Petrified Forest · March
Petrified Forest in March
March is a busy time to visit Petrified Forest — busier than February, about as busy as April.
Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 61°F, and about 12 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 74% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical March visits vs. the year
March draws about 10% of Petrified Forest’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
March weather
- Avg high
- 61°F
- Avg low
- 30°F
- Precipitation
- 0.7"
- Sunrise
- 6:29 AM
- Sunset
- 6:27 PM
- Daylight
- 12h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US
What's open
Petrified Forest in March: access
Park Road hours of operation may change due to weather or safety issues. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Park Headquarters Phones are Down
Phones at park headquarters are currently down. Please call the visitor center at Painted Desert Inn 928-235-2467 or the Visitor Services office 928-235-2391 between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also send us an email at pefo_information@nps.gov.
- Information
The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open!
The Painted Desert Oasis gift shop, gas station and restaurant located at the north entrance of the park are open, and restrooms are available during construction. Visitor center operations are currently located at the Painted Desert Inn, two miles past the entrance station.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Petrified Forest crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in March
FAQ
Petrified Forest in March
How busy is Petrified Forest in March?
March rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Petrified Forest National Park — about 74% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 44,582.
What is the weather like at Petrified Forest in March?
In March, Petrified Forest averages a high of 61°F and a low of 30°F, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Petrified Forest?
Entrance to Petrified Forest costs $25 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Valid for 7 days.).
When is Petrified Forest least crowded?
Petrified Forest is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Petrified Forest get in March?
In mid-March, Petrified Forest gets about 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:29 AM and sunset around 6:27 PM.