March carries the promise of spring, but the temperatures are typically still chilly in many parts of Europe, Canada, and the US. Here are our picks for the best places to get some sunshine during the month of March.
Cyprus
Cyprus makes for an ideal March vacation, especially if you get there before the Easter crowd arrives. Average temperatures are a springlike 20°C, which is the perfect climate for hiking. The island also offers incredible diving opportunities, and you can examine the famous MS Zenobia shipwreck in Larnaca. Additional attractions include the elaborate Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains and the vineyards in the Limassol foothills.
Borneo
The Malaysian portion of the vast Asian island of Borneo is ideal for a March wildlife adventure. The average temperature sits around 31°C, and the month marks the end of the wet season. Orangutans abound in the ancient rainforest in the northern state of Sabah. You can see the planet’s two species in the wild or at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok.
Other popular March destinations include the reefs around Lankayan Island, where migrating whale sharks reside until May. Beachgoers can work on their tans on Gaya Island, and even more remote areas offer crocodile-filled mangroves and encounters with local tribes.
Canary Islands
If you’re seeking slightly less hot and humid weather, try the Canary Islands. Nicknamed the island of eternal spring, Fuerteventura maintains a temperature of around 23°C during March.
Furthermore, the island receives just enough tourism in March for social interactions without being overcrowded. With average daily temperatures around 25°C, Tenerife Island and the hiker’s paradise of La Palma also make excellent destinations for a March trip.
Dominican Republic
All of the Caribbean Islands are excellent for escaping cool climates in March, but the Dominican Republic holds a unique charm. Temperatures average around 30°C throughout the month.
The spring break crowd usually hits the beach during March. So, if you’re a social sun-seeker, the Dominican Republic is the perfect destination. The tourist crowds typically conglomerate around the all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana.
However, you can fly into Santo Domingo instead of Punta Cana for more secluded beaches, whale watching, and outdoor activities. The nearby Samaná Peninsula offers the chance to view baby humpback whales, and Puerto Plata’s many tourist agencies offer wind and kitesurfing expeditions. The Cordillera Central Mountains near Jarabacoa is a paradise for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Tanzania
With an average temperature of around 32°C throughout the month, Tanzania makes for an excellent March escape. Adventure seekers can trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. Animal lovers may want to book a safari in the Serengeti to view lions, zebras, elephants, leopards, and rhinos.
A trip to Tanzania can’t be complete without a visit to nearby Zanzibar, located 30 miles off the Tanzanian Coast. The archipelago has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning beaches and a plethora of rare flora and fauna. It’s also possible to fly directly to Zanzibar.
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The Maldives
During March, the Maldives offer hot, balmy days and cool evenings. Day temperatures average around 30°C, and the climate cools to about 26°C at night. While the humidity is high, it rarely rains in March.
The Maldives is one of the best countries in South Asia for snorkeling and diving. March is also the beginning of surfing season along the country’s coastline. The ideal surf spots include the reef areas around the Male Atolls, South Atolls, and Central Atolls.
Thailand
Travelers looking for a scorchingly hot climate in March may want to plan a visit to Phuket, Thailand. The popular tourist destination features temperatures reaching up to 33°C. March is the end of the dry season, and the weather becomes more humid as the rainy season approaches. While you’re in the area, you may consider visiting one of Myanmar’s 800 islands in the Mergui Archipelago.
Vietnam
A trip to Thailand can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is packed with attractions and exciting nightlife. Average March temperatures range around 29°C with little chance of rainfall. You can spend all of your time at the beach or visit Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the city’s many temples.
If you’re yearning for a more relaxed experience, try visiting Hoi An. The laid-back town features narrow streets, canals, local shops, and shady pagodas.
Sri Lanka
With temperatures ranging from 25-30°C, Sri Lanka makes for a perfect March vacation. Whether you’re looking for ancient temples, exotic wildlife, or a beach holiday, Sri Lanka has it all.
Culture vultures won’t want to miss sites like the Temple of the Tooth, Sigiriya Citadel, and the Dambulla Cave Temple, which has received devoted pilgrims for 22 centuries. Nature lovers should head straight to the Udawalawe National Park to see wildlife you’ll only find in southeast Asia.
Oman
Located in the Arabian Gulf, Oman maintains an average temperature of 29°C during March. The month is the perfect time to visit Oman, as the winter tourist season is winding down, and the oppressive summer heat hasn’t begun. The country gives travelers a taste of ancient Arabia, along with unique natural wonders.
Oman offers something for everyone. Activities include exploring Wadi Shab’s waterfalls, hiking in the canyons in the Hajar Mountains, riding camels through the desert, watching dolphins in the fjords of Musandam, and hitting the beaches around Salalah. Muscat is also a popular March destination because it’s both rose-blooming and sea turtle season. Culture lovers can also visit the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.
Argentina
The “Paris of South America” offers cozy springlike temperatures ranging around 22°C in most of March. Additionally, Argentina’s version of the Lollapalooza Festival takes place in late March, featuring over 200 international bands. The wine-making region in the Mendoza province also hosts a series of harvest festivals. Furthermore, nature lovers may want to take a day trip from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls or the river delta of Tigre.
India
India is an ideal country to visit in March, especially Jaipur in Rajasthan. India’s Pink City maintains an average temperature of a balmy 32°C throughout the month. Jaipur’s Holi festivities take place in March, so you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do and see. Between the festivities, you can visit the city’s many forts, temples, and palaces.
If you’re looking for sand, sun, and fresh seafood, head to Goa. But keep in mind that the beaches can get rather crowded. However, you can’t beat southern Kerala if you’re searching for pristine wilderness and a laid-back local vibe.
Hi! I am George and I am the Content Lead for Stasher.com. I love travel, writing, making music and meeting new and interesting people.