Newark in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Newark
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Cherry blossoms bloom in Branch Brook Park (mid to late March) - the largest collection in North America with over 5,000 trees covering 360 acres (146 hectares)
- Mild spring weather perfect for walking tours of downtown Newark and the Ironbound district without summer heat or winter ice
- St. Patrick's Day celebrations transform the city with multiple parades and the Irish pubs in the Ironbound stay open later than usual
- Baseball season begins at nearby Yankee Stadium (30 minutes by train) and hotel rates haven't hit summer peak pricing yet
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - can be 21°C (70°F) one day and 4°C (39°F) the next, making packing challenging
- Rainy days occur frequently (10 out of 31 days) and can disrupt outdoor festival plans or cherry blossom viewing
- Some outdoor attractions like the Riverfront Park may still have limited hours or closed facilities from winter schedules
Best Activities in March
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Tours
March is the only month to experience North America's largest cherry blossom collection in full bloom. The 4 km (2.5 mile) walking loop takes 2-3 hours and features varieties that bloom at different times throughout the month. Cool March temperatures (10-15°C/50-59°F) are perfect for extended walking without summer heat. Photography is exceptional with fewer leaves on other trees creating clean backdrops.
Newark Ironbound Food Tours
March weather is ideal for walking the Ironbound district's 1.5 km (0.9 mile) stretch of Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. Cool temperatures make indoor/outdoor eating comfortable, and many establishments debut spring menus featuring fresh seafood. The district is less crowded than summer months but fully operational unlike winter.
New York City Day Trips via Newark Penn Station
March offers perfect conditions for NYC exploration from Newark's convenient transit hub. Cool weather means comfortable subway riding and walking, while avoiding summer tourist peaks. PATH train runs every 10 minutes (15-minute ride, $2.75) and NJ Transit offers frequent service to Manhattan (20 minutes, $5.75).
Newark Museum Art and Planetarium Experience
Perfect indoor alternative for March's unpredictable weather days. The museum's American art collection and Dreyfuss Planetarium offer 3-4 hours of entertainment. March features special exhibitions that rotate monthly, and the planetarium's spring sky shows highlight constellations visible in Newark's night sky.
Prudential Center Sports and Entertainment
March is peak season for New Jersey Devils hockey playoffs and major concerts before summer outdoor venue season begins. The arena's indoor climate control makes it perfect regardless of March weather variability. Devils games create authentic local atmosphere with passionate fans.
Liberty State Park and Statue of Liberty Views
Just 15 minutes south of Newark, March offers clear spring air for spectacular Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty photography. Cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) waterfront walkway comfortable for extended periods. Ferry service to statue resumes full schedule after winter reductions.
March Events & Festivals
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Annual celebration of the park's 5,000+ cherry trees with food vendors, live music, and guided tours. Features both Japanese cultural demonstrations and local Newark community performances. Peak bloom timing varies yearly but festival runs regardless of bloom status.
Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade
One of New Jersey's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations featuring local Irish organizations, bagpipe bands, and community groups. Route runs through downtown Newark and ends in the Ironbound district where Irish pubs host extended celebrations.