Salt Lake City in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Salt Lake City

10°C (50°F) High Temp

-3°C (26°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect skiing conditions at Alta, Snowbird, and Park City with 300-400 cm (10-13 ft) base depths and fewer crowds than February
Dramatic temperature swings create impressive photography opportunities - morning frost on red rocks at 7am, T-shirt weather by 2pm
Sugar House Farmers Market reopens mid-March with local maple syrup harvest and early spring produce
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after Presidents Day weekend but before spring break crowds arrive

Considerations

Unpredictable weather means you need to pack for both winter and spring - snow possible even late March
Hiking trails above 2,100 m (6,900 ft) elevation still have snow and mud, limiting backcountry access
Some outdoor patios and rooftop bars don't fully reopen until April due to evening temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F)

Best Activities in March

Alta and Snowbird Advanced Skiing

March offers the deepest snow conditions of the season with 300-400 cm (10-13 ft) base depths. Morning temperatures around -8°C (18°F) keep powder fresh, while afternoon warmth makes spring skiing perfect. Locals call this 'corn snow season' - the best skiing conditions all year.

Booking Tip: Day tickets typically cost $140-180. Buy online 48 hours ahead for 15% discounts. March weekends get busy with locals, but weekdays are nearly empty. Look for multi-day packages through mountain websites (see current options in booking section below).

Red Rock Desert Photography Tours

March creates the most dramatic lighting conditions at Arches and Canyonlands, just 4.5 hours (350 km/217 miles) south. Morning frost on red sandstone at sunrise, combined with afternoon temperatures reaching 15°C (59°F), offers photographers unique contrasts impossible other months.

Booking Tip: Multi-day photography workshops typically cost $400-600 per person. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as March is peak season for desert photography. Look for tours that include both sunrise and sunset shoots (see current tours in the booking section).

Great Salt Lake Antelope Island Wildlife Viewing

March is calving season for the island's 700 bison herd, plus migrating waterfowl return in massive numbers. The lake's low March water levels create mudflats perfect for bird photography. Morning temperatures around -2°C (28°F) keep wildlife active longer into the day.

Booking Tip: Park entry is $10 per vehicle. Guided wildlife tours typically cost $65-85 per person and run weekends only in March. Book through Utah State Parks system 2-3 weeks ahead (see current availability in booking section below).

Park City Historic Walking Tours

March weather is perfect for exploring Park City's Main Street - cool enough for comfortable walking but warm enough that outdoor exhibits and mining sites are accessible. The town's elevation at 2,100 m (6,900 ft) means crisp, clear air perfect for the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) historic routes.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $25-35 per person and run daily at 10am and 2pm. March tours often get cancelled due to weather, so book flexible options. Self-guided audio tours available for $15-20 (see current tour options in booking section).

Wasatch Backcountry Snowshoeing

March offers the safest avalanche conditions for backcountry access in the Wasatch Range. Snow is consolidated but still 150-200 cm (5-6.5 ft) deep on north-facing slopes. Millcreek Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon offer the best beginner to intermediate terrain.

Booking Tip: Guided snowshoe tours typically cost $75-95 per person including equipment. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Look for tours that include avalanche safety briefings (see current options in booking section below).

Salt Lake Temple Square and Tabernacle Tours

March is ideal for indoor cultural experiences when weather is unpredictable. The Temple Square renovation project continues through 2025, but Tabernacle tours showcase the building's famous acoustics. Indoor temperatures are comfortable when outdoor temps swing between -3°C to 10°C (26°F to 50°F).

Booking Tip: Free guided tours run every 15-20 minutes from 9am-5pm. No booking required but arrive early on weekends. Paid Tabernacle organ concerts are $10-15 and typically fill up (see current schedule in booking section).

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Sundance Film Festival Finale Events

While the main festival ends in January, March often features special screenings and filmmaker discussions at local venues. Independent theaters throughout Salt Lake City host award-winning film retrospectives.

Mid March

Utah Symphony Spring Season Opening

Abravanel Hall's acoustically perfect venue hosts the symphony's spring season launch, typically featuring guest soloists and contemporary compositions. March concerts often sell out due to smaller winter audience capacity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell for temperature swings of 13°C (23°F) daily

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - sidewalks can be icy at 7am, slushy by 2pm

Polarized sunglasses mandatory - snow glare at 1,400 m (4,600 ft) elevation causes severe eye strain

SPF 30+ sunscreen for face - UV index reaches 6 even on cloudy days due to altitude and snow reflection

Wool or synthetic blend socks - cotton becomes dangerous when wet from snow melt

Waterproof gloves plus liner gloves - March weather requires frequent on/off adjustments

Wide-brimmed hat for desert day trips - afternoon sun intense even at 10°C (50°F) temperatures

Microspikes or yaktrax for shoes - March ice conditions persist on trails and sidewalks until 10am

Packable down jacket - evening temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, often reaching -5°C (23°F)

Quick-dry hiking pants - snow turns to mud on trails, regular jeans stay wet for hours

Insider Knowledge

Locals hit the slopes before 9am when overnight temperatures create perfect powder conditions, then switch to valley activities when afternoon temps reach 8-12°C (46-54°F)

Sugar House neighborhood's 9th and 9th district becomes the local hangout spot when weather's nice - coffee shops open patios when temps hit 7°C (45°F) or higher

March parking is tricky downtown - snow removal creates temporary spot shortages, but meters are often covered by snow and not enforced during storm days

Real locals avoid I-80 west to the airport during March storms - take I-215 south to I-80 for more reliable snow clearing and fewer accidents

Avoid These Mistakes

Visitors pack only for cold weather and get caught in 15°C (59°F) afternoons wearing heavy winter coats - temperature management is key to enjoying March

Tourists assume ski resorts close early in March, but Alta and Snowbird typically run through April with some of their best conditions in March

People book outdoor hiking tours without checking elevation - anything above 2,400 m (7,900 ft) likely has significant snow through March