What’s the weather like in Orlando during March?

March is warm and comfortable by <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="x1BMEYY5" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68247948138ac74af881f007" text="Orlando" uid="www.orlando-ticket.com" lang="en" /> standards, usually around 17–28°C (63–82°F). Early mornings can feel mild, afternoons are sunny, and evenings usually only need a light layer.

Is March a good time to visit Orlando?

Yes, if you want warm weather and lots happening. It’s one of the best months for festivals and day trips, but spring break crowds make timing matter a lot.

How crowded is Orlando in March?

Early March is manageable. From **March 7–April 5**, crowds jump sharply because of staggered spring break calendars across the United States and abroad.

Are Disney and Universal very busy in March?

They can be. Weekdays in early March are your best bet. Weekends and school-break dates bring longer waits, fuller hotels, and slower traffic around the resort corridors.

What’s the best Disney park in Orlando in March?

EPCOT is the standout because **Flower and Garden** starts on **March 4, 2026**. It gives you rides, food booths, and a strong seasonal angle in one park day.

Is Universal Mardi Gras included with regular admission?

The Mardi Gras parade is included with standard park admission to Universal Studios Florida. March Saturdays are the liveliest, but they’re also the most crowded.

Should I rent a car in Orlando in March?

It depends on where you’re staying. If your trip is mostly Disney or Universal, you can skip it. If you want Kennedy Space Center, Wekiwa Springs, or beach days, a car helps.

Can I do Kennedy Space Center as a day trip in March?

Absolutely. March is a strong month for it because the weather is pleasant for walking between exhibits. Just treat it as a full-day plan, not a half-day extra.

What should I pack for Orlando in March?

Bring breathable clothes, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light sweater for evenings or heavy air-conditioning. A compact poncho is still useful.

Does it rain a lot in Orlando in March?

Not like summer. March is usually much drier than June, July, or August, though you can still get brief showers. Weather disruptions are less common than in peak summer.

Is March a good month for food-focused trips to Orlando?

Yes. You get **Flower and Garden** at EPCOT, **Seven Seas Food Festival** at SeaWorld on weekends, and fresh Florida strawberries in markets and day-trip festivals.

Are hotel prices high in Orlando in March?

They rise noticeably during spring break. You’ll usually find better rates in early March than during the March 7–April 5 school-holiday stretch.

What’s the best non-theme-park thing to do in Orlando in March?

Kennedy Space Center is the strongest classic day trip. If you want something shorter, an airboat ride or a neighborhood day in Winter Park works well too.

Is the I-Ride Trolley useful in March?

Yes, if you’re staying on International Drive and want to connect ICON Park, outlet shopping, and nearby attractions without driving. It’s much less useful for Disney-heavy itineraries.

Do I need to book Orlando dinner shows in advance in March?

For weekends and spring break, yes. Shows like *Drawn to Life*, Medieval Times, and Pirates Dinner Adventure are easier when booked before you arrive.

Orlando In March Weather Crowds Events And Park Tips

Orlando’s March mornings start at 17°C (63°F), rising to 28°C (82°F) with daylight stretching from 06:35 to 19:37 (early month) and 07:30 to 19:30 (post-clock change). EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival bursts with color, and spring break crowds fill the parks. The Florida Strawberry Festival and DTOLive! Chalk Art Festival add local flavor. Afternoon humidity and rain begin to build. Theme park reservations are essential for spring break. Weekday mornings offer the best access to topiaries and rides before crowds swell. March is lively, but planning is key.

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Orlando in March at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 28°C

Minimum temperature: 17°C

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Daylight

Around 13 hours 2 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 6:35am

Sunset: 7:37pm

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Key events

Universal Mardi Gras: Int'l Flavors, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Orange County Regional History Center Exhibitions

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Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

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What to pack

Shorts, T-shirts, light rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable sneakers, small umbrella.

