Things to Do in Chico in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
March Weather in Chico
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
55°F (13°C)
High Temp
39°F (4°C)
Low Temp
2.0 inches (51 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Trails on North Table Mountain and Upper Bidwell Park slicken and muddy after rain. Vernal pools leave standing water on the mesa. Wear traction and watch every step.
⚠ Storm systems swell area creeks fast. Never try to cross flowing water on canyon trails after heavy rain.
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + March owns the calendar for North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 15 miles (24 km) southeast near Oroville. Goldfields, purple lupine, and California poppies ignite the basalt mesa. Phantom Falls, a 164-foot (50 m) drop, still roars thanks to winter rain. By May it's a trickle. You're here in the narrow window. Weather rules everything.
- + Almond orchards outside Chico and Durham bloom from late February into mid-March. White and pale-pink petals line the flatlands west of town. Bees hum low over the rows. It's free. Most travelers miss the timing. You won't.
- + Bidwell Park spreads across 3,670 acres (1,485 hectares), one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. March keeps it green and cool. Upper Park trails like Yahi and the climb toward Monkey Face feel easy under 55°F (13°C) afternoons. June will bake them brown. Go now.
- + Crowds stay thin and rates drop. Chico State is in session. Yet tourist traffic barely registers. Weekend tables downtown and rooms at the chain hotels along the Esplanade and Highway 99 sit open. March dodges graduation and big football weekends entirely.
Considerations
- − Weather shifts fast. Expect 10 rainy days and 2.0 inches (51 mm) across the month. One day can start at 39°F (4°C) under drizzle and finish at 55°F (13°C) under sun. Layer constantly. Pack rain gear.
- − Rain feeds the waterfalls and ruins the trails. North Table Mountain's volcanic soil turns to ankle-deep mud. Vernal pools force detours. Upper Bidwell Park tracks become slick trenches. Expect wet boots.
- − Downtown Chico roars on St. Patrick's Day weekend in mid-March. West 2nd and Ivy bar blocks fill with students. Loud. Crowded. Fun if you crave energy. Skip if you want quiet.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
Chico in March is a landscape of change. Mornings carry a damp chill. Afternoon light breaks through to a cool fifty-five degrees. You will see the green of Bidwell Park deepen under frequent spring showers. The month has two distinct pulses. First, the focused energy of the Bidwell Classic Marathon and Half Marathon in early March. You can hear the collective breath of runners on shaded roads. Later, the raucous release of the St. Patrick's Day festivities downtown takes over. The scent of beer and sound of live music spill from crowded patios. Locals layer their clothing. They are ready for a day that might shift from a misty walk to a sunny patio lunch. This is a variable transition before summer's dry heat settles in. For visitors, plan for layers and spontaneity. A morning might feel crisp enough to see your breath. It is good for watching the marathon crowd bundled in sweatshirts. An afternoon invites a wander where the smell of damp earth rises from the trails. These events define the social calendar. They create pockets of intense activity amidst the steady, college-town pace. Navigating Chico this month means moving between atmospheres. You will find the serene, rain-washed quiet of the park one moment. The next, you will see the electric, green-clad bustle of a downtown block.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico with optional Cerro Catedral
othermoves you from California's oak woodlands to Argentina's Lake District. You will see the deep blue expanse of Nahuel Huapi Lake framed by snow-dusted peaks. Feel the cool, clean mountain air on your face. This guided experience weaves along a scenic route past Swiss-style architecture and dense forests. An option lets you ascend further for commanding panoramas.
It has a concentrated dose of Patagonian grandeur. The tour combines well-known lake views with an optional high-mountain summit.
Insider tip: Book the tour for a weekday morning. This avoids the weekend crowds that flock to the circuit viewpoints.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico, well-known postcards of Bariloche in a single tour
guided_experienceis a curated journey. It captures the region's most famous landscapes. You will hear the guide point out the rounded mountains' geological history. Smell the faint, sweet scent of wildflowers near the lake's edge. The route is planned to deliver you to the exact vantage points that define the area's postcard image.
This tour efficiently collects the signature views that make Bariloche legendary. You will see them all from a guided vehicle.
Insider tip: Have your camera ready at the Llao Llao Peninsula stop. The sight of the historic hotel against the lake and mountains is outstanding.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico and Campanario Hill
otherthe journey ends with a chairlift ride. It goes to one of the continent's great lookouts. You will feel the gentle sway of the lift carrying you above the lenga forest. Then you step out to a panoramic view. You can see an islands, peninsulas, and distant volcanoes. The crisp wind at the summit carries the taste of high-altitude purity.
The inclusion of Campanario Hill provides a guaranteed, impressive aerial perspective. Roadside stops cannot match it.
Insider tip: Dress in warm, wind-resistant layers for the summit. The temperature can drop sharply and the breeze is constant.
Where to Stay in Chico in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
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March Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early March
Bidwell Classic Marathon and Half Marathon
The Bidwell Park loop road race has been running for decades, threading through Chico's shaded streets and drawing Northern California runners every March. Even spectators win: cool morning air, lively park buzz. Arrive early, grab coffee, watch the crowd increase at the start line.
Mid March
St. Patrick's Day in Downtown Chico
Mid-March flips downtown near West 2nd Street into a roaring college-town party. Green gear, packed patios, thumping music. Dive in for the energy or detour for quiet. But plan your night around it.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Chico Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Hit Table Mountain during the first two weeks of March and aim for a weekday morning. Falls run hardest right after rain. Parking lot fills by late morning on sunny weekends during peak bloom.
When trails turn muddy, locals duck into the Gateway Science Museum on the Chico State side of Bidwell Park. Most visitors miss this rainy-day gem.
Skip chain coffee and stroll the Esplanade and campus instead. Bare-then-budding trees in early spring are the prettiest free show in town.
For almond blossoms, steer onto smaller roads toward Durham south of Chico. Orchards hug the shoulder and the bee hum vibrates through the car.
Avoid These Mistakes
Do not assume Chico in March is warm. Visitors pack for California sunshine and shiver at 39°F (4°C) mornings. Damp gray afternoons are normal.
Do not forget the required parking pass for North Table Mountain. Arriving empty-handed means a wasted trip. Buy the CDFW Lands Pass ahead of time.
Do not hike Upper Bidwell Park or Table Mountain trails the day after heavy rain in sneakers. Mud is real, rocks are slick, ankles roll every spring.
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