The best places to visit in March include an array of brilliant spots. Late-season snow leads to dreamy conditions for skiers and snowboarders. Meanwhile, temperatures are starting to rise in Europe and North America. As for Asia, March often sees some of its best weather.
The best places to visit in March in Europe
While there are still plenty of cold weather picks for those living in the Northern Hemisphere, things are well and truly starting to warm up across much of Europe.
1. Mayrhofen, Austria
- Learn more: Mayrhofen travel guide
- Why visit in March? Snow, plus spa and après ski options galore
When it comes to the best places to ski in Europe, Mayrhofen in Austria is always at the top of my list. The town is covered in spas and saunas. These are ideal for helping your muscles recover from a long day of skiing.
As for the skiing itself, Mayrhofen has a wide network of runs that are suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders, as well as those with more experience.
Even if the weather is a tad warmer than it should be, you can ski the incredible Hintertux glacier (3,250m) all year round as it’s way above the snow line. For après ski, I recommend indulging in a few delicious Austrian beers and schnitzel.
2. Valencia, Spain
- Learn more: Valencia travel guide
- Why visit in March? Experience authentic Spanish culture at Las Fallas festival
March is the time of year when the heat of the Mediterranean starts to creep back along the coast of Spain. Valencia is blessed with warmer temperatures and is only a short flight away from London.
Sunshine alone makes Valencia a great place to visit in March. It’s also a cosmopolitan city with superb science and art museums and an enticing food culture. March is an especially brilliant month to visit as it’s when the Las Fallas Festival takes place.
Expect lively parades featuring satirical dummies and puppets representing villainous and controversial figures from Spanish history and modern times. There are also massive fireworks displays and street parties. Just be warned, it can get noisy.
Tip: Book accommodation early to get the best deals during this popular local festival.
3. Whitby, Yorkshire
- Learn more: Whitby travel guide
- Why visit in March? For windswept coastal walks and cosy pubs
The UK has some incredible places to visit in March. Whitby, tucked away on the stunning North Yorkshire coast, is rich in natural beauty and has a fascinating local history. Plus, there’s its well-known connection to the classic Gothic horror novel Dracula.
Fans of the book will recognise Whitby as the place where Dracula first makes landfall in Britain. According to legend, author Bram Stoker first came across the novel’s name and its titular character while browsing through Whitby’s private library. A walk around the burnt-out ruins of Whitby Abbey is a must for history lovers keen to see the extent of Henry VIII’s infamous religious reforms.
You’ll also find plenty of options for fossil hunting and stunning coastal views from the hills outside Whitby. Even if you face wet and windy weather, you’ll find Whitby no less beautiful and striking than on a sunny day. There’s always the prospect of warming up in an idyllic old pub afterwards, too.
4. Berlin, Germany
- Learn more: Berlin travel guide
- Why visit in March? Fewer crowds, plus seasonal events like MaerzMusik
Berlin in March is the perfect destination for couples and groups of friends who want a blend of culture, shopping, fine food and nightlife. It’s a time of year when creativity comes to the fore, thanks to forward-thinking events like MaerzMusik. The festival has been running since 2002 and combines film screenings, musical theatre and art.
March is the ideal time to see attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial. Berlin is also a fantastic food destination. My tip is to visit Hackescher Markt or the street food market at Markthalle Neun, both on Thursdays. Note, March can still be quite cold in Berlin, so wrap up warm.
5. Bordeaux, France
- Learn more: Bordeaux travel guide
- Why visit in March? To indulge in vintage wine tasting during En Primeur
Are you wondering where the best place to visit in March is for a good glass of wine? Bordeaux comes up trumps. Thanks to its world-famous nearby vineyards, the city is a joy to explore and a paradise for wine lovers.
It’s one of the finest holiday destinations in March for serious wine lovers as it’s the time of En Primeur — the first tastings of the year’s latest vintages. If you’re interested in sampling your way around Bordeaux, book well in advance.
Prefer to explore more of the incredible history of the surrounding province of Aquitaine? Take a short train ride to the beautiful town of Saint-Émilion and learn more about its distinct vintage wines. If you love walking, venture to the beautiful seaside town of Arcachon and hike up the Dune du Pilat. It’s Europe’s highest natural sand dune and essential viewing in March when there are fewer crowds.
The best places to visit in March: Africa, Asia and beyond
March is also an ideal month for visiting longer-haul destinations, including Japan for the cherry blossom season and India for the vibrant Holi Festival.
