In many ways, March is a sweet spot on both sides of the planet. Spring is preparing to blossom in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere is taking on the rusty shades of early autumn. The changing of the seasons brings incredible natural beauty to almost every place on the planet.
March is also a brilliant month to book a holiday, as you’ll beat the crowds and peak prices of the Easter rush. On top of that, there are colourful local celebrations in many destinations, from harvest festivals in South America to Holi in India and Nepal. If you’re planning an early spring escape, here’s our guide to the best places to visit in March.
Feel burnt out or frazzled? The Maldives is the ultimate destination to recharge your batteries and there’s no better time to visit than March. You’ll find tropical, sunny weather as well as excellent water visibility for snorkelling and diving. It’s as close to paradise as you can possibly get.
March is classed as peak season, so it’s best to book early to secure your perfect island hideaway. If you’re looking for adventure too, why not head to Sri Lanka for wildlife safaris and lip-smacking curries before flying to the Maldives? It’s a great way to balance action and relaxation.
Is a classic California road trip on your bucket list? If so, beat the summer hoards by setting off in March and exploring the Southern California coastline at your own pace. It’s a lovely time to hit the Pacific Highway and see the highlights of the Sunshine State. Just be sure to avoid Spring Break in the USA, which usually takes place in March.
Drink cocktails in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, laze on beautiful La Jolla beach and head inland to the hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park. If you’ve got time, take a trip through Death Valley and soak up some spring sunshine in Palm Springs.
Over 50% of Costa Rica is covered by rainforest. Unsurprisingly, this means that the climate is pretty darn wet. There would be no lush jungles without lashings of tropical rain. However, March represents that rare moment in Costa Rica when both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are sunny and dry. This makes it an unbeatable month for sunbathing, surfing and wildlife-spotting alike.
Disappear into the cloud forest of Monteverde on the lookout for sloths and iconic green tree frogs, climb the slopes of Arenal Volcano, spot monkeys in Manuel Antonio and top off your trip on a castaway Caribbean beach. Perfect!
If you’re after a far-flung adventure steeped in mystery and legend, head for the extraordinary shores of Easter Island. In March, the weather is dreamy, making it a great month to learn about the Polynesian Rapa Nui people of Easter Island and lap up the gorgeous landscapes at the same time.
The wild sandy beaches are scattered with the iconic Moai statues and the local ceremonies are packed with untamed energy, and you’ll soon fall under the intoxicating spell of this enigmatic island.
Long and skinny, Vietnam is home to 3 very different micro-climates, and it’s normally raining somewhere. However, March is perhaps the only month when you can (tentatively) bet on sunny, dry weather across the board. With a little luck, you can travel all the way from the lagoons and islets of Halong Bay in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south without wearing your kagool.
Meet the hill tribes of Sapa, escape to the sands of Phu Quoc Island, stroll under the Chinese lanterns in Hoi An and wander through the emerald rice paddies of Ninh Binh. It’s easy to fly between destinations in Vietnam, but if you’re keen to get an insight into local life, there’s nothing better than taking the train.
While the Garden Route is glorious at any time of year, in March, you can soak up the stunning scenery without the heavy flow of tourist traffic. It’s the end of summer in the Western Cape, so you’ll find clear skies in Cape Town without the peak season crowds. In many ways, it’s the best of worlds.
Explore the colourful districts of Cape Town, hop between vineyards in the Cape Winelands, spot dolphins off the beaches of Plettenberg Bay and go in search of the Big Five on safari near Port Elizabeth. There’s so much to see in South Africa that you’ll want to return again and again.
Weather-wise, March is great for visiting everywhere in India, from Kashmir and the Himalayas to the golden sands of Goa. Rajasthan is virtually rain-free, Mumbai is clear and dry, and Kerala’s beaches are drenched in sunshine. What could be better? Wherever you want to travel in India, March is your man.
If the weather isn’t enough to lure you in, India reaches its most colourful in March. The Holi Festival is celebrated all over the country when locals lob coloured powders at each other in a dusty rainbow explosion. Grab a pot of powder, join the throng and give your travel partner a vivid top coat. Just remember not to wear your best whites.
Whether you arrive from Brazil or Argentina, Iguazu Falls will take your breath away. This is especially true in March when the falls are in full flow and at their most majestic. It’s a place to wonder at the power of Mother Nature.
While the peak tourist season in Argentina and Brazil has passed, the landscapes are still bathed in the warm glow of early autumn, making it a wonderful time to explore both the cities and the countryside.
Taiwan often goes under the radar when it comes to holiday destinations in Asia, but it’s a fascinating country with surprises around every corner. Spring is a gorgeous time to visit, with exotic flowers on the slopes of Alishan, great weather for hiking in the Taroko Gorge, and gentle sunshine over Sun Moon Lake.
When it comes to Sakura (or cherry blossom), Japan gets all the limelight. However, throughout early spring, you can find cherry blossoms bursting into bloom all over southern and central Taiwan without the tourist hoards in Japan.
We can organise tailor-made holidays and multi-stop trips of all shapes and sizes, from boutique adventures to campervan holidays. Simply call one of our well-travelled consultants on +44 1273320580 or send us an email, and we'll get straight to work on your behalf. Our guide to where to go when offers travel inspiration for every month of the year. Take a look and plan your escape!
Bryony is an explorer in every sense of the meaning. In 2013 she took the plunge, quit her marketing job and decided to face down her lifelong panic disorder to begin life as a freelance digital nomad. Journeying all over Asia, for years she earned her keep writing for travel brands. Almost by accident, she ended up in Cali, Colombia where she discovered a remarkable (as yet latent) talent for Salsa dancing. After spending a year in sequins shimmying from dance show to dance show, she returned to the UK, tanned, toned and ready to settle down. Bryony joined Travel Nation as a round the world specialist in 2016 and is now the Marketing Manager, with a little salsa on the side.
