You’re standing at the luggage carousel at Mineta San Jose International, clutching a heavy parka because you saw "45 degrees" on your weather app, but the person next to you is wearing flip-flops and a light hoodie. Welcome to the South Bay. March is that weird, transitional middle child of California seasons where the sky can’t quite decide if it wants to be a rainy London afternoon or a pre-summer scorcher.
March San Jose weather is notoriously fickle, and honestly, if you trust a single 10-day forecast without a grain of salt, you’re asking for a bad time.
It’s the month when the "Rainy Season" officially starts packing its bags, but sometimes it lingers like a guest who doesn’t know when the party's over. You’ve got these crisp, stunningly clear mornings that turn into 70-degree afternoons, only to plummet back into the 40s the second the sun dips behind the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The Numbers vs. The Reality
On paper, the stats look predictable. Most climate data points toward an average high of about 63°F to 67°F and lows hovering around 47°F.
But averages are liars.
In reality, March in San Jose is a game of extremes. I’ve seen days where the mercury hits 80°F (like back in late March of 2018), and people are out at the Japanese Friendship Garden acting like it's July. Then, three days later, a cold front rolls in from the Gulf of Alaska, and you’re shivering at a San Jose Sharks game because the wind chill makes that "mild" 52 degrees feel like a meat locker.
Rain is the biggest wildcard. Technically, March is the tail end of the wet season. You’re looking at roughly 2 to 3 inches of rain for the month, spread across maybe 5 or 6 days. But here's the thing: it rarely "drizzles" in San Jose. When it rains, it’s usually a decisive atmospheric river event that dumps an inch in a day and then vanishes, leaving the hills neon green and the air incredibly sharp.
Understanding the "Rain Shadow"
San Jose is tucked into a geographic sweet spot. To the west, you’ve got the Santa Cruz Mountains. To the east, the Diablo Range.
When those big Pacific storms slam into the coast, the mountains act like a giant sponge. They soak up the lion’s share of the moisture. This is why it might be pouring in Santa Cruz or Los Gatos, but by the time the clouds get to Downtown San Jose or North San Jose, they’re basically tapped out.
It’s called a rain shadow, and it’s the reason San Jose is significantly drier than San Francisco or Oakland.
What to Actually Wear (The Layering Gospel)
If you walk out the door in a t-shirt at 9:00 AM, you’ll regret it. If you wear a heavy wool coat at 2:00 PM, you’ll sweat through it.
The locals have a uniform. It’s basically a base layer (t-shirt), a mid-layer (a Patagonia Nano Puff or a decent hoodie), and maybe a light windbreaker if you’re near the bay where the breezes kick up.
📖 Related: Why wife shared with boss dynamics are surfacing in modern workplace sociology
- Footwear: Leave the heavy boots. Stick to sneakers or Allbirds. March isn't muddy enough for mud boots unless you're hiking Alum Rock Park right after a storm.
- The Umbrella Dilemma: Most people don't carry one. A hooded jacket is usually enough because the rain is rarely "sideways" rain.
- Sunscreen: Don't let the 65-degree temps fool you. The UV index starts climbing in March. If you’re sitting outside at San Pedro Square Market for lunch, you will get crispy.
Why March is Secretly the Best Time to Visit
While everyone else is waiting for summer, March is when the Santa Clara Valley is actually beautiful. Before the hills turn that signature California "golden" (which is just a fancy word for dead brown), they are vibrant, rolling green.
The cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park usually peak in March. It’s a legitimate rival to the Washington D.C. displays, minus the soul-crushing humidity.
Also, Cinequest—the massive film and creativity festival—usually takes over downtown. The weather is perfect for "theatrical hopping," where you duck into a dark theater for an indie film and come out into a breezy, sun-drenched street.
Microclimates are Real
San Jose isn't a monolith.
If you're in Almaden Valley, it’s going to be a few degrees warmer and potentially rainier because you’re closer to the foothills.
Up in North San Jose near the Levi’s Stadium area, the wind coming off the San Francisco Bay can be brutal. That "moderately chilly" forecast can feel 10 degrees colder when the wind is whipping across the salt ponds.
Common Misconceptions About March
People often think "California" means "Tropical." San Jose is a Mediterranean climate, not a Caribbean one.
- "It's going to be beach weather." Nope. Even if it’s 75 in San Jose, the coast (Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay) will likely be 55 and foggy.
- "I don't need a jacket." You do. Every single night. The temperature drop after sunset is fast and aggressive.
- "It always rains in March." Actually, we’ve had "March Miracles" where it pours, but we've also had bone-dry Marches where the fire danger starts early. In 2026, the outlook suggests slightly drier-than-normal conditions, so don't expect a washout.
Actionable Tips for Navigating March Weather
If you're planning a trip or just trying to survive the month without catching a cold, here is the move:
💡 You might also like: Party Wear Dress for Men: What Most People Get Wrong About Looking Sharp
- Check the "Dew Point," not just the Temp: If the dew point is in the low 40s, the air will feel much sharper and colder than the actual temperature suggests.
- Plan outdoor hikes for the morning: Trailheads at Alum Rock or Quicksilver get crowded fast when the sun comes out, and the morning air is the most refreshing.
- Download a "Hyper-local" Weather App: Use something like Weather Underground that pulls from specific backyard stations. The temp at the airport (KSJC) is often 3-5 degrees different from what you'll find in Willow Glen or the Rose Garden.
- Embrace the "Indoor-Outdoor" Lifestyle: March is prime time for restaurants with heat lamps. You can sit "outside" and enjoy the fresh air without actually freezing.
March is basically San Jose’s way of stretching its legs after winter. It’s unpredictable, occasionally damp, but mostly filled with that incredible "California Blue" sky that makes you realize why the real estate prices are so high. Just bring a hoodie, keep an eye on the clouds over the mountains, and you'll be fine.
Next Steps for You: Check the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area (NWS) 48-hour forecast before you pack. Since the "rain shadow" effect is so specific to the Santa Clara Valley, look specifically for the "San Jose Station" data rather than general "Bay Area" reports to avoid packing for a storm that might never hit the valley floor.