Things to Do in United States in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in United States
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring break energy without overwhelming crowds - March hits that sweet spot where college towns and beach destinations have lively atmospheres, but you're not competing with summer vacation families for restaurant tables or hotel rooms. Parks and outdoor attractions are busy enough to feel vibrant without the July gridlock.
- Peak conditions for the South and Southwest - You're catching Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California at their absolute best. Temperatures sit comfortably in the 18-24°C (65-75°F) range in places like Phoenix and Tucson, while the desert wildflower blooms are starting to show if winter rains were decent. This is genuinely the ideal month for these regions.
- Ski season finale with spring skiing discounts - Western resorts are still operating with solid snow bases, but lift ticket prices drop 20-30% compared to February peak rates. You'll get those bluebird spring days with softer snow and longer daylight hours, plus late-season deals on lodging in places like Colorado and Utah.
- Cherry blossom timing in Washington DC and the Southeast - If you time it right for late March, you'll catch the National Cherry Blossom Festival when those Tidal Basin trees are at peak bloom. It's genuinely spectacular, and the weather in DC tends to cooperate more in March than the unpredictable April alternative. Similar blooms happen across Georgia and the Carolinas.
Considerations
- Highly unpredictable weather in the Midwest and Northeast - March is legitimately the most temperamental month. You might get a 21°C (70°F) sunny day in Chicago followed by a snowstorm two days later. The Great Lakes region and New England are still very much in winter's grip, with temperatures swinging wildly and occasional significant snowfall through mid-month.
- Spring break pricing spikes in beach destinations - Florida, Southern California beaches, and Hawaii see sharp price increases during the two middle weeks of March when college spring breaks cluster. Hotel rates in Miami Beach or Waikiki can jump 40-60% compared to early March, and popular restaurants require reservations days ahead.
- Mud season in mountain towns - While ski resorts are still operating, the surrounding areas can be messy. Hiking trails at lower elevations are often closed or extremely muddy as snowmelt happens. Mountain towns like Jackson Hole or Park City have that in-between vibe where it's not quite winter anymore but definitely not summer either.
Best Activities in March
Desert hiking and national park exploration in the Southwest
March is absolutely the month for tackling places like Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Big Bend, and Death Valley. Temperatures are genuinely comfortable for all-day hiking, typically 15-22°C (60-72°F) during the day, and you avoid the brutal summer heat that makes these parks legitimately dangerous from June onward. The desert wildflower bloom happens if winter rainfall was adequate, particularly spectacular in years following wet winters. Trails are accessible without the summer crowds, though spring break week brings more visitors. Early morning starts give you the trails largely to yourself, and the light for photography is exceptional.
Spring training baseball games in Arizona and Florida
March IS spring training season, running from late February through March. This is your chance to see major league teams in intimate ballpark settings with tickets that are actually affordable and available, unlike regular season games at massive stadiums. The Cactus League in Arizona and Grapefruit League in Florida offer games almost daily, with a relaxed atmosphere where you can often get player autographs. Weather is ideal for afternoon games, warm but not oppressive, and these small towns really embrace the baseball culture for this one month.
Cherry blossom viewing and monument tours in Washington DC
Late March into early April is when DC's famous cherry trees around the Tidal Basin typically hit peak bloom, though exact timing varies by 1-2 weeks depending on winter temperatures. When it happens, it's genuinely one of the most beautiful urban scenes in America. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for several weeks with events, performances, and extended hours at museums. Temperatures are mild enough for comfortable walking, usually 10-16°C (50-60°F), though you'll want layers as evenings cool down significantly. The crowds are substantial but manageable compared to summer tourist season.
Spring skiing and snowboarding in Colorado and Utah
March offers that perfect combination of solid snow coverage with spring weather benefits. You get longer days with more sunlight, warmer temperatures that make skiing more comfortable, and significantly lower prices than peak February rates. Resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, and Alta still have excellent conditions, particularly on north-facing slopes. The snow tends to be softer in afternoons, which is more forgiving for intermediate skiers. Late March especially sees deals as resorts try to fill rooms before closing for the season in mid-April.
Everglades kayaking and wildlife spotting in South Florida
March is genuinely the best month for the Everglades. The dry season means lower water levels that concentrate wildlife, making alligators, wading birds, and manatees much easier to spot. Temperatures are comfortable at 22-27°C (72-80°F) without the oppressive summer heat and humidity. Most importantly, mosquitoes are minimal compared to the summer swarms that make the Everglades genuinely miserable from June through October. Water clarity is better for kayaking, and the weather is stable enough that tours rarely cancel.
Music and cultural festivals in Austin and New Orleans
South by Southwest takes over Austin for two weeks in mid-March, transforming the city into a massive music, film, and interactive media festival. Even without official badges, you can catch hundreds of free shows at bars and outdoor stages throughout downtown. The energy is electric and genuinely unique. New Orleans maintains its post-Mardi Gras festival momentum with events like the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and St. Patrick's Day celebrations that rival Boston's. Weather in both cities is ideal for walking between venues, typically 18-24°C (65-75°F).
March Events & Festivals
South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas
Runs for approximately two weeks in mid-March, typically starting around March 10-15. This massive convergence of music, film, and technology conferences transforms Austin into a cultural epicenter. Even without expensive official badges, the free shows and street performances create an atmosphere worth experiencing. Book everything months ahead.
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC
Runs late March through early April, with peak bloom timing varying by weather patterns. Beyond just viewing the trees around the Tidal Basin, the festival includes cultural performances, the famous parade, and special museum exhibitions. The exact peak bloom date is announced about 10 days ahead based on tree conditions.
Spring Training Baseball in Arizona and Florida
The entire month of March is spring training season, with games happening almost daily across the Phoenix metro area (Cactus League) and Florida's Gulf Coast (Grapefruit League). This is your chance to see major league teams in small ballparks with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that regular season games lack.