March Weather in Washington, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

Experience the dynamic March weather in Washington, United States, where temperatures fluctuate from a notable maximum of 28°C (83°F) to a chilly minimum of -7°C (20°F). The average temperature rests at a cool 8°C (46°F), setting the stage for a month of diverse climatic conditions. With 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days, the wet weather contributes to a relative humidity of 83%, creating a unique blend of freshness and briskness in the air. March in Washington is a transition month, showcasing nature's ability to shift dramatically, making it a time of both reflective beauty and vibrant possibilities.

March Temperature in Washington

As winter transitions into spring, March in Washington, United States, reveals a notable shift in temperatures, showcasing a blend of lingering chill and emerging warmth. The month opens with minimum temperatures dipping to -7°C (20°F), yet the average climbs to 8°C (46°F), a stark contrast to the depths of winter. March also witnesses maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 28°C (83°F), hinting at the imminent arrival of warmer days. This month serves as a pivotal turning point, with an upward trend in temperatures becoming evident, paving the way for the more temperate conditions of April and May that follow. The evolving climate not only invigorates the landscape but also lifts spirits as nature awakens from its winter slumber.

March Weather in Washington: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates March temperature patterns in Washington, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec374146566675807772624740
Data source: Temperature data for Washington generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

March Precipitation in Washington

March in Washington, United States, ushers in a notable transition in precipitation patterns. With 87 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall over 10 days, March maintains a steady level of moisture similar to February, which experienced 98 mm (3.9 in), despite having more rainfall days. This consistency in precipitation hints at the lingering influence of winter weather as the state edges towards spring. Interestingly, April is anticipated to see a slight uptick with 100 mm (4.0 in), suggesting that while March is stable, the upcoming month may bring even more moisture, paving the way for the lush landscapes that spring is known for. Overall, March serves as a pivotal period, bridging the heavier rains of winter and the invigorating showers of early spring.

March Precipitation Trends in Washington

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Washington, with values for each month alongside March's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how March's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec619887100127118157140951058193
Data source: Precipitation data for March generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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March Humidity in Washington

In March, Washington, United States, experiences a year where humidity remains relatively consistent, holding steady at 83%—a slight dip from February's 84%. As the city transitions from the cold winter months to the early hints of spring, this humidity level reflects a continuation of the dampness typical of the first quarter of the year. Looking ahead, April brings a further decrease to 81%, setting the stage for a gradual decline as the region moves toward warmer, drier months. Overall, the trend shows that humidity in Washington is at its highest during the winter and early spring before tapering off as summer approaches.

March Average Humidity in Washington

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Washington, with March's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how March's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec84%83%83%81%78%79%74%72%75%81%85%84%
Data source: Humidity data for March generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

March UV Index in Washington

As March arrives in Washington, D.C., the UV Index rises to 7, signaling a shift towards high exposure levels. This increase from February's 5 showcases the lengthening days and intensifying sun as spring sets in. With a burn time of just 25 minutes, it's crucial to adopt sun safety measures early in the season. This upward trend continues in April and May, where the index escalates further to 9 and 10 respectively, highlighting the need for vigilance as warmer months approach. For those planning outdoor activities, staying informed about UV levels is essential. Dive deeper into the data and protect yourself with tips from Washington UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Washington for March

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Washington in March, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec357910101098753
Data source: Washington March UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

March Sunshine in Washington

As March rolls in, Washington experiences a remarkable surge in sunshine, with 259 hours of bright, energizing light gracing the skies. This peak marks a significant increase from January's 150 hours and February's 180 hours, heralding the arrival of spring. The trend of increasing daylight continues into April, maintaining the same sunlit hours as March. However, the following months usher in even more sunshine, with May ramping up to 281 hours and June culminating in a dazzling 330 hours—the sunniest month of the year. This upward trajectory in daylight not only enhances the beauty of Washington's spring landscape but also invigorates outdoor activities, making the city come alive with energy and excitement. As summer approaches, the extended sunshine serves as a delightful prelude to the long, bright days ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Washington: March Highlighted

The March sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Washington experiences direct sunlight during the month of March, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of March with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec150h180h259h259h281h330h356h321h277h246h226h191h
Data source: Washington March Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Washington During March

