Planning a holiday in March is not that easy. In the shoulder season popular destinations in Europe such as Italy, France, Majorca or Greece are still too cool, while in other parts of the world it is blisteringly hot. This overview presents the best travel destinations in March: Warm destinations with bathing weather in March, winter sports destinations, holiday destinations for families and hikers, including suitable travel offers.
Check the Foreign travel advice of the UK government for the latest travel restrictions about Covid-19.
Table of contents
What holiday destinations are hot in March?
- Cape Verde
- Vietnam
- Sydney/Australia
- Cancun/Mexico
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Dominican Republic
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Brazil
- Bali
- Curacao
- Costa Rica
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Las Vegas, California, Florida, Hawaii
- Mauritius
- Cuba
- Maldives
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Kenya
- Seychelles
- Egypt
- Canary Islands
- Zanzibar
What is the warmest place in Europe in March?
The warmest place in Europe in March is Cyprus. However, with an average daily temperature of 18 degrees, it is not a holiday destination for swimming in the sea, but a great hiking destination in March. Climatically similar are the Turkish Riviera and Crete. By the end of the month, Mallorca, Sicily and Andalusia are also already scraping the 20-degree mark.
Where is it hot and cheap in March?
Not really hot, but pleasant is the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s really cheap in March. Other destnations for cheap holidays in March are the low season holiday destinations like Mallorca, Canary islands and Italy.
Where is it hot in March in Europe?
You can expect temperatures of up to 20 degrees in these holiday destinations in March:
- Costa del Sol (Andalusia)
- Costa de la Luz (Andalusia)
- Algarve
- Sicily & Sardinia
- Crete and other southern Greek islands
- Turkish Riviera
- Cyprus
- Balearic Islands (Majorca and Ibiza)
- Malta
- Madeira
- Canary Islands
Where is it hot in March on short haul?
1. Spring temperatures: Cyprus
Spring in Cyprus is not yet warm enough for a beach holiday, but it is an ideal destination for an active holiday with hiking and sightseeing. Up to 20°C during the day and many hours of sunshine are common in Cyprus in March. Several mountain ranges including a ski resort and the divided capital Nicosia are just some of the highlights of Cyprus besides the wonderful beaches.
Flight time from UK to Cyprus: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours
Average temperature in March on the south coast of Cyprus:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 20 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 8 degrees
- Water temperature: 18 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 5
2. Austria: Skiing and Snowboarding
The peak season for winter sports in Austria is in February. In March you will still find ideal winter sports conditions at higher altitudes and it is emptier – a very good holiday destination in March for winter sports enthusiasts. Tyrol is particularly snowy, but perfect ski slopes also await in the Schladming-Dachstein region and in Montafon.
Skihotels in Austria
3. Hiking in March: Madeira
In March, the rain on Madeira becomes less and the mild temperatures rise to 20 degrees. Perfect for hiking in Madeira! While elsewhere spring starts hesitantly in March, the mountainous island in the Atlantic shines all year round in a lush green in the most beautiful gardens.
Flight time from UK to Madeira: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours
Average temperature in March on Madeira:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 20° Celsius
- Night temperature: 13°C
- Water temperature: 17 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 7
4. Popular holiday destination Canary Islands
The Canary Islands score with pleasant temperatures all year round. In March it slowly gets warmer and drier. With 23 degrees during the day, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are great holiday destinations in March. Better for hiking and also blessed with warm temperatures are La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The golden islands can be a real bargain in March.
Flight time from UK to Tenerife: approx. 4 to 5 h
Average temperature in March in Tenerife South:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 22° Celsius
- Night temperature: 15 °C
- Water temperature: 18 °C
- Number of rainy days: 4
Matching hotels in the Canary Islands
5. Andalusia: where in Spain is it hot in March?
A real insider tip in March is Andalusia in the South of Spain. One of the best things to do in March is sightseeing in Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz and Granada, as it is low season. Unfortunately, it rains quite a lot in March. But when the sun shines, beach walks on the endless white sand beaches of the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol make for an unforgettable holiday.
Flight time from UK to Jerez de la Frontera: less than 3 h
Average temperature in March on the Costa de la Luz:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 19 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 11 degrees
- Water temperature: 17 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 11
6. Mallorca
Mallorca is a real insider tip in March. The island is just waking up from its winter sleep. That means cheap prices, few tourists and a thriving spring island. Just right for hiking and soaking up the sun.
