March travel? Honestly, it’s a sweet spot. Crowds thin out in some places, prices drop in others, and you get this weird mix of seasons depending on where you point your map. But figuring out the absolute best travel destinations in March? That’s tricky. Everyone just lists the same ten spots. I've been traveling this month for years – sometimes it’s amazing, sometimes you end up somewhere freezing when you expected sun (looking at you, early March Scotland... never again). Let's cut through the hype and talk real value.
Why March Actually Rocks For Travel
Seriously, forget the generic "shoulder season" spiel. Here’s the *real* appeal:
- Escape the Extremes: Dodging the brutal summer heat in places like Egypt or India? Priceless. Skiing winding down but still possible? Check (hello, cheaper lift passes!).
- The Sweet Spot Before Chaos: Want to see Amsterdam’s canals or Kyoto’s temples without being elbow-to-elbow with twenty tour groups? Late March is your fragile, beautiful window. Miss it, and you’re in peak season madness.
- Budget Breather: Flights to Europe? Still not *cheap*, but better than June. Caribbean all-inclusives? Prices start tumbling after Spring Break frenzy ends mid-month.
But. There’s always a 'but'. Weather is fickle. Always cross-check specific destinations. Thinking about Greece? Islands are quiet, maybe *too* quiet – many places don't fully open until April.
Top Picks Where March Shines (For Real Reasons)
Forget just naming places. Here’s why these spots genuinely work in March, based on weather patterns, events, and avoiding disappointment.
For Sun Chasers Who Hate Crowds
Sick of packed beaches? These deliver warmth without the Spring Break zoo:
| Destination | Why March? | Temp (°C/F) | Real Talk & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Canaria, Canary Islands | Consistent spring-like warmth, minimal rain, diverse landscapes (dunes, forests) | 18-23°C / 64-73°F | Avoid the southern resorts if you dislike Brits abroad; head west for cliffs & villages. Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas (~$150/night) has great pools. Rent a car! |
| Oaxaca, Mexico | Dry season perfection, vibrant culture, amazing food (mole!), great mezcal | 22-30°C / 72-86°F (days) | Fly into OAX. Stay near the Zócalo (main square). Hotel Casa de Siete Balcones (~$85/night) is charming. Budget tip: Eat street food! Tlayudas cost pennies. Be aware altitude (~5000ft) can tire you. |
| Northern Cyprus (Kyrenia) Hidden Gem | Sunny & mild, dramatic coastline, ancient castles, super affordable | 14-20°C / 57-68°F | Politics are complex, but tourism is straightforward. Fly via Istanbul or Turkey. The Dome Hotel (~$70/night) has sea views. Hire a car to explore Crusader castles & ruins. Feels untouched. |
I spent last March in Oaxaca. The weather? Perfect every single day. Wandered markets without sweating buckets, hiked to waterfalls comfortably. Saw maybe three other tourists in the tiny mezcal villages nearby. Bliss.
For Culture Vultures & Event Hunters
March packs unique festivals and ideal sightseeing conditions:
| Destination | The March Draw | Key Dates/Events | Planning Must-Knows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto, Japan | Peak Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) usually late March. Magical. | Forecast-dependent! Late March/Early April. | Book flights/accommodation *now* (like, yesterday). Hotels triple in price. Try APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent (~$200/night, basic but location!). Avoid Philosopher's Path midday – go dawn/dusk. Pack for crowds. |
| Valencia, Spain | Las Fallas! Insane, fiery, noisy street festival. | March 15-19 (Culminates) | Book WAY ahead. Expect noise 24/7 near centre. Stay slightly outside (Russafa district is cool). Airbnb might be better value. Hotel Vincci Lys (~$120/night) is central. Embrace the chaos or avoid these dates entirely! |
| Marrakech, Morocco | Pleasant temps before summer furnace. Ideal for exploring medinas & mountains. | N/A (Great weather window) | Temps: 12-25°C / 54-77°F. Riad Dar Anika (~$100/night) is a peaceful oasis. Haggle hard in souks. Day trip to Atlas Mountains essential (Ourika Valley easiest). Can be dusty. Jemaa el-Fnaa square is intense but unforgettable. |
Las Fallas was... intense. Beautiful papier-mâché statues everywhere, then *whoosh*, set on fire! Incredible energy, but my ears rang for days. Worth it? Absolutely, once. Maybe not twice.
For Adventurers & Nature Lovers
Wildlife, trekking, landscapes coming alive:
| Destination | March Advantage | What To Do/See | Costs & Logistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica (Pacific Coast) | Dry season peak. Best wildlife viewing & road conditions. | Manuel Antonio NP (monkeys!), Corcovado NP (remote!), surfing, cloud forests | Internal flights (Sansa Air) save time. Rent a 4x4 if exploring beyond main hubs. Selina Hostels (~$40 dorm / ~$100 private) good network. Tours expensive (~$50-100/day). Eat at 'sodas' for cheap local food. |
| Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum) | Wildflowers bloom in desert! Cool temps ideal for hiking. | Petra (2 days min), Wadi Rum desert camp, Dead Sea float | Fly into AMM. Rent a car (driving easy). Petra entrance: ~$70 (1 day). Stay at Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp (~$80/night incl dinner). Dead Sea resorts pricey, day pass possible (~$50). March avoids extreme heat. |
| South Island, New Zealand | Late summer/early autumn. Stunning colours, fewer crowds post-summer rush. | Milford Sound cruise, Queenstown adventure, Wanaka serenity, wine regions | Fly into Christchurch or Queenstown. Campervan ideal but book early. Freedom camping tricky, use DOC sites. Jucy vans ~$100/day. Hike! Weather changeable – layers essential. Sandfly repellent NON-NEGOTIABLE. |
Hiking the Dana to Petra route in Jordan last March was epic. Desert heat during the day? Manageable. Freezing cold at night in the camp? Unexpectedly brutal. Pack thermals – lesson learned!
