Dow Jones Industrial Average in March: seasonality and history
Since 1897, the Dow has risen in March in 61% of years (79 of 130), with an average return of +0.68% and a median of +1.19%. That makes March its #7 month of 12.
Average+0.68%
Years up61%
Best year1920 · +12.59%
Worst year1938 · −23.67%
The seasonal path through March
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through March, all years since 1897.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 15 | +0.38% | 55% |
| Mar 1 | +0.24% | 63% |
| Mar 17 | +0.18% | 60% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 22 | −0.22% | 45% |
| Mar 12 | −0.15% | 52% |
| Mar 7 | −0.13% | 47% |
March in recent years
| Year | Dow in March |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −5.38% |
| 2025 | −4.20% |
| 2024 | +2.08% |
| 2023 | +1.89% |
| 2022 | +2.32% |
| 2021 | +6.62% |
| 2020 | −13.74% |
| 2019 | +0.05% |
| 2018 | −3.70% |
| 2017 | −0.72% |
Questions
Is March a good month for the Dow?
On average, yes: +0.68% since 1897, rising in 61% of years. But the range is wide, from −23.67% in 1938 to +12.59% in 1920, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in March?
Mar 15 (+0.38%, up 55% of years), Mar 1 (+0.24%, up 63% of years), Mar 17 (+0.18%, up 60% of years).