Raleigh in March
In March, Raleigh averages 17°C (62°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (91 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March in Raleigh is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How March compares to the rest of the year in Raleigh
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Raleigh (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (22°C). March runs 3°C warmer than February (14°C) and warms a further 5°C into April (22°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Raleigh
Times shown for Raleigh local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Raleigh — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Raleigh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Raleigh in March
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (Shoulder) and Raleigh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March in Raleigh
Raleigh is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — March in Raleigh
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Raleigh in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 51°F | 1°C / 34°F | 102 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 14°C / 56°F | 4°C / 38°F | 92 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 17°C / 62°F | 6°C / 43°F | 91 mm | 11 | — |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 51°F | 108 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 26°C / 80°F | 16°C / 60°F | 100 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 113 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 109 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 31°C / 87°F | 21°C / 71°F | 122 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 146 mm | 12 | — |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 56°F | 92 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 44°F | 90 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 13°C / 56°F | 4°C / 40°F | 103 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Raleigh in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Raleigh in March?
In March, Raleigh averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Raleigh in March?
March can be fairly wet in Raleigh, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Raleigh?
March is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Raleigh in March?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Raleigh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.