March at Disney World: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Unlike most of the United States, spring arrives early at Walt Disney World, located in central Florida near Orlando. You can expect temperatures in the mid- to high 70s in March, but be prepared for cool nights and mornings. Expect moderate crowds in the parks, except in those years when Easter occurs in or close to March.

Sharp-eyed visitors may notice some of Central Florida's native animals making an appearance this time of year, but unlike sunscreen, which is a necessity at any time of year in the Sunshine State, you won't need to break out the bug spray or worry too much about overheating in this mild month.

Disney World Weather in March

Cool, moderate weather makes March a great time to visit Disney World. The comfortable temperatures make exploring the lesser known walking trails around the parks and resorts in places such as the Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Animal Kingdom much easier without suffering from the intense heat that comes later in the year.

• Average high temperature: 77 F (25 C)
• Average low temperature: 57 F (14 C)
• The area doesn't get much rain during March (averaging 3.79 inches of precipitation)

Variables temperatures can give you 60s one day and 80s the next. You might experience at least one rain shower during your visit. By the end of the month, you'll be getting a bit more than 12 hours of time between sunrise and sunset. Daylight savings time starts in March too, extending the light longer into the evening hours.

The pools at Disney World's water parks and resorts are heated to a comfortable temperature, but you may want to opt for a soak in the hot tub instead in the early morning or evening when chillier temperatures would likely prevail.

What to Pack

Be prepared for a range of temperatures in March. You may start out in the morning wearing a hoodie or sweater with long pants, then want to strip down to shorts and a T-shirt by mid-afternoon, then want to cover up again when the sun goes down. Don't let cool or cloudy weather fool you; the Florida sun can inflict serious damage at any time of the year so you need to diligently apply sunscreen whenever you're going to be outside.

Since the days may get warm enough to make swimming an attractive option, pack a swimsuit. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks are typically open in March. Consider cheap plastic ponchos; they pack easily and can help you stay dry should a rain shower blow through.

Regardless of the time of year you visit, you'll also want to pack comfortable shoes as you'll be doing lots of walking at the parks.

March Events at Disney World

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival: March marks the start of this annual botanical event in the Epcot theme park. Visitors will be treated to an array of special floral exhibits, playgrounds, interactive attractions, and scrumptious plant-based cuisine at food booths. The festival also offers activity stations for kids, the opportunity to shop with select specialty vendors, and free Garden Rocks concerts on the weekends.
• St. Patrick's Day: There isn't anything specifically geared to celebrate the Irish holiday at the parks or throughout the resort, but there are some fun things to consider doing at Disney World on Saint Patrick's Day.

March Travel Tips

• Even though crowds should be lighter than other times of the year, learn how to use Disney World’s My Disney Experience, including Fastpass+, to make advance ride reservations.
• Dining reservations at Disney World  are accepted 180 days in advance of your visit. If you plan on dining at a table service restaurant, hot spots like Cinderella's Royal Table and Le Cellier are almost always fully booked at least three months in advance, so make your reservations as quickly as possible.
• Disney After Hours is a little-known “secret” perk of visiting in the off-season, including March. Guests can enjoy a 3-hour exclusive experience in the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You'll feel like the parks are your private playgrounds, with the most popular attractions, along with character greetings, available at this after-hours event. The best part is you won't have to wait long to ride fan favorites including Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
• Look for the garden-themed playgrounds and butterfly hatchery scattered in and around Future World at Epcot for the Flower and Garden festival if you are traveling with small children. You won't find these special exhibits and activities at any other time of year.
• Check Disney World’s special offers for reduced hotel rates, package deals, and more. You’re likely to find good off-season promotions for March.
• If you are traveling to Disney World by car, be aware that Daytona's Bike Week festivities, held at the beginning of March, can cause traffic delays in the region.

To learn more about the pros and cons of visiting Disney World during March, check out our guide on the best time to visit.