If you’re planning to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland, get ready for weather that bounces between winter’s chill and spring’s warmth. Most years, daytime highs land in the 50s to low 60s, but honestly, it’s ranged from freezing to surprisingly warm.
That kind of unpredictability makes March 17th in Maryland a bit of a wild card.
One year, you might head out under mild sunshine, and the next, you’ll need to grab your winter coat. Light rain pops up pretty often, and snow can still show up, especially out west.
Coastal and central parts of Maryland usually get more clouds and passing showers, while snow stays mostly out of the picture there.
If you know these patterns, you’ll plan better, whether you’re catching a parade in Baltimore, wandering historic towns, or heading for the mountains.
By checking out temperature averages, rainfall trends, and even those record-breaking extremes, you’ll get a sense of how Maryland’s mixed-up climate shapes the holiday.
Typical Temperatures on St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland
On St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland, you’re looking at cool to mild weather. Daytime highs usually climb into the 40s or 50s.
At night, lows dip into the 20s or 30s. The exact numbers depend on the year and where you are, but the holiday falls right as winter starts to give way to spring.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Historical data tells us that average high temperatures around March 17 in Maryland range from the mid-40s °F out west to the mid-50s °F in central and eastern areas.
Average lows generally drop between the upper 20s °F and mid-30s °F.
Take Baltimore, for example. The long-term March average sits at about 55°F for highs and 40°F for lows.
Cumberland, farther west and higher up, averages closer to 53°F for highs and 34°F for lows.
So, you’ll probably get a cool day—chilly in the morning, but more comfortable if the sun breaks through by afternoon.
Layers are your best bet, especially if you’re planning to join an outdoor event or parade.
Recent Temperature Trends
In the past few years, St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland has bounced all over the place. Baltimore hit a high of 60°F one year, but only managed 50°F another year.
Some years, highs barely make it into the mid-40s, and lows drop to the mid-20s. Cold snaps still show up in mid-March.
This kind of range fits the usual March pattern in Maryland—sometimes you get late-winter chill, sometimes it feels like spring is finally here.
Snow isn’t common by this date, but light snow or flurries have happened, especially in western counties.
Don’t count on steady warmth by March 17. Some years feel like spring, others hang onto winter for dear life.
Regional Temperature Variations
Maryland’s geography really shapes St. Patrick’s Day weather. Western Maryland (Cumberland, Garrett County) often runs colder, with highs in the 40s °F and lows in the 20s °F.
Central Maryland (Baltimore, Columbia) usually sees highs in the low to mid-50s °F and lows in the upper 30s °F.
Down in southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, things are a bit milder, thanks to the Chesapeake Bay. Highs often reach the mid-50s °F, and lows stick closer to the upper 30s or low 40s °F.
So, your St. Patrick’s Day weather really depends on where you are. Coastal spots feel more comfortable, but mountain areas call for heavier coats, especially after sunset.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland usually brings unsettled skies. Light rain showers show up more often than heavy downpours.
The day might be dry and mild, or it could turn damp and cloudy, depending on the year and your spot in the state.
Chance of Rain on St. Patrick’s Day
You stand a fair chance of running into rain on St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland. Baltimore’s records show that light precipitation has happened most years, with only a handful of totally dry ones.
Rain has been noted on about 4 out of 5 St. Patrick’s Days in recent decades.
March is one of Maryland’s wetter months, and storm systems love to cross the Mid-Atlantic during this time.
These systems can bring quick-moving showers or even longer stretches of steady rain.
Snow happens less often, but it’s still possible. Baltimore once picked up 5 inches of snow on March 17, 1931.
It’s rare, but if cold air hangs around, wintry weather can sneak in.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall on St. Patrick’s Day usually stays light to moderate. Most years, you’ll see anywhere from a trace to about half an inch.
Heavier totals are rare, but Baltimore did get 1.29 inches in 1968.
