Around this time of year, we all start getting those spring break urges to travel somewhere fun and exotic. As the temperatures warm up and the springtime flowers start to bloom, people are ready to get out of the house and into the world. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or attending a colorful festival like Holi, there are plenty of great destinations to travel to in March.
Bermuda
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 60°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Water visibility in Bermuda is particularly nice in the month of March; it can range from 150 to 200 feet (45-55 meters). If you like spiny lobster, March is your last month to get your fill of it before it goes out of season. March is a great time for outdoor activities in Bermuda including golf, whale watching, tennis, boating, cycling, hiking, kayaking, SUP, sailing, and more. Warmer temperatures start in April, however if you visit late March, you may beat some of the oncoming crowds.
Key Events:
Rugby 7s Tournament: annual rugby competition
Dark ‘N Stormy World Par 3 Championship: 36-hole stroke play individual golf competition held at Turtle Hill that attracts 120+ golfers from more than 10 countries
Bermuda Triple Challenge: three days of three races with 75+ obstacles
Bermuda Kite Festival: an annual event on Good Friday when colorful kites are flown over Horseshoe Bay Beach
Where to Stay:
Experience pink sand beaches and challenging golf courses at Rosewood Bermuda, a refined and elegant resort in Bermuda. This luxury resort has direct access to the island’s largest private beach.
San Diego, CA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 67°F high; 54°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Labeled America’s Finest City, San Diego experiences mild temperatures in the month of March. There are fewer visitors in the springtime compared to the summer. At this time of year, wildflowers begin to bloom in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is an hour and a half drive away from San Diego. You may also be able to score some better Disneyland deals this time of year. You may also be able to do some whale watching of the California Gray Whales.
Key Events:
ShamROCK St. Patrick’s Day Party: music and beer festival in the historic Gaslamp Quarter district
The Flower Fields of Carlsbad: nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that are open to the public for 6 to 8 weeks each year starting in March
CRSSD Music Festival: 2-day electronic music festival at the San Diego Waterfront Park
Spring Busker Festival: 2-day street performer festival
San Diego Latino Film Festival: festival featuring virtual and drive-in film screenings, filmmaker Q&As and more
TinyFest California: gathering for tiny home builders, van and bus up-fitters and homeowners who have “gone tiny”
Where to Stay:
Stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar San Diego which has a luxurious 5-star adult-only spa and pool. They also have a golf course, 3 other pools, tennis, pickleball, outdoor and indoor fitness centers, hiking trails, and unique Michelin-star dining experiences. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing Southern California retreat.
Cairo, Egypt
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 56°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
If you visit Cairo in March, you’ll experience their shoulder season, meaning you can expect pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. (Winter is the most popular time of year to visit.) Keep in mind that you may experience khamsin, a hot current from the south that can cause sandstorms. Make sure that you experience the Nile River and the Pyramids of Giza while you’re there.
Key Events:
D-CAF: downtown Cairo’s contemporary arts festival
Where to Stay:
Originally built as a visitor’s palace, Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino feels like Egyptian royalty. Many rooms have balconies with views of gardens, the city of Cairo, or the Nile River. The casino is an adult-only area that you can play some games in and have some fun. If gambling is not your thing, try this hotel’s afternoon tea.
Canary Islands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 59°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Although March is a cooler time of the year to visit the Canary Islands, it’s perfect for those looking to beat the heat. In general, you can expect mild and dry weather during this time of year.
Key Events:
Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Carnaria: one of the oldest and most traditional festivals in the Canary Islands, celebrated in February and March
Where to Stay:
Have a 5-star stay at the Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa, a romantic adults-only resort featuring restaurants, bars, pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Offshore adventures include Papagayo Beach and the volcanic Timanfaya National Park.
Cancun, MX
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 84°F high; 69°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in March:
Weather is very nice in Cancun in March - it’s the second driest month out of the year with clear, blue skies. Expect more tourists and higher prices this time of year so be sure to book in advance.
Key Events:
Cancun - Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival: celebration of Mexican gastronomy with celebrity chef and winemaker dinners, cruises, and tastings
Vernal Equinox at Chichen Itza: celestial event that happens twice a year which creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase of the Mayan ruins
Where to Stay:
Experience traditional Mexican warmth and the Caribbean Sea views at Hyatt Zilara Cancun, an all-inclusive adults-only resort located in the Hotel Zone. The property features swim-up suites, 6 restaurants, 5 bars and lounges, beach butlers, and more.
Cape Town, South Africa
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 81°F high; 61°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Cape Town experiences some of its best weather in March. Although the weather is very nice in March, it’s not quite considered peak season, so flights and accommodation should be cheaper. If you enjoy sports, you’ll love visiting Cape Town in March because they host two major sporting events during the month. (Expect some road closures around these event days.)
