March is an excellent time to visit St. Simons Island, offering mild weather, fewer crowds than summer, and the first signs of spring blooms across the Georgia coast.
Visitors can enjoy bracing beach walks, biking under centuries-old live oaks, golf on uncrowded courses, historic sites like Fort Frederica National Monument, birding at Gould’s Inlet, and dolphin sightings from the pier.
It’s wise to book popular vacation rentals well in advance for mid- to late-March trips when spring breakers head to the Golden Isles. Ready to secure your spring getaway? Book one of our St. Simons vacation rentals before the best properties fill up.
In this visitor guide, we take a closer look at what you can expect from a trip to St. Simons in March.
March Weather on St. Simons Island
Compared to January and February, March in the Golden Isles sees warmer weather, allowing you to spend much more time outside admiring the region’s natural beauty.
You can expect average high temperatures ranging from roughly 66°F to 71°F, with lows typically falling between 50°F and 57°F.
Mornings and evenings can carry a chill, while afternoons, particularly in the latter half of March, warm up nicely for outdoor activities. The beach and pier tend to be breezy, which feels refreshing during the day but can make temperatures feel cooler as the sun goes down.
Water temperatures average around 60-65°F in early March, warming gradually as the month progresses. This is fine for wading, quick dips, or letting kids splash in the shallows, but most visitors save serious swimming for the warmer months ahead.
March is a transition month on Saint Simons Island, so expect a mix of crisp blue-sky days, occasional overcast periods, and scattered showers rather than all-day rain.
Here’s what to pack for a March trip to prepare for the weather:
- Light layers for fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.
- A windbreaker or light sweater for cooler nights
- Comfortable walking shoes for beach walks and historic sites
- A light rain jacket or umbrella for occasional showers
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for clear, sunny days
Crowds, Spring Break & Pricing in March
March marks the start of the spring season on St. Simons, but the island still feels considerably less crowded than the peak summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Early March is usually the quietest stretch. The island retains that relaxed, off-season atmosphere where parking at East Beach comes easy, and you won’t wait long for a table at local restaurants. Mid- to late-March brings a noticeable uptick as spring break schedules kick in across the country.
Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays in March, particularly at the pier and in Neptune Park. Travelers who visit during the week often find the island remarkably peaceful. Weekdays mean easy parking at Fort Frederica, shorter waits at popular restaurants, and more elbow room on the beach.
March rates for vacation rentals and hotels typically run higher than those in January and February but remain lower than peak summer weeks and major holiday periods. Book as early as possible to secure the best rates and get your preferred property, especially if you’re planning a trip around spring break weeks.
Best Things To Do on St. Simons in March
March is ideal for spending time outdoors without the intense heat and humidity of summer. The island offers a rich mix of beach time, history, nature, and family-friendly attractions that all benefit from the mild spring weather.
Beaches and Watersports
East Beach and Massengale Park are perfect for beach walks, shelling, sandcastle building, and kite flying in March.
While water temperatures make this more of a toes-in-the-water season than full-on swimming, the sandy beaches are fairly uncrowded. Visit near low tide for packed sand that’s easier to walk on, plus tide pools that reveal shells, crabs, and other coastal treasures.
From Labor Day through Memorial Day, which includes all of March, dogs are allowed on St. Simons beaches at any time of day and can be off-leash as long as they’re under control. This makes March a great time for dog-friendly vacations. Rules may differ for neighboring islands like Jekyll Island or Sea Island, so check local signage before visiting with your pet.
Kayaking and paddleboarding through the salt marshes around the island offer a unique way to explore the Georgia coast. Guided tours explain local ecology and provide opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins, manatees emerging from their winter patterns, and wading birds feeding in the shallows.
Fishing from the St. Simons Island Pier is a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon. March is productive for sheepshead and black drum. Calmer seas this time of year make inshore and nearshore fishing particularly enjoyable.
Historic Attractions
The island’s rich history comes alive at sites that are especially pleasant to explore on cooler or breezier March days.