If rain does show up, it’s often in short bursts. Thunderstorms can happen, but they’re not as common in mid-March as they are later in the spring and summer.
The season’s transition plays a big role here. Cold fronts and coastal systems both stay active in March, so precipitation can really swing from year to year.
Regional Differences in Precipitation
Precipitation patterns change a lot across Maryland. In the western mountains, you might see snow or a rain-snow mix if temperatures drop enough.
That region tends to be wetter overall, thanks to higher elevation.
Central Maryland—places like Baltimore—usually gets light to moderate rain on March 17. The coast and Eastern Shore sometimes see steadier rain if Atlantic systems roll by.
So, your St. Patrick’s Day plans might depend on where you are. A Baltimore parade could mean light showers, while western towns might get snow flurries, and the coast could catch heavier rain bands.
Snowfall and Wintry Weather Possibilities
Snow and wintry weather don’t show up as much in mid-March, but it’s not unheard of. It helps to know how often snow falls, what the odds are for sleet or flurries, and what kind of accumulation you might realistically see.
Historical Snowfall on March 17
Maryland has seen snow on St. Patrick’s Day plenty of times, but not every year. Baltimore’s biggest single-day snowfall on March 17 was 5 inches in 1931.
Most other years, it’s just a trace or less than an inch.
Since 1897, measurable precipitation has landed on about 28% of St. Patrick’s Days, but snow is much less common than rain.
The last time measurable snow was reported on the holiday was 2017, and that was just a little bit.
Temperatures have swung wildly, too. Some years, highs have soared above 60°F, while others barely left the 30s.
So, snow is possible but not typical. Most years, you won’t see it.
Probability of Sleet or Snow
Your odds for sleet or snow on March 17 depend a lot on where you are. Western counties near the Appalachians, like Garrett County, see a higher risk because of colder air and higher elevations.
Late-season winter storms still show up there.
In central Maryland, including Baltimore and nearby suburbs, the odds drop off. Long-term data says the chance of any snow or sleet on St. Patrick’s Day is under 10%.
Rain wins out, with almost half of March 17ths recording some form of precipitation.
For southern and coastal Maryland, frozen precipitation is very unlikely. The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean keep things milder.
You’re way more likely to see a chilly rain than snowflakes in those spots.
Snow Depth and Accumulation
Even when snow falls on St. Patrick’s Day, it rarely sticks around. Most events bring less than 1 inch, and it melts fast because the ground is warmer by mid-March.
The only real exception was Baltimore’s 1931 event with 5 inches, which is kind of a fluke.
Other years have shown dustings or slushy coatings that disappear quickly.
If you’re traveling, don’t expect deep snow cover on March 17. At most, you might hit light accumulation in the western mountains.
Central and eastern areas usually have zero snow on the ground by this point.
Typical Sky Conditions and Sunshine
In mid-March, you’ll notice the sky changes fast as winter fades and spring tries to take over. Some years, you’ll get bright sunshine; others, it’s cloudier and cooler with not much sun.
Evenings can shift too, with clear skies giving you crisp, pleasant views after sunset.
Sunny and Mostly Sunny Days
On St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland, you’ll get a decent number of years with sunny or mostly sunny skies. Average highs usually hit the upper 40s to mid-50s, and a sunny day can make it feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Sunny days show up when high pressure settles over the Mid-Atlantic. That pushes away storm clouds and gives you longer stretches of blue sky.
When it happens, outdoor parades and celebrations feel way more comfortable, even if it’s still cool.
By mid-March, sunshine levels edge up compared to winter. Daylight lasts almost 12 hours, so even a partly sunny day gives you plenty of usable light.
Most years, you’ll see the sun break through by late morning, making the afternoon brighter.
| Condition | Frequency in Mid-March | Effect on Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny | Occasional | Feels warmer, ideal for outdoor events |
| Mostly Sunny | Fairly common | Mild, with scattered clouds but plenty of light |
Partly Cloudy and Overcast Skies
Most years, you’ll run into partly cloudy skies around March 17. Maryland sits in a transition zone, so clouds move in and out quickly.
