S&P 500 in March: seasonality and history
Since 1958, the S&P 500 has risen in March in 64% of years (44 of 69), with an average return of +0.88% and a median of +1.35%. That makes March its #7 month of 12.
Average+0.88%
Years up64%
Best year2000 · +9.67%
Worst year2020 · −12.51%
The seasonal path through March
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through March, all years since 1958.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 17 | +0.34% | 62% |
| Mar 26 | +0.31% | 58% |
| Mar 1 | +0.30% | 60% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 7 | −0.22% | 46% |
| Mar 27 | −0.19% | 38% |
| Mar 22 | −0.16% | 43% |
Seasonal trend windows touching March
- ▲ Bullish Mar 10 – Mar 18 · 9 days · seasonal Σ +1.05%
March in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in March |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −5.09% |
| 2025 | −5.75% |
| 2024 | +3.10% |
| 2023 | +3.51% |
| 2022 | +3.58% |
| 2021 | +4.24% |
| 2020 | −12.51% |
| 2019 | +1.79% |
| 2018 | −2.69% |
| 2017 | −0.04% |
Questions
Is March a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +0.88% since 1958, rising in 64% of years. But the range is wide, from −12.51% in 2020 to +9.67% in 2000, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in March?
Mar 17 (+0.34%, up 62% of years), Mar 26 (+0.31%, up 58% of years), Mar 1 (+0.30%, up 60% of years).