By March, spring is stirring across the northern hemisphere, thawing a number of high-profile destinations from their chilly, off-peak periods – with the added bonus that the crowds have yet to arrive. Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, the mercury is starting to slide in the opposite direction, attracting thrill seekers and bargain hunters for low-season adventures.
No matter what you’re looking for, it’s a rewarding time to hit the road. Find out some of the best places to go in March.
The Best Places to Travel to in March for Relaxation
Gran Canaria, Spain
Why now? Spring clean mind and body with a tai chi and chill-out break.
Gran Canaria is a perfect destination for a wellness escape amid sand dunes and blissfully balmy weather, with temperatures reliably above 20°C (68°F) and over seven hours of sunshine daily in March. The beautiful belly-button of the Canary Islands is a hotbed of yoga, meditation, tai chi, and qigong retreats, with several clustered around Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s culturally diverse capital. Choose a location according to your interests – after your early-morning tai chi session, you’ll have plenty of time to relax or get active. You’ll discover beaches galore on which to unwind but consider exploring the island’s hiking trails as well.
Morocco
Why now? Ride reliable waves in a surf and yoga hotspot.
A string of surf camps stud Morocco’s coast between Agadir and Essaouira, predominantly around Taghazout and the quieter fishing village of Tamraght. The surf is reliably good between October and March, when the weather starts to warm up but the waves remain big, long, and consistent. Most camps offer a simple recipe: limber up with sunrise yoga, then grab a board and find the best breaks, sparing time to explore the galleries and souqs of Essaouira’s fortified medina.
The Best Places to Travel to in March for Adventure
Costa Rica
Why now? Enjoy coasts, cloud forest, volcanoes, and white-water rivers.
A small country with a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife, Costa Rica boasts lush rainforests. March is an ideal time to visit, hitting the dry season on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts and in the highlands (though showers are always possible). It’s also after the peak U.S. holiday period, resulting in thinner crowds. The hardest part will be deciding what to do while there.
North Wales
Why now? Experience outdoor activities among daffodils and spring lambs.
Springtime in Wales offers areas filled with lambs wandering the hillsides sprinkled with butter-yellow daffodils. Though sunshine is never guaranteed, the Welsh countryside is glorious in March, creating a great time to explore some of the UK’s less-visited areas. The Dee Valley is a year-round destination for adventures, with the River Dee providing exceptional white-water experiences, including rafting, kayaking, body-boating, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Best Places to Travel to in March for Food
New Brunswick, Canada
Why now? Succumb to your sweet tooth amid snowy landscapes.
March marks maple syrup month in New Brunswick, a province renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. In this “fifth season,” temperatures begin to rise above freezing, and the sap in maple trees starts to flow. Visitors are invited to sugar camps for delightful breakfasts featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and pancakes — all drizzled with that heavenly syrup. With snow still gracing the landscape, you can work up an appetite through cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking in stunning settings.
Istanbul, Turkey
Why now? Discover bazaars, ancient wonders, and culinary secrets in peace.
Istanbul never ceases to amaze, but in March, as the weather warms at the end of low season, you can enjoy discounts, smaller crowds, and more temperate weather. Take time to experience the culinary delights – from simple kebabs to meze feasts and the exquisite aubergine dish, imam bayıldı. The last couple of decades have seen the emergence of excellent food-themed walking tours and cooking schools, providing opportunities to enjoy a city break while indulging your love of food.
The Best Places to Travel to in March for Culture
Tiwi Islands, Australia
Why now? Revel in the excitement of the annual Football Grand Final and Art Sale.
The Tiwi Islands, located about 80km north of Darwin, is a cultural hub where more than one-third of the population engages in Aussie Rules football. With the onset of March, as the rains begin to taper, the annual Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final and Art Sale attracts both sports enthusiasts and culture aficionados, providing an exhilarating atmosphere and opportunities to purchase unique art pieces.
Naples
Why now? Experience the allure of a quieter city in early spring.
Naples is unapologetically authentic. This vibrant southern Italian city, situated on the Bay of Naples beneath Mt. Vesuvius, boasts a remarkable spirit and the country’s finest pizzas. March offers ideal weather conditions without the crowds that descend later in the year. Attractions like the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, rich with Pompeiian artifacts, can be enjoyed without throngs of tourists.
The Best Places to Travel to in March for Wildlife and Nature
Kyūshū, Japan
Why now? Be dazzled by cherry blossoms during early sakura season.
The sight of cherry trees in bloom is nothing short of delightful. However, witnessing 2000 cherry trees blossoming in the clear spring air is a spectacle to behold. Japan’s southwestern island of Kyūshū begins its springtime floral display with Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura trees blossoming from mid-March at various parks, including Fukuoka, the stunning castle in Kumamoto, and Yoshino Park in Kagoshima, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Sakurajima.
Tobago
Why now? Spot dazzling birdlife and watch nesting sea turtles.
The emerald isle of Tobago is the epitome of a Caribbean paradise, featuring palm-fringed beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. Unlike larger cruise ship destinations, Tobago attracts nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers. March heralds fine weather, ideal for beach holidays, and nesting sea turtles, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill species, returning to lay their eggs on sandy shores. Visitors can watch these magnificent creatures (from a safe distance) or join conservation programs to aid in their protection.
Assam
Why now? Track tigers and rhinos in the best season for wildlife-watching.
In March, nature enthusiasts have an excellent chance to spot one-horned rhinos in India’s Kaziranga National Park. Thanks to skilled guides, visitors might also see tigers, leopards, gaurs, elephants, and even sloth bears, as this park has one of the highest concentrations of these magnificent animals.
