LivingTravelMarching at Disney World: Weather, What to Pack, and...

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

Unlike most of the United States, spring comes early at Walt Disney World, located in central Florida near Orlando. You can expect temperatures between 70 and 70 degrees, but be prepared for cool nights and mornings.

Sharp-eyed visitors may notice that some of Central Florida’s native animals make their appearance this time of year, but unlike sunscreen, a must-have any time of year in the sunshine state, you won’t need to break the bug spray nor worry too much about overheating in this mild month.

Spring considerations

If you’re traveling to Disney World by car, be aware that a Daytona Beach motorcycle festival in early March can cause traffic delays in the region. Expect moderate crowds in the parks, except in those years when Easter break and spring break occur in March.

Disney World Weather in March

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

  • Average High Temperature: 78 F (25.6 C)
  • Average Low Temp: 58 F (14.4 C)

Variable temperatures can give you 60 degrees one day and 80 degrees the next. You are also likely to experience at least one rain during your visit, with March being the rainiest month outside of the summer rainy season. By the end of the month, you will get a little over 12 hours between sunrise and sunset. Daylight saving time also begins in March, extending the daylight longer into the evening hours.

What to pack

Prepare for a range of temperatures in March. You may start in the morning in a hoodie or sweater with long pants, then undress in shorts and a T-shirt in the middle of the afternoon, and then want to cover up again when the sun goes down. Don’t let the cold or cloudy weather fool you – the Florida sun can cause serious damage any time of year, so you should diligently apply sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside.

You may have days warm enough that swimming is an attractive option, so go ahead and pack a bathing suit. Most of the resort’s pools are heated, and the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks usually open in March. Cheap plastic ponchos pack easily and can help you stay dry when the inevitable rains blow.

March Events at Disney World

  • St. Patrick’s Day: If you happen to be at Disney World on March 17, head over to the World Showcase UK Pavilion and join in on the lively St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
  • Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March marks the beginning of this annual botanical event at Epcot theme park. Visitors will enjoy a variety of special flower displays, playgrounds, and interactive attractions. The festival also offers children’s activity stations, the opportunity to shop with select specialty vendors, and free Garden Rocks concerts on weekends.
  • If you are traveling with young children, look for garden-themed playgrounds and butterfly farms scattered throughout and around Future World. You won’t find these special exhibits and activities at any other time of the year.

March Travel Tips

  • Pack your camera. With the sun shining down and flowers blooming, photo opportunities abound as Disney characters go out to meet guests at a variety of photographic locations this time of year.
  • Be sure to use the FastPass + program in the My Disney Experience app before your trip to significantly reduce your attraction wait time.
  • Meal reservations are accepted 180 days prior to your visit online, via the mobile app, or by phone. If you plan to dine at a table service restaurant, hot spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Le Cellier are almost always full at least three months in advance, so make your reservations as quickly as possible.
  • Although the water can be a bit cold, the sun is usually shining, so March is a great time to head to Disney’s water parks.

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

Epcot's Exciting Mission: SPACE

From the beginning, Disney theme parks have teamed up with technology and storytelling to get guests to places.

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

Schools across America go out for the summer in June, so Disney rolls out some of its best entertainment to keep girls happy.

Star Wars Weekends 2016

Disney magic and the power of the force are usually combined for Star Wars weekends from mid-May to mid-June, but

Disney World Spring Break Survival Tips

Spring break is one of the busiest times to visit Disney World, but preparing ahead of time can make the trip

Getting There: Disney World Magic Kingdom Transportation Tips

With attractions designed to appeal to children of all ages, Magic Kingdom is one of the highlights of any Walt Disney World vacation in

More