March is that sweet spot in the travel calendar where winter waves goodbye and spring starts peeking around the corner. As someone who’s spent the last five years chasing perfect weather across time zones, I’ve learned that March opens up a world of possibilities for travelers. You’ll find places where cherry blossoms are just starting to bloom, beaches that aren’t packed with spring break crowds yet, and cities where the weather hits that perfect middle ground between too hot and too cold.
Whether you’re dreaming of skiing the last powder of the season or getting an early start on your summer tan, March delivers something for everyone. From desert festivals coming alive as temperatures climb to tropical destinations where the rain clouds haven’t shown up yet, timing really is everything when it comes to picking the right spot.
I’ve pulled together this list of 25 places that shine particularly bright in March, each offering its own unique magic. Some might be familiar favorites showing their best side, while others could be spots you haven’t considered before – but all of them are worth your attention during this transitional month.
Maldives
The Maldives Islands float like scattered pearls across the Indian Ocean, about 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. Unlike your typical beach destination, this nation of 1,200 islands offers a complete escape from the everyday world. Each resort sits on its own private island, where your closest neighbors might be the schools of tropical fish swimming beneath your overwater villa. The Maldivians have perfected the art of laid-back luxury, and March brings perfect weather with calm seas and clear skies. You’ll find locals traveling between islands by traditional dhoni boats, just as they have for centuries, while resort guests spend their days snorkeling with manta rays or simply watching the sunset paint the sky from their own stretch of white sand beach.
New Orleans, USA
Immerse yourself in the magic of New Orleans, where spring brings perfect weather and the famous French Quarter comes alive with music and celebration. The streets fill with the sounds of jazz bands and the smell of fresh beignets, while sidewalk cafes overflow with people enjoying classic Creole dishes. March is prime festival season – catch the colorful parades and street parties during Mardi Gras early in the month, or join the revelry at the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Take a stroll through the Garden District to see the historic mansions in full bloom, or hop aboard a Mississippi River steamboat for a sunset dinner cruise with live jazz. The moderate temperatures make it ideal for walking food tours or exploring the above-ground cemeteries that make New Orleans famous.
Tokyo, Japan
Many travelers come to Tokyo in March for the cherry blossoms, but this buzzing metropolis offers much more than pink petals. The comfortable spring temperatures make it perfect for exploring the city’s distinct neighborhoods – from the pop culture paradise of Harajuku to the traditional temples of Asakusa. While the famous Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) festivals draw crowds to parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen, you can also experience sumo tournaments, food markets, and seasonal festivals during this time. The weather is ideal for day trips to nearby spots like Mount Fuji or the ancient city of Kamakura, but you’ll find plenty to keep you busy within Tokyo’s vast network of districts any time of year.
Cusco, Peru
I first discovered Cusco on a backpacking trip through Peru in 2018. The ancient capital of the Inca Empire sits proudly at 11,152 feet in the Andes Mountains, where thin air and red-tiled roofs greet visitors from around the globe. The historic Plaza de Armas forms the heart of the city, with its blend of Spanish colonial architecture and precise Incan stonework visible in every corner. March brings pleasant temperatures and clear skies to Cusco, making it ideal for exploring nearby Machu Picchu or wandering through the cobblestone streets of San Blas, where local artisans display their crafts in tiny workshops. The morning light hitting the mountain peaks creates a special atmosphere, while the scent of fresh bread and coffee wafts from small cafes tucked into centuries-old buildings.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Many travelers head to Hanoi for its Old Quarter, where ancient streets buzz with local life, but Vietnam’s capital offers much more than just historic charm. The city blends traditional culture with modern energy – from the peaceful waters of Hoan Kiem Lake to the bustling street food scene along narrow alleyways. In March, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low, visitors can explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, or take in a water puppet show, a tradition that dates back to the 11th century. Whether you’re sampling pho at a sidewalk stall or sipping coffee in a French colonial cafe, Hanoi provides an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese life.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok rewards travelers with perfect weather in March, when the city enjoys sunny days and comfortable temperatures. Take a stroll through the ornate Grand Palace complex, where you’ll find the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or hop in a longtail boat to explore the maze of canals that earned Bangkok its nickname “Venice of the East.” After dark, the city comes alive with night markets and food stalls serving up authentic pad thai, fresh mango sticky rice, and other Thai classics.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a fascinating blend of ultra-modern architecture and traditional Arabian culture in the heart of the UAE. Unlike other cities in the Middle East, Dubai has made its mark as a place where the impossible becomes possible – just look at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, piercing the desert sky. While most visitors come for the luxury shopping malls and artificial islands, the real magic lies in the older districts like Al Fahidi, where narrow lanes wind between sand-colored buildings and traditional wind towers still catch the desert breeze. Because of its strategic location and ambitious vision, Dubai has grown from a quiet fishing village into a global hub, and you’ll find an impressive mix of people, cultures, and cuisines around every corner.
