Things to Do in Montpelier in March

March Weather in Montpelier

15°C (59°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

63 mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Maple sugaring season peaks in March - experience Vermont's iconic sugar houses with fresh snow still on the ground, offering authentic sugarmaking demonstrations and tastings that define Vermont culture
State House tours run on extended spring schedule without summer crowds - explore the gold-domed capitol with knowledgeable guides and attend legislative sessions (typically in session until mid-March)
Late-season skiing at nearby resorts offers discounted lift tickets (typically 30-40% off peak rates) with decent base depths from winter accumulation
Local restaurants feature peak maple menu items and hearty winter fare before transitioning to spring menus - perfect timing for authentic Vermont comfort food

Considerations

Mud season begins mid-to-late March making many hiking trails impassable and dirt roads nearly undrivable - locals call this 'fifth season' the least attractive time of year
Weather is highly unpredictable with temperatures swinging 22°C (40°F) in a single day - you might see snow, rain, and sunshine all before noon
Many seasonal attractions and outdoor activities remain closed until April - farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and lake activities are not yet operating

Best Activities in March

Maple Sugar House Tours

March is peak maple sugaring season when 40:1 sap-to-syrup ratio creates liquid gold. Visit working sugar houses with wood-fired evaporators creating sweet steam clouds. Best visited on sunny days after cold nights (ideal sap flow conditions). Many offer pancake breakfasts on weekends.

Booking Tip: Most sugar houses welcome walk-ins but call ahead for large groups. Peak weekends (especially when weather cooperates) can be busy. Expect $8-15 for tours with tastings, $12-20 for pancake meals. Visit mid-week for most authentic working atmosphere.

State House and Political Tours

Vermont's legislature typically runs through March, offering rare chance to see small-state democracy in action. The gold dome tours provide heated indoor activity during unpredictable weather. March timing allows viewing actual legislative sessions before tourist season begins.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours run Monday-Friday 10am-3:30pm, Saturday 11am-2:30pm. Legislative sessions viewable from gallery when in session (typically mornings). No advance booking required for standard tours, groups of 10+ should call ahead.

Regional Ski Resort Day Trips

Late-season skiing offers excellent value with March conditions still supporting 100-150 cm (39-59 inch) base depths at nearby resorts. Spring skiing means softer snow by afternoon and discounted lift tickets. Perfect activity for snowy March days.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets typically $60-80 (vs $120+ peak season). Book online night before for best rates. Rental packages $35-50/day. Drive time 45-90 minutes depending on resort. Check snow reports - March can vary dramatically week to week.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

Self-guided exploration of America's smallest state capital works well in March's variable weather - duck into historic buildings, cafes, and shops when conditions turn. The compact 2.4 km (1.5 mile) downtown core covers significant Vermont history without extensive outdoor exposure.

Booking Tip: Pick up free walking tour maps at visitor center. Most historic sites open year-round. Budget 2-3 hours with indoor stops. Wear waterproof boots - sidewalks can be icy/slushy. Many shops offer hot beverages for warming breaks.

Artisan Food and Brewery Sampling

March features peak maple-infused seasonal menu items at local restaurants and breweries. Indoor tastings provide perfect weather backup plans. Vermont's craft beverage scene peaks in selection before spring ingredient transitions.

Booking Tip: Most breweries offer tours and tastings $10-20 per person. Make reservations for weekend brewery tours. Restaurant reservations recommended Friday-Sunday evenings. Designated driver essential - venues typically 8-16 km (5-10 miles) apart.

Museum and Cultural Center Visits

Indoor cultural attractions operate full schedules without summer crowds. The Vermont History Museum and local galleries provide educational activities during March's unpredictable outdoor conditions. Perfect for rainy or muddy days.

Booking Tip: Most museums $8-15 admission, many offer local resident discounts. Open Tuesday-Saturday typically. Allow 1-2 hours per venue. Some offer guided tours with advance notice. Parking can be limited downtown during legislative session weekdays.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Vermont Maple Festival

Statewide celebration of maple sugaring season with sugar house open houses, tastings, and traditional Vermont demonstrations. While main festival locations vary, Montpelier area participates with local sugar house events and maple-themed restaurant specials.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - sidewalks and paths frequently alternate between ice, slush, and mud within 100 m (328 ft)

Layered clothing system including base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell - daily temperature swings of 17-22°C (30-40°F) are normal

Compact umbrella and rain jacket - March averages 10 rainy days with sudden weather changes

Warm hat and light gloves - morning temperatures regularly drop below freezing even on sunny days

Sunglasses - snow glare combined with UV index of 3 can cause eye strain during sunny periods

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity with cold temperatures creates chapped skin conditions

Casual but neat clothing for potential State House visits - business casual recommended for legislative session viewing

Camera with weather protection - maple steam, snow, and rain can damage electronics

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated important in dry indoor heating and variable outdoor conditions

Cash for small maple sugar houses and farmers - many don't accept cards for small purchases under $20

Insider Knowledge

Best sap runs happen after nights below -4°C (25°F) followed by days above 4°C (40°F) - call sugar houses morning of visit to confirm active boiling

Legislative session viewing gallery operates first-come-first-served - arrive by 9:30am Tuesdays-Thursdays for best chance at seats during active debates

Downtown parking enforcement relaxed during mud season since many residents avoid unnecessary trips - street parking easier to find than summer months

Local restaurants offer pre-season menu testing in March - chefs experiment with spring ingredients while maintaining winter comfort food, creating unique seasonal combinations not found other times of year

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting hiking trails after mid-March - mud season makes most trails impassable and causes environmental damage, locals strongly discourage trail use until May

Underdressing for morning activities - 7am temperatures often 15-20°C (27-36°F) colder than afternoon highs, catching visitors off-guard

Planning tight schedules around weather-dependent activities - March weather can change hourly, requiring flexible itineraries and indoor backup plans