If you live in a colder part of the U.S., you likely understand the concept of “winter blues.” As the winter months of (partially) December, January, February, and (partially) March drag on, it’s easy to feel defeated — as though winter will never end. While some states boast the warmest U.S. beaches in March, others are still suffering from cold temps.
Thankfully, March often brings a jolt of hope and the promise of warmer weather soon. Though many states experience heavy snowfall and freezing conditions throughout March, many other locations boast beautiful weather and ideal temperatures.
Looking to escape those winter blues or kickstart your spring season? Here are 15 of the warmest U.S. beaches to visit during March.
1. Maui, Hawaii: Ka’anapali Beach
- Average March high: 79°F (via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA)
- Average March low: 71°F (via NOAA)
Ka’anapali Beach in Maui is one such location with ideal temperatures and gorgeous natural scenery. Its clear waters also make it the perfect spot for snorkeling, a common tourist attraction.
2. Big Island, Hawaii: Hapuna Beach
- Average March high: 82°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 66°F (via NOAA)
Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the Big Island, and it boasts hot weather you can’t beat in March. While Hapuna Beach was closed in 2022 due to recurring leaks, it just safely opened back up to the public last month.
3. Oahu, Hawaii: Waikiki Beach
- Average March high: 82°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 62°F (via NOAA)
Waikiki is a great place to visit in March. Not only will you experience warm temperatures, but you’ll also access a vibrant community and tons of surfing opportunities.
4. Kauai, Hawaii: Kalapaki Beach
- Average March high: 79°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 67°F (via NOAA)
Kalapaki Beach, a swimmable destination, is another must-visit place in Kauai, Hawaii. With average temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, you’ll shed your winter blues in no time.
5. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands: Magens Bay Beach
- Average March high: 83°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 75°F (via NOAA)
St. Thomas is a thriving island in the Caribbean Sea that’s known for snorkeling, swimming, and beautiful weather. In fact, March is one of the best times to visit this gateway island of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
6. Hollywood, Florida: Hollywood Beach
- Average March high: 80°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 64°F (via NOAA)
One of the warmest places in Florida is Hollywood Beach, nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Its Hollywood Beach offers visitors high temperatures and an “old Florida” vibe.
7. Naples, Florida: Naples Beach
- Average March high: 79°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 61°F (via NOAA)
Naples Beach features miles upon miles of white sand and beautiful scenery. Beach access is free, and temperatures are sure to warm your winter core.
8. Key West, Florida: Smathers Beach
- Average March high: 79°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 69°F (via NOAA)
Being so close to the equator, Key West remains warm and sunny throughout the entire year. Smathers Beach in particular is the largest public beach in Key West and is a great place for a host of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to kayaking and sunbathing.
9. Marco Island, Florida: South Beach
- Average March high: 78°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 59°F (via NOAA)
Sitting just off the coast of southwest Florida, Marco Island is a barrier island that boasts white sand beaches like South Beach, a popular tourist attraction during spring months.
10. Malibu, California: Zuma Beach
- Average March high: 67°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 51°F (via NOAA)
Malibu and its Zuma Beach are such places where you can enjoy warm weather all throughout March.
11. Laguna Beach, California: Main Beach
- Average March high: 69°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 47°F (via NOAA)
This small coastal city is home to some of the nicest beaches and coves in Orange County, California. If visiting during the springtime, you can expect temperatures nearing 70 on most days.
12. San Diego, California: Coronado Central Beach
- Average March high: 66°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 54°F (via NOAA)
Coronado Central Beach in San Diego features white sand and offers visitors stunning scenery and mild, favorable temperatures through March.
13. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Coligny Beach
- Average March high: 70°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 48°F (via NOAA)
South Carolina’s Coligny Beach in Hilton Head is a gorgeous beach park with various attractions and warm early spring temperatures.
14. Dauphin Island, Alabama: Dauphin Beach
- Average March high: 68°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 56°F (via NOAA)
Located in the Gulf of Mexico off Alabama, Dauphin Island features favorable weather, beautiful scenery, and warm gulf waters.
15. St. Simons Island, Georgia: East Beach
- Average March high: 69°F (via NOAA)
- Average March low: 52°F (via NOAA)
An island off Georgia’s coast, St. Simons features salt marshes, sandy stretches, and warm March weather. Its East Beach provides visitors with access to dog-friendly locations, sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and more.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © bluejayphoto/iStock via Getty Images
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