Things to Do in Little Rock in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Little Rock

17°C (63°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor activity weather - daytime temperatures around 12-17°C (54-63°F) are ideal for hiking Pinnacle Mountain, biking the Arkansas River Trail's 27 km (17 miles), and exploring outdoor sites without summer's 35°C (95°F) heat or winter ice
Early spring bloom season - dogwoods and redbuds start flowering mid-to-late March at the Arkansas Arboretum and throughout the city, creating photo opportunities before peak tourist months
Low season pricing - hotel rates average 30-40% lower than summer peak, with downtown accommodations ranging $85-$140 versus $150-$220 in June-July, and flight prices from major hubs drop significantly
Comfortable museum and indoor attraction weather - the variable conditions make March perfect for Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Clinton Presidential Center, and Museum of Discovery without the summer crowds or winter holiday rush

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) within 24 hours as cold fronts move through, requiring layered packing and flexible daily planning
Rain disrupts outdoor plans - those 10 rainy days often bring all-day drizzle rather than quick showers, potentially affecting river trail activities and outdoor dining at River Market
Some attractions operate reduced hours - several seasonal venues like Wildwood Park for the Arts and certain River Market outdoor vendors don't fully open until April, limiting options compared to summer visits

Best Activities in March

Arkansas River Trail System Cycling and Walking

March offers prime conditions for the 27 km (17 mile) paved loop connecting both sides of the Arkansas River. With temperatures peaking at comfortable 17°C (63°F), you avoid the brutal 35°C (95°F) summer heat and humidity that makes midday cycling miserable. The trail passes Junction Bridge, Big Dam Bridge (the longest pedestrian bridge built specifically for that purpose in North America at 1,200 m or 4,226 ft), and connects to Murray Park. Early March sees fewer cyclists than April-May, giving you clearer paths. Mornings around 9-11am offer the best weather window before afternoon cloud cover rolls in.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from downtown shops near the River Market district, typically $25-$45 per day for standard bikes, $45-$65 for electric-assist. Book bike rentals same-day in March as availability is high. Allow 3-4 hours for the full loop at a leisurely pace, or 90 minutes for a one-way trek to Big Dam Bridge. Bring layers as morning temperatures start at 6°C (43°F) but warm significantly by noon.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Tours

March weather makes this the ideal month for this powerful civil rights experience without summer's oppressive heat during the outdoor portions. The site commemorates the 1957 desegregation crisis when nine Black students integrated Central High School. Ranger-led tours run year-round, but March sees minimal crowds compared to school group season starting in April. The visitor center across the street provides crucial context. Tours last 60-90 minutes and include outdoor walking around the school grounds where temperatures in the 12-15°C (54-59°F) range are perfect for reflection without discomfort.

Booking Tip: Free admission but arrive early as tours are first-come, first-served and limited to 25 people. Weekday mornings 10am-11am have shortest waits in March. The site is closed Sundays. Plan 2-3 hours total including the visitor center exhibits. No advance booking needed for general visits, but groups of 10+ should call ahead. This is an active high school so tours view from outside only during school hours.

Clinton Presidential Center and Museum Exploration

March's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions especially valuable, and this LEED-certified building overlooking the Arkansas River houses the largest presidential archive. The museum covers the Clinton presidency through interactive exhibits, a full-scale Oval Office replica, and the actual Cabinet Room table. March visitors avoid summer tour bus crowds and have more space to engage with exhibits. The building's architecture is striking, and the riverside location offers pleasant short walks when weather permits. Allocate 2.5-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Booking Tip: Admission runs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for ages 6-17. Purchase tickets online to skip the box office line, though March crowds are minimal. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience. The museum cafe offers lunch options if you want to break up your visit. Parking is $5 in the adjacent lot or free street parking within 400 m (0.25 miles) if you arrive before 10am.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park Hiking

Just 19 km (12 miles) west of downtown, this 305 m (1,011 ft) peak offers the region's best hiking with two distinct summit trails. March provides ideal hiking temperatures in the 10-15°C (50-59°F) range without summer's dangerous heat or winter ice on rocky sections. The West Summit Trail is a challenging 1.8 km (1.1 mile) scramble gaining 305 m (1,000 ft), while the East Summit Trail offers a gentler 2.2 km (1.4 mile) approach. Early spring means clearer views before summer haze, and you'll spot early wildflowers. Trails can be muddy after those 10 rainy days, so check conditions before heading out.

Booking Tip: Free park admission and parking. The visitor center opens at 8am daily with trail maps and current conditions. Start hikes by 9-10am to finish before afternoon weather changes. West Summit Trail takes 2-3 hours round trip for average hikers, East Summit 2.5-3.5 hours. Wear proper hiking boots as the West Trail includes rock scrambling sections. Cell service is spotty on trails. Bring more water than you think you need even in cool weather - the humidity at 70% makes you sweat more than expected.

River Market District Food and Shopping Scene

This revitalized downtown district along the Arkansas River becomes especially appealing in March when indoor market halls provide shelter from variable weather while outdoor plaza areas are pleasant during dry spells. The Ottenheimer Market Hall houses local food vendors, while the surrounding blocks contain restaurants, breweries, and shops. March means you experience the area like locals do, without summer tourist crowds or festival disruptions. The Saturday morning farmers market begins its season in late March, weather permitting, offering local produce and crafts. Evening temperatures in the 8-12°C (46-54°F) range are perfect for brewery hopping.