Cape Town, South Africa
Ever strolled through a vineyard with Table Mountain as your backdrop? That’s just an average day in Cape Town, where African charm meets coastal cool. March brings perfect 75°F days to South Africa’s oldest city, ideal for riding the cable car up Table Mountain or watching penguins waddle along Boulders Beach. The Cape Winelands are in full harvest mode, and you can join locals for wine tastings at historic estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Don’t miss the V&A Waterfront, where you can hop on a boat to Robben Island – Nelson Mandela’s former prison turned museum – or simply watch fishing boats bob in the harbor while sampling fresh seafood at open-air markets.
Reykjavik, Iceland
March visitors to Reykjavik get the best of both worlds – the Northern Lights are still going strong, and the days are finally getting longer. When you head to Iceland’s capital, you can soak in the famous Blue Lagoon’s warm waters during the day and chase the aurora borealis at night. The city itself offers unique spots like Hallgrímskirkja church, with its distinctive architecture that looks like it’s made from ice, and the Harpa Concert Hall, where the glass walls reflect the changing Arctic light.
Lisbon, Portugal
Walk through the charming streets of Lisbon, where colorful tiles decorate buildings and cable cars climb steep hills overlooking the Atlantic. March brings perfect 65°F weather for exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama, where you can hear the melancholic sounds of Fado music drifting from local restaurants. Stop by Time Out Market to sample Portuguese specialties, or head to Belém to try the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém. With fewer tourists than summer months, March lets you experience this laid-back capital like a local, whether you’re sipping coffee at a sidewalk café or watching the sunset from one of the city’s many viewpoints.
Athens, Greece
Athens in March offers a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern city life, without the intense crowds and heat of peak summer. The iconic Acropolis stands guard over neighborhoods where old tavernas and trendy coffee shops sit side by side on winding streets. Walking through the historic Plaka district, you’ll find locals going about their day among ruins that date back thousands of years. March brings comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, ideal for exploring outdoor archaeological sites or sitting at sidewalk cafes watching the world go by. While summer tourists haven’t arrived yet, you’ll find the city very much alive with locals enjoying the first hints of spring, streets filled with blooming almond trees, and weekly markets bursting with fresh produce.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown sits nestled between snow-capped peaks and the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu. While most visitors come here for the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping and skydiving, March offers a different kind of magic as autumn paints the surrounding hills in shades of gold and orange. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine, and the crowds of summer have thinned out, leaving the hiking trails and wineries more peaceful. You’ll find locals gathering at cozy lakeside cafes, sipping flat whites and planning their next outdoor adventure. Thanks to its position in the Southern Hemisphere, March brings comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the nearby Central Otago wine region or taking a day trip to the mirror-like waters of Milford Sound.
Havana, Cuba
Every time I think about walking through Old Havana, I can’t help but smile at the way it feels frozen in time. The streets are lined with classic 1950s American cars in cotton-candy colors, while local musicians fill the air with son cubano rhythms from doorways and cafes. This isn’t your typical Caribbean destination – it’s a place where you can spend mornings exploring art deco buildings and colonial plazas, afternoons sipping rum at Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts, and evenings dancing salsa with locals at open-air venues. The city isn’t trying to be anything it’s not – it’s simply Havana, with its peeling paint, impromptu street parties, and an energy that makes you want to stay just one more day.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv stands out as one of the Middle East’s most welcoming cities, especially in March when mild temperatures make exploring a true pleasure. This seaside metropolis blends old-world charm with modern energy – you’ll find yourself wandering through the ancient stone alleys of Jaffa in the morning, then lounging at a trendy beach club by afternoon. The city’s famous outdoor markets come alive during this season, with locals and visitors alike sampling fresh produce and street food while Mediterranean breezes keep things cool. It’s not just about the beaches and markets though – Tel Aviv’s thriving art scene, world-class restaurants, and legendary nightlife make it impossible to have a dull moment.