Flight time from UK to Majorca: approx. 2 to 2.5 h
Average temperature in Mallorca in March:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 17° Celsius
- Night temperature: 8 °C
- Water temperature: 14 °C
- Number of rainy days: 5
7. Turkish Riviera: underrated holiday destination in March
Turkey is probably not the first choice for a holiday in March. But that’s a mistake! Apart from sightseeing in Istanbul and visiting Pamukkale without the crowd, the Turkish Riviera is particularly beautiful. More pleasant temperatures set in, prices are reasonable and wellness is writ large in Turkey. Turkey scores with first-class service and a favourable exchange rate.
Flight time from UK to Antalya: approx. 4 h
Average temperature in Side in March:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 19 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 9 degrees
- Water temperature: 17 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 8
Wellness in Side
8. Morocco: Great holiday destination in March
Morocco is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in March. Not only inland, but also on the Moroccan coast, pleasant temperatures are already tempting in March. Up to 22 degrees during the day in Marrakech make sightseeing in the fascinating city a pleasure. On the Atlantic coast around Agadir, there’s many hours of sunshine and mild temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. The sea is still quite fresh at 18 degrees. All in all, a great holiday destination in North Africa not only for a city break in March!
Flight time from UK to Marrakech: approx. 3.5 h
Average temperature in Marrakech in March:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 22° Celsius
- Night temperature: 9°C
- Number of rainy days: 4
Your wellness oasis in Marrakech
9. Egypt: Travel weather in March
After a few hours of flying you will reach Marsa Alam, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. You’ll get plenty of sunshine in Egypt this month. Warm weather, one of the most fascinating underwater worlds and a culture dating back thousands of years await you. Temperatures can climb as high as 30°C. Definitely one of the best hot holiday destinations in March with a short flight duration. In the summer months it’s way too hot.
Flight time from UK to Hurghada: approx. 5.5 h
Average temperature in March in Hurghada/Egypt: .
- Maximum temperature during the day: 25 degrees Celsius
- Night temperature: 12 degrees
- Water temperature: 22 degrees
- Number of rainy days: 0
Luxurious hotels in Egypt
Best destinations in March on medium-haul routes:
1. Cape Verde
A popular holiday destination in March and beyond are the Cape Verde Islands. Blessed with white beaches, the island of Sal in particular is a paradise for sun worshippers and beach holidaymakers.
Flight time from UK to Sal: approx. 6 h
Average temperature in March on Sal/Cape Verde:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 24° Celsius
- Night temperature: 19°
- Water temperature: 23°
- Number of rainy days: 0
Adults-only hotel on Sal
2. United Arab Emirates
The cooler winter months are high season in the United Arab Emirates. With temperatures up to 28 °C and constant sunshine, Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Co. are pleasant destinations for a beach holiday in March. For sports fans: In March, Dubai hosts the Dubai World Cup horse race, the Dubai Tennis Open and the Dubai Desert Classic PGA golf tournament.
Holiday destinations in March for long-haul travel:
1. Vietnam: top travel destination in March
It’s an excellent time to travel to Vietnam than March! In all regions it is pleasantly dry and not too humid this month, even if the rainy season is slowly making itself felt in the south. For a visit to Halong Bay and Hoi An, for example, this month is perfect. Be sure to treat yourself to an extension on the beach after an impressive round trip.
Flight time from UK to Vietnam: approx. 11 to 12 h
Average temperature in March in central Vietnam:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 27° Celsius
- Night temperature: 19°
- Water temperature: 24°
- Number of rainy days: 4
Beach Hotel near Hoi An
2. Mexico: Cancun & Yucatan
The best holiday destination in March is the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. Why? It’s the perfect time: the driest month with the most sunshine. According to the climate table, it rains on just one day. Perfect for a winter sun holiday! In return, you get a Caribbean-warm sea, delicious food and centuries old culture such as the Mayan city of Chitzen Itza. Avoid spring break if you’re not fan of American style partying.
Flight time direct flights from UK to Cancun: approx. 10-11 h
Average temperature in March in Cancun/Mexico:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 32° Celsius
- Night temperature: 19°
- Water temperature: 25°
- Number of rainy days: 1
Romantic Adults-only Hotel on the Riviera Maya
3. Dominican Republic
One of the most popular holiday destinations in March is the Dominican Republic. It’s the ideal time: The dry season ensures low humidity and plenty of sunshine. The bathtub-warm turquoise sea does the rest to attract tourists to the country. It’s high season, so book your Caribbean holiday soon!
