Calgary in March
In March, Calgary averages 5°C (40°F) during the day and -8°C (18°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (21 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March in Calgary is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How March compares to the rest of the year in Calgary
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Calgary (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (10°C). March runs 7°C warmer than February (-2°C) and warms a further 6°C into April (11°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Calgary
Times shown for Calgary local time (America/Edmonton), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Calgary — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Calgary's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Calgary in March
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (Off-peak) and Calgary's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March in Calgary
This is off-peak for Calgary — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — March in Calgary
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Calgary in March
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Calgary in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -11°C / 12°F | 12 mm | 11 | — |
| February | -2°C / 28°F | -13°C / 8°F | 20 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 5°C / 40°F | -8°C / 18°F | 21 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | -2°C / 28°F | 31 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 4°C / 39°F | 56 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 48°F | 100 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 24°C / 74°F | 11°C / 52°F | 62 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 11°C / 51°F | 62 mm | 15 | — |
| September | 17°C / 63°F | 6°C / 42°F | 41 mm | 13 | — |
| October | 10°C / 51°F | 0°C / 31°F | 30 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 2°C / 36°F | -7°C / 19°F | 23 mm | 12 | — |
| December | -3°C / 27°F | -12°C / 10°F | 19 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Calgary in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Calgary in March?
In March, Calgary averages a high of 5°C (40°F) and a low of -8°C (18°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Calgary in March?
March can be fairly wet in Calgary, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Calgary?
March is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Calgary in March?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Calgary for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.