As spring break season kicks off, travelers are heading to the country’s most popular destinations.
AAA Travel data shows that Florida dominates this year’s top domestic destinations, with warm-weather spots leading the list as travelers seek sun, beaches, and theme parks. But some may be in for a surprise if they’re heading to a cooler city, where temperatures could be far from beach-ready.
From sunny beaches to bustling city streets, here’s the forecast for March 14‑21 in the top 10 US spring break cities — so you can plan when to hit the sand or the sights next week.
According to AAA, spring break runs from early March into mid‑April. But data from Voyista, a travel and destination site, shows that the week of March 14–21, 2026, has the highest number of colleges and universities on break, making it the peak week for spring break travel among college students.
For K‑12 schools, the week of March 28 is the most common, with nearly 30% of breaks, followed by March 14. Forecasts are currently too far out to accurately predict weather for late‑March breaks.
Kicking off the weekend of March 14, according to the National Weather Service in Orlando, scattered storms are expected most afternoons through Thursday, March 19. Highs this weekend reach the low‑80s, cooling to the mid‑70s early next week. Skies will be partly sunny between showers, giving occasional breaks for outdoor fun.
By midweek, rain chances taper slightly, with more frequent sunny spells and comfortable temperatures for spending time outside. Afternoon showers are still possible, but there will be plenty of dry windows for theme parks, pools, or outdoor dining.
Best days for theme parks and outdoor fun: Friday, March 20, offers the clearest skies and the warmest, driest conditions — perfect for hitting the nearest beach, visiting theme parks or enjoying Orlando’s outdoor attractions.
In Fort Lauderdale, afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely through Thursday, March 19. Highs reach the low‑80s over the weekend, dropping to the mid‑70s early next week. Skies will be partly sunny at times, giving occasional breaks from rain.
Midweek brings slightly cooler, more comfortable conditions, though scattered showers may still appear in the afternoons. Outdoor plans will require some flexibility between wet periods.
Best days for beaches and outdoor fun: Friday, March 20, looks the clearest and sunniest — a reliable day for the beach or exploring local attractions.
Like the other Florida cities, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected most afternoons from Saturday, March 14, through Thursday, March 19 in Miami. Highs reach the mid‑80s this weekend before cooling to the low‑ to mid‑70s early next week. Skies will be partly sunny between storms, though rain is likely each day.
Midweek, occasional dry windows appear for walking the beach, shopping or outdoor dining. Afternoon showers may still pop up.
Best days for beaches and outdoor fun: Friday, March 20, brings the clearest skies and the most reliable conditions for hitting the sand or exploring outdoor attractions.
Mostly sunny skies are expected all week, with virtually no rain in Los Angeles. Highs climb from the mid‑80s this weekend into the 90s by Monday, March 16, with Tuesday and Thursday reaching near 100 — unseasonably hot for March. Nights are mild, perfect for evening strolls or outdoor dining.
Midweek temperatures soar, making daytime outdoor activities more challenging, though mornings and evenings remain pleasant for sightseeing or hiking.
Best days for beaches and sightseeing: Saturday through Monday, March 14-16, offer sunny but manageable temperatures — ideal for beach trips, hiking or exploring the city. Midweek, extreme heat with highs in the upper 90s to 100 degrees may limit time outdoors.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected most afternoons from Saturday, March 14, through Monday, March 16 in Tampa. Highs are in the mid‑80s this weekend before dropping to the low‑ to mid‑60s early next week. Starting Tuesday, skies clear with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the mid‑60s to low‑70s through Friday, March 20.
Midweek brings more consistent sun and comfortable temperatures for spending time outdoors. Afternoon showers are largely behind by Tuesday, making it easier to enjoy beaches or city attractions.
Best days for beaches and outdoor fun: Tuesday through Friday, March 17–20, offer the clearest skies and the most comfortable weather for outdoor plans.
Spring breakers heading to Honolulu should prepare for a wet and windy week. Flood watches and high wind warnings are in effect, with scattered to occasional heavy showers through Tuesday, March 17. Highs remain around 79–80 degrees, with very windy conditions — gusts could reach 45 mph.
By midweek, conditions improve slightly, with isolated showers Wednesday, March 18, and partly sunny skies Thursday, March 19. Friday, March 20, is mostly cloudy, with slightly cooler temperatures.
Best days for beaches and outdoor fun: Wednesday through Thursday, March 18–19, offer the clearest breaks from wet weather, though temperatures may feel cooler and limited sun may reduce warmth for beach trips.
Mostly sunny skies are expected all week in Las Vegas, with little to no rain. Highs start in the 80s this weekend, climbing into the 90s by Tuesday, March 17, and reaching near 99 on Thursday, March 19. Nights are mild, perfect for evening strolls or dining outdoors.
Midweek temperatures peak, making daytime outdoor activities more challenging, though mornings and evenings remain pleasant. The desert sun will be intense during the afternoon hours.
Best days for outdoor activities: Saturday through Monday, March 14–16, offer sunny skies with warm but manageable temperatures. Midweek, extreme heat may limit extended outdoor plans.
Expect a mix of sun and rain through the week in New York City. Saturday, March 14, starts sunny but breezy, with clouds increasing overnight. Sunday, March 15, brings mostly cloudy skies and scattered rain, continuing into Monday, March 16.
By Tuesday, March 17, skies begin to clear, though temperatures remain cool. Wednesday, March 18, offers the clearest skies, though it will still feel chilly. Thursday, March 19, is mostly cloudy, and Friday, March 20, brings light rain and cooler temps.
Best days for sightseeing and outdoor plans: Wednesday, March 18, provides the clearest skies — bundle up for walks or outdoor activities. Tuesday, March 17, can also work for brief outdoor plans.
A mix of sun and scattered showers is expected through Monday, March 16 for Atlanta. Highs start in the low‑60s to mid‑70s, with cooler mornings and occasional breezes.
Midweek brings mostly sunny skies and milder conditions by Thursday, March 19, making outdoor plans more comfortable.
Best days for outdoor activities: Saturday, March 14, and Thursday, March 19, offer the clearest skies and the most comfortable conditions for parks, downtown strolls, or outdoor attractions.
Early in the week brings a mix of snow, rain and cold temperatures in Chicago. Saturday and Sunday, March 14–15, see scattered snow and rain, with Monday, March 16, remaining cold and blustery.
Conditions improve midweek, with clearer skies and slightly milder temperatures by Thursday, March 19. It will still feel chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Best days for outdoor activities: Wednesday and Thursday, March 18–19, provide the clearest skies and the mildest temps of the week — bundle up for walks or sightseeing.
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.
