By March, summer still feels a very long way off. It may officially be spring but winter’s chill often lingers well into the month, making it a great time to escape the UK for warmer climates. It’s also the best time to see many far-flung spots, which have lower prices and fewer tourists than during either winter or summer’s peak periods. The Caribbean is in the middle of its gloriously sunny dry season, southeast Asian countries including Thailand and Vietnam have plenty of sun without summer’s intense humidity and the Middle East warms up before temperatures rocket later in the year. Stargazers may be keen to visit destinations including Australia, Mexico and east Asia, which will be the best places to see the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. Even closer to home in Europe, many countries welcome lighter nights and milder days with alfresco celebrations including St Patrick’s Day in Dublin on March 17 and Las Fallas spring festival in Valencia from March 15 to 19, while Amsterdam’s tulip festival starts on March 19 in 2026, with Crayola-bright blooms across the country. Remember that Easter falls in early April in 2026, so trips at the very end of March may coincide with some school holidays. Whether you fancy a city break or a fly and flop, these are the best places to visit this March.
This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue
Mid to long-haul destinations
1. Sydney, Australia
Manly Wharf, from where a ferry serves passengers between the suburb of Manly and Sydney
ALAMY
Why go in March? For late summer on the Pacific
Summer takes its slow leave from Sydney across the month — though visitors from more sun-deprived climes aren’t likely to feel short-changed. With sea temperatures still at max, there are many days yet for splashing about on the city’s legendary beaches. School holidays don’t start until early April, so it’s not a crowded time, with the possible exception of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, right at the start of March. In even-numbered years, the three-month long Biennale of Sydney arts festival kicks off in mid-March. More moderate sun makes this an ideal time for activities low on shade — time to try the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb? — and if you’re using Sydney as a gateway to the rest of Australia, while the tropical far north of the country is still in rainy season, you’re good to go everywhere else.
Make it happen
With large windows streaming sunlight upon your pillowy bed, Spicers Potts Point makes it hard to leave. Comprised of 20 beautiful rooms in three 1880 Victorian townhouses, Spicers is in a gloriously leafy neighbourhood of boutiques and cafés.
Best of Sydney and the Blue Mountains with Intrepid Travel brings you the top sights of Sydney and the jaw-dropping Unesco Blue Mountains, while working with First Nations guides and environmental partners.
• Best hotels in Sydney
• Best things to do in Sydney
2. Windward Islands, Caribbean
Sailing off the coast of Grenada
GETTY IMAGES
Why go in March? For the driest month to go tropical island-hopping
For anyone who absolutely doesn’t want rain on their Caribbean holiday, March is the ideal time for a jaunt to any of the Windward Islands, in the southeast corner of that luscious sea. With short island-hopping flights on top of cruises, you don’t have to pick just one. But the choice consists of postcard-perfect St Lucia, the spice isle of Grenada, the mini archipelago of St Vincent and the Grenadines, nature-rich Dominica and the odd one out, Martinique — a French overseas department. St Lucia is the most central; the twin peaks of the Pitons are the islands’ most enchanting sight.
Make it happen
Jade Mountain tops hotel lists in St Lucia for good reason. It’s near Soufrière on the island’s southwest, and the suites in this luxury sanctuary sacrifice a wall or two to make way for views over the grand, green heights of the Pitons.
Smithsonian Journeys has teamed up with the cruise company Ponant for an expert-led nine-day sail through the Windward Islands, covering the culture and nature of Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Grenada and more
• Which is the best Caribbean island?
• Best Caribbean cruises
3. Jebel Akhdar, Oman
The Unesco-listed Bahla Fort, southwest of Jebel Akhdar
Why go in March? For perfumed breezes in some of the Middle East’s highest mountains
Though the term now includes the coast around the capital Muscat, “Oman” once referred only to the interior, between the endless sand dunes of the Empty Quarter and the Al-Hajar Mountains, which reach about 3,000m (9,840ft) at Jebel Akhdar. March is a fine time to be by the Arabian Sea, but it’s worth coming inland too, to see the circular fort and livestock market in the old capital Nizwa, mud-brick villages amid date plantations, and the great canyons around Jebel Akhdar, where mountain communities are beginning to harvest their prized damask roses.
