See ya winter, spring is so on. The days are starting to get longer, the blossom is blossoming, and the countdown to summer has started. Whether you’re heading off for an Easter holiday trip with the family or you can’t hold out until the summer for some sunshine, our March picks meet all the briefs.
The category is long haul – from St Lucia and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast to Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius. Don’t fancy the flight time? Spain’s looking nice and warm right about now, and we’re even looking at Cyprus, too…
Here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in March. Or if you’ve already got your eye on one of these picks, lock it in on our deals page.
Spain
Hottest pick – Valencia
We’re spicing things up with a Spanish city break. By March, Valencia’s already reaching the low 20s, and the orange blossom’s out which smells unreal. The weather is ideal for packing in the culture and the sightseeing – check out the Gothic cathedral and Medieval architecture in the Old Quarter, pick up some souvenirs in the cute craft shops, then it’s time to sit outside a tapas bar and sip on a glass of sangria. Plus, the city’s Costa Blanca postcode means you can add beach days to your itinerary.
You’ll also be around to catch Valencia’s event of the year – Las Fellas Festival. The locals celebrate spring’s arrival in style with huge parades, firework displays and artists taking over the streets. Immaculate vibes all round.
Mexico
Hottest pick – Cancun
Buckle up – Cancun’s in its Spring Break era. For party people, Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is THE place to be in March. It’s dry season, the temps are feeling tropical in the late 20s, and a long line up of events are taking over the town. In the lively Hotel Zone, you can expect beach clubs and pool parties with big-name DJs around the clock, and Playa Delfines – the most popular beach – to be extra buzzy.
If you want to dial things down, things in the Downtown area are a lot more low-key. Eat like a local in a cantina, scan the stalls for treasures in the markets, or find a chilled beach bar. And for a more secluded stretch of sand, Playa Chac Mool has got you covered.
The Maldives
Tbh, this is always a great pick – but March is definitely one of the best months to visit the Maldives. Days are sitting at a toasty average of 31°C, there’s almost no chance of rain, and the ocean’s looking 4K-clear for snorkelling and scuba diving in the coral reefs – plus it’s the start of the surf season. The conditions couldn’t be better for embracing the destination’s no-shoes lifestyle, so leave your sliders at the door and have your Maldivian moment in an above-water villa, hopping between islands and walking barefoot on the warm sand. A dream.
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Sri Lanka
Sitting above the Maldives, Sri Lanka’s another iconic Indian Ocean Island. It’s a similar story in March here, too – temperatures are hovering in the low 30s and there are no rain clouds in sight, but this pick’s got a lot more going on beyond the beach. Head inland and you’ll find fragrant tea plantations, centuries-old colonial mansions and golden Buddhist temples. It’s a few degrees cooler up in the hill country, so it’s a great time of year for trekking to the ancient cities.
If you prefer geography over history, the island’s covered in jungle that’s packed with wildlife, and the dry season’s the best time for spotting animals – keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, and buffalo stopping for a drink at the local watering holes.
St Lucia
The Caribbean’s a classic pick for a tropical trip, and St Lucia doesn’t disappoint. The thermometer doesn’t budge below 30°C in March, and the rainy season’s long gone. The northeast trade winds are beginning to blow, so it’s a solid time for surf scene. Resorts on the north side of the island are the place to be for watersports, like Rodney Bay.
The cool breeze is also very welcome when you’re out and about exploring. Now’s a good time to set off for a hike in the rainforest – wind your way through the trees and past waterfalls, keeping an eye out for bright parrots and iguanas. Or if you’re looking for thrills, try zip-lining through the jungle instead.
Plot twist…
Cyprus
While Cyprus definitely doesn’t reach peak hotness in March, it’s still warm enough for beach trips. The temperature’s already climbing up through the low 20s, and the south side of the island gets the most sun, which is where all the resorts are anyway. Summer days here can get almost too hot for sightseeing, so make the most of the cooler weather with a trip to the ancient Tomb of the Kings in Paphos, or the Roman ruins – AKA Kourion – in Limassol.
Got your eye on one of March’s hot picks? Check out our holidays to narrow down your perfect pick.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 21/07/2024
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