Top 10 Countries to Visit in March
Our top places to visit in March range far and wide from tropical paradises to glaciers and fjords. Check out our list below to find what draws you around the world in March.
1. Greenland
Why we picked it:
- Incredible tundra landscapes
- End of winter and longer daylight hours
- Amazing snowsports
Climate range: -11– -5°C (Nuuk), -19– -12°C (Illulissat), -17– -11°C (Uummannaq)
There’s no way to get around it, March in Greenland is still cold. However, if you’ve always wanted to tour Greenland for its glaciers, snowsports, or incredible Northern Lights opportunities, March is the time to do it!
As spring emerges in March, the daylight hours lengthen. Together with an average snowfall of 15 days throughout the month, March gives locals and tourists alike the opportunity to indulge in popular snowsports, like skiing and ice skating. March is a great time to see the world-class glaciers, like the Helheim and Illulissat Glaciers, and the mighty Greenland ice shelves in all their glory. Opt to visit by helicopter or prop plane, or hit the trails with a local guide to see them up close. When the temperatures get too cold, take shelter in one of the many local cultural museums where you can learn all about indigenous traditions and history.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Greenland in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Uummannaq |
|
|
2-3 days |
Ilulissat |
|
|
2-3 days |
Eqip Sermia glacier |
|
|
1-2 days |
2. Morocco
Why we picked it:
- Plenty of spring festivals, including Tafraoute and the Mediterranean Film Festival
- Warm but temperate weather
- Great conditions for hiking
Climate range: 9–22°C (Marrakech), 10–19°C (Casablanca), 13–22°C (Taghazout)
Morocco in March is warming up, making it a popular time to visit and escape from lingering European or Northern American winters. On the coast, near Agadir, temperatures are warm enough that the beachfront resorts are opening up for the springtime season. On the Atlantic coast, specifically in the fishing-turned-surfer village of Taghazout, March is still in the peak surf season. Try your hand at wave riding on one of the longest beach breaks in the world!
The Atlantic coast regions, like Essaouira and Sidi Ifni, are dry and perfect, while March is also a good time to explore the High Atlas Mountains. There are also low levels of rain, with an average of 60mm (2.36") across the entire month. March is also a good time to visit the mighty Saharan desert. The cooler March temperatures mean that you can hike and ride camels during your Morocco trip without the extreme desert heat of the summer months or the chilling cold of the winter nights.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Morocco in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Rabat |
|
|
1-2 days |
Atlantic Coast |
|
|
3-5 days |
Sahara |
|
|
2-3 days |
3. South Africa
Why we picked it:
- High chances of spotting wildlife
- Good weather for outdoor activities
- Shoulder season crowds
Climate range: 13–24°C (Johannesburg), 17–25°C (Cape Town), 19–26°C (Durban)
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere and March marks the start of autumn. Despite any lingering rain, it’s worth getting outside in South Africa in March. The cooler temperatures mean it’s the ideal time to hike, whether that’s Table Mountain in Cape Town or the trails in one of Drakesberg’s many nature reserves and national parks!
With an average rainfall of 90mm throughout the month, together with the mild weather, there’s a high chance of seeing wildlife in the national parks, making South Africa one of the best places to visit in March. Heading up the Garden Route towards Addo and the Elephant Sanctuaries in March is a treat, as the rains bring all the greenery to life, making it a spectacular road trip from Cape Town. Combine amazing scenery with the chance to see elephants up close and learn all about conservation efforts. Of course, the rains and mild weather entice animals out of their summer hiding spots, making March a major month for safaris.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in South Africa in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Cape Town |
|
|
3-5 days |
Drakensberg |
|
|
2-3 days |
Kruger National Park |
|
|
4-6 days |
4. Finland
Why we picked it:
- Affordable post-peak season rates
- Harmaa Rinne Festival and Finnish Easter (Pääsiäinen)
- The Northern Lights
Climate range: -4– 2°C (Helsinki), -5– 2°C (Turku), -9– -3°C (Rovaniemi)
If you love snow-filled, cooler getaways then Finland is one of the best places to visit in Europe in March. Finland is a large country that reaches up toward the Arctic Circle and there’s much variation in activities and weather conditions between the north and south of the country.