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Seasonal treats

Florida strawberries, ceviche, acai bowls, grilled mahi-mahi, tres leches cake, outdoor festival fare

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Orlando in spring: How March compares

Category	February	March	April
Weather	13–24°C (55–75°F), dry and comfortable	17–28°C (63–82°F), warmer with rising humidity	20–30°C (68–86°F), warmer and stickier with more late-day storm risk
Crowds	Low to moderate outside holiday weekends	Moderate early, then high during spring break	Busy around Easter, easier after mid-April
Atmosphere	Calm park days, lighter queues, good walking weather	Festival season starts, parks feel livelier, evenings get longer	Full spring energy, garden festivals at peak bloom
Key events	Universal Mardi Gras begins, SeaWorld Seven Seas opens	Flower and Garden opens, Mardi Gras Saturdays peak, Seven Seas weekends continue	Flower and Garden peaks, Universal Mardi Gras ends, Easter programming arrives
Public holidays	Presidents’ Day can spike crowds	St. Patrick’s Day on March 17	Easter weekend brings a major crowd surge
Budget	Better hotel deals, easier flight pricing	Early March is fair; spring break dates jump	Easter dates run high, late April softens
Best for	Lower-stress park touring	First big spring trip with lots happening	Garden festival fans and warmer pool weather
Book early?	Only for holiday weekends and Saturday concerts	Yes for March 7–April 5 stays, EPCOT weekends, and headline Saturdays	Yes for Easter, Garden Rocks dining packages, and school-holiday dates
Transport tips	Roads are manageable, parking easier	Leave earlier for park days; I-4 slows noticeably on weekends	Expect heavier resort-area traffic near Easter and festival weekends

Plan ahead: Must-visit experiences for Orlando in March

Top things to do in Orlando in March

🎡 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

Why this month: It opens on March 4, 2026, and this is the freshest window for topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, and lighter heat.
Best time: 9am–1pm
Book by: 4–6 weeks ahead for spring break dates
Crowds: Moderate early month, high on weekends and during spring break
March is prime time for EPCOT’s gardens before afternoon heat and shoulder-to-shoulder festival traffic.
Don’t miss: Character topiaries near the front of the park and the first Garden Rocks sets
Insider tip: Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, then eat around World Showcase before locals arrive.
Recommended experiences: EPCOT 1-Day Ticket

🎭 Universal Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida

Why this month: March Saturdays are the busiest and most complete Mardi Gras nights, with parade energy at full volume.
Best time: Arrive by 2pm; stay through the night parade
Book by: 4–6 weeks ahead for Saturdays
Crowds: High on Saturdays, moderate on weekdays
Parade floats, concert nights, and themed food stalls make this Orlando’s liveliest park event outside Halloween and Christmas.
Don’t miss: The bead-throwing parade and food booths before the evening rush
Insider tip: If you want the parade without the crush, choose a Tuesday or Thursday visit instead of Saturday.
Recommended experiences: Universal Studios Orlando 1-Day Tickets

🎪 Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Why this month: It’s a smart indoor night plan when March park days run long and your feet need a break.
Best time: Evening shows
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead; earlier for spring break
Crowds: Moderate
The 90-minute show pairs well with a Disney Springs dinner and gives you a polished non-ride night out.
Don’t miss: The acrobatic sequences tied to Disney animation cues
Insider tip: Book a later dinner at Disney Springs so you’re not rushing from the park.
Recommended experiences: Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

🏛 Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Why this month: It works well as a quieter half-day when spring break parks feel too full by midday.
Best time: Weekday morning
Book by: 2–5 days ahead
Crowds: Low to moderate
You get a full indoor history stop with recreated interiors, original artifacts, and a very different pace from the parks.
Don’t miss: The grand staircase and the recovered hull fragment called the Little Big Piece
Insider tip: Pair it with an International Drive lunch before traffic builds.
Recommended experiences: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Tickets

