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Where to travel in March

Find travel inspiration with our guide to the best places to go in March. Enjoy cooler climes as you uncover the desert gems of Jordan, marvel at temples and recline on soft sands in India, or plan a trip to Greece during the blissful low season.

India

In March, India is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience a vibrant cultural immersion. The temperatures are generally mild, making it a perfect time to explore the country’s captivating landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

One of the most exciting experiences in India during March is the celebration of Holi, the famous festival of colors. This joyous festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with a lively atmosphere across the country. If you’re lucky enough to experience this cultural highlight, you can join locals in throwing colored powders at each other, dancing to lively music, and enjoying traditional foods.

March is an excellent time to explore the temples of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. Another must-visit is Ranthambore National Park, where you can go on safaris to spot tigers in their natural habitat; it’s best visited at this time of year, when winter weather is pleasant and nature blossoms all around you.

For those seeking less crowded destinations, the beaches of Goa offer a peaceful retreat. The coastal state is known for its Portuguese heritage and boasts pristine sands, vibrant markets, and laid-back seafood restaurants. Additionally, the tea plantations of Darjeeling provide a tranquil escape with incredible views of the Himalayas.

Jordan

Jordan’s allure lies in its rich historical heritage. The country’s most famous site, Petra, is a must-visit with its rose-red sandstone cliffs showcasing the incredible ingenuity of the Nabateans. The bonus of visiting Petra in March means you can avoid the scorching summer heat, allowing for a more comfortable exploration of the ancient city’s collection of tombs and temples.

Beyond Petra, the Wadi Rum desert offers unique experiences such as camel trekking, 4×4 jeep tours, and sandboarding on giant dunes. Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s dramatic rock formations and vast sandy expanses are so special that they’ve been featured in numerous blockbuster movies. Consider spending a night in a Bedouin camp to enjoy incredible stargazing and traditional stories and songs.

For a more serene visit, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of Jordan’s best-kept secrets. It is the country’s largest nature reserve, offering diverse landscapes from sandstone cliffs to lush valleys. Hiking through the reserve’s well-marked trails provides an opportunity to connect with Jordan’s rich biodiversity.

Oman

Oman in March offers travelers the perfect opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes, when temperatures average at around 79 degrees Fahrenheit. This Middle Eastern country is often overlooked, but its coastline, dotted with pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and vast deserts, is sure to captivate any adventurous traveler. Offering a blend of modernity and tradition, the capital city Muscat features bustling souks, a beautiful waterfront, and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – the largest mosque in Oman.

Outdoor enthusiasts can lace up their boots and follow the trail to Wadi Ash Shab for a refreshing swim in natural pools, less than a two-hour drive from the capital. Camping in the Wahiba Sands offers access to ATV rides and dune bashing excursions, while history fans will want to add Nizwa Fort to their must-see list. It’s one of the country’s oldest and most stunning castles, and a visit to this 17th-century site is like taking a step back in time.

For an authentic experience, you can stay overnight in a local mud village like Misfat Al Abriyeen, an ancient place dating back 300 years. Away from the crowds, a scenic hiking trip to the Jabal Akhdar Mountains will take you past small local villages, while the coastal town of Sur is known for its traditional dhow-building industry and picturesque beaches.

The historic fortress in the city of Nizwa, Oman.

Chile

Chile is an exciting destination year-round, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the lush vineyards of the Central Valley and Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes in the south. However, in March, Chile’s weather is generally mild, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Santiago is the country’s vibrant capital and a hub of cultural attractions, with museums, theaters, and historic sites to explore. The city’s location, nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, provides easy access to outdoor adventures such as hiking, white-water rafting, and hot springs. Wine lovers can also seek out the dedicated festivals which take place in March, at the peak of Chile’s wine harvesting season.

Patagonia is South America’s ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, home to pristine glaciers, mountains, and lakes. A must-visit destination in Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park offers a range of outdoor excursions, from trekking to wildlife spotting. A visit to Patagonia in March offers a tranquil, bucket-list adventure with fewer crowds, lovely scenes of fall and pleasantly cool weather, averaging at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime.

