Where to Go in March in the US: Spring Break Picks and Blooms
March is the month the country starts to warm up unevenly: deserts bloom, Texas turns blue, Washington waits for its cherry trees and Florida fills with spring breakers. Here is where to go and how to time it.
The best places to go in March in the US are the Southwest deserts, where Anza-Borrego’s wildflowers typically peak around mid-March, Hawaii for peak whale season, the Texas Hill Country for early bluebonnets, and Washington, DC, whose cherry blossoms usually peak in late March or early April. Florida is warm but at its most crowded during spring break.
Where is it warm in the US in March?
Hawaii, South Florida and the low deserts are reliably warm in March, and Texas and the Gulf Coast start to feel like spring. Temperatures below are approximate average highs, except Death Valley, which is from the National Park Service.
| Destination | Typical March high | Why go | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | About 80°F at the coast | Beaches, last weeks of peak whale season | High during spring break weeks |
| Florida Keys and Miami | Upper 70s–about 80°F | Beach weather, snorkeling | Very high on spring break weeks |
| Death Valley, California | 82°F (NPS average) | Wildflowers in wet years, hiking before the heat | Moderate to high |
| Anza-Borrego and Palm Springs, California | Upper 70s°F | Desert bloom, pools | High on bloom weekends |
| Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona | Upper 70s°F | Spring training baseball, desert hikes | High; hotel rates peak |
| Austin and San Antonio, Texas | Low to mid-70s°F | Early bluebonnets, River Walk, Hill Country drives | High around mid-March events |
| Charleston and Savannah | Upper 60s–low 70s°F | Azaleas, historic districts, mild walking weather | Moderate to high |
The National Park Service lists a March average high of 82°F at Furnace Creek, on its Death Valley weather page. By April the average there climbs to 90°F, so March is the last comfortable month for long desert hikes.
Where can you see wildflowers in March?
Desert wildflowers depend on the previous fall and winter rain, so March can bring a spectacular year or a quiet one. The most reliable March blooms:
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California: usually late February to early April, with the peak typically around mid-March.
- Death Valley, California: after wet winters, low-elevation slopes and roadsides fill with desert gold; in dry years, blooms are scattered.
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: the season can start in mid-February and run into May, depending on rain.
- Texas Hill Country: bluebonnets usually begin in late March and peak in early to mid-April.
Our guide to the best spring wildflower destinations has the full bloom calendar, and the Texas Hill Country road trip is timed for bluebonnet season.
When do the DC cherry blossoms peak?
Washington’s Yoshino cherry trees usually reach peak bloom in the last week of March or the first week of April. The National Park Service defines peak bloom as the day when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are open. In 2026, peak bloom came on March 26. The earliest peak on record was March 15, 1990, and the latest was April 18, 1958, according to the NPS Bloom Watch page.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to begin March 20, 2027, and is being promoted as a centennial celebration; check the festival’s official schedule for final dates. The blossoms last only a few days at their best, so keep your DC dates flexible or plan a long weekend around the NPS forecast, which is usually issued in early March. Our DC cherry blossom guide covers the best viewing spots and how to avoid the crowds.
How crowded is Florida in March?
March is Florida’s busiest spring break month. College and school breaks fall in different weeks across the country, which spreads the crowds over most of the month, with mid-March usually the busiest. Major league spring training also runs in Florida and Arizona through late March, pushing hotel rates higher near ballparks.
- Choose quieter Gulf Coast towns over party beaches such as Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach or South Beach.
- Book flights, rental cars and lodging by January for March travel.
- Arrive and leave midweek, when airports and highways are calmer.
- Check local rules: some beach cities, including Miami Beach in recent years, have added spring break restrictions on parking, alcohol and curfews.
Is March good for national parks?
March is a strong month for desert and canyon parks, before summer heat and peak crowds.
- Zion: the canyon shuttle returns in early March (it started March 7 in 2026), after which the Scenic Drive closes to private cars.
- Arches: no timed-entry reservation was required in 2026; check the park’s site for the 2027 rules.
- Big Bend: March is one of its busiest months because of Texas spring break, so reserve campsites and lodging early.
- Grand Canyon South Rim: cool to cold, with snow possible early in the month; upper trails can be icy.
- Yellowstone: guided winter travel ends in mid-March, and most roads reopen to cars from mid-April.
For a Utah loop that works well in spring, see our Utah Mighty 5 road trip.
Is March good for skiing?
Yes. March often has the deepest snowpack of the season in the Rockies and the Sierra, along with longer days and softer spring snow in the afternoons. Colorado’s Front Range and mountains frequently see big March storms. Ski resorts are busy during spring break weeks, but lodging deals sometimes appear late in the month, especially after Easter, which falls on March 28 in 2027.
Bottom line
For warmth plus scenery, go to the deserts early in March while they bloom and before the heat. For a city trip, book Washington, DC, with flexible dates around the cherry blossom forecast. If Florida is the plan, pick a quieter town or a week outside your region’s main spring break, and book early either way.
FAQ
Where is it warm in March in the US?
Hawaii, South Florida and the low deserts of California and Arizona are reliably warm, with highs from the upper 70s to the low 80s°F. Texas and the Gulf Coast are mild, with highs mostly in the 70s°F.
Where can you go for spring break without huge crowds?
Desert parks such as Death Valley and Joshua Tree, smaller Gulf Coast towns, and Southern cities like Charleston and Savannah are calmer than Florida’s big party beaches. Going in early or late March also helps.
When should you book a March trip?
Book by January for spring break weeks in Florida, Hawaii and Arizona. For the DC cherry blossoms, reserve refundable lodging early and adjust once the NPS bloom forecast comes out.
Is Hawaii good in March?
Yes. Weather is warm, humpback whales are still around in good numbers, and the winter rains start to ease, though spring break weeks are expensive.