🍴 SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival

Why this month: March weekends bring the food festival into full swing, often with St. Patrick’s Day-themed menus and live music.
Best time: Late morning into sunset
Book by: 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends
Crowds: Moderate to high on Saturdays
This is one of the best months to turn SeaWorld into a food-and-rides day instead of a coaster sprint.
Don’t miss: Festival booths before the dinner lines form and live sets at Bayside Stadium
Insider tip: If you add dining, pace your tastings and rides; this is not the park for a heavy lunch first.
Recommended experiences: SeaWorld Orlando: Entry Tickets with All-Day Dining Add-On

🐊 Wild Florida airboat and Gator Park day

Why this month: March is warm enough for a nature outing without the brutal summer humidity.
Best time: First tour of the morning
Book by: 1 week ahead
Crowds: Low to moderate
Wetlands look sharp in spring light, and the earlier you go, the better your odds for calmer conditions.
Don’t miss: The airboat ride first, then the Gator Park before lunch
Insider tip: Check in 45 minutes early; they’re strict about departure time.
Recommended experiences: Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets

🎢 Universal Islands of Adventure thrill day

Why this month: Roller coaster weather is kinder in March, especially before Orlando’s summer steam bath kicks in.
Best time: Rope drop to early afternoon
Book by: 3–4 weeks ahead for spring break
Crowds: High during school-break weeks
March is a good month to stack Hagrid’s, Hulk, and water rides before the hotter, stormier months.
Don’t miss: Hogsmeade in the morning before wait times spike
Insider tip: If you’re going during break week, an Express add-on can save your day.
Recommended experiences: Universal Studios Orlando 1-Day Tickets: Islands of Adventure
Universal Islands of Adventure: Express Pass (One Time Per Ride)

🚋 Ride the I-Ride Trolley and hop around International Drive

Why this month: March weather makes casual stop-and-go exploring much easier than in July or August.
Best time: Late morning to early evening
Book by: 1–2 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate
It’s the simplest way to connect ICON Park, outlet shopping, SeaWorld-area stops, and dinner without moving the car.
Don’t miss: A sunset spin around ICON Park after a trolley day
Insider tip: Build in buffer time; trolley waits stretch when traffic thickens near convention and park corridors.
Recommended experiences: I-Ride: Orlando Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Offbeat experiences in March

Blue Man Group at ICON Park

Location: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Select evenings in March 2026
Three blue performers, drums, paint, and a 90-minute sensory overload make this a strong post-park reset.
Tip: Weeknight shows are easier to pair with dinner and parking than Friday or Saturday evenings.

Lake Eola Farmers Market during strawberry season

Location: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
When: Sundays in March 2026
March is peak Florida strawberry time, so this market is better for snacks and produce than souvenir shopping.
Tip: Go early for berries and fresh juice before the lake loop fills with joggers and dog walkers.

Orange County Regional History Center

Location: 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
When: Weekday mornings in March 2026
If you want pre-Disney context, this is the cleanest way to get Orlando’s citrus, military, and settlement history.
Tip: Pair it with a free LYMMO ride and lunch downtown instead of paying for another resort-area meal.

Enzian Theater and Eden Bar

Location: 1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
When: Friday–Sunday nights in March 2026
This is a better March evening than another crowded theme park district, especially if you want locals instead of lanyards.
Tip: Sit outside if the weather stays dry; March evenings are usually mild enough for patio drinks.

St. Patrick’s Day on Wall Street Plaza

Location: 26 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801
When: March 17, 2026
Downtown bars lean fully into the date, and it’s one of the few March nights when locals take over the center city.
Tip: Use LYMMO or a rideshare; parking downtown gets annoying fast on event nights.

More offbeat experiences in March

WonderWorks after dark

Location: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Weekday evenings in March 2026
The upside-down building is touristy outside, but late hours make the indoor exhibits feel looser and less child-heavy.
Tip: Bring closed-toe shoes and pants if you want the ropes course without backtracking.
Recommended experiences: WonderWorks Orlando Tickets with Options

Crayola Experience on a rainy afternoon

Location: The Florida Mall, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809
When: Weekday afternoons in March 2026
Good for families who need an air-conditioned backup when park energy or weather goes sideways.
Tip: Get a hand stamp if you think you’ll step out for a mall snack and return later.
Recommended experiences: Crayola Experience Orlando Admission Tickets

