March must be one of the greatest months to travel. Across the northern hemisphere, winter is fading and spring is waking up, creating interesting landscapes before those peak-season crowds arrive. In the southern hemisphere, summer is still aglow, offering warm beach escapes before autumn kicks in. In fact, if you love hiking and wildflowers, or cultural city escapes, March delivers variety, value and some of the best weather.
From Japan’s first cherry blossoms to desert hikes in Arizona, if you’re planning a spring escape, here are some of the best places to travel in March (and why this month is such a brilliant time to explore).
Japan, for the early cherry blossom season
March in Japan is when the season softens, the air turns mild, the days stretch out – and (most importantly) the very first cherry blossoms appear. Now, you generally can’t expect the full sakura spectacle until April but you can chase early color and light crowds in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Later in the month you’re most likely to have the best luck, though we are talking about a natural phenomenon, so year-to-year the blossom peak shifts. Regardless of the blooms, March offers festivals and seasonal street food, and it’s warm enough to explore gardens and temples.
Average temperatures: 8–15°C / 46–59°F
READ NEXT: Japan in March: Weather, Reasons to Visit & Things to Do
South Africa, for long summer days
It’s late summer in South Africa, which means warm ocean, warm days and drier safari days. Yes, Cape Town still has beach weather, with clear Table Mountain views and long evenings. It’s a gorgeous time of year to explore the Garden Route, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. And inland, national parks shift into drier conditions, which means sharper visibility and easier wildlife spotting on safari. March is an ideal month to mix city, coast, vineyards and safari in a single trip with reliable weather.
Average temperatures: 18–28°C / 64–82°F
Morocco, for souks and spring in the desert
It’s too hot in summer and cold in winter – so March is the sweet spot for Morocco. When the chill of winter lifts, buzzing Marrakesh is warm enough for rooftop lunches and late-nights in the medina. Coastal towns like Essaouira stay breezy with the cool Atlantic Ocean, and deep in the Sahara Desert overnight camps and camel rides heat up – days are hot but not overwhelming. March is a great time for city, mountain and desert exploring without the extremes of summer or winter.
Average temperatures: 17–25°C / 63–77°F
Australia, for endless summer coastlines
Australia is gorgeous at any time of year, but March is particularly nice to combine beach days, vineyards and city exploring. Visit the sights Sydney, then head up to Queensland where the unpredictable tropical summer storms have eased. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef here, then head inland to the Red Center and Uluru, or go south for mild days hiking or wine tasting in Tasmania and Victoria.
Average temperatures: 20–30°C / 68–86°F
READ NEXT: Where is hot in March? Top picks for a sunny break
Portugal, for mild spring sun and cities
Portugal is one of the best places to travel in March. The southern Algarve coast starts to heat up, perfect for spring hikes with wildflowers and quiet lunches by the beach. While Lisbon and Porto experience (mostly) sunny days without the peak-season crowds.
Average temperatures: 15–20°C / 59–68°F
New Orleans, for jazz and winter sun
March is one of the best months to experience New Orleans. The weather is pleasantly warm – perfect for wandering the French Quarter, exploring Garden District streets or cruising the Mississippi. The city buzzes with live music, food festivals and outdoor culture – and without the sweltering heat of summer.
Average temperatures: 16–23°C / 61–73°F
Italy, for springtime cities and countryside
Rome, Florence and Venice are slightly quieter in March, giving you more space to explore piazzas, museums and historic streets without peak-season crowds. If you head south in Italy, Sicily and southern coastal towns are warmer – the perfect choice if you want to defrost a little in spring sunshine and dine outdoors.
Average temperatures: 12–18°C / 54–64°F
Thailand, for dry season beaches and islands
March is the tail end of Thailand’s dry season, making it your last chance for beach and island time before the rainy season kicks in. Your best best is the Andaman Coast and Gulf of Thailand, where islands enjoy sunny, hot days and calm seas. Perfect for beach time, snorkelling and island-hopping.
Average temperatures: 27–33°C / 81–91°F
New York, because New York
Is there every a bad time to visit New York? Unlikely. In March, the city that never sleeps starts to shake off its winter coat and embrace spring. It’s a great time to get out and explore museums, Broadway shows and hop between neighbourhoods using the subway.