San José, Costa Rica
Many travelers head to San José, Costa Rica’s bustling capital city, for its rich coffee culture and museums, but the destination can also serve as an excellent base for exploring the country’s natural wonders. The city sits in the heart of the Central Valley, surrounded by coffee plantations and cloud forests that offer great opportunities for day trips and outdoor activities. In March, when the dry season is in full swing, the weather is perfect for exploring the National Theater, wandering through the Central Market, or taking short excursions to nearby volcanoes like Poás and Irazú. While most visitors use San José as a jumping-off point for Costa Rica’s beaches and rainforests, the city itself offers plenty of cultural experiences and local charm to keep you entertained.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia brings its A-game in March, and I honestly can’t think of a better time to visit this Spanish coastal gem. As winter fades away, the city comes alive with Las Fallas, an explosive 19-day festival where massive paper-mâché sculptures fill the streets before being ceremoniously burned in a spectacular finale. Beyond the festivities, you can wander through the old town’s narrow lanes, grab lunch at the art nouveau Central Market, or bike through the converted riverbed park that snakes through the city. The weather sits at that sweet spot – warm enough for outdoor cafes but cool enough to explore comfortably. And let’s not forget about the paella – March is when locals say the rice dishes taste best, thanks to the perfect mix of seasonal ingredients.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you ask any seasoned traveler about their favorite city in Thailand, there’s a good chance they’ll mention Chiang Mai. Located in the northern mountains, this laid-back cultural hub feels worlds away from Bangkok’s busy streets. The ancient city center, surrounded by crumbling walls and quiet temples, comes alive in March as temperatures stay comfortable and the crowds thin out. I love wandering through the weekend markets, where local hill tribe vendors sell colorful textiles and handicrafts, or joining a cooking class to learn the secrets of proper pad thai. The surrounding countryside, with its elephant sanctuaries and hilltop temples, offers a perfect escape when you need a break from the city streets. Just time your visit before the end of March – that’s when the burning season can make the air hazy and harder to enjoy the mountain views.
Cairo, Egypt
I always tell history buffs that March is perfect for exploring Cairo. With comfortable temps in the 70s, you can wander through the Egyptian Museum to see King Tut’s treasures, then head to the Giza Plateau where the Great Pyramids have watched over the desert for 4,500 years. The dry weather makes it ideal for cruising down the Nile River or getting lost in the narrow lanes of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where local vendors sell everything from spices to handmade carpets.
Antigua, Guatemala
Tucked away in Guatemala’s central highlands, Antigua Guatemala is a charming colonial city where old-world Spanish influence meets indigenous Mayan culture. Just an hour from Guatemala City, this former capital feels like you’ve stepped into a painting from the 1700s, complete with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings. You can spend hours wandering past centuries-old churches and monasteries, many still showing scars from past earthquakes. Because of its location between three volcanoes, you’ll find coffee plantations dotting the surrounding hills, and locals selling traditional textiles and crafts in the central plaza. The city’s pleasant spring-like weather in March makes it perfect for exploring the outdoor markets or sitting in a café, sipping some of the country’s famous coffee while watching the world go by.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Arriving in Colombo back in 2019, I found myself instantly drawn to Sri Lanka’s lively capital city. Sitting pretty along the western coast, Colombo mixes old colonial buildings with modern high-rises, creating a unique skyline that tells the story of its past and present. The Galle Face Green, a long stretch of lawn facing the Indian Ocean, comes alive each evening as locals gather to fly kites and grab dinner from street food vendors. What really caught my attention was the Pettah Market district, where narrow lanes overflow with fresh produce, spices, and textiles. The nearby Gangaramaya Temple, with its mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, and Chinese architecture, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets, while the city’s growing collection of rooftop bars provides perfect spots to watch the sun sink into the ocean.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur holds a special place among Southeast Asian capitals, offering a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern ambition. The city’s iconic Petronas Towers pierce the skyline, while down at street level, hawker stalls serve up some of the best street food you’ll find anywhere in Asia. March brings comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the maze-like streets of Chinatown or wandering through the limestone caves of Batu. It’s a city that manages to feel both familiar and exotic at once – where you can start your morning haggling at a traditional market and end your evening sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the glittering cityscape.
Amman, Jordan
Many travelers head to Amman to explore Jordan’s ancient citadel and Roman theater, but this Middle Eastern capital offers much more than just historical sites. The city spreads across seven hills, mixing old limestone buildings with modern cafes and art galleries in a way that feels both authentic and forward-looking. In March, when temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C), visitors can wander through the winding streets of the old downtown, sample local street food at the bustling Souk Jara, or take day trips to nearby wonders like the Dead Sea. While most use Amman as a gateway to Petra, those who linger discover a city where traditional Arabic coffee shops sit beside trendy rooftop restaurants, and where every neighborhood tells its own story of Jordan’s past and present.
Singapore
Singapore strikes the perfect balance between modern city life and lush greenery. Located just off the southern tip of Malaysia, this island nation packs an incredible amount of experiences into its compact size. In March, when the weather is relatively dry and comfortable, you can spend your mornings exploring the Gardens by the Bay’s futuristic Supertrees, afternoons sampling chili crab at hawker centers, and evenings sipping cocktails at rooftop bars overlooking Marina Bay. Unlike many Asian cities that lean heavily into either tradition or modernity, Singapore seamlessly blends both – you’ll find yourself walking from a centuries-old temple straight into a cutting-edge art museum. Thanks to its multicultural heritage, the city serves up a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, evident in everything from its architecture to its food scene.
Cartagena, Colombia
If you want to experience the magic of South America without the overwhelming crowds, Cartagena is your perfect March escape. Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, this colonial gem combines colorful historic buildings with modern beach vibes. The walled Old Town feels like stepping into a fairytale with its cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and charming plazas where locals gather to dance salsa as the sun sets.