Where to travel in March
March is a fantastic time of year to travel outside peak season. While everyone else is at work, you can explore some of the world’s most fascinating countries. Airports and popular tourist destinations are significantly less busy this time of year in most regions.
But where should you go? That’s the topic of this post. We explore several gorgeous places to visit in March, from the icy peaks of Bhutan to the lush Colombian rainforest. Along the way, you’ll learn why the month of March is an opportune time to visit these countries.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a tiny and mysterious country nestled between India and China in the Himalayas. The mountain kingdom is famous for its unique temples, peaceful vistas, and limited tourist numbers.
March is the onset of spring in Bhutan, which brings milder temperatures to the region, making it a great time to explore. Days are warm and the nights cool: perfect for Western travellers wanting to escape the relentless heat of India.
Bhutan is home to several festivals in March, including the Paro Tsechu, a colourful celebration of traditional music, masked dances, and raucous celebrations. The occasion is an opportunity to see the otherwise reserved culture at its most lively.
Trekking opportunities also open up in March as the weather improves. Travellers and seasoned explorers often head to the Druk Path and Jomolhari treks that take scenic routes through the mountains. Better yet, tours usually finish sitting down to traditional Bhutanese cuisine, including momo dumplings and Ema Datshi, a unique cheese and chilli stew unlike anything else on Earth.
Jordan
Jordan sits on the eastern side of the River Jordan in the Levant. The ancient country is home to spectacular monuments and landscapes that are a photographer’s dream.
Top of the list of the nation’s sightseeing priorities is the famous city of Petra, an ancient construction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Average temperatures in March tend to be more comfortable than in the summer, helping you snap photos of the monument without dealing with extreme heat.
Another must-visit area is the Wadi Rum desert. This region is home to the Bedouin culture, a group of people who live an ancient nomadic lifestyle. Meeting them is a rare opportunity to experience human life before the advent of farming.
You might also want to explore the city of Amman and visit its ancient Citadel and Roman Theatre. Jordan’s history stretches back thousands of years.
Finally, you can enjoy various outdoor activities in the country. Popular options include hiking through the Dana Biosphere Reserve and swimming in the nearby Dead Sea.
Iceland
For those wanting a different experience entirely, Iceland beckons. The island nation in the far north of the Atlantic is unique in numerous ways, making it a must-visit destination for any keen explorer.
March is the start of spring on the island, bringing more daylight hours and slightly warmer weather. However, much of the land mass remains a winter wonderland, often starker and more extreme than you might see in northern Sweden or Finland.
The main reason for trips to Iceland in March is the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. These appear when the Earth’s magnetosphere channels charged solar particles into the atmosphere, creating colourful interactions that can go on throughout the night. Tours regularly run from Reykjavik and other tourist areas on the island.
March is also an excellent time to catch the tail-end of winter activities in the country. You can enjoy ice-caving, dog sledding and snowmobiling opportunities, experiencing the majestic wilderness while having fun at the same time.
Finally, you might visit one of Iceland’s many geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon. These hot springs refresh the body and mind after hours in the cold.
Maldives
The Maldives is an Indian Ocean island chain destination for people who want to relax, unwind, and enjoy life thousands of miles from the rest of civilisation. March is the dry season in the archipelago, making it an excellent time of year for travel.
The main appeal of the islands is their access to marine wildlife. Clear waters along the coasts are a diver’s and snorkeler’s dream, with excellent visibility to the bottom. Adventurers explore coral reefs for tropical fish, rays, and sharks.
March is manta ray season on the island, giving you opportunities to spot the majestic, gliding creatures in hotspots like the Baa Atoll or Hanifaru Bay. Lucky nature lovers can see these creatures in their feeding and cleaning rituals.
Whale sharks are also spottable from the islands at this time of year. These gentle giants float serenely through the waters of the South Ari Atolls, where they congregate annually.
Besides the wildlife, the Maldives is home to numerous luxury wellness and spa retreats. Friendly locals cater to your every whim, serving delicious seafood, including grouper and snapper.
Ecuador
The South American country of Ecuador is enchanting and exotic, attracting tourists from across the globe to its unique shores. It offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
The first stop for most travellers is the Galápagos Islands, famous for their unique wildlife and inspiring 19th-century scientist Charles Darwin to formulate the theory of evolution. During March, the weather is warm and the sea calm for boat trips to the archipelago. Lucky bird spotters may see Darwin’s famous finches.
Another popular stop-off is the Amazon rainforest, which covers roughly half of Ecuador’s land mass. Guided tours run through the jungle regularly, showcasing its remarkable biodiversity in all its glory.
Travellers also take trips into the Andean Highlands to visit cities like Cuenca and Quito. These settlements have rich colonial architecture and heritage, once serving as an outpost for European powers in the region.
