March Leave List

The world starts waking up.

Where to travel in March?

While winter is finally beginning to loosen its grip on Europe, spring is arriving in some of the world’s most exciting destinations. It’s also one of those rare months where you can go almost anywhere from ancient cities and desert landscapes to tropical beaches, mountain adventures and vibrant cultural escapes.

March is particularly good for travellers who want to explore rather than simply relax. Temperatures are often comfortable for sightseeing and hiking, before the intense heat of summer arrives in many destinations.

Whether you’re looking for a long-haul adventure, a dose of sunshine or somewhere spectacular to explore outdoors, March has plenty to offer.

Best Places to Visit in March

Vietnam is one of the rare destinations where March brings good conditions across much of the country at the same time. The north is comfortable for sightseeing, central Vietnam is warm and dry, and the south is still enjoying plenty of sunshine.

That makes it an excellent month for a multi-region adventure, from Hanoi and the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.

Best things to do: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruise through Ha Long Bay, cycle around Ninh Binh, wander through Hoi An, explore Hue or relax on the beaches around Da Nang.

Spring transforms Morocco into a much more comfortable place to explore. Days are warm without the intense summer heat, while the Atlas Mountains begin to burst into colour with wildflowers.

It’s a particularly good time to combine Morocco’s cities, mountains and desert in one trip.

Best things to do: Get lost in Marrakech’s souks, explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen, trek in the Atlas Mountains, spend a night in the Sahara or explore the historic medina of Fes.

With long sunny days and manageable temperatures, Egypt is made for exploring rather than hiding from the heat in March.

It’s a chance to spend hours wandering ancient temples and archaeological sites before summer temperatures make sightseeing considerably harder.

Best things to do: Visit the Pyramids of Giza, explore the Egyptian Museum, cruise the Nile, discover Luxor’s temples and tombs or explore the temples of Abu Simbel.

Jordan’s landscapes are at their most inviting when temperatures are mild, making March ideal for exploring on foot and spending time outdoors.

From wandering through Petra’s ancient rock-cut city to hiking through the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, you can comfortably combine some of the country’s greatest experiences in one trip.

Best things to do: Explore Petra, hike through Wadi Mujib, spend a night in Wadi Rum, float in the Dead Sea and explore the ancient ruins of Jerash.

If you’re looking for sunshine in March, Mexico offers plenty of choice. The Yucatán is warm and dry, while the Caribbean coast is perfect for combining Mayan ruins, cenotes and beaches.

Further west, March is also an exciting time for whale watching around Baja California.

Best things to do: Explore Chichén Itzá, swim in cenotes, discover Valladolid, relax on the beaches of Tulum or Isla Holbox, explore Mexico City or go whale watching in Baja California.

Malaysia offers an appealing mix of tropical landscapes, incredible food and cultural experiences, and March can provide a useful weather window for exploring several parts of the country.

Depending on your route, you can combine the energy of Kuala Lumpur and Penang with rainforest adventures in Borneo or time on a tropical island.

Best things to do: Explore Kuala Lumpur, eat your way through Penang, visit the Cameron Highlands, explore Borneo’s rainforests, spot wildlife or relax on tropical islands.

Before the UAE’s summer heat takes over, March offers a comfortable balance of warm sunshine and outdoor adventure.

It’s a great time to experience the country’s futuristic cities while still having the weather to head into the desert, mountains and wadis.

Best things to do: Explore Dubai, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, go dune bashing, spend a night in the desert or explore the mountains and wadis around Ras Al Khaimah.

Aruba is the kind of destination to keep in mind when you simply want reliable sunshine and turquoise water.

Outside the main hurricane belt and blessed with warm temperatures and cooling trade winds, March is perfect for combining beach time with snorkelling, diving and exploring the island’s rugged interior.

Best things to do: Relax on Eagle Beach, snorkel or dive, explore Arikok National Park, discover the island’s natural pools or take a sunset cruise.

As summer begins to fade into autumn, Chile’s landscapes take on a different character. Clear skies, cooler temperatures and fewer peak-season crowds make this an exciting time to explore the country’s spectacular outdoors.

In the south, Patagonia offers some of the world’s most dramatic hiking scenery, while further north the Atacama provides an entirely different landscape.

Best things to do: Hike in Torres del Paine, explore the glaciers around Patagonia, visit Santiago, discover the Atacama Desert or take in the dramatic landscapes of the Carretera Austral.

March brings the beginning of autumn to Argentina, with warm days, cooler evenings and harvest season in Mendoza.

It’s an especially good time to combine the country’s food and wine culture with its spectacular landscapes, from Buenos Aires and the vineyards of Mendoza to the mountains of Patagonia.

Best things to do: Explore Buenos Aires, visit the vineyards of Mendoza, experience the wine harvest, hike around El Chaltén or discover the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.

You can:

  • Explore ancient cities and mountain landscapes without extreme heat
  • Chase the sun before Europe’s summer arrives
  • Hike through spectacular mountains and natural landscapes
  • Escape to the beach while winter is still lingering at home

And because March sits outside Europe’s main summer travel season, it can be a fantastic time to explore popular destinations with more comfortable conditions and fewer crowds.

Not travelling in March? Explore another month.