Washington DC in March
Blossom season begins
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
March is a reasonable month in Washington DC — with trade-offs.
March is when the National Cherry Blossom Festival starts, and peak bloom sometimes falls late in the month.
March in detail
What March actually feels like
- Weather
- 4–14°C
- Cool to mild and changeable.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy around the blossoms and spring break.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates rise with the festival.
+Cherry blossoms can peak late in the month.
–Crowds and higher rates.
My tip for March
Watch the National Park Service bloom forecast before you book.
- Cherry blossoms
- Walking
How March compares
Against the other eleven months
5th of 12 overall in Washington DC, 6th for weather, 9th for space, 10th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for Washington DCPlan around
What’s on in Washington DC in March
- Cherry blossom crowds
- The Tidal Basin is packed at peak bloom. Go at sunrise and book hotels early.
Late March–mid-April
Not set on March?
Even stronger months in Washington DC
Also good in March
Weather
Weather in Washington DC in March
In March Washington DC averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with about 89 mm of rain or snow over 11 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C); the wettest month is July.
- Average high
- 14°C
- 57°F
- Average low
- 4°C
- 39°F
- Precipitation
- 89 mm
- Wet days
- 11
Climate data: NOAA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Washington DC in March: the questions people ask
- Is March a good time to visit Washington DC?
- March is a reasonable month in Washington DC — with trade-offs. It ranks 5 of 12 months in Washington DC overall (6 for weather, 9 for space, 10 for value). The main upside: Cherry blossoms can peak late in the month. The main downside: Crowds and higher rates.
- What is the weather like in Washington DC in March?
- Average highs are around 14°C and lows around 4°C. Expect about 89 mm of rain or snow over roughly 11 wet days. Cool to mild and changeable. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C).
- Is Washington DC crowded in March?
- Crowds are moderate–high. Busy around the blossoms and spring break. The quietest month is January.
- How expensive is Washington DC in March?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). Rates rise with the festival. The best-value month is January.
- When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, October is the best month overall (March ranks 5 of 12). The quietest month is January and the best value is January.
Ready to book March in Washington DC?
Cherry blossoms can peak late in the month.
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