Partly cloudy days still let some sun through, but temperatures usually stick to the low to mid-50s.
Overcast skies keep things cooler and sometimes damp, especially if light rain develops.
Honestly, you should plan for change. A gray morning might turn sunny by afternoon, or just the opposite if a cold front shows up.
This kind of back-and-forth is just how March goes in the Mid-Atlantic.
Clear Evenings and Nighttime Conditions
By evening, skies often clear out after fronts move through, leaving you with clear skies and cooler nighttime temps. Lows usually fall into the upper 30s or low 40s, but a clear night can make it dip a bit lower.
If you’re walking through town after celebrations or grabbing dinner outside, clear evenings are nice. Just bring a jacket—radiational cooling makes it feel chilly.
Some years, scattered clouds hang around into the night, but full overcast is less common after sunset.
When the sky does clear, you’ll see bright stars and enjoy a calm, quiet end to St. Patrick’s Day.
Weather Trends Across Maryland Regions
Around St. Patrick’s Day, Maryland’s weather really depends on where you are. Temperatures, precipitation, and even snow can look totally different between the mountains, central areas, and the coast.
These differences matter if you’re planning outdoor events, traveling, or just want to know what to expect.
Baltimore and Central Maryland
In Baltimore and nearby central counties, mid-March usually brings highs in the mid-50s°F and lows in the upper 30s to low 40s°F.
You’ll get cool mornings and milder afternoons, though evenings still feel chilly.
Rain is more likely than snow at this point. Baltimore averages about 3 inches of March rainfall, spread over 8–9 days.
Snow can happen, but it doesn’t usually stick around after early March.
Skies tend to be partly cloudy, with about half the days showing some sunshine.
You’ll probably notice some breeziness, too, since average wind speeds hover near 10 mph.
For St. Patrick’s Day parades or outdoor gatherings, a light jacket or a few layers usually does the trick.
Western Maryland and Mountain Areas
Western Maryland, including Cumberland and Garrett County, usually stays colder in mid-March. Highs often reach the low 50s°F. Overnight lows dip into the upper 20s or low 30s°F.
Frost shows up a lot, so you might wake up to icy mornings. Snowfall can still happen here.
Cumberland gets about 3 inches of snow in March, and higher elevations can pick up even more. This region stands out as the most likely part of Maryland to keep seeing wintry weather on St. Patrick’s Day.
Rain falls pretty often too, with about 8–9 wet days in March. You might run into mixed conditions: rain in the valleys, snow or sleet in the mountains.
If you’re driving through the western counties, bring winter gear and give yourself extra travel time.
Eastern Shore and Ocean City
The Eastern Shore and Ocean City usually feel milder by mid-March. High temperatures average in the low to mid-50s°F. Lows stay in the upper 30s°F.
The ocean helps keep nights from getting as cold as inland areas. Rain is the main thing you’ll see falling from the sky.
Ocean City averages about 3.5 inches of March rainfall, mostly from passing coastal systems. Snow almost never shows up this late in the season, but maybe you’ll catch a brief flurry.
You’ll feel more wind along the coast, with breezes often reaching 10–15 mph. If you’re heading to St. Patrick’s Day events near the boardwalk, dress for damp, breezy weather.
A windbreaker or waterproof layer makes outdoor activities a lot more comfortable.
Historical Weather Extremes and Notable Events
Weather on St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland has ranged from record warmth to bitter cold, with a few major storms leaving their mark. Long-term climate records really highlight just how unpredictable March weather can be in this part of the Mid-Atlantic.
Warmest and Coldest St. Patrick’s Days
Temperatures in mid-March swing a lot. Some years, highs have climbed well into the 70s and even the 80s in parts of the region.
