TL;DR — Our Top 3 Picks for March
The 10 Best Destinations for March
1
Kyoto, Japan
Why March Specifically
March is the sweet spot for cherry blossoms in Kyoto. The season typically begins in the last week of March, meaning you can catch the stunning first bloom without the insane crowds and peak prices of early April. The weather is cool and crisp (avg 9°C), perfect for walking between temples and gardens. The Higashiyama Hanatouro festival also runs in early March, with thousands of lanterns illuminating the streets.
Insider Tip
Check the cherry blossom forecast religiously as it gets closer. For early blooms, check out the weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park, which often blooms before the others. To escape the crowds, rent a bike and cycle along the Kamo River, which is lined with cherry trees.
2
Marrakech, Morocco
Why March Specifically
March in Marrakech is springtime perfection. The weather is pleasantly warm (22-25°C) but not yet scorching hot, making it ideal for exploring the labyrinthine souks of the medina and relaxing on riad rooftops. The gardens, like the Jardin Majorelle, are in full bloom, and it's the best time for day trips to the Atlas Mountains before the summer haze obscures the views.
Insider Tip
Stay in a traditional riad within the medina for an authentic experience. For a break from the city's chaos, take a cooking class at a place like La Maison Arabe. When shopping in the souks, be prepared to haggle — it's part of the culture. A good rule of thumb is to offer about a third of the initial asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
3
New Zealand
Why March Specifically
March is the beginning of autumn in New Zealand and is considered by many locals to be the best month to visit. The weather is still warm and settled, but the intense summer heat and crowds have dissipated. The landscape, especially in regions like Central Otago on the South Island, is ablaze with stunning autumn colors. It's the perfect time for hiking the Great Walks with fewer people on the trails.
Insider Tip
Focus on the South Island. While the North is great, the South is where the dramatic landscapes are. Rent a campervan for the ultimate freedom to explore. The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is consistently rated one of the most scenic in the world. For incredible fall colors, visit Arrowtown near Queenstown.
4
Mendoza, Argentina
Why March Specifically
March is harvest time in Argentina's premier wine region. The vineyards are lush and full of grapes, and the city comes alive with the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival) during the first week of the month. The weather is idyllic autumn — warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable evenings, perfect for cycling between bodegas and enjoying long, leisurely lunches with the Andes as a backdrop.
Insider Tip
The Uco Valley has the most spectacular scenery and highest-quality wineries, but it's best explored with a driver as things are spread out. For a more DIY experience, the Luján de Cuyo and Maipú regions are closer to the city and easily accessible by bike or bus. Book wine tastings and lunches in advance, especially in March.
5
Cartagena, Colombia
Why March Specifically
March is part of the short dry season on Colombia's Caribbean coast. You get all the heat and sunshine (average 28°C) but with significantly less humidity and almost no rain, making it much more pleasant for exploring the vibrant, colorful streets of the walled city. The peak holiday crowds from January have left, but the city is still lively, especially with the Cartagena International Film Festival taking place mid-month.
Insider Tip
Stay in the Getsemaní neighborhood, just outside the main walled city. It's more affordable, has a cooler, more local vibe with amazing street art and cafes, and is only a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands for beautiful beaches, as the city beaches are not the main attraction.
6
Egypt (Red Sea)
Why March Specifically
March offers a perfect balance for Egypt. The weather in cultural centers like Luxor and Aswan is warm but not unbearably hot, ideal for temple exploration. Simultaneously, on the Red Sea coast (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada), the temperatures are perfect for beach time and diving, with water temperatures becoming more comfortable. You avoid both the winter chill and the scorching summer heat.
Insider Tip
For a world-class diving experience away from the mega-resorts of Hurghada, head south to Marsa Alam, known for its healthier reefs and sightings of dolphins, dugongs, and sharks. If you're combining with a Nile trip, a dahabiya (a traditional sailing boat) offers a much more intimate and relaxed experience than a large cruise ship.
7
Cancún, Mexico
Why March Specifically
March is peak season in Cancún for a reason. The weather is at its absolute best: dry, sunny, and perfectly hot without the oppressive humidity of summer. It's the heart of spring break season, meaning the city's nightlife and party scene is at its most energetic. If you're looking for that classic, high-energy, sun-drenched beach vacation, March is the time to go.
Insider Tip
To escape the spring break madness, consider staying in Playa Mujeres, a quieter area just north of the main Hotel Zone, or take a day trip to the more tranquil Isla Mujeres. Book everything — flights, hotels, and even restaurant reservations — far in advance as this is the busiest month of the year.