Blue-lit ride on The Orlando Eye after dinner

Location: ICON Park, 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Any clear evening in March 2026
March skies are usually cleaner than summer’s haze, so the skyline views read better after sunset.
Tip: Go after 8pm when day visitors thin out and parking flow improves.
Recommended experiences: ICON Park Attraction Package: The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud's and SEA Life Aquarium

Medieval Times for a full no-planning night

Location: 4510 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746
When: Select nights in March 2026
Dinner, horses, falconry, and jousting in one booking is useful when the group is tired of mobile-app logistics.
Tip: Arrive when doors open; seating is assigned first come, first served by group size.
Recommended experiences: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Orlando

Pirates Dinner Adventure for families who still have energy at 7pm

Location: 6400 Carrier Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Select nights in March 2026
This works best for younger kids who want action, noise, and a meal without another day of queueing.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early so dinner service starts smoothly once the show begins.
Recommended experiences: Pirates Dinner Adventure Show Orlando

Festivals and events in Orlando this March 2026

Universal Mardi Gras: Int'l Flavors

Dates:February 7, 2026 to April 4, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Universal Studios Florida

Universal’s multi-week Mardi Gras season combines a nightly parade of illuminated floats with bead throwing and an international food marketplace. Saturday nights add concert headliners that drive the biggest crowds. The parade is in park admission, but concerts often need separate tickets.

Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Dates:February 6, 2026 to March 15, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Capilla Knowles

A long-running classical music festival hosted at Rollins College, staged around choral and orchestral concerts in Knowles Memorial Chapel. The experience feels local and tradition-heavy, not tourist-driven. Choose dates early, because prime weekend concerts and seats tend to sell first.

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

Dates:March 4, 2026 to June 1, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:EPCOT

EPCOT’s spring horticulture season fills the park with Disney character topiaries, landscaped displays, and the Outdoor Kitchens food marketplace. Garden Rocks concerts run alongside the garden programming. It’s included with admission, but dining packages help if you want reserved concert viewing.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Dates:February 26, 2026 to March 8, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Terrenos del Festival de la Fresa de Florida

A major agricultural fair in Plant City, often done as an Orlando day trip, built around fresh winter strawberries, livestock exhibits, and a carnival midway. Big entertainment acts bring evening crowds. Go on a weekday if you can, weekend traffic and parking lines can slow the day.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Dates:March 17, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Orlando

Citywide St. Patrick’s Day celebrations cluster around Downtown Orlando’s entertainment district and the Wall Street Plaza outdoor bar zone, with additional themed food and drinks at major parks. The atmosphere is nightlife-led rather than parade-led. Expect tighter security and longer waits at bars after dark.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Dates:February 26, 2026 to March 2, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Complejo turístico Walt Disney World

A Princess-themed runDisney race weekend at Walt Disney World with a half marathon plus 5K and 10K events and a costumed runner scene. The courses run through resort areas and parks, so it doubles as a spectator event. Expect early morning starts, road closures, and higher hotel demand in the Disney zone.

Orange County Regional History Center Exhibitions

Dates:March 1, 2026
Event type:Exhibitions
Location:Centro Regional de Historia del Condado de Orange

Spring exhibition programming at Downtown Orlando’s main local history museum, with rotating shows tied to Florida’s civic and cultural calendar. It’s the clearest way to understand Orlando’s Timucua and Seminole roots, citrus economy, and pre-Disney history. Check the current exhibition list before you go, because themes change and affect how long you’ll want to stay.

Dr. Phillips Center Spring Season Opens

Dates:March 1, 2026
Event type:Performing arts
Location:Centro Dr. Phillips de Artes Escénicas

The spring calendar at Dr. Phillips Center brings Broadway touring shows, orchestral concerts, and dance programming into Downtown Orlando. It’s the city’s flagship performing arts venue and a strong non-park evening option. Buy tickets as soon as dates and titles fit your trip, premium weekends and best seats move first in peak travel months.