March Travel FAQ (The Stuff You Actually Google)
"Is March a good time for European cities?"
Mixed bag! Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy coast): Generally pleasant, 15-20°C (59-68°F), fewer crowds, attractions open. Northern/Central Europe (Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin): Chilly (5-12°C / 41-54°F), potentially rainy, BUT significantly fewer tourists and lower prices. Pack layers and waterproofs. Sightseeing indoors is great.
"Where's warm but affordable in March?"
Think beyond the obvious!
- Southeast Asia: Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Laos (Luang Prabang) are exiting peak dry season, still warm (28-32°C / 82-90°F), prices good. Watch for burning season haze in the north (Chiang Mai).
- Mexico's Pacific Coast: Puerto Escondido, Sayulita. Water warm, surfing good, prices lower than Caribbean. Flights to MEX then domestic.
- Cape Verde: Sal or Boa Vista. Guaranteed sun, package deals often good value from Europe. More arid landscape.
"Best Caribbean islands in March avoiding Spring Break?"
Spring Break peaks mid-March. To dodge the college crowds:
- Avoid: Cancun, Punta Cana, Nassau, Jamaica hotspots.
- Target: Grenada (spice island, quieter), St. Vincent & the Grenadines (sailing paradise), Curacao (Dutch charm, outside hurricane belt), Turks & Caicos (pricey but beaches are insane). Look for smaller resorts or villas. Late March sees prices dip slightly post-break.
"Is March too cold for the Grand Canyon?"
South Rim is open. Expect cold! South Rim average highs: 7°C (45°F), lows: -5°C (23°F). Potential for snow. BUT, clear skies make stunning photos, minimal crowds. North Rim closed until May. Dress like you're going skiing. Driving requires caution. Worth it for solitude? Yes, if you're prepared.
March Travel Pitfalls to Dodge
Don't be like me and learn the hard way:
- Overestimating Spring: "Spring" in London ≠ beach weather. Pack realistically. Check historical weather averages on sites like WeatherSpark, not just the forecast.
- Festival Blindness: Las Fallas, Holi (India), St. Patrick's Day (Dublin)... Awesome, but they dominate the destination. Book everything way ahead or avoid those dates if you dislike crowds/noise.
- Shoulder Season Shutdowns: On Greek islands or Italian coastal villages? Many family-run restaurants/hotels open late April/May. Double-check if places you want to visit/stay are operational.
- Rainy Season Transitions: Parts of Thailand/Central America start seeing afternoon showers. Usually short and manageable, but plan activities accordingly.
Booking Timeline Reality Check
Don't panic, but don't snooze either:
- RIGHT NOW (if traveling soon): Flights, especially for popular events (Kyoto Sakura, Las Fallas). Peak demand routes.
- 1-3 Months Out:** Solid idea needed. Book flights & key accommodation (boutique hotels, specific riads, popular tours like Petra/Wadi Rum).
- Last Minute Deals (Risky): Works for package sun holidays (check TUI/Expedia) or less popular destinations. Don't bank on it for bucket-list spots.
My Personal March Hit List (What I'd Book Next)
Based on research and chats with fellow travelers who've been there:
- The Azores, Portugal: Lush volcanic islands. March sees wildflowers bloom, whale watching season peaks (sperm whales!), dramatic landscapes. Fly Terceira or Ponta Delgada. Rent a car. Expect changeable weather – part of the drama. Azores Airlines has deals from East Coast US/Europe.
- Malta: History overload (Knights of St. John!), warm Mediterranean sun, unique culture. Temps ~15-18°C (59-64°F) – perfect for exploring ruins without melting. Valletta is stunning. Ferry to Gozo. Surprisingly affordable flights from Europe.
- Oman (Musandam Peninsula): "Norway of Arabia" – stunning fjords. Perfect dhow cruise weather (warm, not scorching). Fly into Dubai then drive/ferry. Stay at Atana Musandam Resort (~$130/night). Incredible scenery, way less developed than UAE.
Honestly, picking the best travel destinations in March boils down to what you hate least. Hate crowds? Prioritize shoulder season magic (Kyoto late March before peak, European cities). Hate cold? Chase reliable sun belts (Canaries, Oaxaca, Costa Rica). Hate high prices? Look for post-break Caribbean or SE Asia gems. Do your specific weather checks, book key things early for events, and pack layers. March can be the absolute best time to go... if you pick your spot wisely.
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