Things to Do in Billings in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Billings
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March brings genuine spring weather to Billings with warming temperatures averaging 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F) during the day - perfect for exploring downtown on foot without the brutal cold of January and February or the scorching heat that arrives by July
- The Yellowstone River starts showing signs of life as ice breaks up, making this an excellent time for early season wildlife watching at nearby refuges where migratory birds are returning - you'll spot Canada geese, tundra swans, and early waterfowl without summer crowds
- Hotel rates in March run 25-40% lower than peak summer season (June through August), and you'll actually get dinner reservations at popular spots like downtown steakhouses without booking weeks ahead - shoulder season pricing with increasingly pleasant weather
- March is mud season for mountain trails but perfect for exploring the Rims trail system around Billings - the sandstone cliffs offer 400+ hiking and biking trails that are accessible while higher elevation spots remain snowed in, giving you the trails largely to yourself
Considerations
- Weather in March is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a 18°C (65°F) sunny day followed by a surprise spring snowstorm dropping 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) overnight, which can disrupt outdoor plans and occasionally close mountain passes if you're planning day trips to Red Lodge or Yellowstone's northern entrance
- Yellowstone National Park's main roads don't open until late April, so if visiting the park is your primary goal, March is frustratingly early - only the North Entrance through Gardiner to Mammoth and the northeast entrance to Cooke City remain accessible, limiting your options significantly
- The landscape in March is honestly pretty brown and dormant - you're catching Billings between winter snow cover melting away and spring green-up, so photos won't have the dramatic scenery of summer wildflowers or fall colors, though the Rims rock formations still photograph well against big sky sunsets
Best Activities in March
Pictograph Cave State Park Exploration
March weather is actually ideal for visiting this archaeological site 11 km (7 miles) southeast of Billings. The 0.8 km (0.5 mile) paved trail to view 2,000+ year old rock art is comfortable in the mild spring temperatures, and you'll avoid the 38°C (100°F) heat that makes this exposed trail miserable in July and August. The site typically sees fewer than 20 visitors on March weekdays. The pictographs themselves are most visible in the softer spring light without harsh summer glare.
Yellowstone River Wildlife Watching
March marks the return of migratory birds to the Yellowstone River corridor, making this prime time for birding without summer crowds. Two Medicine Fishing Access Site and Norm Schoenthal Island (both within 15 minutes of downtown) see eagles, osprey beginning to nest, and thousands of waterfowl staging during migration. The cooler temperatures mean you can sit in your vehicle or walk the riverbanks comfortably for hours. Bring binoculars and dress in layers - mornings start around 0°C (32°F) but afternoons warm quickly.
Downtown Billings Historic Walking Tours
March temperatures make downtown exploration comfortable - you can walk the historic district without January's -15°C (5°F) cold or August's baking heat. The self-guided walking tour covers 2.4 km (1.5 miles) through the Brewery District, historic Northern Pacific Railway depot area, and Art Deco buildings along Montana Avenue. Most buildings date from the 1900-1920s railroad boom era. The Moss Mansion (1903 red sandstone mansion) offers guided tours year-round and is particularly enjoyable in March when you're not competing with summer tour bus groups.
ZooMontana Winter-to-Spring Transition Visits
March is surprisingly good for the zoo as animals become more active with warming weather after winter dormancy. The Siberian tigers, Canadian lynx, and wolverines are particularly active in the cooler March temperatures compared to summer lethargy. The 28-hectare (70-acre) zoo is small enough to cover thoroughly in 2 hours, and March crowds are minimal - you'll often have exhibits to yourself on weekdays. The indoor Discovery Center provides warmth if weather turns.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument Day Trips
This sandstone outcrop 45 km (28 miles) east of Billings features William Clark's signature from the 1806 Lewis and Clark expedition - the only remaining physical evidence along their trail. March means you'll have the site nearly to yourself (summer sees 50+ daily visitors). The 0.4 km (0.25 mile) boardwalk trail to the signature is manageable in March weather. The real draw is the 360-degree view from the top showing the Yellowstone River valley exactly as Clark saw it, most dramatic under March's variable cloud conditions.
Local Brewery and Distillery Sampling Tours
Billings has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene with 8+ breweries and several distilleries within the city limits, mostly concentrated downtown and in the historic district. March weather makes bar-hopping between locations comfortable - you can walk the 1.6 km (1 mile) brewery loop downtown without summer heat or winter ice. Many taprooms feature Montana-made spirits and local beer styles. The relaxed March pace means you'll actually talk with brewers and distillers rather than fighting summer crowds.
March Events & Festivals
Montana Folk Festival Preparation Season
While the actual Montana Folk Festival happens in July, March is when the nonprofit begins announcing the lineup and early bird volunteer opportunities. If you're a music festival planner, visiting in March lets you scout the downtown festival grounds along the Yellowstone River without crowds and understand the layout. Not an event to attend in March, but worth noting if you're considering a return visit for the July festival.
Spring Equinox at Pictograph Cave
Around March 20th, the spring equinox creates interesting light angles on the ancient pictographs at Pictograph Cave State Park. Some researchers believe certain rock art panels align with equinox sunrise angles, though this remains debated. Not an organized event, but if you're interested in archaeoastronomy, visiting around March 19-21 at sunrise (around 7am in late March) offers unique viewing conditions.