Ah, March. The slow crawl out of winter’s grip finally gives way to lighter days. You can joyfully pack away your thermals and celebrate with something way more exciting than just a Netflix binge – a trip away! Schools are still in session (cue adults-only getaway), and the shift in seasons means travel deals are practically begging for attention. But, where are the best places to visit in March?
Skiing is still a thing, beaches in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean are beckoning with warm breezes, and Europe is starting to defrost (thank you, spring!). The best part? The world is blooming and temperatures are just right – no melting like a snowman or shivering like you’re in the Arctic.
With a new year comes new travel dreams, and let’s be honest—March is when the earth starts looking pretty darn happy, too. Flowers are blooming, temperatures are just right, and sitting at home? Nope, that’s not an option.
So, pack those bags and get ready to explore our top 8 best places to visit in March. Trust us—choosing just one will be the hardest decision you’ve made all year.
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8 Best Places to Visit in March: Let the Spring Fling Begin!
Chamonix, France: Where Winter Wonderland Meets Spring Vibes!
Temperature in March: 6°C high; 1°C low
Season: Winter-ish (but with al fresco lunch vibes)
Nestled under the towering Mont Blanc, Chamonix is your ultimate fairytale escape in March. Picture this: charming churches dusted with snow, cozy chalet windows glowing with firelight, and pine trees so picture-perfect they look like they’ve just leapt off a Christmas card. By now, the hardcore skiers have fled in search of colder slopes, leaving you with the perfect mix of sun, snow, and al fresco dining.
Looking for the best places to visit in March? This mountain gem is a dreamy pick – think post-ski parties, easy-to-find accommodations, and enough après-ski fun to fill your Instagram feed. Whether you’re booking a romantic Airbnb or a quirky ski hotel, Chamonix has it all.
Where to stay:
Check into RockyPop, where retro Americana meets ski vibes – complete with table football, ping pong, and live music. Or opt for Studio Grace, a chic Airbnb apartment with a private outdoor terrace for that extra slice of mountain magic.
No wonder Chamonix tops the list of the best places to visit in March – a perfect blend of snow and sunshine awaits!
ALSO READ: 8 Best Countries to Visit in March: Unmissable Destinations for an Epic Adventure!
Madrid, Spain: Spring Blooms, Tapas Dreams, and Rooftop Scenes
Temperature in March: 16°C high; 6°C low
Season: Spring
Madrid in March is like seeing the city finally shrug off its winter coat and slip into something more comfortable – and warmer. As soon as the clocks jump forward, so does the energy in the air. Parks are in full bloom, and the streets buzz with locals sipping caipirinhas and dancing well into the night. With temps hovering around a comfortable 20°C, it’s the perfect time to explore Madrid’s world-class galleries, belle-époque mansions, and high-end boutiques without feeling like you’ve melted into the pavement.
Looking for the best places to visit in March? Madrid serves up the perfect spring mix – warm weather, vibrant culture, and food that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). Sure, traditional tapas are great, but Madrid’s newer, stylish gastro bars will have your taste buds doing a flamenco. Pro tip: Plan for nothing more than a siesta post-tapas.
Where to stay:
For an artsy stay, check into 7 Islas, a family-owned gem that’s half hotel, half gallery. Or, enjoy sweeping views from The Principal Madrid Hotel, with its rooftop terrace overlooking the famous Metrópolis dome. Traveling with friends? This spacious Airbnb sleeps six, perfect for exploring one of the best places to visit in March!
ALSO READ: Discover the 7 Best Hotels in Madrid. One Will Surely Captivate You!
Rome, Italy: Where Ancient Wonders Meet Springtime Strolls (and Pizza)
Temperature in March: 17°C high; 6°C low
Season: Spring
If you’ve been dreaming of wandering through Rome’s ancient streets without melting under the unforgiving summer sun, March is your month. Rome, one of the best places to visit in March, offers the perfect weather for history buffs, foodies, and lovers of all things Italian. The Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain shine brightest in the gentle spring breeze, making sightseeing an absolute dream.
And let’s face it, there’s so much to see, it’s easier to admit you’ll be back sooner than later. So, map out your days or just let yourself get lost in its leafy parks and majestic churches while filling up on Rome’s best pizzas – because no one said sightseeing had to be done on an empty stomach!
Pro tip: If Easter falls in March (looking at you, 2024), expect Rome to be extra lively – and by lively, we mean busy. So plan ahead!
Where to stay:
Opening in 2024, Cardo Roma is your sleek, modern escape with top-notch wellness facilities, but it’s a bit outside the city. For a more central stay, Palm Suites puts you right near the Colosseum, perfect for fashion-conscious travelers who like their ruins with a side of style.
Rome in March – absolutely one of the best places to visit in March for history, pizza, and a stylish Roman holiday!
ALSO READ: 8 Best Restaurants in Rome: Culinary Gems You’ll Absolutely Love!
Lisbon, Portugal: A Hilly Adventure You’ll Feel in Your Glutes (But It’s Totally Worth It)
Temperature in March: 18°C high; 10°C low
Season: Spring
Lisbon in March? Oh, honey, your glutes won’t know what hit them! Known as the City of Seven Hills, Lisbon is the perfect blend of charm, culture, and cardio. Tackling the top sights during the scorching summer might feel like a marathon, but March brings just the right warmth to make this one of the best places to visit in March without breaking too much of a sweat. Start your day marveling at the stunning Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, and if your legs need a break, light a candle at the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major. The Botanical Garden of Lisbon is also a must for a peaceful stroll before you grab a bite at a cute roadside café.