Banana Ball at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Dates:March 1, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Complejo Deportivo ESPN Wide World

The Savannah Bananas trick-play baseball show is confirmed to return to Walt Disney World’s sports complex in 2026, with specific dates listed as TBC. It’s a high-demand, family-focused ticket that can sell quickly once released. If it’s on your trip wishlist, track on-sale announcements and avoid planning the day around walk-up availability.

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Planning your March visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–4 months ahead	Spring break hotels near Disney, Universal, and I-Drive	By early January for March 7–April 5; family-room inventory tightens first	March 7–April 5: +20–35% vs late-February weekdays
6–8 weeks ahead	EPCOT 1-Day Ticket and festival dining plans	By mid-January for March weekends; Flower and Garden opens March 4 and weekend demand starts immediately	Festival weekends: nearby hotel rates often run +10–20% vs Tuesday–Thursday stays
4–6 weeks ahead	Universal Studios Orlando 1-Day Tickets	By early February for March Saturdays; Mardi Gras parade nights are the biggest draw	Saturday resort pricing: +10–25% vs midweek in the same month
3–4 weeks ahead	SeaWorld Orlando: Entry Tickets with All-Day Dining Add-On	By late February for March weekends; Seven Seas is best used on longer park days	March weekends: +5–15% vs weekday park-area stays
2–4 weeks ahead	[Special Promo] Kennedy Space Center Florida Admission Tickets	By mid-February for school-break weeks; comfortable weather increases day-trip demand	March 7–April 5 transport dates: +10–20% vs later April
1–2 weeks ahead	Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil & Disney, plus dinner reservations at Disney Springs	By early March for spring-break evenings; better seat maps go first	Weekend seats and prime dining times: +5–15% vs Sunday–Thursday
5–10 days ahead	I-Ride: Orlando Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour	Book once you know your weather and non-park day; best for flexible I-Drive stays	Usually stable; no major March surge
3–7 days ahead	Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets	Book after checking forecast; morning slots are the first to go	Weekend morning tours: +5–10% vs weekday afternoons

March highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers

Families with kids

Must-experience: EPCOT Flower and Garden plus easy rides and topiary photo stops. Book a weekday morning slot.
Better in March: Mild weather means longer park days before kids melt down by lunch.

Couples

Must-experience: Drawn to Life and a slow dinner at Disney Springs. Book evening seats before spring break fills in.
Better in March: Warm nights and longer daylight make after-dark strolling much more pleasant.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or a Dr. Phillips Center performance. Lock in tickets for a park-free night.
Better in March: You can split indoor culture with outdoor neighborhoods without fighting summer heat.

Solo travellers

Must-experience: A full EPCOT day with festival booths and World Showcase wandering. Go midweek for easier pacing.
Better in March: Longer evenings help you cover more without feeling rushed between stops.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Universal Mardi Gras merchandise and Flower and Garden festival drops. Buy early, then skip the closing crush.
Better in March: Seasonal merch is fresh and not yet picked over in the first half of the month.

Friend groups

Must-experience: Universal Mardi Gras on a Saturday or SeaWorld’s Seven Seas on a weekend. Book the group plan early.
Better in March: Festival food, longer park hours, and warm nights suit bigger groups well.

Foodies

Must-experience: SeaWorld Seven Seas plus a non-park meal on Restaurant Row. Build one full day around eating.
Better in March: Strawberry season and spring festival menus line up at the same time.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Islands of Adventure or Epic Universe with early entry strategy. Add Express if you’re visiting during break week.
Better in March: Coaster weather is far kinder before summer storms and heavy humidity arrive.

