Where to Travel in March: Our Top Vacation Picks

The Best Travel Destinations in March at a Glance

To give you a quick overview of which destinations might be right for you, here’s a summary table of the best places to visit in March.

We’ve noted our recommended trip duration, the approximate flight time, and the price level for every destination.

* Matera: to Bari, then about 1 more hour by car
* Khao Lak: to Phuket, then about 1 more hour by car

March Travel Destinations in Germany

The first flowers are blooming, the cities are coming alive, and being outside is actually enjoyable again — exactly the right time to discover the best March travel destinations in Germany!

German Wine Route

• Type of trip: Active vacation, leisure vacation
• Also a good time to visit: April through October
• Climate: 36–59°F, 7–10 rainy days

The German Wine Route is an 85-kilometer-long road through Rhineland-Palatinate. It runs from Bockenheim near Worms, one of the most beautiful towns in Rheinhessen, all the way to Schweigen-Rechtenbach.

The name says it all — this is one of the top wine-growing regions in Germany. You absolutely have to stop at a winery and sample a glass or two. Seriously, it would be rude not to.

Tucked between forests and vineyards, you’ll also find some really charming villages like Sankt Martin, Deidesheim, and Neustadt — perfect for hiking and cycling or poking around old castles and palaces.

In March, the region’s wine festival season kicks off. The highlight is the Almond Blossom Festival in Gimmeldingen, when the hillsides glow pink and there’s great Palatinate food — and, of course, delicious wine.

Our hotel pick: Weinhaus Paradies – a charming winery in Neustadt, idyllically set right in the middle of the vineyards

Eifel

• Type of trip: Active and nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: April through October
• Climate: 36–55°F, 10–12 rainy days

The Eifel is a seriously underrated spot for a March vacation in Germany. Before the summer crowds descend, you can enjoy nature here completely at your own pace.

The dense forests, rolling hills, and the Rursee are perfect for relaxed hikes and walks. With a bit of luck, the first spring flowers will already be out. Simply lovely!

And you don’t have to be a nature lover to have a great time here — the Eifel is also packed with history. Castles, ruins, and idyllic villages are everywhere, like Monschau with its gorgeous historic old quarter.

Our hotel pick: Boutique Hotel Landhauszeit – a cozy 3-star hotel in the picturesque town of Bad Münstereifel

March Travel Destinations in Europe

Want to go a little further afield? Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in March across Europe:

Matera

• Type of trip: Cultural trip and city break
• Also a good time to visit: April through June and September through October
• Climate: 45–59°F, 5–7 rainy days

Have you been to the Italian city of Matera yet? No? Then add it to your March vacation list right now. At this time of year, the city is still quiet and not too hot — perfect for soaking it all in without the hustle and bustle.

What makes Matera so special are the “Sassi” — historic cave districts carved directly into the rock. As you wander through the ancient alleyways and take in the cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you’re in the mood for some nature, the Parco della Murgia is ideal. Hike through the hills and enjoy a unique panorama over Matera and the surrounding landscape.

Our hotel pick: Palazzotto Residence&Winery – a designer cave hotel with excellent value for money in the off-season

Barcelona

• Type of trip: Cultural trip and city break
• Also a good time to visit: April through June and September through October
• Climate: 52–63°F, 3–8 rainy days

Barcelona is one of the coolest and most creative cities in Europe. Cookie-cutter buildings and boring museums? Not here! Instead, you get wild architectural masterpieces like the enormous Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà — all by the legendary Antoni Gaudí.

Short on time? A hop-on/hop-off bus tour through Barcelona is totally worth it. You get a great overview and tick off the top highlights without rushing.

The mild March weather is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the most exciting museums in Barcelona. There are also far fewer tourists around in the off-season — and you can score real deals on hotels in Barcelona right now!

Our hotel pick: Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella – a top location in the hip El Born neighborhood

Athens

• Type of trip: Cultural trip and city break
• Also a good time to visit: April through June and September through October
• Climate: 52–66°F, 3–5 rainy days

Ancient temples and ruins, markets full of spices and olives, the smell of freshly baked pita bread… you’ve landed in the Greek capital of Athens, and it’s every bit as good as you’d hope.

No city break in March is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, but Athens has so much more going on. Beyond the historic sites, there are hip neighborhoods like Psyrri and Exarchia to explore, where cool street art mixes with traditional tavernas.

Grab some Greek mezze while a bouzouki player strikes up in the corner. Just a wonderful atmosphere.

And if you feel like a change of scenery, the sea is never far away. A quick day trip from Athens to Piraeus or the Athens Riviera gives you a little taste of island life.

Our hotel pick: Sweet Home Hotel – an ideal hotel for first-time visitors, with excellent value for money

Lisbon

• Type of trip: Cultural trip and city break
• Also a good time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 52–66°F, 7–9 rainy days

Lisbon is at the top of many people’s bucket lists — and honestly, it deserves to be. The city is simply beautiful, with its winding alleyways and a location right by the sea. For food lovers especially, Lisbon is paradise. Delicious Pastéis de Nata are everywhere, and the food markets — like the Time Out Market — are seriously good.

Ride the famous yellow Tram 28E, soak up the views from one of the many miradouros, or head all the way up to the Cristo Rei statue.

Not a classic sightseeing person? Lisbon has plenty of street art and cool shopping spots like the LX Factory to keep you busy.

In March, you can enjoy all of this at a relaxed pace — without too many tourists and in pleasant weather. Perfect for a coffee in the first spring sunshine.

