Best Places to Visit in Arizona in March for Perfect Weather
March is widely considered the sweet spot for visiting Arizona. Across most of the state, daytime temperatures range from the mid 60s to low 80s, depending on elevation. Desert regions are comfortably warm, mountain towns remain crisp but accessible, and summer heat has not yet arrived.
This is the rare month when nearly everything in Arizona is possible. You can hike desert trails without extreme heat warnings, explore canyons with clear visibility, road trip comfortably, and even experience lingering snow in higher elevations. Wildflowers begin blooming in lower deserts, saguaros stand against clear blue skies, and sunsets feel sharper in the dry spring air.
15 of the best places to visit in Arizona in March for ideal weather and unforgettable scenery
1. Grand Canyon National Park
March is one of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon. The South Rim remains fully accessible, temperatures are cool but comfortable, and visibility is often exceptional thanks to low humidity and clear skies.
Crowds are noticeably lighter than peak summer. Hiking trails like Bright Angel are far more manageable without intense heat. Early mornings may bring a light chill, and occasional snow is possible at higher elevations, which only enhances the dramatic contrast against the canyon’s red rock walls. March allows for long scenic walks, photography sessions, and quiet sunrise viewpoints without summer congestion.
2. Sedona
Sedona in March feels almost perfectly balanced. Daytime highs typically land in the mid 60s to low 70s, making it ideal for hiking among the red rock formations.
Trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge are comfortable to explore for hours. Wildflowers begin appearing along lower trails, and golden-hour light reflecting off sandstone cliffs creates unforgettable scenery. March is also an excellent time for jeep tours, mountain biking, and exploring Sedona’s art galleries without peak tourist density.
3. Saguaro National Park
Located near Tucson, Saguaro National Park showcases Arizona’s iconic cactus landscape. March temperatures are warm but not scorching, usually ranging between 70 and 80 degrees.
The desert begins to show color, with blooming wildflowers and occasional cactus blossoms depending on rainfall. Scenic drives and hiking trails through dense saguaro forests are comfortable throughout the day. This is prime time for photography, bird watching, and sunset viewing across the Sonoran Desert.
4. Tucson
Tucson thrives in March. Summer heat has not yet arrived, and outdoor exploration feels effortless.
Visitors can explore Mission San Xavier del Bac, hike in the Catalina Foothills, and dine outdoors under clear desert skies. Tucson’s blend of Native American, Mexican, and Western heritage is especially enjoyable during spring festivals and events. March evenings are cool and comfortable, ideal for patio dining and sunset views over the mountains.
5. Phoenix
Phoenix is at its best in March. Daytime temperatures hover in the 70s and low 80s before the intense summer heat sets in.
The Desert Botanical Garden begins showcasing spring blooms, including desert marigolds and lupine. Hiking at Camelback Mountain or Papago Park is manageable without extreme heat warnings. March also aligns with spring training baseball, adding seasonal energy to the city.
6. Scottsdale
Scottsdale offers upscale desert experiences combined with perfect spring weather.
Old Town Scottsdale is ideal for walking, shopping, and gallery browsing in March. Outdoor dining patios fill up during mild evenings, and nearby hiking trails provide scenic desert backdrops. March is also the peak season for golf and spa retreats, as temperatures remain consistently comfortable.
7. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon’s famous light beams begin appearing more frequently as spring progresses. March brings comfortable hiking temperatures and clear skies, enhancing the slot canyon’s deep red and orange tones.
Guided tours are required, and booking early is recommended. Cooler temperatures make walking through narrow canyon passages far more enjoyable than during summer. This is the prime season for photography.
8. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley’s towering sandstone buttes look especially dramatic under crisp March skies.
Daytime temperatures are mild, typically in the 60s, making scenic drives and guided Navajo tours comfortable. Fewer crowds allow for quieter panoramic viewpoints. March sunsets cast long shadows across the desert floor, creating some of the most iconic imagery in the American Southwest.
9. Petrified Forest National Park
March is excellent for exploring Petrified Forest National Park. Cooler temperatures make hiking through the Painted Desert and Blue Mesa more pleasant.
The fossilized wood’s vibrant colors contrast beautifully against clear blue skies. Spring conditions also reduce heat exposure during longer walks. It remains one of Arizona’s quieter national parks, offering space and solitude.
10. Flagstaff
Flagstaff offers a higher elevation experience in March. While daytime temperatures are cooler, often in the 50s and 60s, the weather remains comfortable for exploring historic downtown and nearby trails.
Snow may linger in surrounding forests, creating a striking contrast against bright blue skies. It is possible to combine desert hiking in Sedona with cooler mountain air in Flagstaff on the same trip. Lowell Observatory and Route 66 landmarks are especially enjoyable in spring.
11. Lake Powell
March marks the beginning of boating season at Lake Powell. Water temperatures are still cool, but daytime conditions are ideal for kayaking, scenic cruises, and photography.
The contrast between blue water and red sandstone cliffs feels especially vivid in spring light. Crowds remain lower than peak summer. It also serves as a gateway to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
12. Havasu Falls
March is one of the best months to hike to Havasu Falls. Temperatures are mild, making the multi-mile trek far safer and more comfortable than summer.
The turquoise waterfalls flowing against red canyon walls create a surreal landscape. Permits are required well in advance. Water may be chilly for swimming, but hiking conditions are ideal.
13. Jerome
Jerome, a historic hillside mining town, offers scenic views over the Verde Valley.
March weather is perfect for walking steep streets, visiting art studios, and enjoying wine tastings without summer heat. The town’s blend of ghost-town history and artistic revival feels particularly vibrant in spring. It pairs well with a Sedona itinerary.
14. Bisbee
Bisbee sits in southeastern Arizona and offers a cooler, arts-focused alternative to desert cities.
March temperatures are comfortable for exploring its colorful historic downtown and former mining sites. The town’s creative energy and mountain backdrop create a unique atmosphere within the state. It remains less visited than Arizona’s headline destinations.
15. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle preserves a five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago.
March weather makes walking the monument’s loop trail pleasant and educational. The limestone cliff backdrop and surrounding greenery offer a peaceful stop between Phoenix and Sedona. It is an accessible and culturally significant addition to a spring road trip.
Why March Is the Best Time to Visit Arizona for Perfect Weather
March in Arizona offers rare balance. Desert regions are warm but not extreme. High elevations are cool but accessible. Wildflowers begin to bloom, skies remain clear, and nearly every landscape across the state is open for exploration.
You can hike red rock trails in the morning, stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon in the afternoon, and watch a desert sunset in the evening without battling summer heat. For perfect weather and maximum flexibility, March is Arizona at its best.
This season gives you the freedom to explore Arizona without the limits of extreme heat, and the right home base makes that flexibility even better. Stay with Beyond Lodging™™ to choose from spacious group-friendly properties, pet-friendly stays, romantic retreats, and private pool escapes designed for comfort and convenience. After a day spent hiking red rock trails, exploring canyon overlooks, or chasing desert sunsets, you can return to a space that feels private, relaxed, and entirely your own.
