As Ohioans turn the calendar to March, the new month brings more than just hints of spring—it also ushers in noticeably longer days. Meteorologists say the state will gain more than 70 minutes of daylight before the month is over, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in sunlight of the year.
Currently, the sun rises around 7 a.m. and sets shortly after 6 p.m. across much of the state. By March 31, that gap will stretch to nearly 12 and a half hours of daylight, as sunsets inch toward 7:50 p.m. in Columbus and other central locations. The change comes just ahead of the start of Daylight Saving Time, which begins Sunday, March 8, pushing evening light even later.
“It’s that time of year when people start to really feel the difference,” said the National Weather Service, noting that the combination of longer days and rising temperatures helps signal the transition to spring.
Average highs are expected to climb steadily—from around 45 degrees to the upper 50s by the end of March—as Ohio gradually shakes off winter’s chill. Though late-season cold snaps remain possible, forecasters say the overall trend points toward milder afternoons and more sunshine.
The extended daylight can have practical benefits, too. Longer evenings often encourage outdoor activity, boost mood, and support early planting for gardeners preparing for the growing season ahead.
For many Ohioans, after weeks of gray skies and early sunsets, even an extra hour of light feels like a welcome reward.