Flight time from UK to Punta Cana: approx. 9 h
Average temperature in Punta Cana in March:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 29° Celsius
- Night temperature: 20°
- Water temperature: 26°
- Number of rainy days: 6
Luxury holidays for the whole family in Punta Cana
4. Maldives
Take advantage of the hot March for a trip to the Maldives before it gets too humid in April. The sea is still nice and calm for activities like diving and snorkelling. The sea is so nice and warm that it’s not really good for cooling off. But who needs that when you have a water villa with its own pool 😉 Also a top holiday destination in March for a honeymoon!
Flight time from UK to Malé: approx. 11-12 h
Average temperature in March in the Maldives:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 32°
- Night temperature: 27°
- Water temperature: 29°
- Number of rainy days: 6
Dream Resort in the Maldives
5. Zanzibar
At the end of March, the big wet season starts in Zanzibar and the number of rainy days increases. With hot temperatures above 30 degrees, it’s still not a bad time for a beach holiday in March. Once you’ve seen the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, you’ll want to spend your next holiday on the Indian Ocean island. One of the best holiday destinations ever!
Flight time from UK to Zanzibar: approx. 12 h
Average temperature in March on Zanzibar:
- Maximum temperature during the day: 32° Celsius
- Night temperature: 23°
- Water temperature: 28°
- Number of rainy days: 12
Highly rated resort in Zanzibar
6. Thailand: for an unforgettable holiday
January to March are ideal travel months for Thailand. With average air temperatures above 30 degrees on the Malay Peninsula, Thailand is one of the hottest holiday destinations in March. Koh Samui and Khao Lak are also suitable for a family holiday. Just watching the hustle and bustle of a market in Thailand is an absolute highlight.
Flight time from UK to Phuket: approx. 12 h
Average temperature in March in Khao Lak:
- Maximum daytime temperature: 31° Celsius
- Night temperature: 25°
- Water temperature: 28°
- Number of rainy days: 6
7. Malaysia: Fascinating Kuala Lumpur
Like Thailand, Malaysia benefits from high temperatures. On the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, it is hot and humid all year round. If visiting Kuala Lumpur is too sweaty, I recommend the cooler Cameron Highlands with its lush green tea plantations and exotic plants. Taman Negara National Park is another highlight in March.
8. South Africa
South Africa has its hottest month of the year in March. Average temperatures in Cape Town are around 26°C, but can reach 30°C. It hardly rains and is therefore suitable for a beach holiday.
9. Brazil: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
One of the most popular travel destinations in March is Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro. The highlight in March is the carnival, when every few years it takes place in March instead of February. Besides ideal beach temperatures above 30 degrees, there is a lot to discover in Brazil from Iguaçu Falls to Caribbean cities.
10. Sri Lanka
For a beach holiday in March, Sri Lanka is well suited with hot temperatures above 30 degrees. However, by the end of the month, the rainy season sets in, even in the southwest of the island. Still, one of the best March holiday destinations in the area, if only for its diversity.
11. Netherlands Antilles: Curaçao
Yes, it is indeed an island and not a drink 😉 The Caribbean ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao combine the best of both worlds: Dutch flair and Caribbean climate. 26 degrees water temperature and 30 degrees air temperature and just 3 rainy days, because the dry season starts in March. Any questions?
12. Costa Rica in March
March is the high season in Costa Rica. In the Central American country between the Atlantic and the Pacific, the winter half-year is the dry season. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful rainforests and wildlife reserves. It is also home to the highest concentration of volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. Dry season means best bathing weather and also suitable for diving and snorkelling. Expect temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees. One of the best holiday destinations in March in Central America!
13. Oman: A real gem
Unlike the Emirates, Oman has managed to preserve its original flair. Mighty forts surrounded by date palms, bustling cattle markets and the endless desert are just some of the highlights of Oman. In March it is not yet too hot, but ideal for swimming in the sea or in one of the many wadis.
14. Cuba
Party, beach and culture – you’ll find it all in Cuba. The Caribbean island welcomes you with an air temperature of over 30 degrees and a sea temperature of 25 degrees. It rains very little, which makes it one of the ideal travel destinations in March. From round trips in a classic car to a beach resort holiday with diving, horse riding and golf, there is something for everyone in Cuba.
Where can you swim in the sea in March?
Popular travel destinations in March with water temperatures above 20 degrees:
- South Africa
- Mauritius
- Kenya
- Cape Verde
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Zanzibar
- Netherlands Antilles
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Dominican Republic
- Canary Islands (just under 20 degrees)
- Egypt
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Oman
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Bali
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Where can you swim in Europe in March?
The Mediterranean is too cold for swimming in March. The only option is to visit a thermal bath, hot springs or spa, or fly an hour or two away from Europe to the Canary Islands or Egypt.