Booking Tip: Market Hall vendors operate Tuesday-Saturday 7am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, closed Mondays. Most restaurants and shops keep individual hours. Budget $12-$25 per person for casual meals, $8-$15 for brewery pints. The Saturday farmers market runs 7am-3pm starting late March, free to browse. Street parking is free on Sundays and after 5pm weekdays, otherwise use public lots at $5-$8 per day. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the district thoroughly, or make it a full evening with dinner and drinks.

Historic Arkansas Museum and Territorial Restoration

This downtown complex preserves the oldest surviving structures in Little Rock, including buildings from the 1820s-1840s territorial period. March's cooler weather makes exploring the outdoor historic block more comfortable than summer humidity. The museum houses exceptional decorative arts collections and rotating exhibits on Arkansas history. Costumed interpreters demonstrate 19th-century crafts on weekends. The compact site takes 90 minutes to 2 hours to see thoroughly, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon when weather looks questionable for longer outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1 for children, making this Little Rock's best cultural value. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, closed Sundays. Weekday mornings see almost no crowds in March. Free street parking is usually available within 200 m (650 ft). Combine this with a River Market lunch as they're only 800 m (0.5 miles) apart. The museum store sells quality Arkansas-made crafts if you need unique souvenirs.

March Events & Festivals

Early March (first weekend)

Little Rock Marathon Weekend

Typically held the first Sunday in March, this major running event brings thousands of participants for the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Even if you're not running, the energy downtown is palpable, and the course showcases the city's scenic areas including the River Trail. Spectating is free and offers insight into local community spirit. Hotels near the race route book up months in advance and charge premium rates this specific weekend.

Mid March

Arkansas Flower and Garden Show

Usually held mid-March at the Statehouse Convention Center, this four-day event features elaborate garden displays, landscaping demonstrations, and vendors selling plants, garden art, and outdoor living products. It marks the unofficial start of gardening season in Arkansas and attracts serious gardeners and casual plant enthusiasts. Admission typically runs $12-$15 per day. The show provides welcome relief during rainy March days and offers ideas for what thrives in Arkansas's climate.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - bring lightweight base layers, a medium fleece or sweater, and a waterproof outer shell as temperatures swing from 6°C (43°F) mornings to 17°C (63°F) afternoons, often within the same day

Waterproof jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, as those 10 rainy days often bring sustained drizzle lasting several hours, not quick showers you can wait out

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - March trails and sidewalks stay damp, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily exploring downtown and trails without realizing it

SPF 50+ sunscreen - despite variable conditions, UV index hits 8 on clear days and spring sun reflects off the Arkansas River, causing unexpected burns even at 15°C (59°F)

Reusable water bottle - humidity at 70% means you'll dehydrate faster than the temperature suggests, especially on Pinnacle Mountain hikes where no water is available on trails

Light long pants and long-sleeve shirts - better than shorts for variable weather, protection from UV, and appropriate for visiting Central High School National Historic Site and museums

Small daypack - for carrying layers you'll shed and add throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate, plus water and snacks for trail activities

Portable phone charger - you'll use your phone heavily for navigation, photos at scenic spots like Big Dam Bridge, and checking changing weather forecasts throughout the day

Casual nice outfit - Little Rock has an unpretentious vibe but several excellent restaurants downtown where you'll want something beyond hiking clothes, especially for evening dining

Allergy medication - early spring tree pollen starts in late March as oaks and elms bud, affecting even travelers who don't normally have allergies

Insider Knowledge

Download the Rock Region Metro app before arrival - the free downtown trolley (Rock Region METRO Streetcar) runs a 5.6 km (3.5 mile) loop connecting River Market, East Village, and South Main districts every 15 minutes, saving you parking fees and hassle navigating one-way streets

Locals hit the River Trail between 7-9am on weekends before weather changes - if you want to experience it like residents do, set your alarm early and grab breakfast afterward at one of the River Market cafes that open at 8am

Book accommodations in North Little Rock rather than downtown Little Rock proper - you'll save 20-30% on identical hotel quality, and you're still only 2 km (1.2 miles) from River Market via Junction Bridge pedestrian crossing with better Arkansas River views

The Museum of Discovery offers half-price admission after 3pm on Fridays - perfect for rainy late afternoons when outdoor plans fall through, and you'll have the hands-on science exhibits mostly to yourself as families clear out before dinner

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather shown in average temperatures - those averages hide dramatic day-to-day swings where Monday hits 20°C (68°F) and Wednesday drops to 8°C (46°F), leaving underprepared visitors miserable

Assuming all River Market vendors operate daily - many outdoor stalls and some food vendors close Mondays or operate shortened hours in March before full spring season starts in April, disappointing visitors who plan Monday visits

Underestimating driving distances to attractions - while downtown is walkable, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the Little Rock Zoo, and other major sites require a car, and visitors without rental vehicles find themselves stuck downtown or paying premium rideshare fees of $25-$35 each way