United States in March: what to expect

March is the month the country splits in two. South Florida, southern Arizona, southern Texas and the Gulf coast are already in spring: mild to warm days, low humidity, and the start of the dry season in Florida. The desert Southwest — Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Death Valley, and the Grand Canyon's South Rim — is at its best, with comfortable hiking temperatures before the summer heat.

The Northeast, Midwest and mountain West are still winter. New York, Boston, Chicago and Minneapolis can see snow, and cold snaps below freezing are normal in the first half of the month. In the Rockies, ski season is still running and high mountain roads such as Trail Ridge and Going-to-the-Sun stay closed until roughly June. Coastal California sits in between: cool, often grey in the mornings, with rain still possible in the north.

Crowds are medium on average, but the average hides the story: spring break. US universities and many school districts take a week off somewhere between early March and mid-April, and Florida, Orlando, Cancún-bound flights and the big national parks absorb most of it. South Florida hotels and rental cars can jump sharply in those weeks, and the same applies to ski towns in Colorado, Utah and Tahoe while the snow lasts.

Outside spring break, March is a shoulder month in the cities. New York, Chicago and Washington are cheaper and quieter than in April or May, which is the main argument for going north now rather than later. Flights are mid-priced; booking three to six weeks ahead is usually enough outside the spring-break peak.

March is a light month for national holidays — there are none — but a heavy one for local events. St Patrick's Day on 17 March is celebrated far beyond Ireland: New York, Boston, Chicago (which dyes its river green), Savannah and New Orleans all hold large parades. Expect packed bars and higher hotel rates in those cities for the weekend nearest the date.

Spring training baseball runs through the month in Arizona and Florida, with cheap afternoon games and easy access to players. College basketball's championship tournaments fill sports bars and drive short-term hotel demand in host cities. In Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms usually peak in late March or early April, which is the busiest two weeks of the city's spring. Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year can also fall in March in some years, depending on the calendar.

If you want warm weather, the desert Southwest is the strongest pick: Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon's South Rim, which is open year-round. Pair it with southern Utah's Zion and Bryce Canyon, where March is cool but far quieter than May. Florida works too — Miami, the Keys and the Gulf coast are dry and warm — but book around spring break.

For cities, March is a good value month in the Northeast and Midwest. New York is cold but walkable with a coat, museums are quiet, and hotel rates are below their spring peak. Washington, D.C. is worth timing to the cherry blossoms if you can accept the crowds. In the South, New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston and Nashville are pleasant before the summer humidity arrives. Skiers should head to Colorado, Utah, Tahoe or New England while the snow holds.

Pack for two climates if you are crossing the country. For the South and Southwest: light layers, a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for cool desert evenings, which can drop close to freezing at altitude. For the Northeast, Midwest and mountains: a proper winter coat, hat, gloves, and shoes with grip for snow and slush. A rain shell is useful almost everywhere in March.

Other things worth bringing: a refillable water bottle, a US power adapter if you are visiting from Europe or Asia (the US uses 120 V, type A/B plugs), and any prescription medicine in its original packaging. If you are renting a car in ski country, check whether snow chains or winter tyres are required on the roads you plan to drive.

February is colder and quieter, with ski season at its peak and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. April brings the cherry blossoms, warmer cities and the start of the Southwest's best window, but also higher prices and more crowds. May is one of the best all-round months, with warm weather almost everywhere and Memorial Day opening the summer season at the end of the month.