Best holiday destinations in March

Fancy a late winter sun escape but not sure where to go? We've got just the places for you, whatever your budget, however far you wish to travel.

Anse Cocos Beach, La Digue Seychelles
Anse Cocos Beach, La Digue Seychelles © Yykkaa - Dreamstime.com

March can be a tricky one: known as a shoulder season, it's sandwiched between peak and off-peak times when the weather is equally as awkward: you can feel spring waiting in the wings but not quite ready to make its debut and open up options closer to home. That said, there's still a variety of places within easy reach that offer great holiday weather.

Top five destinations to visit in March

As the last real opportunity for a winter sun break, it's a great time to get away before the crowds escalate over the coming months, however, seasonal shifts in conditions can confuse things. For example, the Algarve is technically the sunniest destination in Europe at this time; however, it's really still too chilly for a beach break.

Then there's Thailand, a winter sun staple that happens to be on the turn in March, descending into seriously sweaty territory with uncomfortable levels of heat and humidity. But fear not! We have some excellent suggestion below to help you on your way to a wonderful holiday.

Where to go on holiday in March for the best weather
Where to go on holiday in March for the best weather © Wonker - Flickr Creative Commons

1. The Maldives

  • Flight time from London: 10.5 hours
  • Daily high: 31°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 9
  • Sea temperature: 29°C

This one's for heat-seekers after somewhere truly hot and tropical in March. With temperatures in the low thirties, very high heat and humidity, and extreme UV levels, the Maldives is as stunning as it is ferocious in March, so it's all about playing safe with the SPF here.

Calm night in the Maldives
Calm night in the Maldives © Ahmed Mahin Fayaz - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Days are largely sunny and long although, as it's coming to the end of the dry season, you may well encounter the odd shower, nothing that's likely to ruin your fun. You'll find some respite at night, when temperatures cool marginally, dipping to around 25°C, and sea breezes keep the air flowing.

March is a great time to visit the Maldives as you get the best of both worlds: the heat from the impending wet season without the torrential rain, which starts in earnest from May.

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2. Marrakech, Morocco

  • Flight time from London: 4 hours
  • Daily high: 22°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8

Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Morocco, especially if you love getting outdoors and exploring. Benefiting from the rains of winter but before the heat of summer, the land comes alive with new shoots and wildflowers aplenty, particularly in and around the Atlas Mountains.

March in the High Atlas, Morocco
March in the High Atlas, Morocco © Alexandre Baron - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Marrakech is a fabulous base for getting under the skin of this enchanting country. Make the most of the comfortable daytime temperatures with visits to historical sites such as the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the landscaped grounds of Jardin Majorelle and the new YSL Museum, before taking a trip into the foothills to see the Ouzoud Falls or the picturesque village of Imlil in the High Atlas.

Just remember your layers as the temperature drops to as low as 9°C in Marrakech by night, and even lower in the mountains.

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3. Miami, Florida, USA

  • Flight time from London: 10 hours
  • Daily high: 25°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 9
  • Sea temperature: 24°C

Miami in the Sunshine State of Florida is truly superb in springtime. Days are long and largely clear, while daytime temperatures are comfortable and warm. There's low heat and humidity, so it doesn't get sticky, and nights remain pleasant at 18°C.

There's a slim chance of encountering a shower or two but nothing that should put you off. The sea, which benefits from the passing Gulf Stream is also lovely and warm.

Airboat on the Everglades, Florida
Airboat on the Everglades, Florida © Eric Baker - Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Go for the retro-chic of this diverse city, where you'll find the art deco attractions of Ocean Drive rubbing shoulders with the bars and cafés of Little Havana, not to mention countless ways to have fun in the sun from swimming and surfing at Miami Beach to exploring the Everglades National Park.

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4. Grenada

  • Flight time from London: 9 hours
  • Daily high: 29°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 8
  • Sea temperature: 27°C

This is an easy win if you're after that idyllic beach break. Days are long and mainly sunny with just a small chance of seeing some light rain, even though March is still in the dry season.

Temperatures are delightful, and the sea is perfect for snorkelling and swimming. The only danger comes with the UV, which is extreme at this time, so just remember to slap on the SPF.

