Where to Go in March
Spring break adventures, cherry blossoms, and shoulder season bargains
March marks the transition from winter to spring, opening up exciting travel possibilities. It is shoulder season in many destinations meaning fewer crowds and better prices. From Japanese cherry blossoms to European city breaks as the continent wakes from winter, March offers some of the years best travel opportunities.
Spring Break Destinations
March is prime time for spring break travel. The weather is improving across much of the world, and you can escape before the Easter rush begins.
Canary Islands (4 hours)
March in the Canaries offers slightly warmer temperatures than winter (22-24C) with more reliable sunshine. The seas are still cool for swimming but perfect for walking and exploring.
- Tenerife - Carnival season in late February often extends into March. The almond blossoms in the north create stunning scenery.
- La Palma - The greenest Canary island is perfect for hiking in spring. Caldera de Taburiente is spectacular.
- Gran Canaria - Excellent weather for coastal walks and discovering the interior villages.
- Lanzarote - Ideal temperatures for exploring volcanic landscapes without summer heat.
Morocco (3.5 hours)
March is arguably the best month for Morocco. Temperatures are perfect (20-25C), the landscapes are green from winter rains, and the Atlas Mountains still have snow caps for dramatic scenery.
- Marrakech - Explore the souks and palaces in comfortable warmth. Gardens are at their most beautiful.
- Essaouira - Coastal winds are calmer than summer, perfect for beach walks and fresh seafood.
- Fes - Experience the ancient medina without summer heat. Cooler temperatures make getting lost more pleasant.
- Atlas Mountains - Excellent trekking conditions with wildflowers blooming in the valleys.
Tip
March is perfect for combining Marrakech with an Atlas Mountains day trip or overnight stay. The contrast between city and mountains is magical.
Shoulder Season Europe
March is the sweet spot in Europe - attractions are open, crowds are minimal, and prices have not yet peaked. Mediterranean cities are particularly rewarding.
Spain & Portugal (2-3 hours)
- Seville - Orange trees in bloom, 22C temperatures, and the build-up to Semana Santa (if Easter falls in March).
- Valencia - Las Fallas festival (15-19 March) is one of Spains most spectacular celebrations with huge sculptures and fireworks.
- Lisbon - Mild 18C temperatures, fewer tourists, and the city in bloom. Perfect for walking the hills.
- Porto - Crisp spring air, port wine cellars without crowds, and excellent value.
Las Fallas Tip
If visiting Valencia for Las Fallas, book accommodation months ahead. This is one of Europes biggest festivals and the city fills completely.
Italy (2-3 hours)
- Rome - 17C and warming, minimal queues at the Vatican and Colosseum, excellent restaurant availability.
- Florence - Museums without crowds, perfect walking temperature, spring light ideal for art.
- Sicily - Wildflowers covering the hillsides, almond blossoms, and temperatures reaching 18-20C.
- Amalfi Coast - Hotels reopen, roads are quiet, and lemon trees are in bloom. Too cool for swimming but stunning for hiking.
Cherry Blossom Season
March brings one of the worlds most spectacular natural events - cherry blossom season. Timing varies by location and year, but late March is often peak bloom.
Japan (12 hours)
Cherry blossom (sakura) season typically starts in late March in Tokyo and Kyoto, lasting about two weeks. This is peak tourist season but utterly magical.
- Tokyo - Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meguro River are famous blossom spots. The city embraces hanami (flower viewing) culture.
- Kyoto - Philosophers Path, Maruyama Park, and countless temple gardens create unforgettable scenes.
- Osaka - Osaka Castle with blossoms is iconic. The city offers excellent food and nightlife.
- Hiroshima - Peace Memorial Park with cherry blossoms is profoundly moving. Easy day trip to Miyajima.
Timing is Everything
Cherry blossom timing varies each year. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast and be flexible with dates if possible. Blooms last only 1-2 weeks at each location.
Washington DC (8 hours)
The National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April) celebrates the 3,000 trees gifted by Japan in 1912. The Tidal Basin surrounded by pink blossoms with the Jefferson Memorial is iconic.
- Tidal Basin - The most famous spot with spectacular reflections in the water.
- National Mall - Combine blossom viewing with free Smithsonian museums.
- Georgetown - Charming neighbourhood with historic architecture and waterfront.
- Free attractions - Most major museums and monuments are free, making this excellent value.
City Breaks
March offers ideal conditions for exploring cities without extreme weather or crowds.
- Amsterdam (1 hour) - Tulip season begins, quieter museums, and the city waking up after winter.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - 18C temperatures perfect for walking, La Boqueria without crowds.
- Prague (2 hours) - Spring arriving, Easter markets if timing aligns, atmospheric old town.
- Vienna (2 hours) - Coffee house culture without tourist crowds, opera and classical music season.
- Dublin (1.5 hours) - St Patricks Day (17 March) transforms the city into a massive celebration.
Tip
Dublin on St Patricks Day is unforgettable but requires booking months ahead. The parade and festivities draw massive crowds.
Adventure Destinations
March opens up excellent adventure opportunities as weather transitions globally.
- Nepal (10 hours) - Prime trekking season begins. Clear skies, rhododendrons blooming, moderate temperatures.
- Costa Rica (10 hours) - End of dry season with everything green and waterfalls flowing.
- Egypt (5 hours) - Perfect temperatures (25C) for exploring pyramids and temples before summer heat.
- Jordan (5 hours) - Ideal weather for Petra and Wadi Rum. Wildflowers in the desert.
- Vietnam (11 hours) - Central and southern regions dry and pleasant. Excellent beach and culture combination.
Family-Friendly Picks
March offers excellent family options with improving weather and manageable crowds.
- Canary Islands - Reliable sunshine, family resorts, and activities for all ages. Water parks are open.
- Cyprus (4.5 hours) - Warming up nicely (20C), ancient ruins, and beaches without summer crowds.
- Malta (3 hours) - History, beaches (too cool for swimming), and excellent value. Knights, temples, and blue lagoons.
- Center Parcs - Easter activities begin, subtropical swimming, and no weather worries.
- Disneyland Paris (1 hour) - Spring season with shorter queues than summer. Magic hours make a difference.
Money-Saving Tip
School Easter holidays vary each year. March can fall outside school breaks entirely, offering term-time prices if you can travel.
Weather Comparison
Average March temperatures and conditions:
- Canary Islands - 22-24C, 8 hours sunshine, minimal rain
- Morocco - 20-25C, 8 hours sunshine, occasional showers
- Spain (Seville) - 22C, pleasant but variable
- Italy (Rome) - 17C, spring weather, occasional rain
- Japan - 12-18C, cherry blossom conditions vary
- Egypt - 25-28C, ideal sightseeing weather
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week (flights and accommodation for two adults):
- Canary Islands - 500-1000 GBP per person
- Morocco - 400-800 GBP per person (excellent value)
- Spain/Portugal city breaks - 400-700 GBP per person
- Japan - 1500-2500 GBP per person (peak cherry blossom season)
- Egypt - 600-1200 GBP per person
- European city breaks - 350-600 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
March offers excellent shoulder season value in Europe. Prices jump significantly once Easter holidays begin, so timing matters.
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