The Best Places to Visit in March: Weather & Travel Guide

Stateside hot spots and romantic international escapes are among the top March destinations for couples.

Photo: Pavel Tochinsky | Getty Images

Updated Jan 31, 2025

So you're looking for the best places to visit in March. This month marks a transitional period from winter to spring, with temperatures easing up and flowers beginning to bloom. If you're in the US, it can be a tad challenging to predict the weather in a month that famously "comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." There are, however, countless cities and countries that have more predictable forecasts (think 70 and sunny) in March.

Of course, not all travel goals are similar. Perhaps you're celebrating a significant milestone with a romantic getaway for a March honeymoon or anniversary trip. Some may want to take a ski vacation while others might want to lean into one of our favorite travel trends—slow travel—or enjoy the ease and sea breeze of all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of your travel goals, there's a fabulous March destination with great weather. These 10 places to visit in March will make you believe Spring is the best time to explore.

Barcelona, Spain

Wondering where to travel in March if you're craving a bucket list-worthy getaway without the jammed itinerary? Embrace the slow travel trend and instead of jet-setting all over Europe (or even city-hopping across Spain), spend an extended holiday in the cosmopolitan city known as the capital of the nation's Catalonia region. Temperatures start creeping toward 60 degrees in March, but crowds are smaller than their late-spring and summer peaks. Couples will have elbow room and won't overheat as they explore whimsical and Gothic architecture (including a Gaudí tour) while eating Catalan must-haves like pa amb tomàquet and escalivada.

Things to Do: Barri Gòtic, Park Güell, Ciutat Vella, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Família, Picasso Museum, Barcelona Cathedral, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and a cooking class.

Places to Stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona, El Palace Hotel Barcelona, Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection, W Barcelona, Hotel Casa Fuster, Monument Hotel and Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux‎.

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Canada

With spring winds blowing in, the year's third month may not scream "ski season" in North America, but Canadian resorts stay open through the middle of the year. It makes our Northern neighbors one of the best places to travel in March. Even if the snow is faux, the milder temperatures will allow couples to cruise the slopes, perhaps graduating from bunny to intermediate, instead of heading inside ASAP due to Jack Frost nipping at their noses. Have spring fever? Cherry blossoms bloom in Vancouver in early March (when the International Dance Festival honoring contemporary dance also typically occurs).

Things to Do: Vancouver International Dance Festival, ski destinations like Tremblant (Quebec), Mont St. Sauveur (Quebec), Whistler (Vancouver) and Marmot Basin (Alberta), Niagara Falls tour and Quebec City tour and cruise.

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Sonora Resort, Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls and Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel.

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St. Lucia

Temperatures are a milder 80 degrees in March in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island less likely than Cancun to experience the tail end of spring break crowds. The island is home to all-inclusive resorts near the glistening sea, making for gorgeous backdrops for romantic honeymoon or anniversary dinners and beach days. The fuss-free planning that comes with having meals, snacks and other perks (like water sport equipment access) included doesn't hurt. Plus, the warm waters provide plenty of fodder for romantic getaway itineraries. Dive and snorkel, taking in marine life and coral reefs as you go, or simply sit on a white-sand beach, fruity beverage in hand, and chill.

Things to Do: Tet Paul Nature Trail (Stairway to Heaven), The Pitons, snorkel, scuba dive, Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park, Pigeon Island National Park, land and sea tour and make your own chocolate.

Places to Stay: Serenity at Coconut Bay, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, Sandals Grande St. Lucia, Sandals Regency La Toc, Jade Mountain Resort, Cap Maison and Spa and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.

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The Florida Keys

March is the best month to hit the Sunshine State before—dare we say it—the sunshine becomes a potential drawback. Temperatures are typically in the 70s and 80s during March, making it a welcome respite for people hailing from states that get a true winter. Though March isn't "peak season," couples can experience various things worth celebrating. St. Patrick's Day celebrations, for instance, are aplenty in these parts, ideal for couples with serious cabin fever. It's also still spring break season.

Things to Do: Sailing, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman Little White House, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, deep sea fishing and snorkeling.

Places to Stay: Reef at Marathon Resort, Bungalows Key Largo, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, Opal Key Resort and Marina and Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton.

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St. Barts

The small French island of St. Barthélemy is a dreamy, romantic Caribbean locale set by the sparkling turquoise sea. The annual bucket regatta happens on the island each year in March—experience superyacht racing, perhaps for the first time, and social events. Tropical temperatures remain in the 70s, mild enough to feel like you can stick your toes in the sand and stay a while without letting anyone see you sweat.

Things to Do: Attend the St. Barths Bucket Regatta, snorkel or scuba dive, mingle at Nikki Beach Club, visit Colombier Beach.

