Things to Do in United States in March

March Weather in United States

18°C (64°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer peaks, with excellent availability at premium properties
Perfect hiking weather in Southwest deserts - daytime temperatures of 21-24°C (70-75°F) in Arizona and Utah before brutal summer heat arrives
Spring Training baseball across Arizona and Florida - 30 MLB teams in action with $20-35 tickets and intimate stadium experiences
Cherry blossom season in Washington DC and Pacific Northwest - peak bloom typically March 20-30 with mild 15°C (59°F) temperatures

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - late winter storms can still hit northern regions while southern areas experience summer-like heat waves
Spring break crowds at popular destinations like Florida beaches and Southwest national parks during mid-March university breaks
Many mountain attractions still closed - high elevation roads in Rockies and Cascades remain snow-covered until April-May

Best Activities in March

Desert Hiking and National Park Tours

March offers ideal conditions for exploring Zion, Arches, and Grand Canyon before summer heat becomes dangerous. Daytime temperatures range 18-24°C (64-75°F) with minimal rainfall. This is the sweet spot before park shuttles get overcrowded and before temperatures exceed 38°C (100°F) by May.

Booking Tip: Reserve park entry permits 3-4 months ahead for popular trails like Angels Landing. Tours typically cost $180-350 per person for full-day experiences. Book through certified operators with park permits - see current options in booking section below.

Florida Everglades and Keys Wildlife Tours

March marks peak wildlife viewing season as dry conditions concentrate animals around water sources. Temperatures average 26°C (79°F) with low humidity before summer's oppressive heat and mosquito swarms. Manatee populations peak in warm springs, and migratory birds haven't departed yet.

Booking Tip: Book airboat tours 1-2 weeks ahead, typically $65-120 per adult. Choose morning departures (8-10am) for best wildlife activity and cooler conditions. Licensed operators provide mandatory hearing protection and life vests.

California Wine Country Tours

Pre-harvest season with mild 19°C (66°F) days and blooming mustard flowers between vineyard rows. Crowds remain manageable before summer wedding season, and many wineries offer barrel tastings of upcoming vintages unavailable later in the year.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $140-280 including transportation and 4-6 tastings. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends. Designated driver services run $200-350 for groups of 4-6 people. See current tour options in booking section below.

New York City Walking and Cultural Tours

Perfect shoulder season weather averaging 12°C (54°F) with minimal tourist crowds. Broadway shows offer best availability, and outdoor attractions like High Line and Brooklyn Bridge are comfortable for extended walking without summer's heat or winter's bitter cold.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $25-45 per person for 2-3 hours. Broadway tickets offer best selection when booked 4-6 weeks ahead. Museum passes ($45-65) provide access to multiple attractions with shorter queues than summer months.

Pacific Northwest City and Nature Experiences

March begins the dry season with cherry blossoms blooming and temperatures reaching comfortable 14°C (57°F). Rainfall drops significantly from winter's 150mm to March's 76mm (3 inches), making outdoor exploration pleasant before peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: City tours cost $35-70 per person, while nature excursions to Mount Rainier or Olympic Peninsula run $120-200. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as this marks the beginning of high season. Many outdoor operators resume full schedules after winter closures.

Texas BBQ and Music Scene Tours

March showcases perfect weather for outdoor music festivals and BBQ pit exploration with comfortable 23°C (73°F) days. SXSW in Austin creates incredible energy, while Houston and Dallas offer authentic experiences without conference crowds. This is before Texas heat becomes unbearable.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $75-150 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Music venue tours run $40-85. Book 2-3 weeks ahead, especially during SXSW period (mid-March). Local operators provide insider access to authentic joints tourists rarely find.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March (typically March 10-19)

SXSW Festival in Austin

Massive music, film, and interactive festival transforming Austin into a global cultural hub. Features 2,000+ performers across 100+ venues with breakthrough artists and established acts. Interactive component showcases emerging technology.

Late March (peak bloom varies with weather)

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Peak bloom of 3,000+ cherry trees around Tidal Basin creates stunning pink canopy. Festival includes cultural performances, food vendors, and evening illuminations. Best viewing typically occurs for 4-7 days when 70% of blossoms are open.

Early March through March 28

Spring Training Baseball

30 MLB teams conduct pre-season training in Arizona's Cactus League and Florida's Grapefruit League. Intimate stadiums (5,000-12,000 capacity) offer close player interaction and relaxed atmosphere impossible during regular season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon common across most regions

Waterproof jacket for sudden spring storms - March averages 10 rainy days with unpredictable timing

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - wet conditions create slippery surfaces in cities and parks

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 5-6 even on cloudy days, higher at altitude and in southern states

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 20-30% faster than summer conditions

Cash for parking - many national parks and attractions don't accept cards at entry points, typical fees $15-30 per vehicle

Light wool or fleece - perfect weight for March's variable conditions, easy to pack and layer

Insulated water bottle - stays warm during cold mornings, keeps drinks cool during warm afternoons

Compact umbrella - spring showers often brief but intense, especially in Southeast and Pacific regions

Closed-toe shoes mandatory - many desert and mountain trails require sturdy footwear, hiking boots for elevation above 300m (1,000ft)

Insider Knowledge

Book Friday-Sunday accommodations by early February - March marks return of weekend leisure travel after winter lull, especially in warm-weather destinations

Download GasBuddy app - March spring break travel creates fuel price spikes of $0.20-40 per gallon in popular road trip corridors

Many attractions extend hours starting March 15 - summer schedules begin before official spring, providing extra time for sightseeing

Restaurant Week events proliferate in March - major cities offer prix fixe menus at high-end establishments for 40-50% off regular prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - packing only for average temperatures instead of preparing for 15°C (27°F) daily swings

Booking spring break weeks without realizing crowd impact - mid-March sees family travel increase 200-300% at beach and desert destinations

Assuming summer operating schedules - many attractions, especially in mountain regions, still run limited winter hours until April