Hot Springs in March: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 58/100 · #9 of 12 months

March is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 72% of the June peak (249,659 average visits), days average 65°F with 11.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in March

Hot Springs averages 249,659 recreation visits in March — 72% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 65°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 42°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.5″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.9 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US (0 mi from park coordinates, 626 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of March.

What to pack for Hot Springs in March

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 42°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 5.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Hot Springs are January and September.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in March · Last verified 2026-07-16