Kevin Events:
Cape Town Cycle Tour: annual cycle race that is 109 km long and the first event outside Europe to be included in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s Golden Bike Series
Absa Cape Epic: annual mountain bike stage race accredited as hors categorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale
Cape Town Carnival: street parade that showcases the diversity of Cape Town and South Africa
Cape Town International Jazz Festival: Africa’s largest musical event in the South of the Sahara Africa and one of the most important and influential jazz productions in the jazz world
Where to Stay:
Book a stay at the villa-style Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, near Cape Town’s city centre. Enjoy the adults-only pool, rustic chic wellness spa, and the afternoon tea service.
Estes Park, CO
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 44°F high; 23°F low
Season: snowiest month, spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in March:
Although it's still winter in March in Estes Park, the temperatures are much more mild during this time compared to December, January, and February. Be sure to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park while you’re staying in Estes Park. It’s a good time to explore hiking trails by snowshoe or cross country skis. Expect some road closures this time of year so do some planning before you arrive.
Where to Stay:
Get a luxury suite at Della Terra Mountain Chateau with sitting nooks, see-through fireplaces, soaking tubs, romantic water features, walk-through jetted showers, and private balconies with hot tubs. Although children are welcome on the property, no children can stay overnight in the suites.
Delhi, India
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 61°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in March:
Delhi has a subtropical climate however in the month of March, it is not as humid and sunny. March marks the end of spring in Delhi and it’s considered by some as the most favorable time of the year to visit. Try to time your visit with a Holi festival to experience the city’s colorful celebration.
Key Events:
Holi: one of North India’s most joyful events celebrated by throwing colored water and powders
Where to Stay:
Located in the heart of the capital, Leela Palace New Delhi offers a high-end opulent stay. Leela Palace has been ranked as Asia’s second ‘Best City Hotel’ and is a popular choice for city explorers, history buffs, and frequent fliers.
Santiago, Chile
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 49°F low
Season: shoulder season from summer to autumn
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
In March, crowds will start to thin out in Santiago and temperatures will cool down from the January heat. If you enjoy wine, this is the perfect time to experience Santiago’s wine festivals.
Key Events:
Vendimias: wine harvesting festivals that take place across Chile’s wine growing region featuring grape stomping, local music, and wine tasting
Lollapallooza Chile: Chile-based version of the popular music festival
Rodeo Season: Chile’s national sport, rodeo, runs from September to April
Where to Stay:
The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel sits in the cultural and historical hub of Santiago. The hotel offers a sophisticated, contemporary stay with features like antique furnishings, balconies, marble bathrooms, and a chic rooftop bar with city views.
Marrakech, Morocco
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 74°F high; 50°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
In March, Marrakech is warmer during the day and chillier at night, so pack layers. Hotel rates will be more affordable this time of year. The flowers surrounding the city in the valleys will start to bloom in March.
Where to Stay:
Designed for tranquility, Be Live Collection Marrakech is an all-inclusive, adults-only hotel with a fitness room, spa center, and three restaurants onsite. On property activities include yoga, archery, and ping pong.
Galapagos Islands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 88°F high; 75°F low
Season: rainy
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in March:
Yes, March is the rainy season in the Galapagos Islands, but here’s why I’d recommend going this time of year. First, you’ll likely see cheaper travel rates due to the rain. (If Easter falls in March, avoid that week because rates will spike.) Second, March is a good time to see nesting birds and animals in the Galapagos, including green sea turtles, marine iguanas, and land iguanas. It’s also a pleasant time for snorkeling in cooler waters, and an ideal time for seeing Galapagos penguins and other sea life. You may also see waved albatrosses. On the plus side, if you visit the western islands, the rain actually may make the weather feel cooler. Try to visit late March to avoid heavier rain showers….plus it rarely rains all day.
Key Events:
Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
Arrival of the waved albatross
Marine life and penguins are very active
Where to Stay:
Overlook the Pacific Ocean from the top of a volcanic crater in Pikaia Lodge, a luxury, carbon-neutral eco-lodge. This hotel features panoramic views, a spa, an infinity pool, and day tours on a private yacht.
Dublin, Ireland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 54°F high; 46°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Though the weather can be unpredictable this time of year, you may see some reduced travel prices because of it. As you may have guessed, the main draw for visitors to Dublin in March are all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Throughout the month, you can expect fun events such as barbecue competitions, live music, and balloon festivals, in addition to the main celebrations.