Our hotel pick: The Felix 10 – a family-friendly boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace

Fuerteventura

• Type of trip: Active vacation, beach vacation
• Also a good time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 59–72°F, 1–2 rainy days

Fuerteventura is a fantastic March vacation pick. The sun shines almost all day long and spring is very much in the air.

In every direction, you’ll find stunning beaches on Fuerteventura. The Atlantic is still a little cool right now, but it’s warm enough to kick back on the sand.

There’s so much more to do beyond the beach, though. Among the best activities on Fuerteventura are trips to the Jandia Natural Park, the island of Lobos, and the dunes of Corralejo.

And if you want even more action, this is the perfect place for all kinds of water sports — surfing, kiteboarding, you name it!

Our hotel pick: Hélène Holidays – one of the most beautiful beachfront hotels on Fuerteventura, with a great location in Corralejo

Long-Haul Destinations in March

Is Europe not quite enough for your March vacation? No problem! Here are our best picks for where to travel in March if you want to go further afield.

Essaouira

• Type of trip: Cultural trip, beach vacation, active vacation
• Also a good time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 57–70°F, 2–4 rainy days

Essaouira is a small artists’ town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, where Portuguese colonial architecture blends with an oriental flair straight out of the Arabian Nights. The old town is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Right outside town lies a long sandy beach — great for sunbathing and a fantastic spot for kite- and windsurfers. If you want to explore more coastline, there are great options nearby like Taghazout.

Morocco’s beaches are still wonderfully uncrowded in March, since high season hasn’t kicked in yet. The water is still a bit cool for swimming, but the vibe is perfect.

Quick tip: Keep Ramadan in mind. It doesn’t fall in March every year, but when it does, many restaurants are closed during the day. On the flip side, you’ll get to experience Morocco during Ramadan in a very special atmosphere — especially in the evenings when the fast is broken.

Our hotel pick: Riad Dar Awil – a small, lovingly decorated riad in a prime location

Sri Lanka

• Type of trip: Beach vacation, cultural trip, nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 75–86°F, 10–15 rainy days (southwest)

Sri Lanka is a fantastic March destination for adventurers and nature lovers: hike up Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, spot elephants, crocodiles, and turtles in Sri Lanka’s national parks, or discover pristine beaches beneath the palm trees.

One of the absolute highlights is the train ride from Kandy to Ella. You’ll pass tea plantations and traditional villages while locals wave from the sides of the tracks — it’s seriously one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

Sri Lanka is also a true paradise for surfers and yogis, with stunning accommodations set right in the middle of nature — often at incredibly low prices.

In March, the southwest and the central region are especially ideal, as the dry season sets in and humidity stays manageable. Perfect for a few relaxed beach days at Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches.

Vietnam

• Type of trip: Road trip, cultural trip, nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: year-round
• Climate: 64–91°F, 2–15 rainy days (depending on region)

Vietnam is one of the most popular and most rewarding destinations in Southeast Asia — and a really great choice for your March vacation.

Between the aroma of Vietnamese street food, the scooter chaos in Hanoi, and Buddhist temples in Saigon, you’ll experience a completely different and incredibly fascinating culture.

The scenery is just as impressive: green rice terraces in Sapa, white sandy beaches on the Con Dao Islands, and the famous limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam spans three climate zones — north, south, and central. March is one of the few months that works well for all three: not too hot, not too cold, humidity stays manageable, and you’re well clear of typhoon season. Jackpot!

Khao Lak

• Type of trip: Beach vacation, nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: January, February, and April
• Climate: 73–91°F, 0–6 rainy days

The Thai coastal town of Khao Lak, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, is an absolute dream for a beach vacation in March. Conditions couldn’t be better: plenty of sunshine, barely any rain, and the sea is warm enough for swimming and diving.

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway to unwind and recharge, Khao Lak is exactly the right place.

Do make sure to visit at least one of the nature parks nearby, like Khao Sok National Park — you can head deep into the jungle and, with a bit of luck, spot monkeys, elephants, and snakes.

Our hotel pick: Bangsak Village – an adults-only hotel in boho style, right on the beach

Chile

• Type of trip: Road trip, active and nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: November through January and April
• Climate: varies by region

Chile is incredibly multifaceted thanks to its wildly different climate zones. In the north, you’ll find the Atacama Desert — the driest place on Earth. A little further south lies the Elqui Valley, lush and green and producing an abundance of grapes. Pretty wild, right?

The capital Santiago de Chile is also well worth your time. The cable car up to Cerro de San Cristóbal gives you a fantastic view over the sprawling metropolis. Even better, in our opinion, is the hip city of Valparaíso.

If you want to cover as many regions as possible on a road trip through Chile, March is ideal: in the south you’ll have great weather for hiking in the national parks, while in the north you can catch the last warm days of the season. Amazing!

New Zealand

• Type of trip: Road trip, active and nature vacation
• Also a good time to visit: October through February and April
• Climate: 45–72°F, 7–12 rainy days (depending on island)

In New Zealand, one natural wonder follows the next — where do you even start? The glowing glowworms in the Waitomo Caves, the geysers near Rotorua, the fjords of Milford Sound, or the crater lakes along the Tongariro Crossing? If you love nature, you’ll be completely spoiled here.

On your road trip, definitely include some of New Zealand’s larger cities too — like Queenstown, Christchurch, or Auckland. And don’t miss the beautiful beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island.

The seasons in New Zealand are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. In March, it’s late summer transitioning into early fall — which means optimal temperatures for hiking and outdoor adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacationing in March