Average temperatures: 3–12°C / 37–54°F
Egypt, to see ancient wonders
Come summer, Egypt swelters – so March is one of the best months to visit. The Nile Valley is already comfortably warm. Use your time to explore Cairo’s pyramids, Luxor’s temples and Aswan’s riverbanks. With clear skies and mild evenings, it’s the perfect month for Egypt.
Average temperatures: 20–28°C / 68–82°F
READ NEXT: 6 reasons why you should visit Egypt in March
Grand Canyon National Park, for those sweeping vistas
March is one of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is mild with fewer crowds than in summer, while the North Rim may still be snow-dusted and even quieter. Clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures make it an ideal time for hiking, scenic drives and photography.
Average temperatures: 8–18°C / 46–64°F
Vietnam, for dry season sunshine
March marks the start of spring in Vietnam – which means mild to warm temperatures and low rainfall. In the north, Hanoi is pleasant to explore and eat street food, while in the center Hoi An and Da Nang are ideal for beaches time and cultural exploration. Down the south, mega-metropolis Ho Chi Minh City enjoys clear, hot days.
Average temperatures: 25–32°C / 77–90°F
Hawaii, to catch the whale season
Beautiful beaches, lush hiking trails and volcanic landscapes make Hawaii a great destination year-round – but if you visit in March you’ll catch the whale-watching season too. Off Maui you’ll find humpbacks congregate in shallow waters. Before or after your whale tour, go surfing on Oahu or snorkeling on the Big Island. Basically: it’s a great month to be outdoors in Hawaii.
Average temperatures: 24–29°C / 75–84°F
London, for an early spring city break
March in London is crisp, but there’s a joy in the air as winter starts to thaw. Spring days might bring a mix of sunshine and light showers, but there are fantastic museums to explore, landmarks to spot, and West End shows to catch that will take you indoors. If the sun comes out, the locals do too – and you might even enjoy a cheeky pint in soft spring sunshine.
Average temperatures: 8–12°C / 46–54°F
READ NEXT: 15 best places to visit in Europe in March
Jordan, for the desert landscapes
Jordan is one of the best places to travel to in March. Why? The desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the ancient city of Petra are both warm, but not scorching. Expect clear skies and mild evenings, ideal for hiking and exploring archaeological sites. Without the intense summer heat, exploring these historic wonders is more enjoyable.
Average temperatures: 15–25°C / 59–77°F
Costa Rica, for dry-season warmth and wildlife
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast sees hot, sunny days and low humidity. Ideal? Absolutely. Sea temperatures are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and surfing, while inland trails through the famous cloud forests and volcano areas are warm without being wet. Wildlife is active too – it’s a great month to spot monkeys, sloths and tropical birds.
Average temperatures: 27–32°C / 81–90°F
Joshua Tree National Park, for California desert wildflowers
Days are warm and nights cool in March, perfect for keen hikers eager to explore the surreal desert landscapes and go stargazing after dark. Time it right and you’ll catch the early wildflowers in bloom.
Average temperatures: 15–25°C / 59–77°F
Argentina, for the wine harvest
In Argentina, la vendimia (the grape harvest) generally runs from February to April, making March a prime month to visit for wine lovers. Head out to Mendoza, where the vineyards are lush and buzzing with activity. Time it right to catch a mammoth harvest festival, or just enjoy wine tastings and tours. Of course, you’ll also visit Buenos Aires, where late-summer days are ripe for strolling the city, dining outdoors and catching tango shows.
Average temperatures: 20–28°C / 68–82°F
FAQS about best places to travel in March
Where to go for 7 days in March?
With a week in March you could bounce into the heart of a European capital, or chase spring sunshine south. If you’re short on time but ready for an adventure, try Trafalgar’s Southern Capitals, Iceland Highlights, Best of Scotland, European Highlights, Alaska Northern Lights or Jordan Experience.
What are the best places to visit in March in the USA?
March is a great time for U.S. travel, especially further south. Head to New Orleans for festival energy and early spring blooms, Arizona for the Grand Canyon or Sedona, and California’s Joshua Tree for wildflowers and stargazing. Hawaii also offers warm beaches and whale watching in March!
What are the best European Cities & destinations to visit in March?
March is a great month to explore Europe before the peak tourist crowds arrive. Lisbon and Madrid offer mild weather and vibrant streets, while Rome, Florence and Venice are perfect for cultural sightseeing with fewer visitors. Dublin or Edinburgh are ideal for a crisp, historic city break.
That’s our guide to the best places to travel in March across the world. Anywhere else we should add to our list? Leave a comment…