Orlando in March: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: EPCOT at rope drop with EPCOT 1-Day Ticket. Get there before 9am and head straight for the front-half attractions while the air still feels cool. March is when Flower and Garden topiaries look their sharpest, and photos are better before stroller traffic thickens.
Breakfast: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion later in the morning. Order a pastry and coffee once the first ride rush drops.
Midday: Circle the Flower and Garden displays and Outdoor Kitchens before the lunch wave. World Showcase is much easier before noon than after 2pm during spring break.
Lunch: Graze instead of sitting down. Two or three festival booths work better than a heavy table-service lunch in park heat.
Afternoon: Slow the pace with Spaceship Earth or quieter indoor attractions while crowds peak outside.
Evening: Take the bus to Disney Springs, then catch Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil & Disney. Have dinner before the show at Disney Springs and stay after for the cooler late-night atmosphere around the water.

Morning: Start early at Universal Orlando with either Universal Studios Orlando 1-Day Tickets or Universal Studios Florida + Islands of Adventure: 1-Day 2-Parks Tickets if you want the Hogwarts Express. If it’s a Saturday in March, plan around Mardi Gras and expect heavier afternoon movement inside Universal Studios Florida.
Breakfast: Grab something quick near the entrance and keep moving. This is not the day for a long sit-down meal.
Midday: If you’re doing Islands of Adventure, hit Hogsmeade and the major coasters before lunch. If you’re staying in Universal Studios Florida, line up the headline rides first and save Mardi Gras food booths for later.
Lunch: Eat early, around 11:30am. Festival and quick-service queues jump hard after noon during spring break weeks.
Afternoon: Use indoor shows, shops, or the Express add-on if you booked one. March is warm, but not brutal, so you can still stay out all day if you pace yourself.
Evening: Head to ICON Park for a lower-effort finish. Ride The Orlando Eye if you booked ICON Park Attraction Package: The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud's and SEA Life Aquarium , or keep it simple with dinner and people-watching on International Drive.

Morning: Pick one clean day trip. For a classic first visit, book Kennedy Space Center Tickets with Round-Trip Transportation or [Special Promo] Kennedy Space Center Florida Admission Tickets if you’re driving. Leave Orlando early; the day works best when you treat it as a full commitment, not a half-day add-on.
Breakfast: Eat before departure or carry something quick. Kennedy Space Center is large, and you’ll want to start moving once you arrive.
Midday: Prioritize the bus tour, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and Space Shuttle Atlantis before you slow down. March weather is usually ideal for moving between indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Lunch: Eat on-site and keep the schedule loose enough for a second major exhibit after lunch.
Afternoon: If space isn’t your priority, swap this whole day for Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets and spend a lighter day outside the resort bubble.
Evening: Back in Orlando, keep dinner close to your hotel. By day three, the best move is often a simple meal and an early night before another park day or flight.

Best day trips from Orlando in March

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Travel time: About 1hr by car or shuttle
March has some of the year’s most comfortable weather for this big, spread-out site. Great for first-timers, families, and anyone needing a break from ride queues.

Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival

Travel time: About 1.5hr by car
Best only in the first week of March. You go for shortcake, fair food, livestock barns, and a very different slice of Central Florida.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Travel time: About 35 minutes by car
March is a smart window for spring-fed water and trails before summer heat and full parking lots make the outing harder.

Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach

Travel time: About 1.5hr by car
If you want one non-theme-park day, March gives you beach weather without the heavy summer humidity. Expect more weekend traffic than weekday traffic.

What to eat in Orlando in March: Seasonal delicacies

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Florida Strawberries (Plant City Variety)

Plant City strawberries are Central Florida’s winter crop, known for sweetness from cool growing temperatures. March matters because the season runs December to March and overlaps with the Florida Strawberry Festival window, so markets and menus feature them heavily. Buy them in the morning for the freshest picks and eat them the same day. Available at Lake Eola Park Farmers Market in Downtown Orlando.

Where to get: Mercado de Granjeros del Parque del Lago Eola

Ceviche (Peruvian Style)

Peruvian ceviche cures raw fish in citrus-based leche de tigre with ají amarillo, garlic, and ginger, served with red onion, corn, and sweet potato. March fits because warmer days return and Orlando’s Peruvian scene on South Semoran ramps into its spring-to-fall popularity window. Eat it early in the meal and pair with something starchy. Available at El Inka Peruvian Restaurant on South OBT.

