March in Austin means one thing above all else. SXSW. South by Southwest runs for roughly 10 days in mid-March, and the festival draws an estimated 300,000 extra visitors into a city of about 1 million. Hotel rates near the Austin Convention Center can reach 3 to 4 times their off-season price during that window. If you're coming for the festival, March is the only option and it delivers. If SXSW isn't your goal, book the last week of the month instead, when crowds thin out and rates settle back toward normal.
The weather, to be fair, is one of the strongest arguments for a March visit regardless of SXSW. Daytime highs average about 24°C (76°F) with overnight lows around 12°C (54°F). That feels like proper Texas spring after the grey chill of January and its 5°C mornings. You might see rain on 10 of the month's 31 days, totaling around 75mm, but these tend to be brief afternoon showers rather than daylong washouts. Humidity sits around 63%. Comfortable enough to spend a full afternoon on the 16km Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake without wringing out your shirt.
By late March, the first bluebonnets appear along roadsides south of town toward Buda and Kyle. The full wildflower display peaks in April, but early sightings along the 290 corridor and at Zilker Botanical Garden give you a preview of what's building. South Congress fills with foot traffic on warm evenings. The patios along Rainey Street kick off their 7-month run as Austin's default after-work destination. Zilker Park smells like cut grass and warm soil, and the sounds of live music carry from stages being tested across downtown.
Why visit in March
- SXSW is the world's largest convergence of music, film, and tech, with over 2,000 showcases across roughly 100 venues in 10 days. It happens nowhere else.
- Daytime highs average 24°C (76°F) with low humidity, which is the sweet spot between Austin's cold January and its punishing summer heat above 35°C.
- Early bluebonnets appear along the 290 corridor and at Zilker Botanical Garden by late March, giving you a quieter preview before the April crowds descend.
- Outdoor activities on Lady Bird Lake, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and at Barton Springs Pool are all comfortable without the dangerous heat of June through August.
Worth knowing
- SXSW drives hotel prices to their annual peak. Expect rates to climb to 3 or 4 times what you'd pay in a quiet month like February.
- Downtown Austin, East 6th Street, and the Red River Cultural District become difficult to navigate by car or foot during SXSW, with road closures and long lines at most venues.
- Oak pollen counts climb sharply in March. If you have tree pollen allergies, expect itchy eyes and congestion without medication.
- Spring severe weather is possible in the second half of the month, including strong thunderstorms with hail. March 2023 saw a tornado warning issued for Travis County.
Best for
Think twice if
March marks the real start of spring in Austin. Mornings begin cool, around 12°C (54°F), the kind of temperature where you might want a light jacket for an early walk along the trail at Lady Bird Lake. By mid-afternoon, the air warms to about 24°C (76°F) and the sun feels genuinely strong on exposed skin. Rain comes on roughly 10 days, usually as quick afternoon showers that blow through in 20 to 30 minutes before the sky clears again. The 75mm monthly total is moderate by Austin standards, well below the 213mm that May typically brings. Humidity averages 63%, which you'll notice but won't find oppressive. Evenings on the patios along Rainey Street or South Congress feel pleasant, cooling into the mid-teens after sunset.
Seasonal caution
- Spring severe weather is possible in the second half of March. Central Texas sits at the edge of Tornado Alley, and strong thunderstorms with hail can develop with little warning. Keep a weather app with push alerts enabled.
