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10 places to go in March

Wondering where is best to go in March? Expand your horizons with an unforgettable adventure in March. Cycle in Cambodia, watch Holi celebrations in India or taste your way through Mexico.

Updated by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore
Updated: 23 January 2026


March is a special month for travel. In the northern hemisphere, spring bursts into bloom, while in the southern hemisphere, autumn paints landscapes in striking hues. One of the best reasons to travel in March is for steadier temperatures (ideal for exploring) and, for the most part, fewer crowds! 

 

  • March is a prime time for spring warmth in Mediterranean hotspots like Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Turkey
  • This month forms part of the dry season in both Asia and Central Asia
  • March falls during Africa's shoulder season, making it ideal for a quieter safari experience
  • Festivals celebrated in March include Holi, St Patrick's Day and Las Fallas

 

Quick picks:

First-timers: Jordan
Families: Costa Rica
Culture and festivals: India
Walking: Amalfi Coast (Italy), Andalucia (Spain)
Wildlife: South Africa
Beach and ruins: Mexico
City and desert: Morocco
Big views: Nepal
Islands: Madeira

 

Unusual this March:

  • Follow levada trails in Madeira. These man-made irrigation systems run from the coastlines and through mountains. They don't just follow scenic routes, but form part of the scenery itself. Visiting in March means that while weather conditions are a little wetter, you can keep your focus on these 15th- and 16th-century trails.
  • Visiting Madagascar a month before the green season ends means you'll be spoiled with heaps of wildlife activity, from lemurs and chameleons to reptiles and amphibians. 
  • Hike during the shoulder season in Patagonia. Popular trekking routes like the W and O Circuits remain open, but there's fewer crowds and, thankfully, more space to soak up the landscapes of icy glaciers and emerald lakes.

 

So where are the best places to travel in March? Read on to find out:

1. Nepal

March is a sweet spot for Nepal. Bursting into spring, this small Asian country is blanketed in swathes of rhododendron forests which pop into flower against the amazing mountain backdrop. You can expect temperatures of 20–27°C in Kathmandu and Pokhara and freezing nights in the Himalayas.

 

Overall, the country feels lively but not yet in full peak-season rush, making it an ideal time to visit. Plus, trails reopen as the winter snow melts and wildlife viewing is at its peak. That's what makes it a fantastic time of year to trek the iconic Annapurna Sanctuary with us.

 

On our guided Annapurna treks, you'll stay at traditional teahouses, trek past waterfalls and bamboo forests, and relax by tranquil lakes – a perfect combination at a perfect time of year.

 

Pictured: Red and pink shades pepper the spring landscape in Nepal

Let's visit Nepal

2. Italy

For a scenic holiday in Italy, March is one of the prettiest times to visit. Expect 10-18°C in central regions and cooler mornings, with occasional rain. Cities spring back into life with outdoor cafes reopening, the tail end of ski season in the Dolomites and early vineyard walks in Tuscany. 

 

Our Italy small group tours stretch from the Amalfi Coast and Sicily to Rome and Puglia, from Tuscany to Puglia and Naples to the Dolomites. Not only do our tours cover a variety of Italian destinations, but a variety of ways to explore them, too – including Discovery, Walking, Cycling and Food tours.

 

Follow ancient footpaths and wind through terraced lemon groves as you savour the cool breeze, relish the quieter beaches and indulge in freshly harvested seasonal produce. An added bonus of planning a holiday to Italy in March is that you'll avoid the summer crowds!

 

Pictured: Rolling hills in spring colour in the medieval village of Pienza, Tuscany

Let's visit Italy

3. Tanzania

March is a month many overlook, but many climbers delibarately choose to visit Tanzania during this time. While March marks the start of the rainy season (expect wetter, mistier conditions), there's also lush forests and fewer trekkers, creating a more atmospheric climb. 

 

On the lower slopes, temperatures hover around 24°C by day and 14°C at night. Higher up, it drops well below freezing. 

 

Our Rongai Trek traverses the north side of Mount Kilimanjaro, so you'll experience a different side of this mighty mountain. Our Kilimanjaro treks are fully guided and supported, and are best for experienced hikers who don’t mind rain, and want solitude over perfect views.

 

Pictured: Hikers tackling a steep section to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Let's visit Tanzania

4. Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam in March means you'll catch the tail end of the dry season – it's starting to heat up, but you won't get the steamy temperatures of peak summer. Make the most of this unique time by joining one of our cycling holidays through Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. 