Beach at Hillsborough, Grenada
Beach at Hillsborough, Grenada © Jason Pratt - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Crucially, Grenada is less developed than some other Caribbean islands, so you won't find as many big resorts or bustling beaches - it's more about laid back guest houses and quiet bays.

Then there's the rich rainforest which covers the majority of the island that's ripe for hikers and nature lovers. Grenada ticks so many boxes at this time of year, making it a strong contender in March.

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5. La Palma, Canary Islands

  • Flight time from London: 4.5 hours
  • Daily high: 16°C
  • Hours of sunshine: 6
  • Sea temperature: 19°C

La Palma is the fifth largest Canary Island, and much less popular in terms of the number of people who visit, offering something a little different in this archipelago. Weatherwise, there's a hint of the tropical about La Palma, which is by far one of the cooler and greener islands.

Inside Taburiente National Park, La Palma
Inside Taburiente National Park, La Palma © Nulinukas - Dreamstime.com

Days in March may not be hot but they do promise sunshine and are free from heat and humidity. You could catch a shower or two so it's definitely worth packing a waterproof, especially if you plan on exploring the island by bike or on foot.

The sea is arguably too cold to enjoy, so if the quieter, less developed shores of La Palma have your interest, go for the rainforest trails that crisscross the island and dramatic scenery.

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Additional destinations for March 2024/2025

When it comes to winter sun, some people simply want to know they can count on great weather for a proper beach holiday. If this sounds like you, then you must give Oman a thought. This beautiful, friendly country has all sorts to offer holidaymakers.

Go in March before the serious heat builds when you can bask in nine hours of unbroken sunshine and temperatures that head up to 29°C. There's only moderate heat and humidity, and evenings remain warm at around 20°C. The sea is also pleasant at 24°C - ideal for splashing about or cruising to seek out the region's usually obliging dolphins.

The fort and oasis of Nakhal, Oman
The fort and oasis of Nakhal, Oman © Juozas Šalna - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Alternatively, the Indian Ocean offers some real gems in March. From the beaches of Goa on India's west coast to the backwaters of Kerala, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, you can expect some truly delightful weather with a touch of the exotic.

As a general rule, it's hotter and drier in the northern areas, moving down from Goa to the Seychelles, where it's about two degrees cooler with slightly less heat and humidity, and noticeably more rain. Sea temperatures remain consistently high, however, between 28°C and 29°C.

The real difference between the destinations is financial: if you're on a budget, head to Goa, Kerala or Sri Lanka, but if you're in the mood for some luxury make for the Seychelles.

Beach near Colombo in Sri Lanka
Beach near Colombo in Sri Lanka © Ciaran McNulty - Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

You can only really decide where to go in March once you know what it is you want to do and how far you're prepared to travel.

If you need a beach fix, your options are limited across Europe and the Med, but for those who just want to get outdoors, there are loads of destinations closer to home, such as Morocco, the Canaries, and southern Europe, just waiting to be explored.

If you're still unsure about where to go, you can read more about the weather in March worldwide or visit our travel deals and discounts sections for the very latest offers to help you escape for less.

