The best places to visit in March
March is an unpredictable time in the UK. The days could be getting brighter in time for spring, or there could be a snow storm. There could be Bank Holidays, if Easter falls early, and for many people it’s a time to use up any leftover annual leave before the new financial year. All of these things combined makes March a great time to take a trip.
These are some of the best countries and cities to visit in March.
Where to go for a long weekend in March
Barcelona
In March, the weather in Barcelona could hit up to 20ºc. It’s not the warmest time of year to go and isn’t ideal if you’re looking to hit the beach. But if you want to take in the culture and explore the city without the crowds of summer, March is a perfect time to go.
Find out how we spent a week in Barcelona here.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is still pretty cold in March, with high temperatures of around 6ºc. But I think it;s a great city to make the most of in the winter months because the weather won’t get in the way of you wandering Christiania, exploring the old town, and eating out at some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Copenhagen here.
Basque Country
We explored Spanish Basque Country in the winter months, and were able to enjoy Bilbao and San Sebastian without the hectic summer crowds. Since some of the best things to do here are visit museums and eat pintxos, the colder weather didn’t get in the way of our experience at all. In fact, the tiny tapas bars in San Sebastian in particular can be hard to get a table in during peak months, so if you’re going for the foodie experience it’s best to visit off-season.
Here’s how we spent a week in Basque Country.
Warsaw
Like Copenhagen, Warsaw is still pretty cold in March. But some of the best experiences in the city are indoors, so the weather won’t affect your trip. We loved the museums, castles, and art galleries. Plus, the city itself feels uniquely suited to winter so you won’t be there wishing you were experiencing it in summer. Warsaw is a great place to visit in March, and save your warm-weather holidays for beach locations.
Find out about our long weekend in Warsaw here.
Sicily
While the weather isn’t quite up to sunbathing levels in Sicily in March, it’s still nice enough that you can wander the historic sites and stunning streets without the need for a jacket. We visited Taormina and Catania in March, and loved it. The towns weren’t yet busy with summer tourists, but it was a nice sunny break compared to cold Britain in March!
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Sicily here.
Where to go for a week or two in March
Colombia
March marks the tail end of the dry season in Colombia, so you’ll still get plenty of sunshine, especially on the Caribbean coast, but it’s worth packing for the odd shower in some regions. Rather than having clear seasonal shifts like we do in Europe, Colombia’s weather swings between wet and dry periods. We visited at the end of March and were lucky with the weather, except for a bit of rain in Bogota and Salento.
It’s a brilliant time to explore the jungle in Tayrona, relax on the beaches of the north coast, hike through the mountains in Salento, and take in the energy of Medellin (one of my favourite cities in the world).
Read our full Colombia itinerary here.
Mexico
March is one of the best times to go to Mexico. It’s warm, dry, and perfect for exploring everything from vibrant cities to beaches and coastal towns. It’s just before the peak Easter crowds arrive, so you’ll get great weather without too many tourists. We spent three weeks here in March, but you could easily spend longer if you’re planning a bigger adventure.
Here’s how we spent three weeks in Mexico.
Japan
March is a magical month in Japan as winter begins to fade and the first cherry blossoms start to appear in the south. It’s a great time to travel the country before the busy sakura season hits full swing in April. You’ll still get crisp weather in the north and mild days in Tokyo and Kyoto, making March an ideal time for exploring temples, gardens, and local food markets.
Read our full Japan itinerary here.
Australia
March is one of my favourite months to visit Australia. It’s the start of autumn, which means warm days, cooler evenings, and fewer crowds. But you’ll still get plenty of beach weather in the south. We explored Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, and the Great Ocean Road in March and had great weather the whole time. But the red centre and the tropical north were beginning to cool off with a bit of rain.
Read our full three week Australia itinerary here.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have good weather year-round, and March is no exception. By now, the days are getting a little warmer and longer, making it a great time for hiking, beach days, or just soaking up the sun without the summer crowds. We love the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, the beaches of Gran Canaria, the hiking trails in Tenerife, and the surfing in Fuerteventura. The Canaries are also great for digital nomads, sitting just one hour ahead of the UK so you can get sunshine and productivity in one trip.
Sri Lanka
March is a great month to visit Sri Lanka, especially if you’re exploring the south and west coasts. The weather is still warm and dry, perfect for tea fields, mountain hikes, and beach time. You can wander towns like Kandy and Ella, take the iconic blue train, and relax on the south coast beaches all under bright, sunny skies.
Find out how we spent two weeks in Sri Lanka here.
The Philippines
March is peak dry season in the Philippines, meaning clear skies, calm seas, and ideal beach weather. It’s the best time for island hopping, snorkelling, and exploring the country’s incredible coastline. Palawan is a must, but there’s so much more to discover from the limestone cliffs of El Nido to the hidden lagoons of Coron and the surf spots of Siargao. Two weeks is perfect, but we wished we’d stayed longer.
Find out how we spent two weeks in The Philippines here.