Weather in United States in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across United States in March run from 8.8°C (New York) to 25.1°C (Miami). In Miami about 59% of March days reach 25°C. Nights average 13.4°C; the coldest 10% of nights in New York fall to -6°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 7 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Las Vegas the driest (3 days) and New York the wettest (10 days). The wettest March at Miami between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 135 mm; the driest was 2006 with 7 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 19.3°C around United States in March - warmest at Miami (24.2°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.2 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in United States

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in United States. It is 2.4°C warmer than February and 3.0°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is July (31°C) and the coolest January (18°C).

Which part of United States in March?

• Most sunshine: Las Vegas, 7.3 h a day.
• Driest: Las Vegas, about 3 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Miami, 24°C.
• Hottest: Miami, 25°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): New York, 9°C.

What to pack for United States in March

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (13°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 19°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of United States's March daytime average: Hong Kong (22°C, sea 20°C), Marrakech (22°C), Sal (22°C, sea 22°C), Gran Canaria (22°C, sea 19°C), La Gomera (21°C, sea 19°C). See the full ranking for March.

Florida for warm days and a swim

Florida is a good choice if warmth and swimming are priorities. Daytime averages of 25°C make light clothing sensible, though a layer is useful once the sun goes down. Miami stays warmer after dark at 20°C, compared with 14°C in Orlando, so evening plans need different packing even within the same state. Sea temperatures of 24°C in Miami and Florida make a beach-focused holiday more appealing than the country average suggests. The catch is rain: 7 rainy days means outdoor plans should have some flexibility. Plan shade breaks around midday rather than treating March as a cool-weather month.

Hawaii for warmth that lasts into the evening

Hawaii suits travellers who want warm evenings as well as pleasant days. With daytime temperatures of 24°C and nights averaging 21°C, there is less need to change into heavier clothing after sunset than in Las Vegas or Orlando. The sea also averages 24°C, making swimming a reasonable part of your plans, though personal comfort in the water varies. Rain is the main compromise: 9 rainy days makes a waterproof layer and flexible outdoor plans sensible. That figure does not mean every wet day is a write-off, but you should not build the whole holiday around uninterrupted dry weather.

Las Vegas for milder exploring, New York for a cold city break

Las Vegas offers a useful middle ground if you want mild days rather than beach weather. Its 21°C daytime average suits being outdoors, and 3 rainy days makes it the driest option here. Pack for a clear change after sunset, though: nights average 9°C, so daytime clothing alone will not cover evening outings. New York is a different proposition, with days averaging 9°C and nights around freezing. A warm coat and layers belong in your luggage, along with something waterproof for its 10 rainy days. Choose it for a city break you are happy to enjoy in cold weather, not for spring warmth.