Man and son walk in the Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Greece

A visit to Greece in March offers a quieter, low-season alternative to the peak summer months. While Santorini and Mykonos typically garner all the attention in Greece, the islands of Crete and Rhodes offer beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages for a relaxing vacation.

You’ll likely kick off your Greek adventure in the vibrant capital city of Athens. There, you can explore the Acropolis and other historic sites more comfortably without the summer heat. The city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Plaka and Monastiraki, offer an enticing mix of traditional tavernas, modern cafes, and lively markets.

If you don’t mind a cool breeze, early spring sun can be found on the beaches of Crete. Naxos is another island destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages. The island’s mountainous interior also has excellent hiking opportunities. Over in the Peloponnese region, the ancient city of Mycenae, the theater of Epidaurus, and the beautiful town of Nafplio are just a few of the highlights.

Acropolis in Athens, Greece. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Portugal

Portugal offers travelers a delightful blend of sun, surf, castles, and charming cities. Its climate in March means you’ll have an excellent time exploring, as you enjoy cooler daytime temperatures of up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (though pack a cozy jumper for the nighttime). Start your trip in Lisbon by getting lost in the maze of cobbled alleyways, or hop aboard the iconic Tram 28 for a scenic tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods. From Lisbon, one of the most popular day trips is to the fairy-tale Pena Palace in Sintra.

Head south to the Algarve region to explore the stunning coastline and small beach towns. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs in Lagos, then stroll the riverside and traditional markets in Tavira. Portugal’s second city, Porto, is another must-visit: this World Heritage destination is famous for its colorful Ribeira district, blue azulejo tiles, and narrow streets leading to historic Port wine cellars. For an extra dose of adventure, consider spending a few days on the islands of Madeira or the Azores for a nature-filled getaway, filled with bright springtime scenery and coastal road trips.

View of Praia de Bordeira in Portugal's Algarve

Japan

In Japan, March is the beginning of the cherry blossom season, which typically starts at the end of the month – though visiting earlier in the month allows for a more relaxing, less-crowded, but no less-charming experience right before peak season. The sakura season is celebrated with outdoor gatherings and picnics under the blooming trees. Tokyo and Kyoto are popular spots for cherry blossom viewing, offering postcard-perfect displays of the pink and white blossoms; in some parks across the cities, you may be lucky to find early-blossoming trees if you do plan to visit earlier in the month.

In Tokyo, popular viewing spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Chidorigafuchi moat. Kyoto, known for its historic temples and gardens, offers beautiful cherry blossom viewing at Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. If you want to avoid large crowds, consider visiting lesser-known spots like Kanazawa or Fukuoka.

Outside of cherry blossom viewing, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and nearby historic sites offer a poignant reminder of the past and are a must-visit cultural attraction. Alternatively, the city of Nara is beloved for its friendly deer and ancient temples, which provide a tranquil escape from the big cities. You can also enjoy a warm escape to a traditional onsen with hot springs in Hakone, Beppu, and Noboribetsu.

Morocco

March is one of the nicer times to visit Morocco, as you’ll encounter longer days, lots of sunshine, and fewer crowds. Marrakech, with its vibrant souks, historic palaces, and lively squares, is a must-visit. The city’s famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square comes alive in the evening with with food stalls and Moroccan musicians playing traditional music.

Adventurous travelers can also explore the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert. The former offer stunning scenery, traditional Berber villages, and excellent hiking opportunities, while the endless sand dunes of the Sahara provide unique experiences such as overnight camping under the starry sky.

The coastal city of Essaouira offers a wonderfully relaxing retreat with its picturesque beaches, seafood restaurants, and historic medina. Spend your days taking leisurely walks along the coast, then have a break for mint tea at a local cafe. A visit to Fez, the oldest city in Morocco, provides a window into the country’s rich heritage with its labyrinth of winding alleys, bustling markets, and historic sites.

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