Thinking about spending St. Patrick’s Day in Wyoming? You’ll want to prepare for a late winter chill, but sometimes you’ll catch the first hints of spring. Daytime highs usually land in the 40s to low 50s in many spots, but at night, temperatures often drop below freezing. Snow can still show up—especially up in the mountains—but you might just as easily get a sunny, dry stretch that feels like spring is actually coming.
Elevation really shapes what you’ll get. Cheyenne tends to warm into the upper 40s by mid-March, but Jackson or Laramie? They’re colder, with highs more often in the 30s or low 40s. You could be walking through melting snow in one spot, then suddenly hit fresh flurries a few miles down the road.
March weather in Wyoming can flip fast. Windy days, surprise snow, and sudden shifts are all on the table. If you’re planning outdoor time or travel for the holiday, it’s smart to know what to expect—clouds, sun, and elevation all play a part in shaping your day.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in Wyoming
Mid-March in Wyoming usually means a jump from winter to early spring. You’ll get cool to cold temps, maybe snow or rain depending on where you are, steady winds, and more daylight than in the dead of winter.
Average Temperature Ranges
On St. Patrick’s Day, lower elevation places like Cheyenne usually see highs between 40°F and 50°F. Nights drop into the 20s°F, so you’ll want to be ready for freezing conditions after dark.
Higher up in towns like Jackson, it stays colder. Highs stick in the 30s°F, and lows can slide down into the teens°F. Snow still covers the ground in mountain valleys, which keeps things chilly.
Wyoming’s elevation differences really drive this. Plains warm up faster, but the mountains hang onto winter. If you’re heading outside, dressing in layers is honestly the best move.
Precipitation Chances
March brings more precipitation, especially in the mountains. You’ve got a decent shot at seeing snowfall in Jackson and other high spots near St. Patrick’s Day. March averages about 6 inches of snow there, spread out over several days.
In Cheyenne and the southeast plains, you’ll often get a mix of rain and snow. Cheyenne sees around 3 inches of snow in March, usually falling over a few days. Rain happens too, but totals stay pretty modest.
Thunderstorms don’t really show up much this early, but a quick cold front can bring snow squalls or a little rain. If you’re traveling, keep an eye on road conditions, especially in the mountains.
Wind Conditions
Wyoming’s famous for wind, and mid-March doesn’t let up. Cheyenne averages 12–13 mph winds, and gusts can shoot much higher. That wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Mountain valleys like Jackson aren’t as windy, with average speeds closer to 5 mph. Still, ridges and passes can get blasted with strong gusts when weather systems roll through.
If you’re heading outside, expect wind to affect comfort and safety. Tie down loose stuff, and be careful if you’re driving high-profile vehicles on open roads—the crosswinds can surprise you.
Daylight Hours
By mid-March, the days stretch out. Cheyenne gets about 12 hours of daylight, and Jackson’s almost the same, just under 12 hours. It’s a big change from those short winter days.
Sunrise hits around 7:15 AM, and sunset lands close to 7:15 PM, though it depends on where you are. Longer days mean more time for travel, hiking, or just being outside.
But even with more daylight, temperatures drop fast after sunset. Try to plan your outdoor plans earlier to catch the warmer part of the day.
Regional Variations: Laramie, Cheyenne, and Beyond
Wyoming’s weather swings a lot between towns and landscapes. Elevation, geography, and the wind all shape what you get in March, especially near St. Patrick’s Day.
Laramie Weather Overview
Laramie sits up at about 7,200 feet, making it one of Wyoming’s highest cities. Around mid-March, you’ll see daytime highs near 40°F (4–5°C) and nighttime lows in the 20s. Cold snaps can push temps even lower, and snow showers still happen pretty often.
Humidity stays moderate, but the dry mountain air makes it feel colder than you’d expect. Winds are a big deal here, often gusting above 20 mph. That wind chill can make it tough to stay outside for long.
March usually brings more snow. Laramie often gets several inches this month, ranking it among the snowier times of year. You’ll probably deal with icy roads in the morning and slush by afternoon.
If you’re visiting, pack layers and be ready for quick shifts between sun and sudden snow. The high elevation means UV is stronger on clear days, so sunglasses and sunscreen help—even if it’s cold.