Make it happen
Omani mountain opulence is summed up at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, perched on the edge of a huge canyon. Five-star seclusion, five restaurants, a spa, a clifftop infinity pool and personal villa hosts set Anantara apart.
Visit Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Oman Desert Odyssey tour, exploring Muscat’s Grand Mosque, riding dunes in Wahiba Sands and walking Wadi Nakhr, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East. The tour includes three nights of wild camping to really get away from it all and experience the traditional Bedouin lifestyle.
4. Taipei, Taiwan
Taroko National Park
GETTY IMAGES
Why go in March? For exploring jungles — both urban and natural
Taiwan’s southern half stretches into the tropics, and both temperatures and rainfall increase between January and August. Catch the island at its climatic mid-point in March and April to best appreciate both its cities and forested mountains. In Taipei it certainly makes for a less sweaty hike up Elephant Mountain to admire the sunset over the capital’s skyline, and the same goes for trails to hilltop temples straight out of a Chinese landscape painting in the gorges of Taroko National Park. Temperatures should still be in the teens if you stay out late for food at the likes of Raohe Night Market.
Make it happen
Designed by the architect Ray Chen, Hotel Proverbs Taipei combines modernity and tradition, as homely wood decor meets copper and leather accents. In the East District shopping area, it has an excellent rooftop pool with views across the city.
Experience Taipei as part of a wider Taiwan by Rail tour on this fully guided nine-day Wendy Wu tour in a maximum group of 28. After discovering the city, you’ll cruise the Sun Moon Lake, visit a tea plantation, try your hand at pottery at Bantaoyao Craft Park and watch the sun come up over the mountains at the Zhushan Sunrise Platform, before a high-speed train takes you back to Taipei at speeds of up to 186mph.
5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Why go in March? For mesmerising landscapes under clear skies
The varied regions of Vietnam hit their high note at different times of year, but March happens to be dry season at all points of the country’s slender S-curve — and is the month when Ha Long Bay is in its sweet spot between the end of winter haze and the start of spring rains. It’s a popular time to see Vietnam’s best-loved landscape, but there are enough limestone islands dotted around the bay for everyone to share. It’s a demanding day trip from Hanoi; best to stay in the capital to enjoy its own heritage charms and take an overnight cruise in the bay.
Make it happen
Stay at glamorous Flamingo Cat Ba Resort Luxury, its toes licked by cyan seas and white sands. With contemporary opulence alongside modern amenities, the hotel has a private beach area, swimming pool, fitness centre and sea views across the board.
Luxuriate in a slow, three-day cruise around the bay’s extraordinary scenery with Bamba Travel. Spend the days sunbathing, swimming, cooking, caving, kayaking and visiting floating villages; evening brings the sunset’s crimson skies.
• Best hotels in Vietnam
• Best things to do in Vietnam
6. Uluwatu, Bali
The temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu
ALAMY
Why go in March? For superlative surfing, sunsets and Balinese New Year
An off-the-beaten-path surfing haven on the southwest tip of Bali’s Bukit peninsula, Uluwatu is arguably at its best in March, with the rainy season tapering off, daytime temperatures hovering about 30C and the Indian Ocean starting to serve up some serious swells. When on dry land, carve out time to visit the Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Atop a dramatic limestone cliff, the temple’s amphitheatre makes a great vantage point from which to catch one of the peninsula’s typically fiery sunsets, alongside a demonstration of traditional sacred kecak dances. Late March also brings Nyepi, Bali’s “Day of Silence”, when the entire island pauses for quiet introspection. The following day is New Year’s Day, which brings not only a sense of renewal and joy, but parties, bonfires and dazzling firework displays.
Make it happen
The five-star Alila Villas Uluwatu offers prime ocean views from its 50m infinity pool, a standout collection of modern Indonesian artwork and renowned restaurants the Warung and Cire.
