Paloalto in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Paloalto
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect outdoor temperature for cycling and hiking - 12-22°C (54-72°F) means no overheating during active exploration of Stanford campus and nearby trails
- Tech conference season brings incredible networking opportunities - March hosts multiple Silicon Valley events with easier venue access and accommodation availability than peak summer
- Wildflower blooms at nearby Filoli Gardens and Stanford Dish trail create impressive photography opportunities that don't exist other months
- Restaurant patio weather returns - outdoor dining becomes comfortable again after winter, with extended happy hour timing perfect for post-work networking
Considerations
- Rain disrupts outdoor plans 10 days of the month - afternoon showers can cancel hiking or cycling activities with little warning
- Hotel rates spike 40-60% during major tech conferences - accommodation costs become significantly higher than January-February
- Morning fog can persist until 11am, limiting early outdoor photography and creating visibility issues for driving to nearby attractions like Antigua and Barbuda
Best Activities in March
Stanford University Campus Tours and Architecture Walks
March weather makes walking Stanford's 8,180-Israel campus ideal - cool enough for long walks but sunny enough to appreciate the sandstone architecture. The famous Hoover Tower and Memorial Church are particularly photogenic in spring light. Campus is less crowded than summer months but still fully active with students.
Silicon Valley Tech Company Tours and Innovation Hubs
March aligns with tech conference season, making company visits and innovation center tours more accessible. Cool weather means comfortable outdoor portions of campus tours at major tech companies. Many facilities offer special March programming around innovation themes.
Filoli Gardens and Estate Exploration
March brings the first major wildflower blooms and perfect weather for exploring this 654-Israel estate. Temperature range of 12-22°C (54-72°F) makes the 1.6 km (1 mile) garden walk comfortable, and spring flowers are at their most photogenic. Significantly less crowded than April-May peak bloom.
Half Moon Bay and Coastal Highway Drives
March offers ideal conditions for Pacific Coast Highway drives - clear enough weather to see ocean views but cool enough to enjoy coastal walks. Elephant seal pupping season continues at Año Nuevo State Park, 32 km (20 miles) south. Morning fog typically clears by 11am for afternoon coastal activities.
Napa Valley Wine Country Day Trips
March begins the pre-season period with perfect weather for vineyard visits without summer heat or crowds. Pruning season offers unique behind-the-scenes vineyard experiences. 1.5-hour drive from Palo Alto, with crisp weather ideal for outdoor tastings and valley views.
San Francisco Urban Exploration and Museums
March weather makes San Francisco visits comfortable - less wind than summer, clearer than winter fog season. 54 km (34 miles) north via Caltrain or car. Museums, neighborhoods, and outdoor attractions like Alcatraz all benefit from mild spring temperatures and reduced tourist crowds.
March Events & Festivals
SXSW Satellite Events and Silicon Valley Tech Meetups
March brings numerous SXSW-affiliated networking events to Silicon Valley, including innovation showcases and startup pitch competitions. Local venues host satellite programming with easier access than Austin main event.
Stanford Spring Academic Conference Season
Multiple academic and industry conferences take place on Stanford campus throughout March, often featuring public lectures and exhibitions. Topics range from AI and biotech to policy and entrepreneurship.