As spring begins to unfurl in March, Washington, United States, sees a notable rise in sunny weather, with a 52% chance of sunshine gracing the skies. This marks a refreshing contrast to earlier months like January and February, where the sun only peeked out 45% and 28% of the time, respectively. Interestingly, March's sunny prospects outshine those of April and May, suggesting that winter's grip is loosening and brighter days are on the horizon. Following a trend toward increasing probabilities of sunshine, one can look forward to even brighter September and November, which boast similar chances of sunny weather at 53% and 56%. Thus, March emerges as a pivotal month, bridging the end of the dreary winter and the invigorating blossoms of spring with a healthy dose of sunlight.

Percentage of Sunny Days in March in Washington

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Washington throughout the year, with March highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Washington experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45%28%53%48%40%38%49%34%53%40%56%37%
Data source: Washington March chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Washington in March

March marks a significant transition in daylight duration for Washington, United States, as the days grow noticeably longer with 11 hours of light. Following the gradual increase from 10 hours in February, this additional hour of daylight not only heralds the arrival of spring but also invites more outdoor activities and vibrant community life. As the month progresses, residents can look forward to even longer days in April, when daylight jumps to 13 hours, setting the stage for the lush beauty of the season. The trend of increasing daylight duration throughout the early months of the year not only enhances the ambiance of the city but also boosts overall mood and energy levels, making March a delightful precursor to the sun-drenched days ahead.

Average Daylight Hours in Washington for March

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Washington throughout the year, with March highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 46m10h 44m11h 58m13h 14m14h 18m14h 50m14h 32m13h 36m12h 23m11h 7m10h 1m9h 28m
Data source: Washington daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

March Winds in Washington

In Washington, D.C., March ushers in a slight uptick in average wind speed, reaching 3.3 m/s (7 mph), which mirrors April's breezy conditions. This gentle increase from February's 3.2 m/s hints at the transition into spring, where the winds become more noticeable. Interestingly, after peaking in early spring, the winds gradually taper off, reaching their annual lows in the summer months, with July averaging just 2.2 m/s (5 mph). As the year progresses, September sees a brief resurgence to 2.6 m/s, but overall, the trend illustrates the calming nature of Washington's winds as summer approaches, offering a respite after the lively breezes of spring. The wind's ebb and flow throughout the year serves as a gentle reminder of the changing seasons and the dynamic weather patterns in this historical city.

Average March Wind Speed in Washington

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Washington, with values for each month shown alongside March's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how March's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.03.23.3 m/s3.32.82.52.21.92.62.82.92.8
Data source: Washington March wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How March Weather in Washington Compares to Other Months

The weather in Washington changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of March's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Washington and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparison to January, March displays a notable increase in temperature, with average highs reaching up to 28°C (83°F), whereas January's highs peak at 22°C (71°F). The minimum temperatures also reflect this warming trend, dropping from January's chilling -15°C (5°F) to a more manageable -7°C (20°F) in March. Additionally, while January experiences slightly less precipitation at 61 mm (2.4 in) over 8 days, March sees an increase to 87 mm (3.4 in) across 10 days, demonstrating a trend towards wetter weather. Both months maintain similar humidity levels, with January at 84% and March at 83%. For more details on January weather, you can check Washington weather in January.

Comparing the weather in March and February reveals some notable differences. In March, the temperatures are generally milder, with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) compared to February's colder minimum of -16°C (4°F). March features an average temperature of 8°C (46°F), while February has a lower average of 5°C (41°F). Both months reach similar maximum temperatures, with March peaking at 28°C (83°F) and February at 28°C (82°F). However, March experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days, compared to February's 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days. Interestingly, both months have the same humidity level of 83%. For more details on February weather in Washington, visit Washington weather in February.

In March, the weather experiences a broader range of temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), while the average temperature sits at 8°C (46°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days, and a humidity level of 83%. In contrast, April presents milder conditions with a minimum temperature of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 32°C (91°F), accompanied by a rise in the average temperature to 14°C (57°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 100 mm (4.0 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 81%. For a detailed look at the specific weather patterns, check out Washington weather in April.

