Things to Do in Boise in March

March Weather in Boise

18°C (64°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inch) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - temperatures reach comfortable 18°C (64°F) by afternoon while morning starts are cool enough at 2°C (36°F) to prevent overheating on Foothills trails
Spring skiing at Bogus Basin continues through March with 152 cm (60 inches) average base and lift tickets $20-30 cheaper than peak winter rates
Boise River begins spring runoff creating ideal conditions for scenic float trips without summer's crowded launch points or extreme heat
Local restaurants feature spring menus with fresh morel mushrooms and asparagus from nearby farms, plus outdoor patios reopen for lunch service

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather - you might experience snow, rain, and sunshine in the same day requiring layered clothing and flexible outdoor plans
Mud season hits hiking trails making popular routes like Table Rock temporarily messy or closed until soil dries
Spring break crowds from universities increase accommodation prices 15-25% during weeks 2-3 of March

Best Activities in March

Foothills Trail System Hiking

March offers perfect hiking temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) by afternoon while 2°C (36°F) morning starts prevent overheating. Camel's Back, Hulls Gulch, and Red Cliffs trails emerge from winter with fewer crowds than summer. Wildflowers begin appearing mid-month. Trail conditions vary - lower elevation paths dry first while higher routes may have mud patches.

Booking Tip: No booking required for most trailheads. Check Boise Parks & Recreation trail conditions before heading out. Park early (7-8am) for best temperatures and parking. Expect 2-4 hour hiking windows before afternoon weather changes. Free trail maps available at visitor centers.

Bogus Basin Skiing

March extends ski season with 152 cm (60 inches) average base depth and spring corn snow conditions. Lift tickets cost $20-30 less than February peak rates. Afternoon skiing becomes comfortable as temperatures warm, but morning conditions offer the best snow quality. Season typically extends through late March depending on snowfall.

Booking Tip: Purchase day-of tickets online for $5-10 discounts. Spring skiing conditions change rapidly - call snow report before driving 26 km (16 miles) up mountain. Weekdays offer half-empty slopes. Season passes become excellent value if staying 4+ days. Check closing date announcements.

Boise River Float Trips

Early spring runoff begins creating ideal float conditions without summer's extreme heat or crowds. Water temperatures remain cold at 4-7°C (39-45°F) but air temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) make riverside experiences pleasant. Flows increase gradually through March making it perfect for beginners before intense runoff season.

Booking Tip: Book guided trips through licensed outfitters 7-10 days ahead. Typical half-day trips cost $45-75 per person including gear. Wetsuit rentals essential due to cold water. Self-guided rentals available but check current flow conditions. Peak booking starts mid-March through summer.

Downtown Cultural District Walking Tours

March weather perfect for exploring downtown's art galleries, historic buildings, and craft breweries as temperatures warm to comfortable 18°C (64°F) afternoons. Many venues reopen outdoor spaces or extend hours for spring. Walking distances manageable at 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles) between major attractions. Fewer summer tourists mean better service and shorter waits.

Booking Tip: Self-guided options available through Boise visitor center apps. Guided cultural tours typically $15-25 per person, book 3-5 days ahead. Many brewery tours include tastings for $20-40. First Thursday art walks resume outdoor components. Weekend tours fill faster during university spring breaks.

Owyhee Mountains Scenic Driving

March snow begins clearing from lower elevation roads while higher passes remain closed, creating perfect conditions for exploring dramatic desert canyons 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Boise. Temperatures ideal for short hikes at overlooks without summer's extreme heat. Road conditions improve after winter but 4WD recommended for backcountry routes.

Booking Tip: No guided tours necessary - rent 4WD vehicles for $60-100/day if needed. Check road conditions with Owyhee County before venturing off main highways. Bring extra water and snacks for remote areas. Day trips require 6-8 hours including drive time. Fuel up in Boise - limited services in mountains.

Local Farm and Winery Tours

March marks pruning season at Snake River Valley wineries with behind-the-scenes vineyard access before tourist season. Many farms begin spring operations offering fresh produce and educational tours. Temperatures perfect for outdoor tastings reaching 18°C (64°F) without summer's heat. Smaller crowds mean personal attention from vintners and farmers.

Booking Tip: Call wineries directly for March availability - some reduce hours between winter and summer seasons. Typical tastings $10-20 per person. Designated driver services available for $40-60 for groups. Farm tours often free but call ahead. Weekend bookings recommended as many operate limited weekday hours in March.

March Events & Festivals

March 17th weekend

Saint Patrick's Day Parade Downtown

Annual parade through downtown Boise featuring local organizations, bagpipe bands, and Irish cultural displays. Post-parade celebrations at downtown pubs and restaurants. Family-friendly daytime event with typical March weather perfect for outdoor spectating.

Mid-March around March 20th

Spring Equinox at MK Nature Center

Educational programs celebrating spring's arrival with wildlife viewing as animals become more active. Interpretive trails showcase early spring changes in riparian habitat along Boise River. Indoor backup programming available during weather changes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails muddy from snowmelt and March's 8 rainy days, plus ankle support for rocky Foothills terrain

Layering system with base layer, fleece, and shell jacket - temperature swings from 2°C (36°F) morning to 18°C (64°F) afternoon require adaptability

Waterproof day pack cover - sudden spring showers common and gear protection essential for outdoor activities

Sun hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and snow reflection at Bogus Basin intensifies exposure

Insulated water bottle - keeps drinks from freezing during cold morning starts while providing warm beverages on trails

Gaiters or shoe covers - essential for muddy trail conditions and wet vegetation during spring snowmelt season

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers brief but intense, need quick protection without overheating during activities

Wool or synthetic socks - cotton dangerous when wet, and spring conditions frequently involve moisture from mud, snow, or rain

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight hours limited and weather changes can extend outdoor activities unexpectedly

First aid kit with blister treatment - spring hiking on wet trails increases foot problems, especially with temperature changes affecting fit

Insider Knowledge

Local ski shops offer end-of-season equipment sales throughout March with 30-50% discounts on gear - perfect timing if you discover you love skiing at Bogus Basin

Boise State University spring break (typically second or third week) dramatically increases downtown accommodation prices and restaurant waits - book around these dates or embrace the college town energy

Trail conditions reports updated every Tuesday and Friday on Boise Parks website - locals check these religiously before weekend plans since March conditions change rapidly

Many restaurants debut seasonal menus featuring local morel mushrooms and spring vegetables in mid-March - ask servers about daily specials highlighting regional spring ingredients

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for one weather condition - March requires preparing for snow, rain, and warm sunshine potentially all in one day

Assuming all hiking trails are open and dry - popular routes like Table Rock may have muddy or temporarily closed sections requiring backup plans

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly requiring early morning start times for outdoor activities