Finally, those looking for unique shopping opportunities should visit the Otavalo Market. Here, you will find vendors selling handcrafted products and locally-made textiles. You may also catch some of Ecuador’s famous carnivals in Ambato and Guaranda, which host traditional music and fun street activities.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is another destination that should be on your shortlist in March. The island territory in the Indian Ocean offers fabulous weather at this time of year, plus stunning attractions if you know where to find them.
Travellers often explore the “Cultural Triangle” – the three cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura. These locations offer opportunities to photograph ancient structures and take tours of archaeological sites.
While moving around the country, it is also worth checking out the tea plantations in Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Cool temperatures and lush green mountainous environments are the perfect photo subjects.
You might also want to visit the Udawalawe or Yala National Parks for wildlife safaris. Tours regularly spot exciting animals, like leopards and elephants, in their natural environment, plus bird species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Finally, the month of March is an ideal time to visit one of Sri Lanka’s many award-winning beaches. Head to the western or southern coast for the most stunning surroundings.
Colombia
If you are planning an overseas trip in March, consider visiting Colombia. This time of year is the dry season in the country, which means you are less likely to get stuck in a deluge.
Guides often recommend that travellers start in Cartagena’s historic Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and a colourful culture.
Bogotá is usually the next destination. The Colombian capital city offers art galleries, historical sites, museums and guided tours of its street art.
The Amazon rainforest covers most of Colombia’s land mass, and so jungle tours run from all the major settlements, giving travellers opportunities to stop wildlife found nowhere else. March is great for this because the weather is drier and not as humid.
You can also visit the country’s Coffee Triangle – the Eje Cafetero – for countryside tours. Here, you can see picturesque landscapes showing plantations in full bloom and go to coffee producers to learn about their harvesting and roasting processes.
Oman
March is the ideal time to visit Oman, a lesser-known Middle Eastern nation. The country is in the Arabian desert, offering dry weather year-round and stunning landscapes.
Many travellers go to Oman for desert adventures, trekking to the Wahiba Sands and beyond. You can ride camels or take 4x4s on desert safaris to experience the untouched wilderness in all its glory. Go hiking through canyons and visit oases with waterfalls and natural pools you can swim in.
Oman also offers various mountain retreats for the spiritually curious. Travellers regularly visit the Jebel Akhdar and Misfat Al Abiryeen for restorative and rejuvenating breaks.
There are also opportunities to see greenery in the southern region of Salalah. Rains sometimes arrive in March, transforming the area from barren scrubland to a lush oasis with cooler temperatures and flourishing wildlife.
Finally, travellers visit Oman to experience its unique cuisine. Popular dishes include halwa, a type of sweet dessert, and shuwa, or slow-cooked meat. Locals use unique spice combinations, making Omani cuisine stand out among the Middle-Easter competition.
Cambodia
The Southeast Asian country of Cambodia is a popular destination for those wanting to learn more about the region, and March is the perfect time to visit, thanks to dry weather and fewer crowds.
Excursions in the country often begin with relaxed cruises along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Guides take tourists past traditional rice paddies, floating villages and scenic vistas, giving them a taste of local life.
Then, trips make their way to the coast. The beach resort of Koh Rong is popular and has a nearby zoo. Krong Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and Krong Kampot are also options offering swimming and watersports.
Further inland, travellers can explore Cambodia’s many historical sites. The ancient temple of Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park is top of the list for many. Thanks to the dry, balmy weather, March is one of the best times of year for a day trip to this destination. Tourists can enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies for stunning photographs of the monuments.
It’s also worth visiting Phnom Penh, the country’s capital city, home to the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and various locations associated with the Khmer Rouge that ruled the country from 1975 until 1979. Those interested in the history can visit the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.
Finally, Cambodia is home to some of the most delicious food in Southeast Asia. Popular dishes include Nom Banh Chok, a type of noodle dish, and Khmer red curry, a variation of the Thai version. Travellers who venture off the beaten track can find traditional home-based restaurants that use local ingredients.
Egypt
Egypt is one of the world’s most loved and ancient countries, with a history spanning over 5,000 years (and possibly more!) Tourists flock to the land to enjoy its ancient monuments, spectacular Red Sea beaches and mild March weather.
Tours of the country usually begin with Nile River cruises. Boats travel from Upper Egypt towards the Mediterranean Delta, exploring the sites and letting you indulge in the best of Egypt’s ancient culture. Popular stop-offs include the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god, the Luxor Temple to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and various structures at Aswan, including the High Dam, an engineering marvel that prevents the Nile from flooding during the rainy season.
Travelling to Lower Egypt, you’ll discover the country’s most famous historical sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, now believed to be among the oldest monolithic structures globally. You can also learn more about the ancient Egyptian civilisation at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, featuring mummified bodies and every kind of ancient artefact.
