Things to Do in United States in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in United States

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring break season offers extended daylight hours (up to 12 hours) perfect for sightseeing without summer crowds
Cool temperatures 4-19°C (39-66°F) ideal for walking cities like New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco without heat exhaustion
Cherry blossom season in Washington DC (mid to late March) with peak bloom typically March 20-30
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates 20-30% lower than summer peak, flights cheaper than April-September

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - can be 15°C (59°F) one day, 2°C (36°F) the next, requiring layered packing
Rain frequency increases with 10+ rainy days, often affecting outdoor plans without indoor backup options
Spring break crowds at popular destinations like Florida, California beaches, and national parks increase accommodation costs in those specific regions

Best Activities in March

Cherry Blossom Festival Tours

March marks peak cherry blossom season in Washington DC with over 3,000 trees blooming around the Tidal Basin. Cool temperatures 10-16°C (50-61°F) are perfect for walking the 3.2 km (2-mile) loop. Peak bloom typically occurs March 20-30, lasting only 4-6 days, making timing crucial. Crowds are manageable compared to summer tourist season.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as DC hotels fill quickly during peak bloom. Festival tours typically cost $30-60 per person. Check National Cherry Blossom Festival dates before booking as bloom timing varies by 1-2 weeks yearly depending on winter temperatures.

Urban Walking Food Tours

March's cool temperatures 4-19°C (39-66°F) make extended city walking comfortable in food-focused cities like New York, Portland, and New Orleans. You can comfortably walk 3-5 km (2-3 miles) without overheating, perfect for neighborhood food crawls. Spring ingredients start appearing in local markets and restaurants begin outdoor seating preparation.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-120 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified food tour operators. Look for tours that include indoor backup venues since March averages 10 rainy days.

National Park Hiking

March offers ideal hiking conditions in southern and southwestern parks before summer heat arrives. Grand Canyon, Zion, and Joshua Tree have comfortable daytime temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) and crisp nights. Desert wildflower blooms peak in March following winter rains. Trails are less crowded than peak season April-October.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees range $15-35 per vehicle. Reserve campsites 2-3 months ahead on recreation.gov as March is popular with spring breakers. Guided hiking tours cost $75-150 per person. Check trail conditions as some high-elevation areas may still have snow.

Brewery and Distillery Tours

Cool March weather is perfect for indoor tastings combined with outdoor touring in craft beverage regions like Portland, Denver, and Kentucky bourbon country. Spring seasonal releases debut in March. Comfortable temperatures for walking between venues in brewery districts without summer heat affecting alcohol tolerance.

Booking Tip: Brewery tour packages typically cost $40-90 per person including 4-6 tastings and transportation. Book weekend tours 2 weeks ahead as they fill quickly. Many offer indoor seating with outdoor options when weather permits, perfect for March's variable conditions.

Coastal Road Trip Adventures

March provides excellent conditions for Pacific Coast Highway and Atlantic coastal drives with fewer summer crowds and clear, crisp visibility. Temperatures along California coast remain mild 12-18°C (54-64°F), while avoiding summer fog. Whale migration season continues through March offering viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Coastal accommodation rates are 25-40% lower than summer peak. Book rental cars 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates. Scenic drive tours cost $100-200 per person. Pack layers as coastal temperatures can shift 10°C (18°F) between inland and oceanside stops.

Museum and Indoor Cultural Experiences

March's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions ideal. Major museums in New York, DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles offer spring exhibitions without peak summer crowds. Average rainfall of 89 mm (3.5 inches) across 10 days means having quality indoor options prevents weather disruptions to your itinerary.

Booking Tip: Museum day passes typically cost $25-40 per person. Many offer free admission days monthly - check schedules before booking. Cultural tour packages including multiple museums cost $80-150 per person. Book timed entry tickets for popular exhibitions 1-2 weeks ahead.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington DC's signature spring event celebrating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan. Peak bloom typically occurs March 20-30 with festival events running throughout March including the Blossom Kite Festival and cultural performances around the Tidal Basin

Mid March

South by Southwest (SXSW)

Austin's massive music, film, and interactive festival transforms the city with over 2,000 performers and 100,000+ attendees. Features emerging artists, tech conferences, and food events across 100+ venues in downtown Austin

Early to Late March

Spring Training Baseball

Major League Baseball's spring training in Florida and Arizona offers intimate ballpark experiences with lower ticket prices and player accessibility. Games played in smaller stadiums with March temperatures perfect for outdoor sports viewing

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack base layers, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with good tread - March brings 89 mm (3.5 inches) of rain across 10+ days, often creating wet sidewalks

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - afternoon rain showers are common and can last 1-2 hours

Lightweight down jacket or fleece - evening temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F) even when days reach 19°C (66°F)

Moisture-wicking long pants - avoid jeans which stay wet longer during March's frequent light rain

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 requires protection, especially with increased daylight hours and snow reflection in northern areas

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning and evening temperatures often feel like freezing with wind chill

Quick-dry shirts and base layers - humidity averages 65% and temperature fluctuations cause perspiration changes

Comfortable walking socks with moisture management - you'll walk 8-15 km (5-9 miles) daily in variable weather conditions

Light scarf or neck gaiter - versatile for warmth in air conditioning and protection from cool morning winds

Insider Knowledge

March madness affects hotel pricing in college basketball tournament host cities - avoid Indianapolis, Phoenix, and other tournament locations unless attending games

Daylight Saving Time begins second Sunday in March, giving you extra evening daylight for sightseeing but causing one day of schedule confusion

Spring break overlaps create regional crowd surges - Florida beaches packed while northern cities empty out, creating pricing and availability swings

Many national parks begin extending hours in March but some high-elevation roads remain closed - always check current conditions before driving to mountain destinations