Visiting the USA in March: Weather, Events & Travel Tips
March is a month of two halves in the US. Before spring break, it’s still relatively quiet with reasonable prices. Once spring break begins — typically the last two weeks of March through early April — Florida, the Southwest, and major theme parks see significant crowds and hotel rate increases. Washington DC’s cherry blossoms (usually peaking mid-to-late March) draw large crowds to the Tidal Basin. For outdoors travel, the Southwest and California are at their most spectacular: warm days, desert wildflowers, and snow still on the mountains for skiing.
Weather by Region
| Region | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | 50°F | 34°F | 10°C | 1°C | ~4 in | Cold but warming; late snow possible |
| South (Atlanta, Nashville) | 64°F | 44°F | 18°C | 7°C | ~4.5 in | Mild and increasingly pleasant |
| Midwest (Chicago, St. Louis) | 48°F | 32°F | 9°C | 0°C | ~2.5 in | Variable; late-month warm spells possible |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Albuquerque) | 75°F | 52°F | 24°C | 11°C | ~0.9 in | Excellent; peak hiking and wildflower season |
| West Coast (LA, Portland) | 68°F / 56°F | 54°F / 41°F | 20°C / 13°C | 12°C / 5°C | ~3 in (Portland) | Warming in CA; still wet in Pacific Northwest |
The Sonoran Desert around Tucson and Phoenix typically sees its peak wildflower bloom in late February through mid-March, depending on winter rainfall. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Picacho Peak State Park are reliable spots. Check current bloom reports through the Arizona Office of Tourism before traveling — the bloom varies significantly year to year.
Major Events in March
South by Southwest (SXSW) — Austin, Texas Held across ten days in mid-March at venues throughout downtown Austin, with the Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St) as the primary hub. SXSW covers music, film, and interactive/tech tracks. Badge prices vary: a Music Badge runs approximately $895–$1,295 depending on purchase timing. Film badges start around $595. Day passes for specific tracks are sometimes available for $195–$350. Unofficial showcases (“unofficial SXSW”) are often free or cheap and feature legitimate acts — check the Do512 listings for these. Hotels in downtown Austin fill months in advance; Airbnb and hotels in East Austin or South Lamar fill nearly as fast.
NCAA March Madness (College Basketball) The NCAA Tournament begins in mid-March. First and second round games are held at multiple host arenas across the country — tickets for early rounds typically start around $70–$100 per session (covering two games). The Final Four (late March / early April) tickets run $400–$800+. Host cities change annually; check the NCAA for the current year’s schedule.
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March through mid-April. Peak bloom varies year to year — the National Park Service publishes a peak bloom prediction each year, usually updated in late February. The Tidal Basin (adjacent to the Jefferson Memorial) is the primary location; arrive before 8am to avoid the largest crowds and find parking. Free to walk; no tickets required. The festival includes events, markets, and a parade that carry admission or viewing costs of $10–$50 depending on the event.
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) Major celebrations in Chicago (the Chicago River is dyed green — view from the Riverwalk for free), New York City (the Fifth Avenue Parade is one of the largest in the country — free, watch from the sidewalk), Savannah, Georgia (one of the country’s most enthusiastic celebrations, centered on Forsyth Park), and Boston. Bar cover charges on March 17 range from $10 to $40 in most cities.
Spring Break (Dates Vary by School District) Spring break for most US public schools falls between mid-March and mid-April. Florida — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City Beach — is the traditional destination, but Orlando theme parks, Las Vegas, Cancún (popular with US travelers), and coastal South Carolina also see significant spikes. Expect hotel rates to increase 40–100% and queues at theme parks to be at their longest during this window.
Where to Stay
Austin (SXSW): The LINE Austin (111 E 1st St) is a consistently popular SXSW hotel with a rooftop pool and downtown access — rates jump to $350–$500/night during SXSW. Book eight months ahead. Pre- or post-SXSW, the same hotel runs $150–$220/night. Budget option: Hostelling International Austin (2200 S Lakeshore Blvd) from $35/night dorm, though book early.
Washington DC (cherry blossom season): The Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa (1600 King St, Alexandria, VA) is a quieter alternative just across the river, accessible by Metro. Rates around $180–$260/night in March. Staying in Arlington or Alexandria shaves $60–$100/night off typical DC hotel rates with minimal inconvenience.
Phoenix / Scottsdale: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa (5200 E Camelback Rd) is the splurge option — casita-style rooms from $350/night in March (high season). Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town (3311 N Scottsdale Rd) from $170/night.
Miami (spring break): Avoid South Beach unless you want to be in the thick of it. The Vagabond Hotel (7301 Biscayne Blvd, MiMo District) is further north, genuinely stylish, and typically $160–$220/night — a better value with a less chaotic atmosphere.
Where to Eat
Austin: Franklin Barbecue (900 E 11th St) is the benchmark — brisket, ribs, pulled pork. They open at 11am and typically sell out within two to three hours. Expect a queue of 1.5–2 hours. A full tray with sides runs $30–$50 per person. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Washington DC: Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St NW) has been operating since 1958. The half-smoke (a pork and beef sausage in a chili sauce) runs around $8. Open late and consistently good. José Andrés’ Jaleo (480 7th St NW) is the better-value spot from his portfolio — tapas $8–$18 each.
Savannah: The Olde Pink House (23 Abercorn St) for Southern cooking in a proper 18th-century setting — shrimp and grits $28, pan-seared flounder $34. Book ahead for March, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
Phoenix: Barrio Café (2814 N 16th St) for contemporary Mexican food that goes well beyond tacos. Guacamole made tableside, moles from scratch. Mains run $18–$30.
March Packing List
- Light-to-mid-weight jacket that works for 50–70°F temperature swings
- Layers — mornings and evenings remain cool in most regions through March
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella (Pacific Northwest, Northeast, South)
- Sunscreen (30 SPF minimum — desert and spring sun is stronger than it feels)
- Comfortable walking shoes — cherry blossom Tidal Basin walks can cover 5+ miles
- One going-out outfit if attending SXSW music events or St. Patrick’s Day
- Sunglasses — useful in most regions from March onward
- Allergy medication — spring pollen season starts early in the South (early March in Texas and Georgia)
Practical Notes
March is one of the few months where the US pricing landscape splits sharply by destination. Before spring break, off-peak rates apply to most cities. During spring break windows, Florida and the Southwest surge while Northeast cities (Boston, NYC, Philadelphia) remain relatively affordable.
For SXSW in Austin, accommodation prices are genuinely extreme during the festival. The alternative — booking a hotel in San Marcos or Round Rock and driving in — is worth considering. The Convention Center shuttle runs from remote parking lots.
If you’re targeting the cherry blossoms in DC, subscribe to the National Park Service’s peak bloom prediction updates in February. Peak bloom lasts four to seven days; planning around it requires flexibility. A day of wind or rain during peak bloom significantly reduces the display.