However, Egypt isn’t just a place to see monuments. It is also a country that offers various desert excursions, including popular trips to Farafra and the Siwa Oasis. Here, you can go camping in surreal landscapes and take advantage of the dark skies to marvel at the Milky Way’s beauty.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a tiny and mysterious country nestled between India and China in the Himalayas. The mountain kingdom is famous for its unique temples, peaceful vistas, and limited tourist numbers.
March is the onset of spring in Bhutan, which brings milder temperatures to the region, making it a great time to explore. Days are warm and the nights cool: perfect for Western travellers wanting to escape the relentless heat of India.
Bhutan is home to several festivals in March, including the Paro Tsechu, a colourful celebration of traditional music, masked dances, and raucous celebrations. The occasion is an opportunity to see the otherwise reserved culture at its most lively.
Trekking opportunities also open up in March as the weather improves. Travellers and seasoned explorers often head to the Druk Path and Jomolhari treks that take scenic routes through the mountains. Better yet, tours usually finish sitting down to traditional Bhutanese cuisine, including momo dumplings and Ema Datshi, a unique cheese and chilli stew unlike anything else on Earth.
Jordan
Jordan sits on the eastern side of the River Jordan in the Levant. The ancient country is home to spectacular monuments and landscapes that are a photographer’s dream.
Top of the list of the nation’s sightseeing priorities is the famous city of Petra, an ancient construction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Average temperatures in March tend to be more comfortable than in the summer, helping you snap photos of the monument without dealing with extreme heat.
Another must-visit area is the Wadi Rum desert. This region is home to the Bedouin culture, a group of people who live an ancient nomadic lifestyle. Meeting them is a rare opportunity to experience human life before the advent of farming.
You might also want to explore the city of Amman and visit its ancient Citadel and Roman Theatre. Jordan’s history stretches back thousands of years.
Finally, you can enjoy various outdoor activities in the country. Popular options include hiking through the Dana Biosphere Reserve and swimming in the nearby Dead Sea.
Iceland
For those wanting a different experience entirely, Iceland beckons. The island nation in the far north of the Atlantic is unique in numerous ways, making it a must-visit destination for any keen explorer.
March is the start of spring on the island, bringing more daylight hours and slightly warmer weather. However, much of the land mass remains a winter wonderland, often starker and more extreme than you might see in northern Sweden or Finland.
The main reason for trips to Iceland in March is the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. These appear when the Earth’s magnetosphere channels charged solar particles into the atmosphere, creating colourful interactions that can go on throughout the night. Tours regularly run from Reykjavik and other tourist areas on the island.
March is also an excellent time to catch the tail-end of winter activities in the country. You can enjoy ice-caving, dog sledding and snowmobiling opportunities, experiencing the majestic wilderness while having fun at the same time.
Finally, you might visit one of Iceland’s many geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon. These hot springs refresh the body and mind after hours in the cold.
Maldives
The Maldives is an Indian Ocean island chain destination for people who want to relax, unwind, and enjoy life thousands of miles from the rest of civilisation. March is the dry season in the archipelago, making it an excellent time of year for travel.
The main appeal of the islands is their access to marine wildlife. Clear waters along the coasts are a diver’s and snorkeler’s dream, with excellent visibility to the bottom. Adventurers explore coral reefs for tropical fish, rays, and sharks.
March is manta ray season on the island, giving you opportunities to spot the majestic, gliding creatures in hotspots like the Baa Atoll or Hanifaru Bay. Lucky nature lovers can see these creatures in their feeding and cleaning rituals.
Whale sharks are also spottable from the islands at this time of year. These gentle giants float serenely through the waters of the South Ari Atolls, where they congregate annually.
Besides the wildlife, the Maldives is home to numerous luxury wellness and spa retreats. Friendly locals cater to your every whim, serving delicious seafood, including grouper and snapper.
Ecuador
The South American country of Ecuador is enchanting and exotic, attracting tourists from across the globe to its unique shores. It offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
The first stop for most travellers is the Galápagos Islands, famous for their unique wildlife and inspiring 19th-century scientist Charles Darwin to formulate the theory of evolution. During March, the weather is warm and the sea calm for boat trips to the archipelago. Lucky bird spotters may see Darwin’s famous finches.
Another popular stop-off is the Amazon rainforest, which covers roughly half of Ecuador’s land mass. Guided tours run through the jungle regularly, showcasing its remarkable biodiversity in all its glory.
Travellers also take trips into the Andean Highlands to visit cities like Cuenca and Quito. These settlements have rich colonial architecture and heritage, once serving as an outpost for European powers in the region.
Finally, those looking for unique shopping opportunities should visit the Otavalo Market. Here, you will find vendors selling handcrafted products and locally-made textiles. You may also catch some of Ecuador’s famous carnivals in Ambato and Guaranda, which host traditional music and fun street activities.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is another destination that should be on your shortlist in March. The island territory in the Indian Ocean offers fabulous weather at this time of year, plus stunning attractions if you know where to find them.