Destination ideas for March 2024

  • Month: March
  • Sunshine hours: 8 hours or more [remove]
  • Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Anguilla in March is 100% 100% Anguilla
  Weather Score for Antigua in March is 100% 100% Antigua
  Weather Score for Aruba in March is 100% 100% Aruba
  Weather Score for Bahamas in March is 100% 100% Bahamas
  Weather Score for Bali in March is 100% 100% Bali, Indonesia
  Weather Score for Barbados in March is 100% 100% Barbados
  Weather Score for Brazil in March is 100% 100% Brazil
  Weather Score for British Virgin Islands in March is 100% 100% British Virgin Islands
  Weather Score for Cambodia in March is 100% 100% Cambodia
  Weather Score for Cayman Islands in March is 100% 100% Cayman Islands
  Weather Score for Costa Rica in March is 100% 100% Costa Rica
  Weather Score for Cuba in March is 100% 100% Cuba
  Weather Score for Curacao in March is 100% 100% Curacao
  Weather Score for Dominica in March is 100% 100% Dominica
  Weather Score for Dominican Republic in March is 100% 100% Dominican Republic
  Weather Score for Ecuador in March is 100% 100% Ecuador
  Weather Score for El Salvador in March is 100% 100% El Salvador
  Weather Score for French Polynesia in March is 100% 100% French Polynesia
  Weather Score for Goa in March is 100% 100% Goa, India
  Weather Score for Grenada in March is 100% 100% Grenada
  Weather Score for Guadeloupe in March is 100% 100% Guadeloupe
  Weather Score for India in March is 100% 100% India
  Weather Score for Jamaica in March is 100% 100% Jamaica
  Weather Score for Kenya in March is 100% 100% Kenya
  Weather Score for Kerala in March is 100% 100% Kerala, India
  Weather Score for Lombok in March is 100% 100% Lombok, Indonesia
  Weather Score for Madagascar in March is 100% 100% Madagascar
  Weather Score for Malaysia in March is 100% 100% Malaysia
  Weather Score for Maldives in March is 100% 100% Maldives
  Weather Score for Martinique in March is 100% 100% Martinique
  Weather Score for Mauritius in March is 100% 100% Mauritius
  Weather Score for Mexico in March is 100% 100% Mexico
  Weather Score for Mexico's Caribbean Coast in March is 100% 100% Caribbean Coast, Mexico
  Weather Score for Mozambique in March is 100% 100% Mozambique
  Weather Score for Oman in March is 100% 100% Oman
  Weather Score for Palau in March is 100% 100% Palau
  Weather Score for Panama in March is 100% 100% Panama
  Weather Score for Philippines in March is 100% 100% Philippines
  Weather Score for Puerto Rico in March is 100% 100% Puerto Rico
  Weather Score for Queensland in March is 100% 100% Queensland, Australia
  Weather Score for South Africa in March is 100% 100% South Africa
  Weather Score for Sri Lanka in March is 100% 100% Sri Lanka
  Weather Score for St Barthelemy in March is 100% 100% St Barthelemy
  Weather Score for St Kitts & Nevis in March is 100% 100% St Kitts and Nevis
  Weather Score for St Lucia in March is 100% 100% St Lucia
  Weather Score for St Vincent & the Grenadines in March is 100% 100% St Vincent and the Grenadines
  Weather Score for Tanzania in March is 100% 100% Tanzania
  Weather Score for Thailand in March is 100% 100% Thailand
  Weather Score for Trinidad & Tobago in March is 100% 100% Trinidad and Tobago
  Weather Score for Venezuela in March is 100% 100% Venezuela
  Weather Score for Vietnam in March is 100% 100% Vietnam
  Weather Score for Virgin Islands in March is 100% 100% Virgin Islands
  Weather Score for Western Australia in March is 100% 100% Western Australia, Australia
54 Weather Score for Indonesia in March is 96% 96% Indonesia
  Weather Score for New South Wales in March is 96% 96% New South Wales, Australia
  Weather Score for Seychelles in March is 96% 96% Seychelles
  Weather Score for Turks & Caicos in March is 96% 96% Turks and Caicos
58 Weather Score for Florida in March is 94% 94% Florida, United States
  Weather Score for Hawaii in March is 94% 94% Hawaii, United States
  Weather Score for Pakistan in March is 94% 94% Pakistan
  Weather Score for UAE in March is 94% 94% UAE
62 Weather Score for Fiji in March is 88% 88% Fiji
  Weather Score for Papua New Guinea in March is 88% 88% Papua New Guinea
  Weather Score for Samoa in March is 88% 88% Samoa
  Weather Score for Singapore in March is 88% 88% Singapore
66 Weather Score for Peru in March is 82% 82% Peru
  Weather Score for Red Sea in March is 82% 82% Red Sea, Egypt
68 Weather Score for Argentina in March is 78% 78% Argentina
69 Weather Score for China in March is 74% 74% China
70 Weather Score for Cape Verde in March is 70% 70% Cape Verde

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Where to go on holiday for the best weather

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Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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