Early spring · Weather & things to do
Portland, Maine in March
Portland, Maine warms up: highs climb to 38°F (4°C), from 35°F in February, with lows of 31°F (-1°C) and about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (110 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What March feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 38°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 31°F (-1°C), so expect frost and ice.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.3 in (110 mm).
Plan around March
March is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 38°F.
- Comfort holds steady from February (42 → 41/100).
- Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Portland, Maine in March
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Oyster bar known for its brown-butter lobster roll on a steamed bun.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
The Holy Donut
Maine potato donuts in flavors like dark chocolate sea salt.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Portland Museum of Art
Strong Winslow Homer and Maine art collection in the Arts District.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Allagash Brewing Company
Belgian-style brewery with a tasting room and free tours.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Eastern Promenade
Hilltop park and trail with views over Casco Bay and its islands.
Nearby in March
- Portsmouth in March~48 mi · highs 40°F, 4.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Maine in March~51 mi · highs 38°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- White Mountains in March~67 mi · highs 16°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 13°C (23°F) cooler by day, drier
- New Hampshire in March~73 mi · highs 42°F, 3.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Portland, Maine in March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Portland, Maine?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain. Our Boston to Portland route recommends May – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Portland, Maine in March?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 31°F (-1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Portland, Maine in March?
Some: about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.7 in (1363 mm).
What should I pack for Portland, Maine in March?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Portland, Maine
Planning Portland, Maine in March?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.