Travellers often explore the “Cultural Triangle” – the three cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura. These locations offer opportunities to photograph ancient structures and take tours of archaeological sites.
While moving around the country, it is also worth checking out the tea plantations in Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Cool temperatures and lush green mountainous environments are the perfect photo subjects.
You might also want to visit the Udawalawe or Yala National Parks for wildlife safaris. Tours regularly spot exciting animals, like leopards and elephants, in their natural environment, plus bird species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Finally, the month of March is an ideal time to visit one of Sri Lanka’s many award-winning beaches. Head to the western or southern coast for the most stunning surroundings.
Colombia
If you are planning an overseas trip in March, consider visiting Colombia. This time of year is the dry season in the country, which means you are less likely to get stuck in a deluge.
Guides often recommend that travellers start in Cartagena’s historic Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and a colourful culture.
Bogotá is usually the next destination. The Colombian capital city offers art galleries, historical sites, museums and guided tours of its street art.
The Amazon rainforest covers most of Colombia’s land mass, and so jungle tours run from all the major settlements, giving travellers opportunities to stop wildlife found nowhere else. March is great for this because the weather is drier and not as humid.
You can also visit the country’s Coffee Triangle – the Eje Cafetero – for countryside tours. Here, you can see picturesque landscapes showing plantations in full bloom and go to coffee producers to learn about their harvesting and roasting processes.
Oman
March is the ideal time to visit Oman, a lesser-known Middle Eastern nation. The country is in the Arabian desert, offering dry weather year-round and stunning landscapes.
Many travellers go to Oman for desert adventures, trekking to the Wahiba Sands and beyond. You can ride camels or take 4x4s on desert safaris to experience the untouched wilderness in all its glory. Go hiking through canyons and visit oases with waterfalls and natural pools you can swim in.
Oman also offers various mountain retreats for the spiritually curious. Travellers regularly visit the Jebel Akhdar and Misfat Al Abiryeen for restorative and rejuvenating breaks.
There are also opportunities to see greenery in the southern region of Salalah. Rains sometimes arrive in March, transforming the area from barren scrubland to a lush oasis with cooler temperatures and flourishing wildlife.
Finally, travellers visit Oman to experience its unique cuisine. Popular dishes include halwa, a type of sweet dessert, and shuwa, or slow-cooked meat. Locals use unique spice combinations, making Omani cuisine stand out among the Middle-Easter competition.
Cambodia
The Southeast Asian country of Cambodia is a popular destination for those wanting to learn more about the region, and March is the perfect time to visit, thanks to dry weather and fewer crowds.
Excursions in the country often begin with relaxed cruises along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Guides take tourists past traditional rice paddies, floating villages and scenic vistas, giving them a taste of local life.
Then, trips make their way to the coast. The beach resort of Koh Rong is popular and has a nearby zoo. Krong Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and Krong Kampot are also options offering swimming and watersports.
Further inland, travellers can explore Cambodia’s many historical sites. The ancient temple of Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park is top of the list for many. Thanks to the dry, balmy weather, March is one of the best times of year for a day trip to this destination. Tourists can enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies for stunning photographs of the monuments.
It’s also worth visiting Phnom Penh, the country’s capital city, home to the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace and various locations associated with the Khmer Rouge that ruled the country from 1975 until 1979. Those interested in the history can visit the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.
Finally, Cambodia is home to some of the most delicious food in Southeast Asia. Popular dishes include Nom Banh Chok, a type of noodle dish, and Khmer red curry, a variation of the Thai version. Travellers who venture off the beaten track can find traditional home-based restaurants that use local ingredients.
Egypt
Egypt is one of the world’s most loved and ancient countries, with a history spanning over 5,000 years (and possibly more!) Tourists flock to the land to enjoy its ancient monuments, spectacular Red Sea beaches and mild March weather.
Tours of the country usually begin with Nile River cruises. Boats travel from Upper Egypt towards the Mediterranean Delta, exploring the sites and letting you indulge in the best of Egypt’s ancient culture. Popular stop-offs include the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god, the Luxor Temple to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and various structures at Aswan, including the High Dam, an engineering marvel that prevents the Nile from flooding during the rainy season.
Travelling to Lower Egypt, you’ll discover the country’s most famous historical sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, now believed to be among the oldest monolithic structures globally. You can also learn more about the ancient Egyptian civilisation at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, featuring mummified bodies and every kind of ancient artefact.
However, Egypt isn’t just a place to see monuments. It is also a country that offers various desert excursions, including popular trips to Farafra and the Siwa Oasis. Here, you can go camping in surreal landscapes and take advantage of the dark skies to marvel at the Milky Way’s beauty.