Florida is one of the most desirable vacation destinations due to the warm and sunny weather, but is visiting in March the ideal time? Up north, March is usually still frigid and snowy, so many families are looking for a tropical getaway. Luckily, the March weather in Florida is mild at around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If that sounds like the perfect temperature range for you, then it’s time to start planning your trip! This article will cover the average temperature by area, along with how to prepare for your Florida vacation in March.
Average Florida Weather in March by City
March marks the end of Florida’s winter and the beginning of the spring season. Of course, Florida’s “winters” aren’t nearly as cold as what most states are used to. In fact, most Florida cities in March are still as warm as a northern summer.
To help you get a better idea of what weather you should expect, here is the average weather by area:
- Daytona Beach
- High – 74 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 56 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fort Myers
- High – 79 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Jacksonville
- High – 65 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 44 degrees Fahrenheit
- Key West
- High – 78 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Miami
- High – 79 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 66 degrees Fahrenheit
- Orlando
- High – 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 58 degrees Fahrenheit
- Panama City
- High – 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 54 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pensacola
- High – 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 54 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tallahassee
- High – 73 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 49 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tampa
- High – 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 58 degrees Fahrenheit
- West Palm Beach
- High – 78 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low – 64 degrees Fahrenheit
Are There Any Weather Risks in March?
While March isn’t during hurricane season, it’s possible for storms and tornados to occur on a rare occasion. Yet, for the most part, March in Florida has mild weather with very few risks.
This weather is perfect for walking around and exploring the Sunshine State, but it’s not as great for beach days. With the weather in the 60s and 70s, the water at the beach might be colder than usual. So, save your beach vacations for later in the spring or summer.
What Should You Pack?
Contrary to popular belief, packing for Florida consists of more than tank tops, shorts, and swimsuits. In March, it can get chilly at night, so be sure to pack some layers.
Here are some items you should pack:
- Comfortable shoes
- Flip flops
- Swimsuit
- Clothes, such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sundresses
- Layers, such as sweatshirts, sweaters, long pants, or light jackets
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella
- Towel
Before you leave for your trip, be sure to check the weather. Even in the winter, you can still break a sweat in Florida. So, packing a wide variety of clothes is the key to success.
Best Florida Attractions to Visit in March
Even though many visitors consider March too chilly for a beach day, there are still plenty of other fun things to do. Theme parks are popular choices for cooler months since it’ll be less sweltering while standing in line. Here are a few places your family might want to check out.
Disney World
Disney World is easily the most well-known attraction in Florida. This Orlando theme park is full of attractions for all ages, but it’s not quite as fun in the summer, considering the extremely high temperatures and the increased risk of storms.
Yet, March is a great time to visit because it’s usually the ideal temperature for walking around without breaking much of a sweat. Any of the four parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) are great for walking around in March, and you might even find some Saint Patrick’s Day merchandise.
If it happens to be hotter than usual during your trip, you can also check out one of the two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Universal Orlando
Like Disney, Universal is another big amusement park in Orlando. A lot of the rides are bigger, making it the better option for older kids and adults. It features two different theme parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The Volcano Bay water park is also a great choice if the weather is warm.
Mardi Gras is a big event at Universal in March. The parks have special concerts, food, and merchandise throughout February and March to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a big attraction in Tampa, and it’s perfect for all ages. It has animals to look at, giant roller coasters to ride, and play areas for toddlers. Plus, it’s close to Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, all of which are great for exploring during March weather in Florida.
During March, there might also be some special events at Busch Gardens, such as concerts and food specials.
Bok Tower Gardens
If you aren’t looking for an amusement park, Bok Tower Gardens is a more peaceful and serene destination. It’s located in Polk County, which is in the center of the state, away from the chaos of the big cities.
Bok Tower Gardens have 250 acres of walking trails, along with a bird sanctuary. The beautiful 205-foot tall tower is also a popular photo opportunity at this attraction.
Legoland
Legoland is an amusement park located in Winter Haven, which is between Tampa and Orlando. This attraction is great for younger guests, but you don’t need to love Legos to enjoy it.
The park has a wide range of kid-friendly rides, along with adorable Lego sculptures set up around the park. Even just walking around the space is thrilling for most guests.
March Events in Florida
The above attractions can be visited any time of year if you’d like, but there are some events that are specific to March. If you’re looking for some one-of-a-kind fun, then these events might be perfect for your vacation.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
From early March to July, Disney World hosts a flower and garden festival at Epcot. Guests can enjoy the park as usual, but they’ll get the added bonus of flower topiaries throughout Epcot. Many of these flower displays are shaped to look like some of your favorite Disney characters.
Florida Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City is a lot more action-packed than it sounds. There’s no shortage of strawberries to enjoy, but there are also plenty of rides, live entertainment, food, and livestock exhibits too. It occurs in early March, and it’s a great introduction to the spring season.
Florida Renaissance Festival
Deerfield Beach is home to the annual Renaissance Festival in Florida. This fair will make it seem like you’ve traveled back in time, thanks to its performances, shops, and games. This event usually occurs for several weeks, including some time over March.
Daytona Bike Week
Daytona has a famous motorcycle rally that lasts for over a week in March. The event includes motorcycle racing, concerts, street vendors, and other party activities. Many bikers travel to Daytona just to enjoy this unique attraction.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Florida?
Yes, March is an excellent time to visit Florida! Florida weather in March isn’t as sweltering as it is in the summer, and it’s nowhere near as cold as the northern states.
If you’re looking to walk around, go to amusement parks, or explore new areas of Florida, then March is a great time to experience that. However, if beaches are your favorite attractions, then it might be better to wait until the weather warms up a bit. Either way, you’ll love visiting Florida because it has so many fun things to do!
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