Key Events:
St. Patrick’s Dublin Festival: massive 4-day festival with street theater, carnival acts, sports, music, fireworks, and a parade
St. Patrick’s Day Parades: multiple street parades held all over Ireland to celebrate the patron saint
Where to Stay:
Set in a restored Georgian building, The Merrion Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel that features a restaurant overlooking manicured gardens, a cocktail bar, an 18th century win vault turned pub, an infinity pool, and spa. The interior is designed with Irish fabrics and antiques to reflect the history of the original building.
Jordan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 63°F high; 44°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Temperatures begin to rise in March in Jordan making it a nice time to hike and camp in the outdoors. Wildflowers are blooming and wildlife is active. This month is a particularly good time to explore Jerash, Jordan’s largest Roman antiquity site. By late March, the tourist season will move from mid to high.
Where to Stay:
Witness views of the Dead Sea from the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. This refined resort features an adults-only infinity pool, 4 restaurants, a cafe, 3 bars, direct access to the beach, and a spa with a sauna.
Las Vegas, NV
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 39°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
March is a good time to visit Las Vegas because the rates haven’t gone up too high yet but the temperatures start to rise. Expect March Madness fans and pool lovers to start popping up around this time of year.
Key Events:
March Madness: NCAA basketball tournament (not hosted in Las Vegas) but watched and celebrated in the sports bars and sportsbooks
NASCAR Weekend: Sam’s Town 300 and Kobalt Tools 400 races held in early March
Where to Stay:
Stay at Circa, the first adults-only resort in Las Vegas. Circa features “Stadium Swim,” six-tiered rooftop pool with panoramic city views, a two-story casino, a three-story sportsbook, and five restaurants.
Lisbon, Portugal
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 65°F high; 51°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Lisbon experiences a smaller amount of crowds in the spring, making March a good time to visit. Though it can be rainy, the skies are mostly clear during this time of year. Temperatures are warm, hotel rates are affordable - what’s not to love?
Key Events:
Moda Lisboa: Lisbon’s Fashion Week
Lisbon Half Marathon: one of the most important athletic events in Lisbon, which offers your only opportunity to to run across the bridge
Monstra: Lisbon’s animated film festival
Where to Stay:
Enjoy a modern, relaxed stay at Memmo Alfama, a boutique hotel in Lisbon. This minimalistic adults-only hotel features a wine bar, an outdoor pool and a rooftop with city views.
London, UK
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 59°F high; 37°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
March is a beautiful time to visit London. The temperatures are mild and the city parks begin blooming for the spring season. March is your last month to visit London before the city crowds grow. Expect prices to increase around the Easter holiday.
Key Events:
Orchids Festival in Kew Gardens: horticultural displays in the Kew Gardens from February through early March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: lively Irish celebration with pageantry, floats, and marching bands
St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Irish music and food festival in Trafalgar Square
Ideal Home Show: exhibition showcasing home designer creativity and skillfulness
Where to Stay:
Have an ultra-luxurious stay at The Mandrake, a multi-award-winning lifestyle property in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia. The hotel features dramatic rooms with rainfall showers, 2 trendy bars, a greenhouse terrace, and a spa offering sound therapy.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 85°F high; 70°F low
Season: dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in March:
March is a very good time to visit Montego Bay due to the low rainfall and warm weather. The beach days are ideal. Note that this is high season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Where to Stay:
Sandals Montego Bay is an all-inclusive adults-only resort spanning a private beach in the Caribbean Sea. The hotel has access to 12 restaurants and 6 bars. You can also opt to stay in luxury over-the-water bungalows.
Orlando, FL
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 58°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
March is when you’ll find pleasant temperatures and agreeable prices in Orlando, FL (outside of Easter/spring break holidays). This is also one of the driest months of the year for Orlando.
Key Events:
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: annual garden festival at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando from early March through late May
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando: parades, musical performances, and specialty food on select nights inside Universal Orlando from early February through mid-April
Where to Stay:
Enjoy luxury golfing, shopping, and an adults-only pool at the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Though the entire property is not adult-only, there are multiple restaurants and bars onsite, including a rooftop steakhouse restaurant and a refined Italian eatery.
Osaka, Japan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 57°F high; 40°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
March can be chilly in Osaka, Japan but it gradually warms up as the month progresses. Starting in mid-March, plums begin to blossom and in late March, the famous cherries start to blossom. March is a less crowded time to visit but in the last week, you’ll start to see the numbers of domestic tourists increase.
Key Events:
Sumo: annual grand sumo tournament takes place at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
Osaka Asian Film Festival: annual film festival held in Osaka City, Japan in March
Sakura blossom viewing (Hanami): the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers (hana)
Where to Stay:
Famous for its views of the cherry blossoms, Imperial Hotel Osaka is an elegant luxury hotel with complimentary train shuttle service. The hotel features nine different dining options, including French and Chinese, as well as a trendy bar, fitness center, indoor pool, and gym with sauna.
