sightlines for the tight turns, but the waterfront viewing areas let you see a long straight and feel the cars rip past at full speed.
The Dalí Museum's Thursday evening hours tend to be the quietest window of the week in March. Weekend mornings fill with tour groups by 11 AM.

Avoid these mistakes

Underestimating the March sun. The UV index of 8-9 burns fair skin in 15-20 minutes, but the sea breeze makes it feel cooler than it is. Visitors from northern climates often skip sunscreen and end up with painful burns on day one.
Driving to Fort De Soto on a Saturday morning without arriving by 8:30 AM. The park entrance road backs up once the beach parking lots fill, and there's no overflow lot. Weekdays or early-morning weekend arrivals avoid the gridlock.
Booking a beachfront hotel for Grand Prix weekend without realizing the race is downtown, 20-30 minutes away by car. Staying downtown or in the Edge District puts you within walking distance of the circuit and the post-race atmosphere.
Assuming the Gulf is as warm as a Caribbean beach. At 22°C (72°F) in March, the water is comfortable for wading and short swims, but extended snorkeling without a rash guard can leave you chilled after 30-40 minutes.
Skipping the museums because it's a beach destination. The Dalí Museum alone holds one of the most significant collections of Surrealist art in the Western Hemisphere, and the James Museum opened with a collection worth a dedicated visit.

Practical tips for March

Book accommodations at least 4-6 weeks ahead for March, especially for Grand Prix weekend and mid-March spring break dates. Beachfront properties on St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island fill first, but the Grand Central District and Gulfport offer lower rates and are a 15-20 minute drive from the sand. Rental cars also spike in March, so reserve early or consider the SunRunner trolley between downtown and the beaches. Restaurants along Beach Drive and the Pier district benefit from reservations on Friday and Saturday evenings. For Fort De Soto, aim for weekday visits or arrive before 9 AM on weekends. If you're attending the Grand Prix, downtown street closures begin several days before the race, so check the route map and plan parking or transit accordingly.

FAQ

Is March a good time to swim in the Gulf of Mexico at St. Pete Beach?

The Gulf water temperature reaches about 22°C (72°F) in March, which is warm enough for swimming and wading without much discomfort. It's not tropical-warm, mind you. Extended time in the water, especially snorkeling, can feel cool after 30-40 minutes. Most beachgoers swim comfortably for shorter sessions. The water doesn't reach its peak of 30°C (86°F) until July and August.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for March in St. Petersburg?

At least 4-6 weeks ahead, and earlier for Grand Prix weekend or the mid-March spring break window. March is peak season in St. Pete, and beachfront hotels on St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island tend to sell out first. You'll find more availability in neighborhoods like the Grand Central District, Gulfport, or Kenneth City, all within a 15-20 minute drive of the beaches.

What is the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and does it affect getting around downtown?

The Grand Prix is an IndyCar race held on a temporary 1.8-mile street circuit through downtown St. Petersburg, typically on the first or second weekend of March. It closes several major streets around the waterfront for 3-4 days, including parts of 1st Street South and Bayshore Drive. If you're staying downtown that weekend, expect detours and heavier traffic. The upside is the energy, as the race brings a lively atmosphere to the waterfront area.

Is it worth visiting St. Pete's museums in March, or should I focus on the beaches?

Both are worth your time, and March weather makes it easy to combine them. The Dalí Museum holds over 2,400 works and is one of the most significant Surrealist collections outside Spain. The James Museum, focused on Western and wildlife art, opened in 2018 and tends to be less crowded. On a typical March day you could spend a morning at the Dalí, walk to the Pier for lunch, and still make it to St. Pete Beach by mid-afternoon.

Are there any free things to do in St. Petersburg in March?

The Saturday Morning Market near Al Lang Stadium is free to enter and runs every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM through May. The St. Pete Pier and its rooftop park are free. The Second Saturday Art Walk through the Warehouse Arts District is free and opens studios to the public from 5 PM to 9 PM. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Fort De Soto Park charge modest parking fees but the trails and beaches themselves are open to the public.

What should I wear in St. Petersburg in March?

Light, breathable clothing for daytime. Temperatures sit between 17-25°C (63-77°F), so shorts and a t-shirt work for most of the day. Bring a light sweater or long-sleeve layer for evenings, especially for outdoor dining after sunset when the breeze off the bay picks up. Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable given the UV index of 8-9. A compact rain jacket handles the brief afternoon showers.