Fort Frederica National Monument preserves the ruins of a colonial-era fortification built in 1736, with interpretive trails that walk you through the settlement’s role in defending Georgia’s coast. Nearby Bloody Marsh marks the site of the 1742 battle between British and Spanish forces, with quiet trails perfect for reflection on this pivotal moment in colonial history.
Christ Church Frederica, established in 1736, sits beneath towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The church grounds and cemetery offer a peaceful stop for those interested in the island’s past.
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum lets visitors climb 129 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Marshes of Glynn. You’ll also learn about the lighthouse’s history.
The World War II Home Front Museum, part of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, provides interactive exhibits that work well for families with kids. It’s a good place to visit when a breezy afternoon or occasional rainy day calls for an indoor activity.
Outdoor Activities
Biking is one of the best ways to explore the island in March. A paved path network stretches over 17 miles, connecting Pier Village to East Beach, winding past historic sites on the north end near Fort Frederica and Christ Church, and passing through shaded stretches of town lined with live oaks draped in resurrection ferns. Bike rentals are dotted around the island, so you don’t have to bring your own.
March is excellent for birding, with shorebirds gathering at Gould’s Inlet and marsh birds visible at Cannon’s Point Preserve. Early spring migrants begin appearing at this time of year, and experienced birders have logged over 100 species during organized tours.
Day trips to Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island are appealing in March. Jekyll Island offers the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for educational family fun and Driftwood Beach for its iconic sculptural trees. Little St. Simons Island is a nature preserve and is particularly good for birding on sunny days when the trails are dry and with fewer bugs than they’ll be in later spring and summer.
Golf is a great way to admire St. Simon’s Island in March. There are several great courses on the Golden Isles, including The King and Prince Golf Course. Fairways are in peak condition after winter overseeding, and cool mornings with low humidity make 18 holes comfortable without the heat that can slow down summer rounds.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Spring break brings families, multi-generational groups, and college students to the island, but you don’t have to worry about there being a crazy party atmosphere. The Golden Isles maintain a slow pace and family-friendly vibe throughout March.
Pier Village, located at the south end of the island, is the center of island life, perfect for shopping, grabbing ice cream, and enjoying casual dining with ocean views. Kids especially love hunting for the famous tree spirits—carved faces hidden in the trunks of ancient oak trees scattered throughout the area. It’s an easy treasure hunt that gets the whole family exploring.
Neptune Park offers playground time, mini-golf, picnic spots under live oaks, and easy access to nearby restaurants and snacks.
Events & Seasonal Happenings in March
Specific events vary each year, but March often brings early spring festivals, markets, and occasional holiday-related events if Easter falls early. Here’s what to look out for in March 2026.
Colonial Days at Fort Frederica
- Date: Various throughout March 2026
- Website: www.nps.gov/fofr/index.htm
This month-long series of living history demonstrations brings the 18th-century settlement to life with costumed interpreters, musket firings, and hands-on activities that help visitors understand daily life in colonial Georgia.
Jekyll Island Arts Association Arts Festival
- Date: March 6 – 8, 2026
- Website: jekyllartists.com/festivals
Just a short drive from St. Simons, this popular arts festival features work from regional and national artists, as well as activities for kids, live music, and food. It’s a wonderful day trip for those who want to explore Jekyll Island while taking in quality art.
Crafts in the Village
- Date: March 14–15, 2026
- Website: craftsinthevillage.com
Local artisans gather in Pier Village for this popular monthly market featuring handmade goods, coastal-themed décor, jewelry, and food vendors. It’s a great place for finding unique souvenirs.
CoastFest
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Website: coastalgadnr.org/CoastFest
This annual environmental education festival celebrates Georgia’s coast with interactive exhibits, live animals, and activities focused on marine conservation. It’s ideal for families with curious kids.
Plan Your Visit to St. Simons in March
March on St. Simons Island offers the perfect mix of mild weather, rich history, outdoor time, and a relaxed island pace before summer crowds arrive. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the nature, the historic tour opportunities, or simply to escape the last of winter back home, the island has it all.
Ready to plan your trip? Book a vacation home with Lighthouse Rentals and experience everything this beautiful stretch of the Georgia coast has to offer this spring.