- Oak pollen counts in Austin typically reach their annual peak in March, often exceeding 1,000 grains per cubic meter. Allergy sufferers should pack antihistamines and consider a nasal spray.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16 | 5 | 88 |
| Feb | 18 | 6 | 60 |
| Mar | 24 | 12 | 75 |
| Apr | 27 | 16 | 131 |
| May | 30 | 20 | 213 |
| Jun | 34 | 24 | 106 |
| Jul | 35 | 25 | 122 |
| Aug | 36 | 25 | 107 |
| Sep | 33 | 23 | 58 |
| Oct | 29 | 18 | 97 |
| Nov | 22 | 12 | 83 |
| Dec | 19 | 10 | 51 |
Headline events
South by Southwest (SXSW)
Early to mid-March, typically spanning 10 days from the first Friday through the following Sunday
The world's largest convergence of music, film, interactive media, and tech runs for roughly 10 days in mid-March. Over 2,000 music showcases across 100+ venues, hundreds of film screenings, and keynote speakers fill downtown Austin. Entire blocks of East 6th Street and the Red River Cultural District close to traffic for outdoor stages. It is the single event that defines Austin's global reputation and March's identity.
Best things to do in March
Catch free SXSW day parties on East 6th Street
musicDozens of unofficial SXSW showcases run during the day along East 6th Street and in Rainey Street bars, most requiring only a free RSVP. You'll hear 4 or 5 different bands bleeding into each other from adjacent patios. The energy is chaotic, loud, and distinctly Austin.
These day parties only happen during SXSW's 10-day run in mid-March. By the last weekend of the month, the stages are gone.Booking tipFollow SXSW unofficial showcase accounts on social media starting in late February. RSVPs for the best day parties fill up 2 to 3 weeks before the festival.
Kayak or paddleboard Lady Bird Lake
outdoorLady Bird Lake runs 11km through central Austin, and the section between Congress Avenue Bridge and the Lamar pedestrian bridge is the most popular stretch for paddleboarding. Water temperature in March sits around 16°C. Cool enough that you'll feel it if you fall in, warm enough that it's not a shock.
March temperatures in the mid-20s°C make midday paddling comfortable. By June, heat advisories regularly close the lake to afternoon recreation.Booking tipRental outfitters along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake tend to have shorter waits on weekday mornings. Weekend afternoons during SXSW see lines of 30 minutes or more.
Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
outdoorThe Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches about 12km from Zilker Park to the Hill of Life trailhead near MoPac. The Sculpture Falls section, roughly 3km in from the Spyglass trailhead, has shallow pools that start filling with spring rain in March. The trail is mostly shaded by live oaks and juniper.
Spring rains in March feed the creek crossings and waterfalls that dry up completely by July. The 24°C daytime temperature is ideal for a longer hike.Swim at Barton Springs Pool
outdoorBarton Springs Pool in Zilker Park holds about 35 million liters of spring-fed water at a constant 20°C year-round. The pool stretches 280 meters long. In March, the 20°C water feels bracing against 24°C air. Regulars wade in from the shallow south end; the north end drops to about 5 meters deep near the dam.
March is the sweet spot before summer crowds pack the pool on weekends. Weekday mornings in March, you might share the 280-meter pool with fewer than 50 people.Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
natureThe Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center sits on 284 acres about 15km south of downtown Austin. By late March, early bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and winecup start blooming along the meadow trails. The gardens smell like warm cedar mulch and wildflower pollen.
Late March catches the leading edge of wildflower season before the April peak. The center's cultivated beds bloom earlier than roadside patches, giving you a head start.Explore South Congress Avenue on foot
cultureSouth Congress (SoCo) runs about 1.5km from the Congress Avenue Bridge south to Oltorf Street. The strip mixes vintage shops, boot stores like Allens Boots (open since 1977), and food trailers. On warm March evenings, foot traffic spills off the sidewalks. You'll hear buskers on most blocks between Elizabeth Street and Monroe Street.
March evenings in the low 20s°C are the first comfortable patio weather since November. South Congress patios fill up for the first time in months.Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony emerge
natureThe Congress Avenue Bridge houses about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest urban bat colony in North America. The bats begin returning from migration in March, though the colony doesn't reach full size until June. On warm March evenings, you might see early flights of a few thousand bats spiraling out from under the bridge around sunset.