But don’t hang up your walking shoes just yet – the nightlife awaits! Throw on a light jacket and hit the bars on Pink Street or make your way to Red Frog, Lisbon’s entry in the World’s 100 Best Bars list. It’s one of the best places to visit in March for digital nomads, too – UK travelers, rejoice! No time difference here.
Where to stay: For newbies, 1908 Lisboa Hotel is a central and affordable gem. But if glam is your thing, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is a luxurious treat. You won’t want to miss Michelin-starred dining at CURA – one of Lisbon’s best places to visit in March for foodies.
ALSO READ: Where To Stay in Lisbon: 8 Incredible Picks for Incredible Stay!
Ireland: Where Rain, Green Hills, and Guinness Await!
Temperature in March: 12°C high; 8°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from UK: 1 hour 5 minutes
Time difference: GMT +0
If you’re after moody landscapes, cosy pubs, and a good dose of Irish charm, Ireland in March is hands down one of the best places to visit in March. The Emerald Isle is at its best: wild, windswept, and refreshingly unpredictable – meaning, yes, probably a bit rainy. With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, why not explore Donegal’s movie-worthy beaches or the majestic Cliffs of Moher? For Star Wars fans, a visit to Skellig Michael is a must – because who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Jedi on this craggy sea rock?
Need a pint (or three)? Galway’s famous oysters go down well with a Guinness in one of its brightly painted pubs, like the legendary Tigh Neachtain. In Dublin, tech giants have claimed the docklands, but locals flock to The Marker Hotel’s rooftop bar for some post-work revelry.
Where to stay: Ashford Castle in County Mayo is a dream – part medieval fortress, part fairytale château. It’s one of Ireland’s best places to visit in March if you’re looking for royal vibes with a dash of luxury.
ALSO READ: 10 Ireland Beaches: Discover the Most Stunning Seaside Escapes!
The Canary Islands: A Springtime Escape to Spain’s Sun-Kissed Gems
Temperature in March: 21°C high; 15°C low
Season: Spring
The Canary Islands are like the ultimate cheat code for springtime travel. These golden jewels off North Africa’s coast are among the best places to visit in March, offering sunshine, endless beaches, and, best of all, no peak-season crowds. Whether you’re catching Lanzarote’s cool surf vibes or wandering Tenerife’s surreal, moon-like landscapes, these islands know how to dazzle.
Fancy some hidden gems? La Gomera’s dramatic ravines and the misty volcanic craters of Fuencaliente offer nature at its finest. Santa Cruz de la Palma? Think whitewashed Renaissance palaces with a splash of old-world charm. And if you need help picking which island to hit first, don’t miss our guide to the best places to visit in March in the Canaries!
Where to stay: How about a lighthouse? The 18th-century Faro Punta Cumplida on La Palma will light up your holiday (literally). For a local twist, try Finca Malvasia’s vineyard cottages in Lanzarote, or the seaside serenity of Garachico, Tenerife’s best-kept secret. Your March escape just got a lot cooler!
South Africa: A March Safari Adventure Like No Other
Temperature in March: 27°C high; 21°C low
Season: Dry
Looking for one of the best places to visit in March? South Africa’s wild beauty has you covered! With 19 national parks, the end of the wet season means fewer crowds, better deals, and just the occasional afternoon shower. Dreaming of seeing the Big Five? Head to the iconic Kruger National Park in the northeast. If romance on horseback is more your thing, the lush Garden Route awaits, ready to transport you into your very own Out of Africa moment.
Want a safari without leaving the city vibes behind? Little Karoo, the closest safari to Cape Town, is the perfect compromise. After dusting off your boots, Cape Town itself will welcome you with open arms, showing off its sun-soaked charm in March when the tourists are still hibernating.
Where to stay: Experience eco-luxury at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a carbon-negative sanctuary near Cape Town. With sleek, glassy lodges and homegrown food from its 2,500-hectare reserve, this might just be the ultimate spot for one of the best places to visit in March.
Oman: Discover the Middle East’s Hidden Gem This March
Temperature in March: 29°C high; 23°C low
Season: Spring
Looking for one of the best places to visit in March? Say hello to Oman, the cool, understated cousin to the UAE’s glitzy, skyscraper-studded scene. While Dubai might dazzle with its futuristic playgrounds, Oman enchants with serene fjords, emerald waterfalls, and lush green oases—thanks to the Khareef, Salalah’s very own magical monsoon. March is the perfect time to explore this Middle Eastern marvel, with pleasant weather sandwiched between the winter rush and the stifling summer heat.
Wander through Muscat, where craggy mountains and the grand Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque provide a stunning backdrop. For a truly unforgettable stay, try the Six Senses Zighy Bay, where you can paraglide straight into luxury, or Anantara’s cliffside retreat in the Hajar Mountains. These spots are not just hotels; they’re experiences, blending Oman’s natural beauty with its low-key luxury.
Where to stay: Discover the best places to visit in March at Six Senses Zighy Bay, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, and The Chedi in Muscat. For more options, check our Oman guide and start packing for the ultimate Arabian adventure.