6. Delhi, India
- Learn more: Delhi travel guide
- Why visit in March? To enjoy the magic of the Hindu Holi festival
India’s capital comes alive in March when locals throw themselves into Holi celebrations. Hinduism’s ‘Festival of Colours’ is a must-see spectacle. Streets become vibrant works of art as people cover each other in powdered dyes. The buzz doesn’t end there, with all-night DJ sets and food events that keep festivities going into the early hours.
Delhi is a lively place to visit, so experiencing the city during Holi can be quite full-on. If you’d rather avoid all the hubbub, visit the city earlier or later in the month. You can tick off iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and the Red Fort which will be much quieter after the partygoers have left town.
7. Osaka, Japan
- Learn more: Where to stay in Osaka
- Why visit in March? To admire the city’s breathtaking blossom
Osaka is one of the best places to visit in March to explore Japan in the spring. As well as being a prime destination to experience Japan’s magical cherry blossom, Osaka also has a rich and diverse culture. Its incredible landmarks include the famous Osaka castle and the iconic Shitennō-ji temple: one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
One of the biggest draws for me is the food. Osakans take their food very seriously, so much so that it’s become something of a joke throughout Japan about how much people are willing to spend on food. Must-try dishes include okonomiyaki (a local fried pancake), takoyaki (battered octopus), udon noodles and, of course, sushi.
8. Las Vegas, USA
- Learn more: Las Vegas travel guide
- Why visit in March? For sunshine, live stage shows and St Patrick’s Day celebrations
Whether you’re keen to make a bet at one of the Strip’s iconic neon-decorated casinos or you want to spend sun-soaked days by the pool, Las Vegas is surely one of the best places to go in March. The weather in Sin City averages around 22°C. Perfect for wandering around town or fitting in a round of golf.
Las Vegas is equally famous for its on-stage entertainment as it is for trying ol’ lady luck at the tables. Plus, Las Vegas sure knows how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Expect parades, live music, DJs and plenty or Irish pubs to try.
If you want to escape the city for the day, take a trip to the incredible Death Valley National Park. It’s just a short drive out of town (which is a great excuse to rent a convertible and cruise through the desert). Failing that, an afternoon on the shores of Lake Mead is a nice alternative to the hotel pool. Or, why not book a helicopter ride and over the nearby Grand Canyon?
9. Fez, Morocco
- Learn more: Fez travel guide
- Why visit in March? To shop for handmade souvenirs or venture into nearby national parks
Searching for one of the best places to visit in March that’s only a short flight away? Look no further than the Moroccan city of Fez (or Fes). Perhaps most easily recognised for its association with the iconic headpiece, this ancient city is also full of surprises.
Shop for exquisite hand-made leather goods or savour heaps of freshly baked pastries in the Medina. Roman ruins are also close by at Volubilis. You’ll also find mountains of colourful, locally made carpets to buy (have fun figuring out how to get one back home to your living room).
When you’re done exploring the city, the surrounding area is brimming with truly stunning landscapes. The Tazekka National Park is a must-visit. It’s just under two hours’ drive from Fez and located within the Middle Atlas range, part of the stunning Atlas Mountains that stretch across Morocco. The park is filled with incredible cedar forests, and you may even be lucky enough to see snow still on many of the higher peaks.
10. Vietnam
- Learn more: Vietnam travel guide
- Why visit in March? Dry and pleasant weather for a myriad of cultural and outdoor activities
While this Southeast Asian gem attracts visitors all year round with its warm culture, outstanding food and fascinating history, March is an especially good month to visit. .
The weather is generally dry and hot – perfect for trips to coastal hotspots like Ha Long Bay and Phú Quốc Island. It’s also much less humid. This makes exploring key cultural attractions like Hue’s imperial palaces or the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside Ho Chi Minh City much more comfortable.
Cooler climes in Northern Vietnam additionally make it an ideal month for a guided hiking adventure in the lush rainforests around Sapa.
FAQs about where to travel in March
If you’re keen to explore more than one place this March, consider Vietnam. Dry, warm weather make it an ideal time to explore the big cities and the country’s beautiful countryside. For somewhere closer to home, choose Spain. Spring there is typically much warmer than in the UK, plus you’ll experience far fewer crowds than the summer months.
For those hoping to avoid the usual peak season crowds, a trip to Berlin in March is ideal. Alternatively, check out other touristy European hot spots such as Vienna, Prague or Porto.