8
Hawaii, USA
Why March Specifically
March is a great shoulder month in Hawaii. The winter rainy season is ending, and the big North Shore waves are still pumping, making it the last chance to see major surf competitions. It's also prime whale watching season, as humpback whales are still in the waters around Maui and the Big Island before migrating north. The spring break crowds are present but often concentrated in specific areas like Waikiki.
Insider Tip
For the best whale watching, take a boat tour from Lahaina on Maui. If you're a surfer, head to Oahu's North Shore. For a less-crowded experience, focus on the island of Kauai, known for its stunning natural beauty and more laid-back vibe. No matter which island, book rental cars early as they can sell out.
9
Cape Town, South Africa
Why March Specifically
March is late summer/early autumn in Cape Town, and the weather is fantastic — warm, sunny, and with less of the infamous "Cape Doctor" wind that blows in mid-summer. It's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking Table Mountain or Lion's Head, visiting the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, and exploring the nearby Winelands as the grape harvest begins.
Insider Tip
Hike Lion's Head for sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable 360-degree view of the city. For a unique experience, visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Instead of just staying in the city, rent a car and explore the Cape Peninsula and the charming towns of the Winelands like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
10
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Why March Specifically
March is at the tail end of the wet season, but it's a fantastic time for marine life. The water is warm (around 28°C), and the visibility is often excellent after the rains have cleared the air. It's the annual coral spawning season, a spectacular underwater event. It's also a shoulder season, so you'll find lower prices and fewer crowds than in the peak dry season.
Insider Tip
Base yourself in Port Douglas for a more laid-back vibe than Cairns. Choose a tour operator with a permit to visit the outer reef, as this is where you'll find the most pristine coral and abundant marine life. Be aware of stinger (jellyfish) season — you will need to wear a protective lycra suit, which all tour operators provide.
🚫 Where NOT to Go in March
These destinations are better saved for other months. Here's why March specifically doesn't work.
🌧️ Amazon Rainforest (e.g., Brazil, Peru)
March is one of the wettest months in the Amazon basin. River levels are extremely high, which can be good for boat travel, but many hiking trails are flooded and inaccessible. The constant, heavy rainfall and peak mosquito season can make for a less comfortable and more challenging jungle experience.
☀️ The Philippines
While the weather is generally dry, March is the beginning of the hot season. Temperatures and humidity climb to uncomfortable levels, especially in inland and urban areas. It's also peak season due to Holy Week holidays, leading to crowded beaches, sold-out transport, and inflated prices, particularly in popular spots like Palawan and Boracay.
🌬️ The Netherlands & Belgium
March is a notoriously unpredictable and often unpleasant weather month. It can be cold, wet, and relentlessly windy. While the tulip season in the Netherlands officially begins, the fields are rarely in full, spectacular bloom until mid-to-late April. You're likely to get all the shoulder-season crowds with none of the peak-season rewards.
Month-at-a-Glance: All 10 Destinations Compared
| Destination | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Avg Flight (RT) | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto, Japan | 9°C / 48°F | 10 | ~$1100 | Medium | Cherry blossoms, culture |
| Marrakech, Morocco | 22°C / 72°F | 5 | ~$700 | Medium | Spring weather, souks, gardens |
| New Zealand | 15°C / 59°F | 8 | ~$1300 | Medium | Autumn colors, hiking, road trips |
| Mendoza, Argentina | 20°C / 68°F | 4 | ~$1200 | Medium | Wine harvest, food, scenery |
| Cartagena, Colombia | 28°C / 82°F | 1 | ~$500 | Medium | Dry weather, history, vibrant streets |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 22°C / 72°F | 0 | ~$900 | Medium | Diving, history, perfect weather |
| Cancún, Mexico | 26°C / 79°F | 3 | ~$400 | High | Spring break, nightlife, beaches |
| Hawaii, USA | 24°C / 75°F | 7 | ~$600 | High | Whale watching, surfing |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 21°C / 70°F | 5 | ~$1000 | Medium | Late summer sun, hiking, wine |
| Great Barrier Reef | 27°C / 81°F | 14 | ~$1400 | Medium | Marine life, diving, warm water |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Historical API (March 2025). Flight prices: approximate round-trip from major US hubs, based on aggregated search data. Crowd levels: editorial assessment based on traveler reports.
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