March is when the first bats return. The colony is smaller than summer, but the novelty of the early arrivals draws fewer spectators, and you can stand on the bridge itself rather than fighting for space on the south bank.What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Poteet strawberries
The first Texas strawberries of the year come from farms near Poteet, about 120km south of Austin. They start appearing at the SFC Farmers' Market at Republic Square in late March. Smaller and sweeter than California supermarket berries, with a noticeable floral scent.
On menus now
Gulf crawfish boils
Crawfish season runs from about February through May, but March is when the mudbugs reach full size and peak flavor. Backyard boils and bar-hosted crawfish events appear across East Austin and South Lamar. Expect corn, potatoes, Cajun seasoning, and newspaper-covered tables. The smell of Old Bay and boiling shellfish carries for a full block.
Street food peaks
Brisket taco season at Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street runs through brisket faster in March than almost any other month, thanks to SXSW crowds. The line starts forming before 8 AM. Worth noting, several East Austin trailers serve chopped brisket tacos on flour tortillas with pickled onion and salsa verde that rival the sit-down spots.
Elote and street corn
Elote vendors appear at SFC Farmers' Market, along South 1st Street, and at SXSW outdoor stages in March. Grilled corn rolled in cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The charred-corn smell mixes with live music smoke and becomes the signature scent of March evenings downtown.
Regular events in March
Rodeo Austin
Rodeo Austin runs for about 2 weeks in March at the Travis County Expo Center on Decker Lane, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, livestock shows, and a concert series. It's been running since 1938.
First two weeks of March, overlapping with early SXSWKite Festival at Zilker ParkFree
The ABC Kite Fest draws thousands to the hillside at Zilker Park on a Sunday in early March. Families spread across the open field with homemade and store-bought kites. The hill catches steady south winds off Lady Bird Lake. The event has been a local tradition since 1929.
First Sunday of MarchSFC Farmers' Market at Republic SquareFree
The Sustainable Food Center's flagship market runs every Saturday year-round at Republic Square downtown, but March brings the first spring produce. Expect Poteet strawberries, spring onions, radishes, and local honey. About 60 vendors set up between 9 AM and 1 PM.
Every Saturday, 9 AM to 1 PMBest places this March
Zilker Park
parkZilker Park covers 141 hectares along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake. In March, the Great Lawn fills with picnickers, frisbee players, and dogs on warm afternoons. The park connects to Barton Springs Pool, the botanical garden, and the hike-and-bike trail.
ZilkerRainey Street Historic District
nightlifeRainey Street is a 2-block stretch of converted bungalows turned into bars and restaurants, between River Street and Driskill Street south of Lady Bird Lake. March marks the start of patio season here. The string lights come on around 6 PM, and the smell of smoked meat drifts from backyard grills.
Rainey StreetThe Blanton Museum of Art
museumThe Blanton sits on the University of Texas campus at Congress Avenue and MLK Boulevard. Its permanent collection includes over 21,000 works, with a strong Latin American collection. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' chapel, a freestanding building of colored glass panels, catches March afternoon light at striking angles.
University of TexasMount Bonnell
viewpointMount Bonnell rises about 240 meters above sea level on the western edge of Austin, overlooking Lake Austin. The 102-step limestone staircase leads to a panoramic view of the Hill Country and the Colorado River below. March mornings are clear enough to see the hills 30km west.
West AustinEast Austin murals and galleries
artEast Austin's gallery district, concentrated along East 5th and 6th Streets between Chicon and Pedernales Streets, hosts monthly First Thursday openings. In March, the SXSW crowd spills into these spaces. Warehouse walls along East Cesar Chavez carry large-scale murals that change every few months.
East AustinZilker Botanical Garden
gardenZilker Botanical Garden sits within Zilker Park on 12 hectares. The Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and the rose garden are connected by stone paths. In late March, early bluebonnets and native wildflowers start blooming along the meadow sections.