Newport, RI
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 46°F high; 31°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in March:
March is still a chilly month in Rhode Island, but if you don’t mind the temperature, you’ll enjoy the lower prices and the smaller crowds. You will likely not have to worry about rain at this time of the year as Rhode Island’s spring season experiences about 3 days of significant rain per month.
Key Events:
Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Newport Irish celebration with a parade including pipe bands, marching bands, fife and drum corps, clowns, reenactment units, and more
Save the Bay: Newport seal watches, marine-related education, and fundraising events from January through March
Where to Stay:
Stay in a landmark Victorian mansion on 40 waterfront acres in the upscale Castle Hill Inn. Walk along the private beach and enjoy the boutique spa at this bed and breakfast, which allows children ages 13 and up.
Sedona, AZ
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 69°F high; 40°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in March:
March is an ideal time to visit Sedona due to the mild highs and lows. That being said, with the perfect weather that Sedona experiences in March, you can expect higher prices and a greater number of tourists.
Key Events:
Sedona Mountain Bike Festival: 3-day mountain bike celebration with an exhibition, demos, a beer garden, and live music
Where to Stay:
Tuck yourself away at a Southwestern resort in the Boynton Canyon at Enchantment Resort. This 5-star luxury resort features upscale rooms, 2 restaurants, a tapas bar, a fitness center, and a spa with an adults-only pool.
Rome, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 62°F high; 43°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Mid-March (outside of Easter) is a particularly good time to visit Rome, Italy. Yes, the weather may be chilly or damp at times (moreso in the first half of the month) but you may save some money and fight fewer crowds this time of year.
Key Events:
Festa della Donna: International Women’s Day signified by yellow mimosa flowers
Ides of March: actors dress up in Roman togas and reenact the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s untimely death
Maratona di Roma: marathon with a course that takes runners past Rome’s most famous monuments
St. Patrick’s Day: 2-day festivity with an annual mass held in an Irish church
Good Friday & Easter Sunday: very important religious holiday in the Vatican City celebrated with rituals, processions, and mass
Where to Stay:
Stroll through the magical courtyard garden full of rose bushes, orange trees, and mature pine at Hotel de Russie. Enjoy elegant meals on the outdoor terrace and exotic drinks in the Stravinjskij Bar.
Texas Hill Country
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 74.5°F high; 48°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in March:
For a mild winter escape, the Texas Hill Country is a great place to getaway in March. The state flower, bluebonnets, start to bloom at this time, and the area is full of historic sites, galleries, and wineries to explore.
Key Events:
Bandera Fiber & Arts Week: celebration of Texas sheep and wool in creating works of art from knitting, crochet, tatting, rug making, spinning wool, felting, are more
Llano Earth Art Fest and World Rock Stacking Championship: interactive festival experience where artists create sculptures with natural materials
Texas Hill Country Musicfest: live music fundraiser
Mud Dauber Chili Cook-Off: chili competition in Luckenbach
Bluebonnet Airshow: aerial program with aerobatics, ground acts, and family-friendly activities
Thunder in the Hill Country: biker rally in Mansfield Park - Bandera
Hill Country Lawn & Garden Show: gathering of artisans, handicrafters, and gardeners who love horticulture and gardening
Where to Stay:
Perched among the hills overlooking Lake Travis, Miraval Austin offers guests with a natural sanctuary. This adults-only resort focuses on wellbeing by offering a daily schedule of numerous wellness activities and spa services including hiking, meditation, yoga, hatchet throwing, cardio drumming, archery, reiki, fly fishing, and more.
St. George, Utah
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 42°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in March:
It’s a more pleasant time to explore outdoors in Utah in the springtime than in the dangerously hot summer so March is a good month for this. St. George and Zion National Park are particularly pleasant to visit this time of year.
Where to Stay:
Stay in a luxurious casita with panoramic views of striking red cliffs at The Inn at Entrada, a small resort in St. George, Utah. Luxury suites feature jetted tubs, a private garage, patio, and living room with a fireplace.
Washington, D.C.
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 56°F high; 35°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in March:
Summer in Washington, D.C. is hot and sticky, so visiting in the springtime is much more pleasant. It will still be chilly this time of year but not as busy.
Key Events:
National Cherry Blossom Festival: spring celebration commemorating the gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington, D.C. on March 27, 1912
Clover Beer Fest: festival with Irish beer and cider tastings
Where to Stay:
Considered a quintessential D.C. hotel, The Hay-Adams, is a luxury hotel frequented by government officials and foreign dignitaries. The elegant hotel is housed in a 1928 Italian Renaissance-style building with views of the White House.