Early spring · Weather & things to do
Rocky Mountain NP in March
Rocky Mountain NP warms up: highs climb to 34°F (1°C), from 25°F in February, with lows of 13°F (-10°C) and about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 13°F (-10°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.9 in (47 mm)
- Humidity
- 72%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What March feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 34°F (1°C).
Average lows of 13°F (-10°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.9 in (47 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around March
March is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (March – May), which brings about 7.1 in (181 mm) in total.
- Comfort holds steady from February (49 → 48/100).
- Our Colorado Rockies route recommends Jun – Sep, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 13°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Rocky Mountain NP in March
With highs near 34°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Estes Park Brewery
Estes Park's longtime brewpub, open since 1993, for post-hike pints and pub food.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Alberta Falls
Easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a 30-foot cascade on Glacier Creek.
Bird & Jim
Estes Park restaurant near the Beaver Meadows entrance, with seasonal mountain cooking and a patio.
The Stanley Hotel
1909 hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining; offers history and ghost tours.
Trail Ridge Road
48-mile drive topping out at 12,183 feet, with tundra overlooks the whole way.
Nearby in March
- Denver in March~56 mi · highs 56°F, 1.3 in rain · 12°C (22°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Vail in March~60 mi · highs 37°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Breckenridge in March~62 mi · highs 32°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in March~100 mi · highs 38°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,670 m to Rocky Mountain NP's ~2,918 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.
Rocky Mountain NP in March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Rocky Mountain NP?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain or snow. Our Colorado Rockies route recommends Jun – Sep, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Rocky Mountain NP in March?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 13°F (-10°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Rocky Mountain NP in March?
Not much: about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain or snow falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 21.8 in (553 mm).
What should I pack for Rocky Mountain NP in March?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 13°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Rocky Mountain NP
Planning Rocky Mountain NP in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.