Where to go on holiday in March

Want to shake off the winter blues and kick spring off with a sunny holiday? Here are 5 of our favourite destinations for March.

March is the perfect time to go on holiday. As the days grow longer and daffodils begin to bloom, we’re desperate to leave our winter hibernation behind. But the weather in the UK is still wet, often cold, and unpredictable. Fortunately, there’s plenty of sun to be found further south, and this shoulder season can be just the right time to take it in.

Across Southern Europe, the days become mild and pleasant while the crowds remain light, making spring the perfect time to explore cities in Italy, Spain and Portugal before they get too hot and crowded. Meanwhile, sunbirds are still flocking to the Caribbean, Central and South America and South East Asia thanks to consistently warm, dry weather.

If you’re looking to escape to some sunnier place, here are a few of our favourite holiday destinations for March.

1 Seville, Spain

☀ Average March temperatures: Highs: 20°C; Lows: 9°C

Ah, Seville – there’s something so seductive about this sun-soaked Andalusian city. It’s rich in fascinating history, steeped in stunning architectural detail, and still thrums to the beat of its own multicultural drum. Walking along the Plaza de España, with the clip-clop and creak of horse-pulled carriages and the rhythmic tap of the flamenco dancers’ heels, you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time.

Seville comes alive in March when the days are often pleasantly warm and the air scented with sweet orange blossom. The streets are less crowded, the stunning architecture draped in bougainvillea, and locals are eating al fresco again. It’s the perfect time to explore the Moorish palaces, grand Cathedral, and winding streets of Triana for traditional flamenco and tapas.

Unless you’d like to take part in the festivities, we recommend coming before the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril celebrations in April/early May when prices and crowds are at their peak.

3 Mexico

☀ Average March temperatures: Highs: 30°C; Lows: 21°C

March can be the perfect time to visit Mexico for hot, but not intolerable weather. In these last months of their dry season, temperatures are rising but humidity is low and there’s a cool breeze off the sea. Along the Yucatan Peninsula, travellers enjoy around nine hours of sunshine a day, balmy 28°C weather and 26°C turquoise waters. In Oaxaca and Mexico City, it’s warm with cooler evenings; ideal for city tours, late dinners and cultural sightseeing.

This is the peak season for Mexico as spring breakers flock down from the US, and beaches can get crowded, so make sure to book ahead. If you’re headed to the coast, we recommend avoiding hotspots like Cancun and seeking out quieter, more bohemian areas like Tulum and Bacalar. In Tulum, you’ll find a mix of beach lounging, foodie hotspots, ancient Mayan ruins and a small but trendy nightlife scene. In contrast, Bacalar is a quiet piece of paradise focused on wellness and sustainability; think morning yoga, paddleboarding and trips to cenotes and quieter Mayan sites like Kohunlich.

4 Costa Rica

☀ Average April temperatures: Highs: 29C; Lows: 24C

You’ll want to book early for March in Costa Rica, as it’s a popular time to visit – and for good reason. This is one of the country’s driest months, with consistently warm, sunny days and perfect conditions for surfing and spotting wildlife. It’s also when all the orchids are in bloom, making for some especially beautiful rainforest treks.

It can also be a colourful month for local events and festivals. There’s the Oxcarts Parade in San Jose when farmers take their oxen to the city to be blessed, and depending on when Easter falls, there are ongoing celebrations surrounding Holy Week.

But if you’re hoping to get lost in the lush wilderness that Costa Rica is known for, there’s no better time. Whether you’re heading into the forested Central Valley or out to the Pacific Coast for surfing and beach lounging, the chances of rain ruining your plans are low. (Though in the rainforest, there will be occasional showers, and it’s always best to have rain gear.) If you’re hoping to escape the crowds, head down to the adventurous Osa Peninsula or across to the Nicoya Peninsula.

5 Thailand

☀ Average March temperatures: Highs: 34C; Lows: 28C

March is the tail end of the dry season in Thailand and the peak tourist months are over. This means crowds are thinning, room availability is opening up, and prices are dropping – but the weather is still to die for (and mosquitoes are at their lowest due to the long dry spell).

In this sweet spot before the heat and humidity rise in April, it’s a good time to head down to the south coast and visit hotspots that would usually be filled to the brim like Phuket or Koh Samui. If you’re looking for a castaway feel, explore Koh Lanta and the surrounding islands with soft, sandy beaches framed by lush jungle and low-hanging palms. The Phang Nga region, with its towering limestone islands and large lakes, is also beautiful this time of year.

As the heat and humidity draw in, it’s a good time to head up north to explore Chiang Mai. While you won’t find sun-washed beaches, this is a wonderful spot for food, friendly locals and cultural sightseeing. And just outside the city, green farmland, shadowy mountains and stunning sunsets seem to go on forever.