Things to Do in Billings in March

March Weather in Billings

49°C (120°F) High Temp

27°C (80°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% after winter tourism peak, with rooms averaging $80-120 vs $150-200 in January-February
Ideal outdoor activity weather - morning temperatures around 10°C (50°F) warm to comfortable 18°C (65°F) afternoons, perfect for hiking Rimrock trails and Yellowstone River activities
Peak wildlife viewing season - bighorn sheep descend to lower elevations, migratory birds return to Yellowstone River corridors, and ZooMontana animals are most active in cooler temperatures
Extended daylight hours - days stretch to 12+ hours by late March, giving you extra time for outdoor exploration and photography at Pictograph Cave State Park

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather patterns - March brings everything from 20°C (68°F) sunny days to sudden -10°C (14°F) snowstorms, requiring flexible itinerary planning
Muddy trail conditions from snowmelt - popular hiking areas like Four Dances Natural Area become impassable, limiting backcountry access until mid-to-late March
Limited seasonal business hours - some tourist services and restaurants operate reduced schedules before full spring opening, particularly around Beartooth Highway area

Best Activities in March

Yellowstone River Float Fishing

March marks the beginning of exceptional trout fishing season when winter-stressed fish become more active in 4-7°C (39-45°F) water temperatures. Brown and rainbow trout concentrate in deeper pools, making guided float trips highly productive. Weather variability means fewer anglers, increasing your chances of landing trophy fish in the 40-80 cm (16-31 inch) range.

Booking Tip: Book guided float trips 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed Montana outfitters. Half-day trips typically cost $400-550 per person including gear. Look for operators with heated boats and flexible rescheduling policies due to weather variability. Check current conditions in booking section below.

Pictograph Cave Archaeological Tours

March offers ideal cave exploration conditions with 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures and minimal crowds. The site's 4,500-year-old rock art is most visible in March's angled sunlight, and muddy summer trails haven't yet formed. Rangers conduct specialized tours explaining Crow Nation history and archaeological significance.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided tours 1-2 weeks ahead through Montana State Parks. Tours cost $8-12 per person and run weekends only in early March, daily by month's end. Wear sturdy hiking boots for 1.6 km (1 mile) of uneven terrain. See current tour schedules in booking section below.

ZooMontana Wildlife Photography

March brings peak animal activity as species prepare for breeding season and emerge from winter lethargy. Siberian tigers, gray wolves, and river otters are most active in 5-12°C (41-54°F) temperatures. Professional photography workshops take advantage of longer daylight and dramatic weather for exceptional wildlife portraits.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost $125-175 and require 2-week advance booking. Regular admission is $12 adults, $8 children. Morning sessions (8-11am) offer best lighting and animal activity. Weather backup plans include heated indoor viewing areas. Check current workshop availability below.

Rimrock Trail System Hiking

March provides optimal hiking conditions before summer heat and after ice hazards clear. The sandstone rim offers 360-degree views of Yellowstone Valley and Beartooth Mountains. Early wildflowers begin blooming by late March, and bighorn sheep sightings increase as herds move to calving areas along cliff faces.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free with trail maps available at visitor centers. Guided interpretive hikes through certified naturalists cost $25-40 per person for 3-4 hour excursions. Book guided trips 1 week ahead. Trail conditions vary - check current status in booking section below.

Historic Downtown Brewery Tours

March marks the release of special spring ales and seasonal brews at Billings' craft breweries. Cool weather makes walking tours between 6-8 downtown breweries comfortable, covering 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles). Local brewing culture combines with Western heritage in restored historic buildings dating to the 1880s railroad boom.

Booking Tip: Self-guided brewery passes cost $35-45 for tastings at 5+ locations. Guided tours with transportation run $65-85 per person and book up quickly on weekends. Most breweries offer March seasonal releases. Reserve weekend tours 2 weeks ahead through local tour companies listed below.

Little Bighorn Battlefield Historical Tours

March provides ideal conditions for exploring this National Monument 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Billings. Cool temperatures make the 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, while sparse crowds allow for contemplative experiences. Park rangers offer specialized programs on Lakota, Cheyenne, and 7th Cavalry perspectives of the 1876 battle.

Booking Tip: Park entry is $30 per vehicle, valid 7 days. Guided ranger programs are free but space-limited - arrive early. Private certified guide tours cost $150-200 for groups up to 6 people. Drive time from Billings is 90 minutes each way. Check current program schedules below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Montana State University Billings Spring Arts Festival

Student and regional artists showcase work across visual arts, theater, and music. Features local Native American artists and contemporary Western themes. Typically includes workshops, gallery openings, and performances in climate-controlled venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - bring base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell for 30°C+ (54°F+) temperature swings within single days

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - snowmelt creates muddy conditions on all trail systems, and terrain includes loose sandstone scree

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV sunglasses - high altitude (945m/3,100ft elevation) plus snow reflection creates intense UV exposure, index reaches 8+

Warm hat and insulated gloves - early morning fishing trips and rim trail hiking can start at -5°C (23°F) before warming significantly

Waterproof day pack with rain cover - afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly and can dump 15-25mm (0.6-1.0 inches) in 30 minutes

Thermal underwear for overnight stays - hotel heating may be inconsistent, and temperatures drop 20°C+ (36°F+) after sunset

Quality rain jacket with hood - not just for precipitation but as wind barrier during 40+ km/h (25+ mph) prairie wind gusts common in March

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - 8x42 minimum magnification for bighorn sheep spotting at 200-500m (656-1,640ft) distances from rim trails

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries quickly during outdoor activities, and cell coverage can be spotty in canyon areas

Cash in small bills - some seasonal vendors, guide services, and rural attractions may not accept cards, especially during shoulder season operations

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on the West End near downtown rather than airport hotels - you'll save 15-20 minutes driving to attractions and have walking access to breweries and restaurants when weather turns poor

Fuel up before heading to Little Bighorn or Pictograph Cave - gas stations become sparse, and March weather can create unexpected detours adding 30+ km (19+ miles) to trips

Local meteorologists are remarkably accurate 24-48 hours ahead - check KULR-8 or KTVQ morning forecasts to plan indoor vs outdoor activities, as conditions change dramatically

Yellowstone River access points fill with guided fishing groups by 8am - arrive at Norm's Island or Grey Bear fishing areas by 7am for prime bank fishing spots, or book guided trips to access private waters

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for temperature swings - tourists pack for forecast highs but get caught in morning lows 20°C+ (36°F+) colder, especially problematic during sunrise photography or early fishing trips

Assuming summer trail conditions - March snowmelt makes popular hiking areas like Sacrifice Cliff and Four Dances muddy or impassable, requiring flexible backup plans

Not checking Beartooth Highway status - this scenic route to Yellowstone typically remains closed until May, forcing 2+ hour detours that many visitors don't anticipate when planning day trips