In comparing the weather of March and May, March is characterized by a wider temperature range, with minimums dropping to -7°C (20°F) and maximums soaring up to 28°C (83°F). Conversely, May presents a more moderate climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 2°C (36°F) and average highs reaching 34°C (94°F). While March experiences significant precipitation over 10 days totaling 87 mm (3.4 in), May is slightly wetter with 127 mm (5.0 in) of rainfall over 13 days. Additionally, the humidity levels are slightly higher in March at 83%, compared to May's 78%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in May, visit Washington weather in May.

March weather is notably cooler than June, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to an average of 8°C (46°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (83°F). It experiences 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 10 days and features a higher humidity level of 83%. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures with a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and highs reaching up to 36°C (98°F). The month records slightly more precipitation at 118 mm (4.7 in) over 12 days, but with lower humidity at 79%. For more detailed insights into the June weather, check out Washington weather in June.

In March, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (20°F) at their lowest to a mild 28°C (83°F) at their peak, with an average temperature of 8°C (46°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, July presents a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and maximums soaring up to 38°C (101°F), averaging around 27°C (81°F). This month sees increased precipitation at 157 mm (6.2 in) over roughly 12 days, but with lower humidity at 74%. For a deeper look at the weather in July, check out Washington weather in July.

March and August present contrasting weather experiences. In March, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (20°F) at night to a mild 28°C (83°F) during the day, resulting in an average of 8°C (46°F). The month sees significant precipitation, with about 87 mm (3.4 in) spread over 10 days and a high humidity level of 83%. In stark contrast, August enjoys much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 14°C (58°F) and highs soaring to 37°C (99°F), averaging around 25°C (77°F). August is also wetter, receiving 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain across 15 days, but boasts lower humidity at 72%. For more details, check out Washington weather in August.

March and September showcase contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the transition from winter to summer and vice versa. In March, temperatures fluctuate significantly, with lows reaching -7°C (20°F) and highs peaking at 28°C (83°F), accompanied by an average humidity of 83%. The month typically sees about 87 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall over 10 days. In contrast, September enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average high of 36°C (97°F), coupled with lower humidity levels at 75%. This month also receives slightly more precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. For more detailed information, check out Washington weather in September.

March and October present distinct weather patterns, with March featuring a broader temperature range, from a chilly minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). In contrast, October's temperatures are generally milder, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is slightly more frequent in October, with 104 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days compared to March's 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days. Despite this, both months maintain relatively high humidity levels, with March at 83% and October at 81%. For more detailed information, visit Washington weather in October.

March and November exhibit comparable average temperatures, both hovering around 8°C (46°F), but their ranges differ slightly. In March, minimum temperatures can drop to -7°C (20°F), while November sees a milder minimum of -6°C (21°F). Maximum temperatures peak at 28°C (83°F) in March compared to November's maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with March receiving 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days, while November records 81 mm (3.2 in) across just 7 days. The humidity in both months is relatively high, with March at 83% and November at 85%. For more detailed information about November weather, visit Washington weather in November.

March and December exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In March, temperatures exhibit a broader range, with averages around 8°C (46°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F), while dropping to as low as -7°C (20°F). In contrast, December remains cooler overall, with average temperatures at 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of only 20°C (69°F), and a minimum of -10°C (13°F). Both months receive similar levels of precipitation—87 mm (3.4 in) in March and 93 mm (3.7 in) in December—though March experiences rainfall on slightly more days (10) compared to December's 9 days. Humidity levels are comparable as well, with March at 83% and December at 84%. For more information about December weather, you can check out Washington weather in December.

Compare Washington's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From March Weather in Washington

March weather in Washington showcases a transition from the chill of winter to the burgeoning warmth of spring. With average temperatures noticeably higher than the preceding months, this time of year invites the city to bloom, even as it may still experience the occasional dip into colder conditions. The moderate precipitation, though present, often paves the way for clearer skies and budding greenery, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Coupled with relatively high humidity, March serves as a gentle prelude to the vibrant spring season that lies ahead. For a detailed overview of weather patterns throughout the year, visit Washington Climate.