Washington, D.C., once hit 88°F, which is one of the warmest readings ever recorded on St. Patrick’s Day in the Northeast.
But bitter cold has struck too. Caribou, Maine, holds the record low at -12°F. Closer to Maryland, cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Portland have all reported subzero readings.
In Maryland, mornings in the 20s are common, but some years have dipped into the teens. You could just as easily wear short sleeves as a heavy coat, depending on the year.
The sharp contrast really shows how unsettled the transition from winter to spring can be.
Significant Storms and Unusual Weather
Snow and rain have both shown up on March 17. One of the most memorable events was the 1936 storm, which dropped heavy snow in parts of the Northeast and caused major flooding.
Buffalo, New York, picked up 18 inches of snow that day, the highest on record for any major site.
In Maryland, late-season snowfalls don’t happen often, but they’re not impossible. Some years bring a coating of snow or icy conditions, especially in the western counties.
Rainfall is more typical, and sometimes you’ll get heavy downpours from passing spring systems. You might also run into windy conditions as cold and warm air masses collide.
These sharp changes can make travel or outdoor celebrations unpredictable, especially if a late-season winter storm brushes the area.
Long-Term Weather History
If you look back through Maryland’s climate records, you’ll see a pattern of variability. Average highs in mid-March usually sit in the upper 40s to low 50s. Lows often drop into the 30s.
The extremes just show how flexible the season can be. Long-term data also make it clear that snowfall is possible but not frequent.
Western Maryland has a better shot at seeing snow on the ground, while central and eastern areas usually see bare ground by this point in March.
Precipitation averages about 3 to 4 inches for the month, so rain is more likely than snow. Over the decades, the mix of warm spells, cold snaps, and the occasional storm has made St. Patrick’s Day weather in Maryland both unpredictable and memorable.
Comparing Maryland to Nearby States on St. Patrick’s Day
Maryland usually has mild but changeable weather in mid-March. States farther west deal with colder air and more frequent late-winter storms.
You’ll really notice the differences if you compare temperatures, precipitation, and how these conditions affect outdoor celebrations.
Weather in IA and IL on March 17
In Iowa (IA), mid-March often still feels like late winter. Average high temperatures range from the upper 40s °F in the south to the low 40s °F in the north.
Overnight lows can still dip below freezing, so you’ll want to bundle up for chilly parades or evening events. Snowfall is possible, but it’s less common by this point in the month.
Illinois (IL) offers slightly milder conditions, especially in central and southern areas. Chicago averages highs in the mid-40s °F, with lows in the 30s °F.
Rain happens more often than snow, but lake breezes can make the air feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Cities farther south, like Springfield, often reach the low 50s °F.
Compared to Maryland, both states run cooler and have a higher chance of late-season frost. If you plan to travel, pack layers, gloves, and a warm coat to stay comfortable during outdoor St. Patrick’s Day parades or races.
Regional Weather Differences
Maryland sits right along the Mid-Atlantic coast, and honestly, it gets a bit of an edge from that. Most years, you’ll see average highs in mid-March hanging out in the low to mid-50s °F, while the lows drop to the upper 30s °F. Rain shows up often, but snow? Not so much, at least compared to IA or IL.
The Chesapeake Bay really takes the bite out of extreme temperatures. It smooths out those sharp swings that can make spring unpredictable elsewhere.
On the other hand, IA and IL are tucked away in the interior. Cold air masses seem to stick around there much longer into March, making things a bit more unpredictable.
You’ll notice more brisk winds and sudden drops in temperature. If you’re planning to spend time outside in IA or IL, you’ll probably need heavier clothing, while in Maryland, a lighter jacket or just some layers usually does the trick.
These weather quirks shape how you experience St. Patrick’s Day traditions. In Maryland, you might find parades and festivals way more comfortable to attend outdoors.
If you’re in IA or IL, expect chillier conditions, and plan ahead if you want to enjoy similar events.