Early spring · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in March
Capitol Reef warms up: highs climb to 54°F (12°C), from 45°F in February, with lows of 31°F (-1°C) and about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 73/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Humidity
- 53%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What March feels like
Afternoons only reach about 54°F (12°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Average lows of 31°F (-1°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 36°F.
- Comfort improves from 57/100 in February to 73/100.
- March sits inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Capitol Reef in March
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Steep 3.4-mile round trip up to a large arch you can stand above.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Gifford Homestead
Restored pioneer farmhouse selling small fruit pies and cinnamon rolls.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Mar–Oct, morning.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Orientation, trail maps and info on the Waterpocket Fold geology.
Why now March scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Hunt & Gather
Torrey's top dinner spot, with upscale comfort food from local ingredients.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Two-mile round trip to a 133-ft natural bridge with views of Capitol Dome.
Why now Highs near 54°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in March
- Bryce Canyon in March~70 mi · highs 47°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in March~75 mi · highs 57°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Arches in March~95 mi · highs 58°F, 0.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in March~118 mi · highs 53°F, 1.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,104 m to Capitol Reef's ~1,674 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Capitol Reef in March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
It's middling, scoring 73/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 98. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain. March is inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
How cold is Capitol Reef in March?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 31°F (-1°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Capitol Reef in March?
Not much: about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Capitol Reef
Routes in season in March
- Utah Mighty Five Mar – May
Planning Capitol Reef in March?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.