Places to Stay: Pearl Beach Hotel, Cheval Blanc, Eden Rock, Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, Hôtel Le Village Saint Barth and Hotel Christopher Saint-Barth.

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Charleston, South Carolina

The idyllic South Carolina port city with cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages feels straight out of another place in time. Historic inns and B&Bs with service that epitomizes Southern hospitality give a trip here a home-away-from-home feel. The warm vibes and mild temperatures make Charleston one of the best places to travel in March in the US for couples from cooler climates (it's also a worthy road trip for Southerners). The weather is generally in the mid-60s—low enough to consider layering without dreading going outdoors like you may be doing somewhere colder. In March, the city hosts its annual St. Patty's Day Parade.

Things to Do: Attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown, historic horse and carriage tour, historic walking tour, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, The Battery, Rainbow Row and cruise at sunset.

Places to Stay: Wentworth Mansion, The Dewberry, Hotel Bennett, The Loutrel, French Quarter Inn, Barksdale House Inn, Fulton Lane Inn and The Jasmine House.

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Cape Town, South Africa

March is a popular time to visit Cape Town. Honeymoon weather is at its finest during the month, sitting comfortably in the high-60s and low-70s with little rain. Cyclists hit the pavement for the world's largest timed bike race, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, each March. If you prefer a Peloton and blissful relaxation, stunning seaside resorts leave plenty of room for that. The resort town is home to both Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches, penguins and a lauded wine region.

Things to Do: Attend (or ride in) the Cape Town Cycle Tour, penguin encounter, wine tasting, Boulders Beach, Clifton Beach and V&A Waterfront.

Places to Stay: Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, The Silo Hotel, One&Only Cape Town, Ellerman Hotel, Cape Grace Hotel and Steenberg Hotel.

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Munich, Germany

Beer fans consider Munich one of the low-key best places to vacation in March. Though chilly, the Munich social scene heats everything up. You may know all about Oktoberfest, but the large Bavarian beer festival called Starkbierfest takes place in March. St. Patrick's Day is also known for being a hopping good time, with raucous celebrations. Between pours, take in centuries-old architecture in Altstadt (Old Town), experience the arts and culture scene at one of the many museums, or shop at a night market for unique souvenirs.

Things to Do: Altstadt (Old Town), Glockenbachviertel, Marienplatz River Isar, Midnightbazar (night market every other Saturday at 5 p.m.), BMW Museum, Olympiapark, English Garden, Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace.

Places to Stay: Louis Hotel, Hotel Prinz München, Gästehaus Englischer Garten, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München and Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor - a Concept by Hyatt and Hotel München Palace.

Jamaica

Jamaica's pleasant climate makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations in March. With temperatures in the 70s and the sun usually shining, every day can be a beach day here. The island is known for having some of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, making planning a total breeze. Speaking of breezes, you'll get plenty of those. The resorts come with beach access, in addition to unlimited food and beverage. Other perks like snorkeling excursions, water sport equipment access and intimate candlelit dinners under the stars can often be added on (or perhaps included).

Things to Do: Snorkel and enjoy a cruise, Seven Mile Beach, Dunn's River Falls and Park, and the Blue Hole.

Places to Stay: Excellence Oyster Bay, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Negril, Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Sans Souci and Sunset at the Palms.

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New Hampshire

Maple Weekend is bigger than Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day in New Hampshire. The annual event takes place in mid-March, and sugar houses invite guests to come watch as the sap is taken from the trees and boiled into the sweet stuff. Yes, tasting is included. Elsewhere, Portsmouth's nautical surroundings will get couples in a summer state of mind, even if temperatures are chilly, and Hanover's Appalachian Trail access is ideal for strolls and hikes.

Things to Do: Attend Maple Weekend or stop by a sugar house, cruise Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, tour Portsmouth by bike and hike the Appalachian Trail or Mount Washington.

Places to Stay: Omni Mount Washington, Wentworth By the Sea, The Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa, The Bedford Village Inn, The Hotel Concord, The Glen House Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront.

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Hawaii

With year-round mild weather, there's truly no bad time to visit the Aloha State. March makes for a good choice. Expect sunshine, blue skies and temperatures in the 70s. However, it's spring there, so a shower or two wouldn't be out of the ordinary during March vacations. Evenings are cooler—in the 60s—so pack layers for dinners out. Unlike the colder Atlantic beaches in the Northeast that won't warm until the summer, Hawaii's Pacific Ocean waters are warm enough to hang ten (or at least learn to surf). The Honolulu Festival brings celebrations and performances to the city each March.

Things to Do: Take a surf lesson, see sea turtles while snorkeling, attend the Honolulu Festival and attend a luau (your hotel might host one).

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Koa Kea Resort On Poipu Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Hotel Wailea and The Laylow, Autograph Collection.

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