Cheyenne Weather Overview
Cheyenne sits about 1,000 feet lower than Laramie, at roughly 6,000 feet. That makes spring a little milder there. By mid-March, highs usually reach the mid-40s to low 50s, and overnight lows drop into the 20s.
Snow can still fall, but Cheyenne usually gets less and it’s lighter than in Laramie. March brings a mix of rain and wet snow, so streets get slushy instead of buried.
The winds stay strong, especially from the west. Gusts over 30 mph aren’t rare, so expect blowing dust or snow depending on the day. That can cut visibility on highways and make driving a challenge.
Cheyenne feels more transitional in March. You’ll see more sunshine, but cold fronts can still drop temps in a hurry.
Mountain vs. Plains Differences
Elevation and terrain really explain the weather swings between Wyoming towns. Mountain valleys like Laramie stay colder and snowier, while lower plains cities such as Cheyenne start thawing out sooner.
The mountains hold winter longer because of altitude and chilly air masses. Snowpack sticks around, and storms bring heavier snow. Plains warm up faster, but they’re still open to cold fronts and high winds rolling in from the Rockies.
If you’re driving across Wyoming near St. Patrick’s Day, count on colder, snowier weather in the mountains and milder, windier days in the lower plains. The change can be pretty dramatic even on a short drive, so plan your route and wardrobe for both.
March Weather Trends and Historical Data
March in Wyoming usually serves up late-winter chill mixed with hints of spring. You’ll deal with big temperature swings, occasional snow, and gusty winds—pretty classic for St. Patrick’s Day.
Long-Term Weather Averages
In places like Laramie, average highs in mid-March run from the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Nights usually fall into the teens or 20s °F.
Snow is still common. Laramie typically picks up 4–8 inches of snow in March, though it can vary a lot year to year. Precipitation averages about 0.6–1 inch of liquid equivalent for the month.
Wind shapes daily life. Gusts above 30 mph happen, especially in open spots along I-80. That wind can make it feel way colder than the actual temperature.
You’ll notice more sunshine than in January or February, but storms can bring several cloudy days in a row. March really is one of the more unpredictable months here.
Record Highs and Lows
Temperature extremes show just how wild March can get. Laramie has hit record highs near 70°F, but also dropped below -20°F.
These swings can happen fast. You might get a warm afternoon, then a cold front sweeps in with snow the next day.
Other Wyoming cities see similar extremes. For example:
| Location | Record High (°F) | Record Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Laramie | ~70 | -23 |
| Cheyenne | ~74 | -18 |
| Casper | ~76 | -21 |
These records remind you to prep for both springlike warmth and a blast of midwinter cold if you’re getting outside in March.
Climate Shifts in Recent Years
Over the last decade, March has trended a bit milder than older records suggest. Cold snaps still show up, but those long stretches of deep freeze don’t happen as often.
Snowfall in Laramie bounces up and down year to year. Some Marches bring heavy snowstorms, others are drier and windier.
Warmer days sometimes cause snow to melt faster in town, while higher elevations keep their snowpack longer.
Even with these changes, March stays a transitional month. You’ll still get a mix of winter and early spring weather, and no single trend seems to win out every year.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
In March, Wyoming skies usually flip between partly cloudy and overcast, but you’ll notice sunshine hours ticking up as spring gets closer. Conditions depend on where you are—mountain towns get more cloud cover, while valleys see more clear breaks.
Typical Cloudiness in March
Clouds are frequent in March, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Weather records show that towns like Laramie get a mix of cloudy and partly sunny days this month.
Mountain areas in the west and northwest often report heavier cloudiness, with sunshine down to about 45% of possible daylight. Southeastern cities like Cheyenne and Laramie get more breaks, but clear skies rarely last all day.
Snow’s still common, and storms quickly boost cloud cover. Even light snow can leave low clouds hanging around. On average, Wyoming gets 60–65% of possible sunshine annually, but March usually falls below that thanks to unsettled weather.
Cloud cover changes by time of day, too. Mornings might start clear, with clouds building in the afternoon as things warm up. That’s typical on the plains, while mountain valleys often stay cloudier all day.
Sunshine Duration
Daylight grows fast in March, giving you more hours to get outside. By mid-month, Cheyenne and Laramie have about 12 hours of daylight, up from the under-10-hour days of December.
Actual sunshine hours are lower, though, because of the clouds. In Cheyenne, you might get 6–7 hours of sun on a good day, but cloudier spells can cut that way down.