Where to get: Restaurante Peruano El Inka

Açaí Bowl (Brazilian Heritage)

An açaí bowl blends açaí berry purée into a thick base, topped with granola, banana, honey, and coconut. March works because Orlando warms up quickly and this is peak “cool breakfast” season before summer humidity gets heavy. Go for a mid-morning bowl after an early start, it’s common in local café culture. Available at Blenders and Bowls on Edgewater Drive.

Where to get: Batidoras y cuencos

Florida Mahi-Mahi (Grilled)

Florida mahi-mahi is a firm, mild Atlantic fish often grilled with citrus butter and served with Caribbean-leaning sides. March fits because warmer weather signals the start of its best-quality window when fish migrate closer to Florida’s coast from spring into early fall. Order it grilled rather than fried to taste the fish itself. Available at seafood restaurants across Orlando, including The Osprey Tavern in Baldwin Park.

Where to get: La Taberna Osprey

Dim Sum (Mills 50 District)

Dim sum is a spread of small Chinese dishes like har gow, siu mai, cheung fun, and BBQ pork buns served in bamboo steamers. March is practical because it’s one of Orlando’s driest, most walkable months, so weekend brunch in Mills 50 feels easy. Go Saturday or Sunday between 08:00 and 14:00 and order a mix of steamed and fried. Available at Ming’s Bistro in Orlando.

Where to get: Bistro de Ming

Best dining options in Orlando in March

EPCOT Outdoor Kitchens

March is when the festival booths feel new, not picked-over. Go before 1pm and build lunch from small plates instead of one heavy meal.

Guavate

One of the best spots for mofongo and Puerto Rican comfort food after a long park day. Best for dinner if you’re staying east or south-east of the resort zone.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

A practical International Drive dinner stop for a Cubano and a mojito. Good if you want one polished meal without leaving the tourist corridor.

Black Bean Deli

Go for black bean soup or pan con bistec when you want lunch that feels local and doesn’t cost park money.

The Osprey Tavern

A strong March seafood pick for grouper or mahi-mahi. Better on a non-park evening when you can actually sit and enjoy it.

Valisa Bakery

Best for dessert runs, especially flan de queso and tres leches cake. Good stop if you’re exploring beyond International Drive.

Go shopping in Orlando in March

When: Through April 4, 2026
Where: Universal Studios Florida, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
Limited-run Mardi Gras apparel, parade beads, and themed snack tins move fastest on Saturdays. Browse early in the day; late-night traffic inside the store gets slow and cramped.

When: March 4–31, 2026 and continuing into spring
Where: EPCOT, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista
Festival drops usually include garden-themed apparel, Orange Bird items, and home pieces with a spring palette. Shop before lunch; popular sizes disappear first on weekends.

When: February 26–March 8, 2026
Where: 303 N Lemon St, Plant City, FL 33563
Good for strawberry jam, kettle corn, shortcake kits, and fairground snacks you won’t find in Orlando malls. Start with the food halls before browsing craft sections.

When: Sundays in March 2026
Where: Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
Best for fresh strawberries, citrus, sauces, and low-key edible souvenirs. Enter from the lake side and shop produce first; the later crowd turns it into more of a stroll than a market.

Pro tips for visiting Orlando in March

• Book theme park reservations for spring break (March 7–April 5) at least 60 days ahead.
• Go early to EPCOT for Flower and Garden topiaries—weekdays before 11:00 are quietest.
• Head to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival—arrive before 10:00 to beat crowds.
• Reserve EPCOT Outdoor Kitchens dining packages in advance for best availability.
• Choose weekday visits to avoid peak spring break crowds.
• Pack a light rain jacket—afternoon showers become more likely from mid-month.
• Skip major parks on weekends if you want shorter lines.
• Local events like DTOLive! Chalk Art Festival are free and less crowded than theme parks.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Orlando in March

March is warm and comfortable by Orlando standards, usually around 17–28°C (63–82°F). Early mornings can feel mild, afternoons are sunny, and evenings usually only need a light layer.