March is a fantastic month to take a vacation – in most destinations you avoid the peak tourist season and will enjoy warm days. This time of year Europe is shaking off its winter chill. You’ll find spring flowers and mild days in the southern parts of the continent. Meanwhile in the southern hemisphere, many gorgeous countries are coming out of the rainy season or have balmy late-summer days on offer. Here’s where to go that’s hot in March across the globe.
1. Egypt
March is one of the best times of year to visit Egypt, when temperatures are comfortable but still sunny and gorgeous. With the pleasant spring temperatures, you can explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and other ancient temples without the crowds and scorching heat of peak tourist season.
In March the days are usually between 25-28°C (77-82°F) – ideal for tiem by the Red Sea. Trafalgar’s Wonders of Egypt will take you deeper over 12 days.
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Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve’s dramatic cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints are excellent in early spring, when the countryside is lush and dotted with wildflowers. This time of year you’ll experience spring produce, fresh seafood, local festivals and mild daytime temperatures averaging 16-18°C (61-64°F).
It’s a good time of year for sunny days without summer crowds, and on Trafalgar’s Best of Portugal you’ll visit the historic coastal town Lagos, once the home of the legendary Henry the Navigator.
WHERE IS HOT IN MARCH: Best of Portugal
Sicily, Italy
Spring in Sicily has a nice ring to it, and this time of year the Italian island-region is heating up. March is a good month to explore the island’s ancient ruins in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, or to climb Mount Etna. If that’s beyond your fitness level, tasting wines grown on the mountain’s volcanic slopes is an ideal alternative. Average daily temperatures seem to range from 15-18°C (59-64°F).
St. Joseph, the most beloved saint in Sicily, is celebrated in some village with festivities this month too. If you want to visit, look at Trafalgar’s Southern Italy and Sicily tour and uncover Italy’s south.
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Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is a tropical haven in March, with temperatures averaging 23-27°C (73-81°F). It’s an ideal time to explore the islands’ diverse landscapes without the peak-season crowds. Head to the beaches of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai to go surfing, snorkeling, or sun baking. Or dive in the lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Big Island. March is also the heart of whale-watching season in Hawaii, when humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters.
You can explore the tropical islands with Trafalgar’s Best of Hawaii or the Hawaii Four Island Adventure.
Crete, Greece
This Greek island’s southern location in the Mediterranean gives it a distinct advantage – Crete typically experiences warmer temperatures than other parts of Greece. In March expect still mild spring temps ranging from 16-20°C (61-68°F). It’s a warm escape from Athens and you can take advantage of the weather by exploring the island’s ancient ruins, and take hikes in the rugged landscapes dotted with olive groves and wildflowers.
If you extend Trafalgar’s Best of Greece to include the cruise, you’ll venture to this warm idyllic isle.
Canary Islands, Spain
While technically part of Europe, the subtropical Canary Islands are actually closer to the coast of West Africa. In March that means the eight volcanic islands experience average highs between 20-25°C (68-77°F). The most popular islands to visit are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and La Palma – take your pick and defrost after a long winter.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, with tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, and sandy beaches ideal for surfing. In March the Central American eco-tourism destination experiences temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), depending on where you explore – but best of all, it’s a time of low rainfall. March also provides visitors the chance to witness sea turtle nesting on the Osa Peninsula.
Explore it on Trafalgar’s 8-day Costa Rica Nature Adventure.
Southern Spain (Andalusia)
Andalusia is a gorgeous gem of southern Spain. Here you’ll find beautiful, culture-rich cities such as Seville, Granada and Malaga, and spend days lapping un sunshine on the aptly named Costa del Sol. In March the highs usually range between 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (71°F), and some days you might be in shorts and a T-shirt lapping up a balmy 25°C (77°F) day. It’s the best time of year to explore inland cities, such as Seville or Córdoba, which are too hot under the baking summer sun.
Depending on the year, sometimes Seville’s Semana Santa event – the holy week before Easter – falls during the end of March too. Trafalgar’s 15-day Best of Spain explores some of the Costa del Sol and Andalucia’s favourite cities and destinations.
WHERE IS HOT IN MARCH: Best of Spain
Thailand
Seeking warm temperatures, a different culture, stunning beaches, and lush jungles? Thailand is your best bet, and the 11-day Treasures of Thailand will take you there. March is a great time to visit before the summer heat kicks in, with temperatures typically ranging from 28-33°C (82-91°F). It’s a good month to visit Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, where you go snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters, or just kick back with a good book.
READ NEXT: Japan in March: Weather, Reasons to Visit & Things to Do
Morocco
From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert, March is a great time to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes. The comfortable temperatures this time of year (ranging from 18-25°C / 64-77°F), means you can explore ancient cities like Fes and Rabat without breaking a sweat.
Trafalgar’s Best of Morocco carves a lap of the coast, desert and all four imperial cities over 11 epic days.
WHERE IS HOT IN MARCH: Best of Morocco
Where is hot in Europe in March?
Within Europe, the rule is simple – the further south you go, the warmer it gets. There are a handful of islands and sunny beach destinations in Europe that start to heat up in March. Look up Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Algarve, where mild temperatures range from 18-25°C (64-77°F). Pack your swimsuit and sunblock!
Which Greek island is hottest in March?
Crete is the hottest Greek island in March, with temperatures often reaching 16-20°C (61-68°F), thanks to its southern location in the Mediterranean. This large island has a mild climate, and while it’s a touch cool for swimming it’s a great time for spring hikes, ancient ruins, and seasonal eating without the crowds.
Where’s hot in Spain in March?
The Canary Islands are the hottest part of Spain! On the continent, the southern Spanish coast around the Costa del Sol sees the warmest temperatures in March. It’s the ideal time to explore Andalusia too.
Where else is hot in March? Leave us a comment with your tips!…