Craving sunshine or are you still in winter mode? Luckily, the best places to visit in March include an array of brilliant spots perfect for those first few weeks of spring.
March is a fantastic month to get away as it typically sits before the busy Easter period yet not long after February half term. For skiers and snowboarders, late-season dumps of snow lead to dreamy conditions. Europe and North America’s beaches and cities will also be starting to wake up as the temperatures rise. And as for Asia? March often sees some of its best weather, plus a few unmissable seasonal festivals.
The best places to visit in March in Europe
Whether you want late-season skiing, relaxing on the beach in Spain or you have a thirst for exploring areas rich in natural beauty, there’s a March break for everyone. While there are still plenty of cold weather picks for those living in the Northern Hemisphere, things are well and truly starting to heat 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 skiing in Austria, it’s hard to argue with taking a trip to Mayrhofen. Perhaps most recognised for the incredible mountain music festival Snowbombing (which the town has hosted for nearly 20 years), Mayrhofen is a fantastic destination for anyone wanting a more luxurious ski break.
With this being Austria, it should come as no surprise to learn that the town is covered in spas in saunas. They’re ideal for helping your muscles recover promptly from a long day of skiing. As for the skiing itself, Mayrhofen has a wide network of runs that are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Even if the weather is a tad warmer than it should be, you can ski the incredible Hintertux glacier (3,250m) all year round, which is way above the snow line. And if you get fed up with skiing, why not enjoy a little après ski by indulging in a few delicious Austrian beers and some mouth-watering schnitzel? If you’re looking for somewhere to ski, eat, drink and relax, make your next ski destination Mayrhofen.
2. Valencia, Spain
- Learn more: Valencia travel guide
- Why visit in March? Experience authentic Spanish culture at Les Halles festival until March 19th
March is the time of year when the welcome heat of the Mediterranean starts to slowly creep back along the coast of Spain. Valencia is one such place blessed with warmer temperatures – and it’s 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 Falles festival takes place. Expect lively parades featuring satirical dummies and puppets representing villainous and controversial figures from both Spanish history and modern times. There are also massive fireworks displays and street parties.
Looking for a more tranquil experience where you can wander around without all the festival antics? Visit after the festival ends on the 19th of March. Valencia is a great destination to explore Spanish cuisine, art and, of course, wine.
3. Whitby, Yorkshire
- Learn more: Whitby travel guide
- Why visit in March? For windswept coastal walks and cosy pubs
The UK has some incredible weekend breaks and short-stay getaways if you don’t wish to travel abroad. 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. Supposedly, author Bram Stoker first discovered the name of both the novel 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.
And on the subject of walks, you’ll find plenty of options for fossil hunting and stunning coastal views from the hills outside Whitby. Even if you face a little bit of 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
Germany’s capital is the perfect March destination for couples and groups of friends who want a blend of culture, shopping, fine food and unstoppable 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.
With crowds relatively thin, March is the ideal time to see attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial. Berlin is also a fantastic destination for food, particularly at Hackescher Markt which is great to visit on Thursdays and Saturdays. It can be pretty wet in spring, so take a raincoat with you and pick up an umbrella there. Nevertheless, you’re still going to be in one of the most vibrant, multicultural and fun cities to visit in the world. Whatever the weather, you’re bound to have a brilliant time in Berlin.
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 definitely comes up trumps. The city itself is a joy to explore throughout the year and a paradise for wine lovers thanks to its world-famous nearby vineyards.
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 as places sell out quickly.
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 the highest natural sand dune in Europe and essential viewing in March when there are fewer crowds.
The best places to visit in March: Africa, Asia and beyond
Fancy heading somewhere a little further afield? March is also an ideal month for visiting longer-haul destinations – including Japan for 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 on March 25th
India’s capital comes alive in March when locals throw themselves into Holi celebrations. Hinduism’s ‘Festival of Colours’ is a must-see spectacle and a massive factor in making Delhi one of the best places to visit in March. Streets turn into 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 the festivities going into the early hours.
Delhi is already 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. Delhi is a city filled with the rich culture and history of India, making it an amazing destination to visit this March.
7. Osaka, Japan
- Learn more: Osaka travel guide
- Why visit in March? To admire the city’s breathtaking blossom and sample delicious food
Osaka is one of the best places to visit in March if you fancy exploring Japan this 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.
However, one of the biggest draws to visiting Osaka has to be the food. Japan is famous for its cuisine – but Osaka has come under some serious consideration for the illustrious title of ‘Food Capital of the World’. 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 a little 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 at around 22°C – making it hot but not too stifling for wandering around town or fitting in a round of golf.
Why not catch a show while you’re in town, too? Las Vegas is equally famous for its on-stage entertainment as it is for trying ol’ lady luck at the tables. Artists like mind-bending magician David Copperfield and pop queen Katy Perry will be in town if you can get a ticket to their shows. Plus, Las Vegas sure knows how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17th.
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 for the day to 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
Looking 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. There are also Roman ruins at Volubilis, plus 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 2 hours drive from Fez and located within the Middle Atlas range: part of the stunning Atlas Mountains which stretches 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
When it comes to the best countries to visit in March, Vietnam should be a top contender. 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 earmark it for a trip. Why? Because it’s typically Vietnam’s driest month.
As well as enjoying some dazzlingly sunny days (perfect for trips to coastal hot spots 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.
Explore more great destinations
If your chief concern is getting on a plane somewhere warmer, you might want to look at KAYAK’s list of hot destinations to visit in March. Or for more destination inspiration check out the best places to go in April and May.
Are you looking to push the boat out and take a bigger trip later in the year somewhere special? KAYAK are on hand to give you all the information you need, including flights, hotels and great guides to explore your dream destination.
