Packing List
March Packing List for Orlando — What to Wear & Bring
March is Spring Break season in Orlando — the theme parks are at their busiest, and the weather is warm at 79°F highs with 56°F evening lows and 7 rain days. Humidity starts to build but isn't yet oppressive. Days are solidly warm and best handled in shorts and breathable tops, while evenings at the parks still warrant a light layer. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival launches in March with outdoor kitchens and garden displays around the World Showcase. Pack summer-leaning clothes, serious sun protection, and comfortable shoes for the longest park days of the year.
Averages 56–79°F, ~7 days of rain
Clothing
March's 79°F highs at Orlando's theme parks mean full sun exposure during the long outdoor queues at Universal's Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure and Magic Kingdom's Big Thunder Mountain — lightweight breathable tops are essential for the 6–8 hours of outdoor time per park day.
At 79°F, March is solidly shorts weather for Orlando's theme parks — the uncovered walkways between Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions and Universal's Islands of Adventure are fully sun-exposed, and long pants will be uncomfortably warm by midday.
March evenings in Orlando drop to 56°F, and the open-air walk from EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival food booths back to the park entrance or the wait for Magic Kingdom's fireworks can feel cool — a light jacket in your park bag handles the transition.
March's 79°F warmth makes Universal's Volcano Bay and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks fully operational — a swimsuit opens up water park days and resort pool afternoons as a break from the main theme parks.
Spring Break crowds at Universal mean longer wait times for water rides like Jurassic World and Popeye's Bilge-Rat Barges — quick-dry fabrics let you ride without spending the rest of the afternoon in soaked cotton.
Footwear
Spring Break crowds mean longer park days in Orlando — visitors walk 10–14 miles at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom during peak March days, and unsupportive shoes will cause foot pain and blisters that ruin the remaining days of your trip.
March's warm weather makes water park days likely, and the concrete paths at Volcano Bay and Disney's water parks get hot in direct sun — sport sandals with grip prevent burns and slips on wet surfaces.
Rest days at Disney Springs, International Drive restaurants, or the Orlando Premium Outlets don't require the same support as park days — comfortable sandals work for the shorter walking distances of shopping and dining days at 79°F.
Accessories
Orlando's March UV index is high, and Spring Break park days at Walt Disney World and Universal mean 8–12 hours of outdoor sun exposure — the wide-open walkways at Animal Kingdom's Africa section and EPCOT's World Showcase offer no shade during the midday hours.
The outdoor queue areas at Universal's Velocicoaster and Disney's Slinky Dog Dash can have 60–90 minute waits in direct March sun — a hat prevents the headaches and sunburn that ruin afternoon park time.
March's 7 rain days in Orlando produce fast-moving storms that can hit during a park day — a $3 packable poncho from home beats the $15 emergency poncho at every Walt Disney World and Universal gift shop.
At 79°F with building humidity, hydration matters during long Orlando park days — Walt Disney World counter-service restaurants provide free cups of ice water, and refill stations are available throughout the parks.
Local tips for Orlando in March
- 1.Spring Break runs from mid-March through mid-April and brings Orlando's heaviest crowds — Walt Disney World and Universal parks fill to capacity on peak days. Use the official apps (My Disney Experience, Universal Orlando app) to check wait times, and rope-drop the parks at opening to ride headliners before the 11 AM crowd surge.
- 2.The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival launches in early March and runs through June — the outdoor food and drink kitchens around the World Showcase are one of Orlando's best casual dining experiences. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 1.2-mile World Showcase loop and bring your appetite.
- 3.March evenings at 56°F are perfect for Orlando's outdoor dining — Disney Springs' waterfront restaurants (The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia patio) and Universal CityWalk are at their best weather. A light layer is all you need for the outdoor tables.