Virginia Beach - Things to Do in Virginia Beach in March

Things to Do in Virginia Beach in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

March Weather in Virginia Beach

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

140°F (60°C) High Temp
106°F (41°C) Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity
⚠ Rapid temperature changes between day and night are common. Be prepared with layers to avoid discomfort.

Is March Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages
  • + March hands you the Atlantic coast almost privately. The 5 km (3.1 mile) boardwalk is yours alone, just surf thud and briny breeze. No summer swarm yet. Walk it slowly.
  • + Winter's gone. Afternoons hit a mild note, good for barefoot strides on firm, cool sand. The air feels kind.
  • + Shoulder season pricing rules. Mid-range hotel rates stick around and restaurants that jam up in July take bookings without drama. Check the booking section below for current tour availability.
  • + Wildlife struts. Dolphins cruise just beyond the breakers and migratory birds stage a show over Back Bay marshes, their calls bouncing across flat water. Bring binoculars.
Considerations
  • Virginia Beach ocean temperature in March is bone-chilling. Swimming is off the menu unless you own a thick wetsuit and a brave heart.
  • Wind off the water bites, at dawn. A sunny plaza can turn chilly fast. Keep a jacket handy.
  • Some doors stay shut. Seasonal shops and boardwalk stands are still dark, so parts of the Oceanfront feel like a quiet waiting room.

Best Activities in March

Top things to do during your visit

Virginia Beach in March is quiet, cool, and almost empty. The Atlantic air bites, nothing like the thick heat of July. Locals own the boardwalk again, hoods up, striding past closed umbrella stands. Waves crash loud without the radio thump of summer. One day you will need a fleece, the next a T-shirt. Pack both. No festivals clog the calendar, so the city returns to salt, wind, and gulls. This is the month to see the place stripped bare.

Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

adventure
4.8 463 reviews from $68

Slide onto the Chesapeake Bay at dusk. The sky flames tangerine and lavender. Bottlenose dolphins roll in the gold light, fins cutting glassy water. Dip, dip goes the paddle; a soft blow answers nearby.

Two hours moderate cost late afternoon
Wild dolphins against a Virginia Beach sunset is the whole reason to book.
Insider tip: Wear synthetic layers under the loaned splash jacket. March water is cold.
Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours

Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours

walking_tour
4.5 96 reviews from $26

Walk the narrow lanes behind the boardwalk after dark. Guides trade documented ghost tales, not campfire fluff.

Ninety minutes budget friendly after dark
A sudden chill, echoing footsteps, the smell of old brick.
Insider tip: Pick the latest slot. Empty streets stretch shadows.
Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

adventure
4.8 351 reviews from $68

Paddle the inlets at low tide, quiet and slow. Dolphins, pelicans, ospreys ignore you if you glide. Brackish mud scent rises.

Two to three hours Moderate cost, dress for cold mid-morning winds are lighter
A serene, close-up encounter with coastal wildlife.
Insider tip: Waterproof the backs of your hands. Spring sun reflects off the water and burns fast.
Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Virginia Beach

Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Virginia Beach

other
4.6 10 reviews from $140

Hire a pro to shoot you on a windswept March beach or among the pines of First Landing State Park.

One hour expensive Sunrise
Cloudy light flatters faces. Cool sand anchors bare feet.
Insider tip: Sunrise equals no crowds and painterly sky.

Packing Checklist

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Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge
Locals know the best shelling happens in March after a storm. Check tide charts and hit Sandbridge Beach or the North End at low tide the morning after a windy night. You'll find whelks, angel wings, and occasionally a Scotch bonnet. Skip the Oceanfront chains. Ask a local for directions to a waterside shack in Lynnhaven or Rudee Inlet for she-crab soup. It's creamy, peppery, and packed with lump crab. Order oysters that still taste of the cold winter waters. Sunrise over the Atlantic is spectacular and largely crowd-free in March. The pink and orange light reflects off the wet sand. The rhythmic sound of the waves delivers a completely different Virginia Beach experience than the noisy summer noon. If the wind is howling on the ocean side, drive 8 km (5 miles) inland to the ViBe Creative District. It's sheltered. The murals look lively against a clear blue sky. Local coffee shops have a warm, steamy atmosphere good for waiting out a breezy hour.
Avoid These Mistakes
Pack layers. That 40-degree swing between high and low is no joke. You'll be miserably cold when the sun dips or the wind picks up. Don't expect a lively boardwalk scene. Many seasonal bars, arcades, and rental stands are still closed. The energy is tranquil, not thrilling. Don't assume you can swim in the ocean. The water temperature is dangerously cold. Lifeguard stands are empty. Enjoy the view from the dry, firm sand instead.
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