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Best national parks to visit in March
All 63 US national parks ranked by March camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: White Sands, Big Bend, Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Carlsbad Caverns.
#1White Sands
New Mexico
100 avg 71° / 33°F · 0.2 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#2Big Bend
Texas
100 avg 74° / 47°F · 0.4 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#3Joshua Tree
California
100 avg 74° / 49°F · 0.3 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#4Saguaro
Arizona
100 avg 76° / 50°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#5Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico
100 avg 68° / 43°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Timed entry for the cavern · $15 per person
#6Pinnacles
California
100 avg 68° / 38°F · 2.8 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#7Zion
Utah
100 avg 66° / 39°F · 2.0 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#8Channel Islands
California
100 avg 66° / 49°F · 2.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#9Dry Tortugas
Florida
100 avg 79° / 68°F · 2.1 in
Entry: Not required · $15 per person
#10Arches
Utah
100 avg 65° / 36°F · 0.7 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#11Biscayne
Florida
100 avg 80° / 59°F · 2.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#12Guadalupe Mountains
Texas
100 avg 63° / 40°F · 0.5 in
Entry: Not required · $10 per person
#13Death Valley
California, Nevada
98 avg 83° / 57°F · 0.2 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#14Congaree
South Carolina
96 avg 69° / 46°F · 3.5 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#15Everglades
Florida
95 avg 83° / 58°F · 1.9 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
Key dates in March
- Mount Whitney lottery application window Expected
- Half Dome preseason lottery Expected
- Colorado big game primary draw applications Expected
- Mount Whitney lottery results posted Expected
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in March?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in March are White Sands, Big Bend, Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Carlsbad Caverns.
Which national parks should I avoid in March?
For camping weather, Theodore Roosevelt, North Cascades, National Park of American Samoa, Yellowstone, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Teton score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in March?
There is no national park fee-free day in March in 2026.
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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