 

Take in paddy fields, jungles, the Angkor temples and the Mekong River; exploring by bike on quiet backroads gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself and get closer to the local people.

 

March is one of the most balanced times to visit this south east Asian country, with mostly dry weather from north to south. Expect 18–23°C in Hanoi, 24–30°C in central regions like Da Nang and Hoi An, and 28–34°C in the south.

 

Pictured: Riders refuelling with coconut water in the Mekong Delta

Let's visit Vietnam

5. Japan

March brings Japan's early spring charm, with the first cherry blossoms drawing visitors. It marks the start of sakura (cherry blossom season), and while this will be a busier time to visit, the soft pink bloom brings a magical hue across the country. Find out more about Japan's sakura season here.

 

Temperatures sit around 5-15°C, so expect crisp, changeable weather. Hokkaido in the north, meanwhile, is still in peak ski season, so if you're a snow bunny this is another excellent time to visit.

 

Down south, Kyushu's hot spring towns like Beppu feel especially inviting at this cosy time of year, where you can soak outdoors as the landscape shifts from winter to spring. We operate multiple March departure dates, giving you plenty of choice to experience the cherry blossoms, simmer in the hot springs and soak up the blooming natural landscapes.

 

Pictured: Osaka Castle during cherry blossom season

Let's visit Japan

6. Maldives

Experience a different kind of bloom beneath the surface of the ocean on a Maldives Dhoni cruise. March is one of the hottest months to visit the Maldives, where temperatures sit around 28-32°C.

 

March is an excellent time to visit because it's towards the end of the dry season, so you still have plenty of time to lap up the crystal-clear waters and it's peak season to spot manta rays and whale sharks. Warm, dry days are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and island hopping.

 

On our guided trips to the Maldives you get to snorkel over a shipwreck and spot myriad colourful fish. If you can pull yourself away from the water, you can watch a captivating Bodu Beru performance, the traditional folk music of the country. This is a destination filled with unique experiences!

 

Pictured: Hawksbill turtles drifting through the clear waters of the Maldives

Let's visit the Maldives

7. Mexico

March is a special time to visit Mexico. One of the most extraordinary experiences happens at Chichén Itzá during the spring equinox – a phenomenon that draws travellers and locals alike to this iconic Mayan site.

 

At the heart of the celebration is El Castillo, the pyramid built with astonishing precision by the Maya. On the equinox, sunlight and shadow align perfectly to create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps. This isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a glimpse into the genius of a civilization that measured time and seasons with astronomical knowledge.

 

Beyond this awe-inspiring event, expect warm, dry days in March with temperatures between 21°C and 29°C. As adventure holiday experts, our guided Mexico small group trips ensure you take in all of the cultural highlights, from Mayan sites to authentic bites. 

 

Pictured: The Kukulkan​ pyramid of El Castillo in Chichen Itza

Let's visit Mexico

8. Spain

While Japan's cherry blossoms may get all the attention, Spain's orange blossoms are equally stunning. Early March is the best time to experience Spain's orange blossom season, especially in Andalucia where the streets and plazas are perfumed with the fragrant scent of citrus trees in bloom, with lines upon lines of trees dotted with plump oranges. 

 

Spain in March sees mild, sunny days averaging 16–22°C, perfect for exploring whitewashed villages, Moorish palaces, and lively tapas bars without the summer crowds. March is the moment to savor Andalucia at its most authentic: fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly romantic.

Compare the contrast from the white villages of the Sierra de Arcena to the sizzling character of Seville with its UNESCO-listed Moorish palaces, tapas restaurants and plazas filled with flowers on our guided Andalucia tours.

 

Pictured: Seville Cathedral and just some of the (many) orange trees in Andalucia

Let's visit Spain

9. India

One of the world’s most colourful festivals, Holi is an iconic festival that happens all around India every March. Experience it with the rest of your group on one of our trips, where your expert tour leader will help you make the most of this vibrant festival. Agra is one of the best spots to enjoy Holi: and where better than the city that houses the country’s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal? 

 

Depending on the region, the weather in India in March sees temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. This month marks the arrival of spring, with lesser-known gems include the blooming of rhododendrons in the Himalayas, creating stunning landscapes.

