United States, North America
Washington, DC in March
Blossom watch begins. Early bloom years pop in late March; the festival crowds start building either way.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Washington, DC. Blossom watch begins. Early bloom years pop in late March; the festival crowds start building either way.
- Weather
- Changeable, highs near 56F (13C), can swing 30 degrees in a week
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What March is like in Washington, DC
March is changeable. Highs average around 56F (13C), but the weather can swing 30 degrees in a week. Blossom watch begins: in early bloom years, the cherry trees pop in late March, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival starts drawing crowds either way. Prices and crowds rise as the month goes on.
It suits travelers who want to gamble on an early bloom, and families on spring break who book ahead. Pack for anything. If you want the most reliable blossoms, early April is the usual peak, but bloom timing varies each year.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Washington, DC this month.
Early cherry blossoms
In warm years, the Tidal Basin trees can peak in late March. Watch the official bloom forecast closely.
The Cherry Blossom Festival begins
The festival runs from late March into mid April, with events around the bloom, including a kite festival on the Mall.
Early spring at the monuments
Before peak season, the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Wall are calm, especially at sunrise.
What to pack for March
- Layers for swinging temperatures
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light hat and gloves for cold mornings
Our timing tip
Book refundable hotels if blossoms are the goal, because peak bloom can shift by a week or more depending on the weather.
Book Washington, DC for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Washington, DCOpens a hotel search for Washington, DC in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Washington, DCWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Washington, DCTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Washington, DC for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Things to do in Washington, DC
The National Mall monuments
Do Lincoln, the Vietnam Wall, and the Korean Memorial at sunrise or after dark. Distances are longer than they look; the loop is several miles on foot.
Smithsonian Air and Space and Natural History
The two biggest kid magnets. Free timed passes are required at some Smithsonian museums in busy season; check before you go.
Tidal Basin and the cherry trees
In bloom week, go at sunrise. By 10am it is shoulder to shoulder. Off season it is a lovely, quiet waterside walk.
National Gallery of Art
A world-class collection, free, and usually calmer than the Smithsonian giants. The sculpture garden fountain becomes an ice rink in winter.
The Capitol and Library of Congress
Book Capitol tours ahead through your representative or the visitor center. The Library's Great Hall is the most beautiful room in the city.
Arlington National Cemetery
The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier runs year-round. Give it a half day and wear walking shoes; the grounds are hilly.
Beat the crowds
- For blossoms without the crush, hit the Tidal Basin at sunrise, or see the same trees with a fraction of the people at the National Arboretum and around East Potomac Park.
- School groups dominate weekday mornings from March through early June. Flip your day: monuments and neighborhoods in the morning, museums after 2pm when the buses leave.
- September and October give you April's weather with a third of April's people. If bloom is not the point, this is the trade to make.
- Do the monuments after dark. They are lit, open 24 hours, cooler in summer, and the tour-bus waves are gone by 9pm.
Know before you go
- DC is a genuine year-round city. The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery are open nearly every day of the year, typically closing only December 25.
- The outdoor monuments and memorials never close: they are open 24 hours a day, every day, with rangers on duty at the major sites during the day and evening.
- Peak bloom is not schedulable. The trees peak for roughly a week, sometime between late March and mid April depending on the year, and a warm or cold snap can move it. Book refundable rooms if bloom is the whole mission.
- A federal government shutdown, when one happens, can shutter the Smithsonian museums, the Archives, and National Park Service sites. It is rare but worth a news check before a big trip.
Washington, DC in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Washington, DC?
March is a good month to visit Washington, DC. Blossom watch begins. Early bloom years pop in late March; the festival crowds start building either way.
What is the weather like in Washington, DC in March?
Changeable, highs near 56F (13C), can swing 30 degrees in a week.
Is Washington, DC crowded in March?
Crowds in Washington, DC are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Washington, DC in March?
National Cherry Blossom Festival (late march into mid april, peak bloom typically late march to early april, varies year to year).
Keep planning Washington, DC.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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