Why March Is a Great Time to Visit Phoenix (2024)

For travelers going to the Phoenix area in March, the weather can be difficult to predict, with days ranging from nice and sunny to cool and rainy. However, true to its name, the Valley of the Sun is usually warm (but not too hot) in March, so it should be a good time for exploring. Due to the nice weather and spring training baseball games, visitors can expect bigger crowds and higher prices on accommodations and flights than usual, so planning in advance always helps.

Many different local events in Phoenix take advantage of the favorable climate by entertaining visitors in the spring. Apart from baseball, look for everything from a tequila tasting bash at the Desert Botanical Garden to the Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival.

Phoenix Weather in March

While most parts of the country are just finally beginning to defrost after winter, Phoenix weather feels like summer in comparison. March is one of the most comfortable months to visit the Valley of the Sun, thanks to warm and sunny days without the extreme heat that arrives a few months later.

• Average High Temperature: 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius)
• Average Low Temperature: 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius)

Evenings do cool down, so be prepared for chilly nights if you're walking around downtown Phoenix after sunset. March is a dry month in an already very dry place, so rain isn't likely during your trip. Storms are always a possibility in the desert, though, but they usually come through in short and intense spells rather than long bouts of rain.

What to Pack

If you are going to Phoenix in March, it is a good idea to bring typical items for warm weather such as shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. In case it gets wet, pack a rain jacket and comfortable closed-toed shoes for walking around. Bring a jacket and long pants not only for when the weather cools down in the evenings, but also for entering restaurants or other buildings that overcompensate for the heat with heavy air-conditioning.

March Events in Phoenix

There are a variety of events in Phoenix to enjoy in March. Travelers and locals can check out festivities ranging from Italian and Aloha festivals to tequila and classic movie events.

• Spring Training: Phoenix's biggest March event revolves all around America's favorite pastime. Major League Baseball teams that make up the Cactus League head to the Phoenix area for their annual practice season, and spectators can see their favorite players in much smaller and more intimate stadiums.
• Arizona Aloha Festival: This annual free, family-friendly event atTempe Beach Park (about a 15-minute drive from Phoenix) honors Hawaiian and other South Pacific Islander cultures through music, food, arts, and more.
• Haru in the Garden: Celebrate spring at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Visitors will enjoy a family-friendly experience with art, live music, Japanese fusion foods, drinks, and an internationally-known puppet group from Japan.
• Agave on the Rocks:Taking place at theDesert Botanical Garden, this Phoenix event for ages 21 and up features a tasting of premium tequilas and—of course—endless servings of housemade margaritas. Your admission also includes a catered meal and live entertainment while you enjoy the Garden.
• Sound + Cinema: On the first Saturday of March, the Mesa Arts Center (about a 25-minute drive from downtown Phoenix) hosts a free event with classic and cult films shown on a giant outdoor screen, all accompanied by music, food vendors, and a costume contest.
• Italian Festival of Arizona: Celebrate la dolce vita at this event in downtown Phoenix featuring live entertainment such as acrobats and musicians, cooking demonstrations, a spaghetti-eating contest, and plenty of delicious homemade Italian food to enjoy.
• McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F Fest): Head to Margaret T. Hance Park above the Papago Freeway Tunnel to hear everything from electronic to indie to bluegrass music at this annual music festival. It's not just about enjoying great music, but also a fundraiser for local charities.
• Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival: Celebrate all things related to art and wine at this annual festival in Litchfield Park, about 40 minutes outside of Phoenix. More than 200 artistsare on-site featuring their work along with live music performances, food trucks, and lots of great wine and craft beer.

March Travel Tips

• Even though March is shoulder season in most destinations, between spring training and students on spring break seeking warm weather, March is considered the high season in Phoenix. Reserve your flights and accommodations early to avoid paying the highest prices.
• Arizona is one of the two states, along with Hawaii, that doesn't observe daylight saving time. So when the rest of the country springs forward in March, remember that your clock won't change during your trip to Phoenix.
• Spring is one of the best months to explore all of the scenic hiking trails around Phoenix. The temperatures are ideal for being outdoors and thanks to the occasional rainstorm, Southwest wildflowers are in bloom and add a colorful backdrop to the landscape.