Combine a visit to Bali with a city break in Singapore on an 11-day Amazing Bali and Singapore tour with Indus Travels. Highlights include visiting Tirta Empul Temple, witnessing a kecak dance performance in Ubud and exploring Singapore’s Chinatown.
7. Mendoza, Argentina
The mountains of the Mendoza region
ALAMY
Why go in March? For wine harvests in the foothills of the Andes
Warm March days are ideal for making the most of Mendoza’s outdoorsy pursuits including riding, whitewater rafting and high-altitude hiking in the Andes. The mountain range is not just a fantastic backdrop to the vineyards of Mendoza — it’s responsible for the combination of a dry climate and plentiful meltwater for irrigation that has put malbecs and other wines of Argentina on the map. The fortnight straddling February and March brings the Vendimia: not just a harvest festival, it’s more like a dazzling carnival in the leafy city. March is also a beautiful time in many other parts of this vast country, with summer drawing to a close in Buenos Aires, and autumn colours taking hold in the Patagonian Lake District.
Make it happen
For unbridled indulgence, SB Winemaker’s House is the place to be. Run by Susana Balbo and her daughter — the name behind Argentina’s women-led wine label — the estate flows with tipples, spa treatments and total luxury.
Bamba Travel offers a four-day tour dedicated to Mendoza, taking in stunning Andean landscapes, excellent local food, jaw-dropping hikes, peaceful lagoons and sumptuous, world-class wine.
• Best things to do in Argentina
• Best places to visit in South America
8. Washington DC, US
The cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial Tidal Basin
Why go in March? For America’s own National Cherry Blossom Festival
Whatever happens in the political world, March in the US capital is usually mild, unlike the summer months in this notoriously humid city. The end of the month is peak season, but with good reason: clouds of pink cherry blossoms reflected in the Tidal Basin. As in Japan, which gifted the trees more than a century ago, the timing can be unpredictable — the best flowering may even be in early April. But coming to Washington DC to find bare branches is no disaster when you have one of the world’s greatest concentrations of museums and fine monuments at the heart of it all.
Make it happen
Super-cool Line DC is a neoclassical former church near the Adams Morgan district. The art-dripped hotel features painfully trendy interiors, curated rooms, four restaurants and even its own indie radio station.
You’ll get four nights to fully explore Washington DC on this 11-day tour with Globus. Beyond the capital, you’ll also visit Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Shenandoah National Park with its views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Best things to do in Washington DC
• More great hotels in Washington DC
9. Auckland, New Zealand
The Auckland Arts Festival in March
ALAMY
Why go in March? For culture and outdoor beauty on lingering summer days
In March, New Zealand begins the switch from late summer to autumn. It’s usually a busy time for the wine harvest on the North and South Islands, but otherwise quieter than in December and January, even though temperatures are down only slightly from their summer highs. It’s a fabulous time for hiking and though March may be a bit early for autumn colour, remember that the country’s native tree species are in any case evergreen. The Auckland Arts Festival takes up most of the month in the nation’s biggest city, while the capital Wellington sees the tail end of the New Zealand Fringe Festival.
Make it happen
For something a little quiet with a lot of cool, try the Convent Hotel in Grey Lynn — a converted nunnery that’s kept its 22 rooms awash with historic character. A seriously memorable (and affordable) stay in a trendy food-and-drink neighbourhood.
Discover Auckland on Intrepid Travel’s Enchanting Northland tour, where the city sandwiches three days of cruising, swimming and kayaking the Bay of Islands to the north.
• Best things to do in New Zealand
10. Galapagos, Ecuador
A frigatebird in the Galapagos
GETTY IMAGES
Why go in March? For shoulder season in the islands that inspired Darwin
There’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos: their equatorial position keeps temperatures from big swings, and even the December–May wet season is marked more by short showers than constant downpours. In this naturalist’s paradise, there’s always some astonishing animal behaviour going on. Timing then might involve human considerations, in avoiding popular holiday periods in December–January and July–August (cruise passengers note: seas can be choppy then). March is a perfect time to see the islands in bloom, with marine iguanas nesting on Fernandina and male frigatebirds displaying their red throats.
Make it happen
Hotel La Isla Galapagos is on Isla Santa Cruz, with spacious suites that come with hot tubs, views and excellent hospitality.
Intrepid Travel offer exceptional Galapagos cruises; their eight-day Pure Galapagos jaunt takes in Islas Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Sombrero Chino and North Seymour.
• Best Galapagos cruises
• Best Galapagos tours
11. Cape Town, South Africa
Exploring Table Mountain
ALAMY
Why go in March? For spectacular hikes
March in Cape Town means warm, sunny days with little chance of rain. Compared to the peak summer months, temperatures will have dropped too, marking the start of the hiking season. Table Mountain is the natural pick. There are some 350 trails suitable for different abilities, with viewpoints taking in every vantage point from breathtaking gorges to the mesmerising coastline. And for a post-hike celebration? Hit the beaches for refreshing waves or enjoy the city’s vibrant food scene.
Make it happen
Welgelegen House in the heart of Cape Town is a wonderful boutique B&B that combines home comforts with elegant styling. Only a minute from trendy Kloof Street, Welgelegen has a cosy lounge, plunge pool and masseuse — and the best rooms come with views over Table Mountain.
See Cape Town and South Africa’s Garden Route on this small-group tour with Bamba Travel. Starting in Cape Town, you’ll also visit the limestone Cango Caves, Jeffreys Bay and the penguins on Boulders Beach, with a full day in the Winelands for sampling the outstanding wine of the region.
• Best things to do in Cape Town
• Best hotels in Cape Town
12. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The Temple of Kukulkan
ALAMY
Why go in March? For Mayan ruins and beach escapes
At the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, the days around the March and September equinoxes see a curious effect at the Temple of Kukulcan, with the pyramid’s steps appearing to cast a snake-like shadow that ends at a carved stone serpent’s head. Tricks of ancient astronomy aside, it’s late in the dry season here and in Mexico generally — though if you want to visit the beaches around Cancun, try to avoid US spring break. A hotel on site at Chichen Itza gets you to the ticket gate earlier, but the city of Valladolid also makes a great central base, on the way to other Maya cities such as beachside Tulum and less-visited Ek’ Balam.
Make it happen
The tiny boutique hotel of Verde Morada in Valladolid is a converted 19th-century masonry house. Its handful of rooms provide an intimate stay and there’s an excellent café, winding garden, small pool and traditional Mayan decor.
G Adventures has an eight-day Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes tour, taking in the best of the region including Chichen Itza, the ruins of Tulum, crystalline cenotes and a visit to a working ranch.
• Best family hotels in Cancun
• Best beaches in Tulum and Cancun
13. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Why go in March? For mighty mammals on (and off) an Indian Ocean jewel
March is the last month of the winter dry season in the popular southwest of Sri Lanka, and as well as being a good time generally for a mix of beach holiday, cultural discoveries and wildlife-spotting in national parks, the first half of the month is also peak time for catching the blue whale migration off the south-coast beach town of Mirissa. Other whale species have a longer season here, and if you head on east to Yala National Park, you’ll encounter elephants and what is likely to be the world’s largest concentration of leopards.
Make it happen
Just 500m from Mirissa beach, the Nine Mirissa is a five-star forested paradise that opened in 2024. Modern and magnificent, the Nine features an outdoor pool, garden, lounge, and plush rooms with huge picture windows framing sea views.
Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa forms part of On The Go’s ten-day Wild About Sri Lanka tour. It takes in the country’s best wildlife and culture spots, including Yala and Bundala national parks.
• Best Sri Lanka tours
• Best beaches in Sri Lanka
14. Atlantic Coast, The Gambia
Sunset at Bakau
GETTY IMAGES
Why go in March? For reliably sunny days in mainland Africa’s smallest nation
When a continued cold spell drives you to seek an instant blast of heat in March, consider the western end of the African continent — rain is a rarity in March, unlike in much of eastern and central Africa. The Gambia is one of the world’s oddest-shaped countries, thanks to borders set in the colonial era: it’s essentially 200 miles of languid riverbanks ending in a short but beach-blessed stretch of Atlantic shore. Many visitors never leave the resorts that cluster here, between Bakau and Kololi, but venture just a short distance inland and you’ll find forest reserves and mangroves visited by a fabulous variety of migratory birds.
Make it happen
Handsome Ngala Lodge in Fajara is an adults-only boutique hotel on a quiet beachfront of coves and cliffs. Find tranquility in its two pools, masseuse, beach fishing and on-site restaurant.
There’s no need to just stay on the beach — Get My Guide has a range of excursions across The Gambia. Try a full-day rural village tour with lunch, a cruise along the River Gambia or a trip to the Makasutu Palm Forest to see wildlife including monkeys and baboons in its woods, mangroves and savannahs.
Short-haul destinations
15. Sicily, Italy
The ruins of the Temple of Dioscuri in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
ALAMY
Why go in March? For a sweet start to spring under the almond trees
Warmer days begin to work their way up the boot of Italy this month, but it’s the island of Sicily that signals early spring most beautifully, as almond trees come into flower. Head to the city of Agrigento and its ancient Greek temples in the first week of March for the Festa del Mandorlo in Fiore, with dances and delicacies celebrating the almond blossoms. Across Sicily it should be sunny and fresh, with average temperatures in the mid-teens: a great time to visit ahead of the tourist curve, although some hotels may not be open before Easter.
Make it happen
If you’re wanting a getaway in a getaway, look to Masseria Agnello — a secluded 19th-century estate and agricultural farm in the rural north of Agrigento. Careful restoration has made a focus of its original features, while outside the pool and terrace are set off by spectacular views.
Ramble Worldwide’s eight-day Montalbano’s Sicily tour makes the most of the island’s mild weather with plenty of walking tours and trips to open-air historical sites. You’ll spend time in the Unesco-listed Ragusa Superiore and visit the archaeological sites of Syracusa and the Cava Ispica gorge.
• Best things to do in Sicily
• Best hotels in Sicily
16. Lisbon, Portugal
A vintage tram in the Alfama district
ALAMY
Why go in March? For a capital city with plenty of heart
If you’re after a city break this month, Lisbon is probably your best bet for warmth among the bigger European capitals, with a daily average high of about 18C. The nearby Atlantic Ocean that keeps winters mild can also cause fog to roll in, but somehow that only adds to the atmosphere, especially among the steep, cobbled streets of the Alfama district. Still, days are more likely than not to be sunny, and there won’t yet be too many visitors to the restaurants and fado bars of Bairro Alto, or the great monuments to Portuguese exploration by the Belem waterside.
Make it happen
Memmo Alfama is a former shoe-polish factory turned sleek boutique hotel. Overlooking the old town and the Tagus River, Memmo has an unbeatable terrace complete with pool and lush wine bar.
Sample some of Lisbon’s tastiest treats on the Devour Lisbon: The Ultimate Portuguese Food Tour, available on Viator. You’ll eat your way through three neighbourhoods, visiting small restaurants and trying local favourites including Iberian ham, codfish, pastel de nata and the city’s signature sour cherry liqueur.
• Best hotels in Lisbon
• Best restaurants in Lisbon
17. Chamonix, France
The slopes of the French Alps
GETTY IMAGES
Why go in March? For world-class spring skiing
Though ski season reaches into late April or even May in some high-up resorts like Val Thorens, March is the last full month of snow across the French Alps. Apart from the first week of the month, it’s not usually holiday time for French schools, so demand should be lower than in February. Resorts range from traditional Alpine villages to purpose-built modern ski stations, but none bar Chamonix can boast the highest mountain in the Alps. The valley at the foot of Mont Blanc has several linked resorts besides Chamonix proper, including Argentière and Vallorcine by the Swiss border.
Make it happen
Self-cater to your own ski schedule in MGM’s luxurious Cristal de Jade chalets. Bright, chic and ultimately cosy, the residences are perfect for families. There’s a central main pool, spa and sauna, ready-to-heat local meal options and it sits right next to Aiguille du Midi cable car.