Zilker
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Insider tips
The free unofficial SXSW day parties on East 6th Street often have better lineups than the badge-only showcases. Follow @showlistaustin on social media starting in late February for the complete list. RSVP early, since the best ones cap at a few hundred people.
Barton Springs Pool has a free-entry period before 8 AM and after 9 PM on most days. The early morning swim at 20°C water feels genuinely cold against 12°C morning air, but regulars swear it's the best hour of the day.
If you're driving during SXSW, avoid the I-35 corridor between 7th Street and Riverside Drive entirely. The construction project on I-35, which has been underway since 2020, combines with SXSW road closures to create gridlock. Use MoPac or Lamar Boulevard instead.
The Congress Avenue Bridge bats are still building their colony in March, so sunset flights are smaller and less predictable than in summer. Check the Bat Conservation International website for recent sighting reports before making the trip.
Zilker Park fills up by 11 AM on March weekends. Arrive before 10 AM or park along Stratford Drive and walk in from the south entrance to avoid the Barton Springs Road traffic.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a hotel for SXSW week without checking the festival dates first. The festival shifts by a week or two each year. A reservation that's one week off means paying peak rates without the festival.
- Driving downtown during SXSW. Road closures around the Austin Convention Center, East 6th Street, and Rainey Street make it faster to walk 2km than to drive and park. Use the Capital Metro bus or ride-share drop-offs on the periphery.
- Underestimating oak pollen. People who have never had allergies in other cities sometimes react to Austin's March pollen counts, which rank among the highest in the country. Pack antihistamines even if you don't think you need them.
- Skipping layers because the afternoon forecast shows 24°C. March mornings near Lady Bird Lake can feel genuinely chilly at 12°C, especially with a breeze off the water. The temperature swing within a single day catches visitors off guard.
- Assuming the bluebonnets will be in full bloom. Late March shows early patches along the 290 corridor and at the Wildflower Center, but the real peak happens in mid-April. If wildflowers are your primary reason for visiting, April is the better month.
Practical tips for March
Book accommodation at least 8 to 10 weeks before SXSW if you're visiting during the festival. Rates climb steeply inside 6 weeks as inventory drops. For the last week of March, 3 to 4 weeks' notice is usually sufficient. The Capital Metro MetroRail Red Line runs from downtown to the northern suburbs and is the most reliable transit option during SXSW road closures. Ride-share wait times during SXSW peak hours (11 PM to 2 AM on 6th Street) can exceed 30 minutes, so budget extra time for getting back to your accommodation. Allergy sufferers should start antihistamines 2 to 3 days before arriving in Austin, as the oak pollen buildup in early March is gradual and hits hardest by mid-month.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Austin if I'm not interested in SXSW?
The last 10 days of March, after SXSW wraps, offer the same 24°C spring weather without the festival crowds or inflated hotel rates. Barton Springs, the Greenbelt, South Congress, and the early wildflowers are all at their best regardless of the festival calendar.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for SXSW in Austin?
At least 8 to 10 weeks before the festival. Hotels near the Austin Convention Center and along South Congress fill early, and rates climb steeply as the dates approach. Properties in East Austin and north of the UT campus tend to have availability longer, though they still fill eventually.
What is the weather like in Austin in March?
Expect daytime highs around 24°C (76°F) and overnight lows near 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 days, usually as brief afternoon showers. Humidity sits around 63%. It's warm enough for shorts by midday but cool enough to want a jacket in the morning.
Are the bluebonnets blooming in Austin in March?
Early patches appear along the 290 corridor south of town and at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center by late March. The full roadside display, the kind you see in photos, typically peaks in mid-April. March gives you a preview, not the main event.
Is it worth buying a SXSW badge or wristband?
The badge gives you priority access to official panels, screenings, and showcases at venues like the Austin Convention Center and Paramount Theatre. That said, dozens of free unofficial day parties and showcases run on East 6th Street and Rainey Street with RSVP-only entry. Many locals attend the entire festival without a badge.
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