Is March a great time to visit? Best central location?

Question

Sister and I are looking at places to go for our birthday in March for 4-6 days. Is March a good time to visit? Also we are looking for the best place to stay. We plan on renting a car and we are interested in visiting the grand canyon, antelope canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, Horseshoe Bend and normal touristy activities. We are not the biggest hikers but we're fine with moderate levels of walking.

Answer

March is an excellent time to visit Arizona. The weather is generally mild and sunny, which is perfect for sightseeing without the intense heat of summer. Daytime temperatures vary by region, with Phoenix averaging highs in the mid-70s°F, Sedona in the high 60s to low 70s°F, and the Grand Canyon being cooler, especially at higher elevations, with highs often in the 50s–60s°F and chilly mornings.

Given your interest in visiting multiple key sites and moderate walking rather than strenuous hiking, choosing a central location is important to minimize long drives. Since you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Phoenix, you’ll need to balance driving times and sightseeing opportunities.

Flagstaff: A very good central base. About 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim, 45 minutes from Sedona, and around 2.5–3 hours from Page (Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend). You’ll have access to dining and lodging, and it allows day trips to several destinations without excessive daily driving.
Page: Best if Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are a top priority. About 2.5–3 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim and 2 hours from Sedona, which makes day trips longer and potentially tiring.
Sedona: Ideal if you prefer staying in a scenic location with a smaller-town feel and closer proximity to red rock landscapes. About 2 hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim and 2 hours to Page. Provides excellent dining and moderate walking options, though longer drives to Antelope Canyon.

Other considerations:

Flying into Phoenix is usually easiest for accessing Flagstaff and Sedona. Renting a car there will give you flexibility for day trips.
If you only have 4–6 days, consider prioritizing destinations. For example, you could base in Flagstaff for 3 nights to reach the Grand Canyon and Sedona, then stay one night in Page if you want an easier visit to Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend.
March crowds are moderate, as it’s before the peak spring break season, so popular attractions are generally accessible but still recommend booking tours like Antelope Canyon in advance.
Moderate walking is sufficient for these destinations—viewpoints and boardwalks at the Grand Canyon, short canyon walks, and scenic overlooks in Sedona all accommodate light to moderate walking.

In summary, March is a great time to visit with comfortable weather and fewer crowds than summer. For your itinerary, Flagstaff is likely the best central location if you want to balance all your planned stops efficiently. Sedona and Page can also work depending on which attractions you prioritize most.

Is March a great time to visit? Best central location?

More Arizona (AZ) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions