What are the best countries to visit in March? March is one of those months where I’m desperate for some sunshine after a long, grey winter and it’s the month where so much of the world starts to wake up!
Easter falls early in 2027, with Easter Sunday on 28 March, so many UK schools break up for the Easter holidays just before the Easter weekend. So whether you are planning a family holiday in the Easter holidays, or wanting to avoid the school holidays by travelling in early or mid March, you’ll find lots of ideas in this post.
I’ve detailed ideas for where to go on holiday in March whether you want a spring city break, winter sun before Easter, a festival trip like Holi or St Patrick’s Day, or a big adventure in Asia or South America!
Where to go on holiday in March
So much of the world is great to visit in March. In Europe, spring is arriving with longer days, blossom and festivals, while the Middle East and North Africa are at their most comfortable before the summer heat. Much of Asia is in its last dry, sunny weeks before the hot season and monsoon, and the Southern Hemisphere is moving into a mild, golden early autumn.
1. SPAIN
Spain is my go to whenever I need sunshine without a long flight, and March is when it really starts to come alive. The Canary Islands are the safest bet for proper warmth, with temperatures in the low 20s and plenty of sunny days, so Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are ideal if you want a beach break before Easter and if you want the kids to swim, look for heated outdoor swimming pools.
If you’d rather a city break, Valencia hosts Las Fallas from 15 to 19 March, one of the wildest festivals in Europe, with enormous papier mâché sculptures that are set alight on the final night. Down in Andalusia, Seville smells of orange blossom in spring and it’s lovely for wandering before the city gets far too hot later in the year. I did an Andalusian road trip from Malaga in May and I’d happily do the same route in March, just with a jacket in the evenings!
Related post: Southern Spain Itinerary COMPLETE GUIDE, Short or Long Trip!
2. PORTUGAL
For a holiday in March, Portugal gives you a bit of everything. Madeira is often called the island of eternal spring and it lives up to it in March, with mild temperatures that are perfect for levada walks, viewpoints and exploring Funchal.
On the mainland, the Algarve is quiet and calm before the Easter crowds arrive, so you can explore the golden cliffs, sea caves around Lagos and the coastal boardwalks without fighting for space. It might not be warm enough to sunbathe all day, but it’s perfect walking weather and accommodation prices are much lower than in summer. Lisbon and Porto also make for brilliant spring city breaks with fewer tourists queuing for the trams and port cellars.
3. MALTA
Malta is such an easy win for one of the best countries to visit in March. It’s a short flight from the UK and it’s one of the warmest places in Europe this time of year, with daytime temperatures usually in the high teens and lots of sunny days.
The sea will still be too chilly for most people, so think of Malta in March as a sightseeing and history holiday rather than a beach one. Wander the golden streets of Valletta, take a trip to the silent city of Mdina, and hop on the ferry to Gozo for coastal walks and quieter villages. It’s a really manageable island with kids too, because nowhere is too far away and you can see a lot in a long weekend.
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If you love flowers, the Netherlands should be on your list for late March. Keukenhof, the Tulip Festival in the Netherlands opens on 18 March 2027 and runs until 9 May, and it’s one of the most famous spring gardens in the world with millions of bulbs planted every year.
In late March you’ll mostly see crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths outside, plus the indoor flower shows, while the big tulip fields usually bloom later in April. The opening weekend is usually quieter than the busy April weekends, which is a big plus, but you do need to book a timed ticket in advance. Combine it with a few days in Amsterdam, a trip to the windmills at Zaanse Schans, or a quieter city like Haarlem or Leiden.
5. IRELAND
There’s only one place to be on 17 March and that’s Ireland! St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a multi day festival, with the big parade, live music, céilís and the whole city dressed in green. It’s a brilliant atmosphere, but book your accommodation early as prices go up around the celebrations.
Outside of the festival, March is a lovely time for a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way or through the countryside, with daffodils coming out and the days getting noticeably longer. From the North West of England, it’s also really easy to get the ferry over from Holyhead with the car, which makes it a great family trip if you don’t want to fly.
6. ICELAND
I’ve been to Iceland in both February and May, and March sits nicely in the middle of the two. You still have a really good chance of seeing the northern lights, but the days are much longer than in deep winter, so you have far more time to actually see things and it’s easier to get around.
Around the spring equinox, Iceland gets roughly 12 hours of daylight, which makes the Golden Circle and South Coast much easier to fit into a day. There’s often still snow on the ground, so the waterfalls and black sand beaches look magical, and the hot springs feel even better when it’s cold outside. Just be ready for the weather to change hourly and always check the road conditions if you’re driving!
RELATED POST: Visiting Iceland in May and June, What it’s Like, Weather & What to Pack! \ EPIC 4 Day Iceland Itinerary for Winter or Summer!
7. ALBANIA
Albania is still one of the best value countries in Europe, and March is when the south starts to warm up. I went to Northern Albania in early May, and from that trip I’d say the quieter shoulder months are when this country really shines.
In March, focus on the south and the history. Berat, the city of a thousand windows, and the stone town of Gjirokastër are both UNESCO listed and lovely to explore in spring sunshine. Albania also celebrates Summer Day (Dita e Verës) on 14 March, a national holiday marking the end of winter, with the biggest celebrations in Elbasan. The beaches around Ksamil and Saranda will be too cold for swimming, but to avoid the summer crowds, March is a good time to go.
Related Posts: How to Visit Theth For One Day! Theth, Albania Day Trip \ How to Get from Montenegro to Albania With Car Hire TIPS!
8. POLAND
For a cheap and cheerful city break in March, I love Poland. Kraków is one of the best value city breaks in Europe, with a beautiful old town, Wawel Castle and the Wieliczka Salt Mine just outside the city, which is a great one for kids as it’s underground and the weather doesn’t matter!
It will still be cold in March, so pack layers, but that’s part of the charm with cosy cafés and hearty food. If your trip falls in the last week or two of March, you might catch the Easter market in Kraków’s Main Square, with painted eggs, crafts and food stalls. And if you still want snow, Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains often has spring skiing into March.
9. TÜRKİYE
Türkiye is one of my favourite countries, and March is a great month for a sightseeing trip before the crowds and the heat arrive. Istanbul is cool and fresh in spring, which makes it so much more enjoyable to walk between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia is magical in March too, with hot air balloons flying over the fairy chimneys and far fewer people than in peak season, and if you go early in the month you might even see snow in the region, just be mindful that March can be windy which means the hot air balloons won’t fly!. It’s also a comfortable month for exploring the ruins of Ephesus and the white terraces of Pamukkale, or walking a section of the Lycian Way along the coast. The sea will still be too chilly for swimming, so save the all inclusive beach holiday for later in the year, unless you find a hotel with a heated outdoor pool for Easter holidays.
Related posts: What’s The BEST Time to Visit Cappadocia? Weather By Month! / Where to Stay in Istanbul! 10 BEST Neighbourhoods in Istanbul to Stay in!
10. UAE
Moving into the Middle East for the best countries to visit in March. March is one of the last really comfortable months in the UAE before the heat starts building. Daytime temperatures are usually in the high 20s, which means beach days, pool days and still being able to walk around outside without melting! I went to Dubai at the start of May and it was hot so March is ideal.
Ramadan is expected to finish around 8 March in 2027, with Eid al Fitr on 9 or 10 March depending on the moon sighting. If you’re going in early March, restaurants and attractions may have different hours during the day, but Eid itself is a lovely time to be there with celebrations and fireworks. For a family trip during the Easter holidays, the resorts in Ras al Khaimah are a great option for an all inclusive pool holiday.
Related posts: PERFECT 5 Day Dubai Itinerary! See the BEST of Dubai 5 Days! / 20 BEST Places To Visit in the UAE! Alternative Destinations!
11. JORDAN
Spring is widely seen as the best time of year to visit Jordan, and March is right at the start of it. It can be chilly at night, especially in Wadi Rum, but the days are warm and pleasant for walking.
You’ll want comfortable weather for Petra because you’ll easily walk miles in a day, from the Siq to the Treasury and up the 800 or so steps to the Monastery. In March, wildflowers often pop up across the hills and the desert, which makes the landscapes even prettier. Finish with a float in the Dead Sea, which is much more enjoyable now than in the scorching summer months. If you’re planning to visit several sites, look into the Jordan Pass as it includes your visa and entry to Petra.
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For history lovers and anyone after winter sun, Egypt is a fantastic choice in March. The temperatures are warm but bearable for sightseeing, which really matters when you’re visiting temples and tombs out in the open. I went to Egypt in April the other year and it was so hot by then already.
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the classic way to see the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Philae, and March is a great month for it. In Cairo, pair the Pyramids of Giza with the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has made a trip to Cairo even more worthwhile. If you want to add a beach, the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or Marsa Alam are warm and sunny and make for a great Easter holiday destination, although the sea is still a little cool at this time of year so look for heated outdoor pools for the kids.
13. IRAQ
I put Iraq on my May list after seeing friends travel there, and March is another brilliant month to go for anyone after a real adventure. The spring weather is mild across much of the country, so you can comfortably explore Baghdad and the ancient sites of Mesopotamia like Babylon.
The north is especially exciting in March because the Kurdistan Region celebrates Nowruz, the new year, around 21 March. Towns and mountains come alive with bonfires, music, dancing and big family picnics, and the town of Akre is known for its huge fire celebrations but be mindful it’s also a public holiday. Erbil, with its ancient citadel, makes a great base. Iraq is much easier to visit than it used to be, but always check the latest UK government travel advice before you book.
14. MOROCCO
Morocco is one of my favourite short haul escapes from the UK and makes for one of the best countries to visit in March. I ran a group trip here in March the other year and it was perfect weather. Marrakesh is warm in March but not exhausting, with temperatures usually in the low 20s, so you can actually enjoy getting lost in the medina, the gardens and the rooftop cafés.
March is also a brilliant time for a trip to the Sahara, with sunny days in the dunes around Merzouga, although the nights can get chilly so bring layers. On the coast, I went to Taghazout for a surf and yoga trip in April and the conditions were great with a wetsuit, so March is a good time for surfing too. The blue city of Chefchaouen is lovely in spring and you might even still see snow on the Atlas Mountains on the drive.
Related posts: Taghazout Travel Guide / 20 BEST Cafes & Restaurants in Marrakech
15. SOUTH AFRICA
March in South Africa is the end of summer going into autumn, and for me it’s one of the most underrated times to go. Cape Town is still warm and sunny, but the busy summer holiday season is over and the strong summer winds usually start to calm down.
It’s a great month for Table Mountain, Boulders Beach and its penguins, and a drive around the Cape Peninsula. Late summer is also harvest season in the Cape Winelands, so Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are buzzing. For a family safari without the worry of malaria, look at the reserves in the Eastern Cape like Addo Elephant National Park, which you can combine with a road trip along the Garden Route, ideal for the Easter holidays.
16. INDIA
Another one of the countries I’ve visited in March and really recommend is India and if there’s one festival I’d plan a trip around it’s Holi, the festival of colours, which falls on 22 March in 2027 and is a bucket list experience. Just wear old clothes if you’re out on Holi, because that colour does not wash out easily!
March is also the tail end of the best season in Rajasthan, so Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are still pleasant, especially in the first half of the month before temperatures start rising. If you want a beach, Goa is hot, sunny and much quieter than over Christmas and New Year.
17. NEPAL
For a big adventure, March is the start of the spring trekking season in Nepal. The skies are generally clear, the trails are open, and the temperatures are much kinder than in the depths of winter.
One of the best things about spring here is that the rhododendron forests start to bloom, turning the hillsides red and pink as you climb. Whether you’re taking on the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, or a shorter walk like Poon Hill that works for families, the views of the Himalayas are spectacular. Don’t miss the temples and squares of Kathmandu, a few lazy days by the lake in Pokhara, or a safari in Chitwan National Park.
18. SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so the trick is knowing which coast to visit, and in March the south and west coasts are in their dry season. It’s hot and sunny and perfect for a beach holiday with a bit of culture thrown in.
Stay in the historic Galle Fort, then move along to beaches like Mirissa, Unawatuna or Hiriketiya. Mirissa is also a top spot for whale watching, with the season running until around April. Inland, the Cultural Triangle is great for climbing Sigiriya and visiting the cave temples at Dambulla, and the scenic train ride up to Ella in the hill country is a must, with cooler air and tea plantations as far as you can see.
Related post: 20 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on Your First Trip & Travel Tips!
19. THAILAND
Thailand is a firm favourite for an Asia trip, and March is the last month before the hottest season really kicks in. The weather is mostly dry and sunny, and it’s a great month for island hopping and the beach.
I’d stick to the Andaman coast, with Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi and the Similan Islands, where the seas are generally calm and clear for snorkelling and diving. Bangkok will be hot, so plan sightseeing for the mornings and save the afternoons for the pool. One thing to know is that northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, can be hazy and smoky in March and April because of the seasonal burning, so I’d save the north for another time of year.
Related posts: DETAILED Female Packing List For Thailand! What To Pack For Thailand! / EPIC 2 Week Thailand Itinerary!
20. VIETNAM
Vietnam is a long country with very different weather from top to bottom, and March is one of the rare months where you can travel the whole length of it and enjoy decent weather almost everywhere.
In the north, Hanoi is mild and comfortable for exploring the Old Quarter and street food, and it’s a good time to trek around Sapa as it’s warmer than in winter, although Ha Long Bay can sometimes be misty. Central Vietnam is drying out, so Hoi An is gorgeous, especially if your dates line up with the monthly full moon lantern night. In the south, it’s hot and dry in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, and the island of Phu Quoc is in its prime beach season.
21. PHILIPPINES
If your dream holiday is white sand, limestone cliffs and turquoise water, March falls in the dry season in the Philippines and it’s one of the best times for island hopping.
Palawan is the star, with El Nido’s lagoons and Coron’s shipwrecks and lakes, but don’t overlook Bohol with its Chocolate Hills and tiny tarsiers, or Siargao for a laid back surf island. Island hopping boat trips are easy to book and great with kids too. One thing to bear in mind is that Holy Week (around Easter) is a big holiday for Filipinos, so domestic flights and resorts get busy at the end of March. Book early if your dates fall then.
22. JAPAN
It has to be said, late March is when cherry blossom season usually begins in Tokyo and Kyoto, and seeing the parks, rivers and temples covered in pink blossom is a bucket list moment for so many people. Earlier in March, you’ll also find plum blossoms, which are just as pretty with fewer crowds which is what I saw a lot of when I was in Japan from mid to late March.
The blossom does make hotel prices go up and accommodation book up fast so do plan in advance although you will find accommodation in hostels ok like I did. Picnicking under the trees like the locals in Ueno Park, walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, or seeing the blossom against Osaka Castle are all magical, and the weather is mild enough for lots of walking. On the note of the weather, it’s still very chilly in Japan in March so bring layers.
Related posts: 2 Week Japan Itinerary Perfect For Your First Trip to Japan! / 16 FREE Things To Do in Japan In Japan’s Most Popular Cities!
23. TAIWAN
Taiwan is one of the countries I recommend most for March, as I’ve spent a lot of time there in March. I found Taiwan much warmer than Japan in March due to its location, which is great for exploring Taipei’s temples, night markets and views from Taipei 101, then taking the train out to Jiufen with its lantern lit tea houses.
Sun Moon Lake is beautiful for cycling around in the spring, and Taiwan is a really easy, safe and friendly country for families looking for somewhere different to visit in the Easter holidays. You might even see some cherry blossom in Taiwan too!
Related posts: ULTIMATE 1 Week Taiwan Itinerary / 18 BEST Places to Visit in Taiwan! Taiwan Tourist Spots!
24. MEXICO
Moving over to the Americas for where to go on holiday in March and Mexico is a brilliant pick for guaranteed sunshine in March, as it’s right in the middle of the dry season. The Yucatán Peninsula is the obvious choice, with warm Caribbean water, cenotes to swim in, and colourful towns like Mérida and Valladolid.
If you’re there around the spring equinox (around 20 March), the light at Chichén Itzá creates the famous shadow of a serpent sliding down the pyramid steps, although it draws big crowds. For a city break, Mexico City is lovely in March as the jacaranda trees bloom purple across the streets. Just bear in mind that Cancún gets busy with spring breakers in March, so families may prefer Tulum, Holbox or the quieter towns on the Riviera Maya.
Related post: 1 Week Mexico Itinerary! Yucatán Road Trip in DETAIL!
25. COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is one of the best family adventure destinations I can think of, and March is peak dry season, especially on the Pacific side. Roads are easier to drive, the beaches of Guanacaste are sunny, and wildlife spotting is fantastic.
A typical trip combines the Arenal Volcano area for hot springs, waterfalls and hanging bridges, the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park, where you have a great chance of seeing sloths and monkeys right by the beach. Kids love the ziplining too! Semana Santa, the week before Easter, is a big local holiday, so beaches and hotels get busier at the end of March, which is worth knowing if you’re travelling then.
26. CHILE
In the Southern Hemisphere, March means early autumn, and Chile is a stunning place to experience it. Patagonia is still open for hiking in Torres del Paine, but the summer crowds have thinned, and you may even see the first autumn colours creeping in towards the end of the month.
Up north, the Atacama Desert has clear skies that make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing, plus salt flats, geysers and lagoons full of flamingos. In the middle, Santiago is warm and pleasant, and it’s grape harvest season in the wine valleys like Colchagua and Casablanca, where you’ll often find harvest festivals and tastings. Valparaíso, with its colourful street art, makes an easy day trip from the capital.
27. AUSTRALIA
And finally, Australia! March is the start of autumn but in most places it still feels like summer. After spending 2 years in Australia, for me it’s one of the nicest times to visit as the summer heat eases but the weather stays warm and sunny across much of the country and there are lots of festivals, especially music festivals in Australia in March.
Sydney is still beach weather, so you can do the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and swim at the end of it. Melbourne is comfortable for exploring the laneways and doing the Great Ocean Road, and Western Australia is gorgeous, with Rottnest Island and its quokkas an easy day trip from Perth. Up in Queensland, the wet season is coming to an end, but you’ll still want a stinger suit for swimming on the Great Barrier Reef. Australian school holidays usually come in April, so March is a little quieter too.
Related post: Australia in the Off-Season: Top Winter Destinations
FAQs About the Best Countries to Visit in March
Where is hot in March?
For proper heat in March, look at the UAE, Egypt, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Mexico and Costa Rica, which are all hot and mostly dry. Closer to home, the Canary Islands in Spain are the warmest option in Europe, with temperatures in the low 20s.
Where is warm in Europe in March?
The Canary Islands, Madeira and Malta are the warmest places in Europe in March. Southern Spain and the Algarve are also mild and sunny, although the evenings are still cool and the sea is too cold for most people to swim.
Is March a cheap month to travel?
Early and mid March can be a great time for cheaper trips, as it falls between the February half term and the Easter holidays. In 2027, Easter Sunday is on 28 March, so prices for flights and family hotels will rise towards the end of the month when many schools break up.
What festivals are on around the world in March?
March is packed with festivals! Highlights include Eid al Fitr in the Middle East and North Africa (expected around 9 or 10 March 2027), Las Fallas in Valencia (15 to 19 March), St Patrick’s Day in Ireland (17 March), Nowruz in Iraqi Kurdistan (around 21 March) and Holi in India (22 March 2027).
Where can I see cherry blossom in March?
Japan is the most famous place for cherry blossom, with the season usually starting in Tokyo and Kyoto in late March. Taiwan is a quieter alternative, with blossoms in Alishan and Yangmingshan during March and you can also look into South Korea and the mountains of Pakistan.
Can you see the northern lights in March?
Yes! March is still a good month for the northern lights in Iceland, and you get the bonus of much longer days than in December or January, so you have more time for sightseeing too. Look into Northern Norway and Finland too!
Is March a good time to visit Asia?
March is one of the best months for much of Asia, as it’s the end of the dry season in places like Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the Philippines before the hot season and monsoon rains arrive. It’s also the start of trekking season in Nepal and cherry blossom season in Japan.
I hope this list of the best countries to visit in March has helped you plan a trip!
- For more of my posts and to see more months of the year see:
- 27 BEST Countries to Visit in FEBRUARY!
- 30 BEST Countries to Visit in JANUARY!
- 24 BEST Places To Travel in DECEMBER!
- 27 BEST Countries to Visit in MAY!
- 23 BEST Countries to Visit in JUNE!