Compared to summer, where sunshine can last 11–12 hours a day, March feels shorter and a bit unpredictable. Still, those longer days make it easier to get outdoors, even if it’s not always bright.
If you’re outside, expect a mix—some days with long stretches of sun, others with just a few breaks between clouds. That variety is just part of early spring weather in Wyoming.
Travel Considerations for St. Patrick’s Day
Wyoming weather in mid-March can turn fast. You’ll want to prep for cold mornings, possible snow, and windy conditions. Your travel plans often hinge on road conditions, what you pack, and how you want to spend your time outside.
Driving and Road Conditions
Wyoming roads in March? You’ll run into a real mix of winter and early spring weather. Highways between Cheyenne and Laramie get hammered by strong winds, and sometimes that kicks up ground blizzards even when the sky looks totally clear.
Snow squalls still pop up in March, especially in higher elevations like along the I-80 corridor. It’s honestly not unusual.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation shares frequent updates on closures and travel advisories. They do a good job keeping folks in the loop.
Most passenger vehicles don’t need to carry tire chains, but winter tires or all-seasons with solid tread are a must. Don’t skimp on that.
If you’re heading out for a longer drive, give yourself extra time. A route that usually takes two hours can turn into a slog if snow, ice, or wind cuts visibility.
Keep your gas tank at least half full. Some stretches between towns feel pretty remote, and you don’t want to get stuck out there.
Packing Tips for Visitors
Pack for wild temperature swings. In Cheyenne, afternoons might hit the 40s or 50s °F, but mornings can drop into the teens.
Laramie sits higher up, so it usually runs colder, and the wind chill? It makes everything feel even sharper.
Wear layers—a thermal base, a fleece, and a windproof jacket work well. Gloves, hats, and scarves really help, especially if you’re outside after sunset.
Waterproof boots with good traction make a big difference if sidewalks or trails get icy.
A small day pack with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle comes in handy. Wyoming’s altitude can dry you out fast, and the sun still burns, even when it’s chilly.
Outdoor Activities and Events
St. Patrick’s Day brings out local parades and small festivals in towns like Cheyenne. People show up no matter the cold or wind, so bundle up if you go.
Sidewalks sometimes get slushy or wet, so sturdy shoes keep you comfortable.
If you love the outdoors, you can hike lower elevation trails near Laramie or check out state parks. Trails might still hold snowpack, so trekking poles or traction gear help a lot.
Fishing and wildlife watching are still possible in March. Lakes sometimes have ice, and roads to higher mountain spots often stay closed until later in spring.
Always check local conditions before you set out—weather can turn fast.
How Wyoming’s Elevation Impacts March Weather
Wyoming’s high terrain shapes its March weather more than almost anything else. The wide range of elevations brings sharp differences in temperature, snowfall, and wind from one region to another.
Temperature Fluctuations Due to Altitude
Elevation really affects how warm or cold it feels in March. Most of Wyoming sits above 6,000 feet, so cooler air sticks around compared to lower places.
For every 1,000 feet you climb, temperatures usually drop about 3 to 5°F. That drop is no joke.
Cheyenne, at about 6,100 feet, often sees daytime highs in the 40s °F. Jackson, a bit higher and tucked near mountains, stays colder with plenty of subfreezing days.
Lower basins like the Bighorn Basin can actually be several degrees warmer during the day.
At night, higher elevations cool off fast. Clear skies and thin air let heat escape, so lows often fall into the teens °F.
If you’re traveling across the state, get ready for comfort levels to change quickly depending on where you are.
Snow and Wind at Higher Elevations
Snowfall in March really depends on altitude. Mountain towns like Jackson often get more than 25 inches of snow in just one month. Meanwhile, lower spots—think Casper or Riverton—usually see less than 5 inches.
Ski areas stay busy late into the season since the higher slopes keep picking up fresh snow.
Wind gets stronger as you go up in elevation. Wyoming’s open plains and those mountain passes seem to funnel gusts that sometimes top 40 mph.
These winds can make the air feel way colder than the thermometer says. They also kick up blowing snow, especially around Laramie or Rawlins.
Higher ridges tend to trap storm systems for longer, so the snow sticks around and melts more slowly.
If you’re driving through these areas, get ready for slick roads, drifting snow, and those sudden whiteout moments—even if towns nearby look totally clear.