Looking for more than just your average ski holiday? Try ski touring with Chamonix Guides, which has multi-day ski tours staying at mountain huts — the most famous Alpine tour is the six-day Haute Route between Chamonix and Zermatt.
chamonix-guides.com
18. Valencia, Spain
The Central Market in Valencia
ALAMY
Why go in March? For a cathartic end to winter in Spain’s third-largest city
With temperatures mainly in the mid-teens, it’s a mild if not especially quiet time for a city break in this trove of historic and modern architecture, and home of paella. There’s a sprawling park and Mediterranean coastline for spring walks, a charming old town and several must-see landmarks including a gothic cathedral that is home to the Holy Grail, believed to be the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Following carnival in February, the city turns its focus on Fallas, or Falles in Valencian Catalan, in March. Daily barrages of firecrackers sound out from March 1 up to the feast of St Joseph on March 19, but it’s the last five days that see the city taken over by giant sculptures, many satirising recent events and all of which are ceremonially burnt at the end.
Make it happen
Ruzafa, the coolest neighbourhood in the city, is home to YOURS, a minimalist boutique hotel and former laundry. Secluded, spacious and overlooking the city, YOURS is perfect for exploring Ruzafa’s laid-back bistros and trendy boutiques.
See Valencia as part of a wider whizz round the country on the Best of Spain tour with Contiki. This coach tour for those between the ages of 18 and mid-30s starts in Madrid and ticks off all Spain’s major must-sees including Bilbao, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada and Toledo.
• Best things to do in Valencia
• Best hotels in Valencia
19. Paphos, Cyprus
Akamas Peninsula National Park
ALAMY
Why go in March? For divine walks in the eastern Med
If you’re looking to emulate the goddess Aphrodite, said to have been born in the waves along the coast near Paphos, you’re better off visiting later in spring for less chilly bathing. But if your priority in Cyprus is touring the remains of ancient temples and taking hikes in the mountains with wildflowers bursting forth all around, then come in March, when seaside temperatures are mostly in the high teens and the sun is a friend to outdoor activities. Not all hotels will be open yet, but you’ll certainly be ahead of the crowds. West of the beach resort-cum-heritage site of Paphos lies the Akamas peninsula, a national park with glorious hikes — as far away from Ayia Napa as you can get on the island.
Make it happen
Five-star Almyra offers Mediterranean minimalism on Paphos’ beachside. Ideal for families, it has kids’ clubs, crèche, spas, gym, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools and excellent menus.
Head into the Troodos Mountains on a day trip from Paphos to visit the beautiful village of Omodos and see the birthplace of Aphrodite. On your return, you’ll stop at a family-owned boutique winery to sample some of their award-winning bottles.
• Best hotels in Cyprus
• Best beaches in Cyprus
20. Svalbard, Norway
Dog sledding near Longyearbyen
ALAMY
Why go in March? For snowy adventures on Arctic islands
Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement that visitors can get to (relatively) easily and in early March it welcomes the sun back. Norway’s Arctic archipelago of Svalbard actually leaves polar night behind in February — it’s just that the mountain walls flanking its main town continue to block the low sun. March temperatures can be unpredictable, but for those who want to try winter activities in single rather than double digits below zero, this is usually a great month for dog-sledding, snowmobiling and (freeze permitting) ice cave tours, as daylight rapidly conquers the skies.
Make it happen
Funken Lodge is an easy choice in this little outpost town; the boutique hotel offers immensely quaffable cocktails, fur-lined firesides, modern rooms and considerate touches such as soothing moisturiser for biting Arctic days.
Cruises around Svalbard sadly have to wait until summer when the ice melts, but Get Your Guide has all kinds of Svalbard activities year-round. Book March-time guided hikes, snowshoeing adventures, ice caving and more.
• Best things to do in Norway
• Best hotels in Norway
Additional reporting by Siobhan Grogan, Julie Alpine and Qin Xie
We regularly reassess and refresh this list, adding the latest advice and inspiration
Have we missed anywhere? Please let us know in the comments below
About the Author