 

Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy national parks at their best as animals emerge after winter – we visit Ranthambore National Park where you can see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.

 

Pictured: Holi festival celebations in India

Let's visit India

10. South Africa

Autumn hits South Africa in March, bringing mild weather and fewer crowds. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy prime safari conditions in Kruger National Park, where spotting the Big Five is a highlight, and birdwatchers will love the influx of migratory species.

 

For a unique experience, head to Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 600 elephants, lions, and Cape buffalo. Staying in cabins within the park offers night views of a waterhole, perfect for observing animals after dark.

 

With around 12 hours of daylight, March blends adventure, nature, and culture for an unforgettable trip.

 

Pictured: A herd of elephants in Addo Elephant National Park

Let's visit South Africa

Unusual places you might not have thought of:

Wine & Landscapes of Argentina's Northwest:

 

Imagine a film set of long, empty roads carving through bizarre red rock formations and colourful gorges – add some seriously good food and wineries stretching for miles, and you might have an idea of Argentina’s northwest.

  • Visit the 'kingdom of dinosaurs' at Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks
  • Admire the natural-formed Puente del Inca bridge, believed to have once been used by Incas to cross the river
  • Drive through the 'Broken Arrow Gorge' and take in the surreal landscape of sharp rocks pointed at all angles
  • Try local cuisine you probably haven't had back home – including llama stews

Walking in Aconcagua National Park, Argentina

 

Cycle Sri Lanka:

 

Pedal over different terrains and changing landscapes on our two-week Sri Lanka guided bike adventure. Backroads, villages, ancient sites and highlands reveal an authentic slice of this teardrop-shaped island, with no two days the same.

  • Explore the series of cave at UNESCO-listed Dambulla, which reveal a jaw-dropping collection of temples
  • Ride through the highlands, passing forests and tea estates, before reaching Bambarakanda Waterfall (the highest in Sri Lanka)
  • Join a whale-watching trip during the migration season (December to April)
  • Stay at a riverside camp and set a sunrise alarm for birdwatching
Sri Lanka viewpoint

Top trips to book now for March departures:

Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert: This quickly became one of our best-selling trips, as it's only fairly recently rejoined the travel map. Algeria is ideal for those who have the itch to visit a lesser-known and lesser-explored destination, and we operate over multiple March dates.

 

Borneo Sarawak Highlights: Swap the ordinary for the extraordinary in Borneo. Step away from routine and into a land of remarkable wildlife, secluded communities and vibrant greenery. March marks the end of the Green Season, making it a unique moment to experience the island at its most alive.

 

Walking in Portugal - Remote Coastal Trails: Looking for a last-minute trip? On our dedicated Discounted Trips page you can book a trip (departing within 90 days) at a reduced rate. Whether you're looking for last-minute European getaway or a spontaneous longer haul trip, a March departure is a great way to start the year.

 

Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure: Our customers love this trip for its winter activities and aurora-spotting opportunities. Snowfall is actually at its deepest in March, marking the final month of winter. Lap up authentic activities and experiences on this six-day trip.

 

A Taste of Mexico - Markets and Mayan Sites: Sample fresh, seasonal produce on this two-week Mexican food adventure. Starting from Mexico City and ending in Merida, along the way you'll cook Oaxacan coastal cuisine, visit a Mezcal factory and enjoy a guided Mexico City food tour.

Tegharghart, Djanet, Algeria

Frequently asked questions about travelling in March:


 

What are the best places to go in March for warm weather?
One of our top recommended destinations is Jamaica. The island's dry season runs from November to April, bringing reliably warm days that are ideal for lapping up the very best of Caribbean life. Colombia also shines at this time of year. While temperatures remain hot and humid, refreshing offshore breezes along the Caribbean coast make March an especially popular and comfortable month to visit. We'd also suggest planning a trip to the Philippines, where high temperatures in March create perfect conditions for beaches, island-hopping and outdoor adventures, making it one of the best times of year to explore the country. 
Where can I go in March to see wildlife?
Where are the best places to go in March for walking and hiking?

Don't just travel, Explore!

Wherever you choose to travel in March, there's an exciting adventure waiting for you on the other side. Check out our range of cycling, family, cultural discovery, walking and food trips for more inspiration. Where will you go next?
View all March tours
Kayakers paddle red kayaks in calm blue waters near rocky cliffs, with greenery above. In the background, distant hills rise under a clear sky.

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