Lapland in the far north still sees much snowfall in March, great for snowsports, a more affordable Finland trip away from the peak Christmas season, and even for seeing the Northern Lights on a clear night. Helsinki, is also great to visit in March in Finland, especially around Pääsiäinen (Finnish Easter), with parades and ceremonies.
Music lovers might stick to the middle of the country in March to participate in the Harmaa Rinne Festival and dance the night away, surrounded by stunning nature. This is a celebration of ski culture in Finland and encompasses that exciting apres-ski vibe.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Finland in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Lapland |
|
|
3-4 days |
Helsinki |
|
|
2-3 days |
Turku |
|
|
2-3 days |
5. Chile
Why we picked it:
- Excellent fall foliage
- Wine harvesting season
- Lower rates and crowds
Climate range: 11– 24°C (Santiago), 13– 19°C (Valparaiso), 5– 12°C (Punta Arenas)
The transition to Chilean autumn kickstarts the wine harvesting season in the Central Valley. It also sees summer crowds disperse, perfect for vineyard tours in Chile, especially across the famous Malbec region.
On the coast, Viña del Mar in March usually receives almost no rainfall making it ideal for exploring its famous gardens and nearby beaches, such as the stunning Playa Renaca which is known for its sweeping coastline and great waves.
In the southern regions of Chilean Patagonia, we start to see the end of the peak hiking and wildlife spotting season. This means there are fewer crowds and plenty of deals to be found along the way, making it a great time to visit this bucket-list destination, including the epic W Hike in Torres del Paine National Park. March is a great time to see condors, guanacos, pumas, and penguins. However, there are around 15 days of rainfall in this region, and while it’s not torrential rain, it’s important to bring waterproof gear if you’re touring Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park during March in Chile.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Chile in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend in the destination |
Vina del Mar |
|
|
3-4 days |
Torres del Paine National Park |
|
|
4-6 days |
Patagonia |
|
|
5-7 days |
6. Colombia
Why we picked it:
- Warm weather for beach holidays
- Festivals, including the amazing Barranquilla Carnival and Holy Week
- Off-season rates and crowds
Climate range: 11– 29°C (Bogota), 26– 31°C (Cartagena), 13–22°C (Medellin)
With warm weather, mild sea temperatures, and being just outside the peak season, heading to Colombia in March is an excellent choice for a sunny beach holiday and to explore the country with fewer crowds. The main event in Colombia in March is the spectacular Barranquilla Carnival. This huge multi-day party includes costumes, dancing, and music in the city of Barranquilla, and it is such an amazing spectacle that it has been recognized by UNESCO!
Away from the party vibes, March is a good time to check out Colombia’s beaches and trails. Outside of the peak dry season, activities should be more affordable and less crowded. The other event to consider is, of course, Holy Week. As with many Catholic countries, expect parades, ceremonies, and hospitality closures during this period.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Colombia in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Tayrona National Park |
|
|
2-3 days |
Acandi |
|
|
1-2 days |
The Lost City |
|
|
6-8 days |
7. Singapore
Why we picked it:
- Warm but temperate weather
- The more affordable shoulder season
- Boat trips and botanical gardens
Climate range: 24– 32°C (Singapore), 25– 31°C (Punggol), 25– 31°C (Choa Chu Kang)
If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway for less, the low-season rates on Sentosa Island are an affordable option. Filled with attractions like Sentosa Nature Discovery, Universal Studios Singapore, and Adventure Cove Waterpark, it’s a treat for the whole family.
Of course, the increased rains and warm temperatures mean that the Gardens of the Bay flourish even bigger and brighter than usual. If you’re coming to visit The Cloud Forest, March may be the best time. With the increased bloom from the rain and the low-season crowd levels and rates, experience the best of both worlds during your Singapore trip.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Singapore in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Marina Bay |
|
|
1-2 days |
Sentosa Island |
|
|
2-4 days |
The Gardens by the Bay |
|
|
1-2 days |
8. The Philippines
Why we picked it:
- Festivals, including Holy Week and Anibina Bulawanun Festival
- Great weather for hiking
- Beautiful nature is on display, from the Boracay Beaches to the Chocolate Hills
Climate range: 24– 31°C (Manila), 19– 30°C (Baguio), 19– 30°C (Puerto Princesa)
The Philippines is one of the top places to visit in March because this month marks the start of the country’s dry season. The humidity in the Philippines in March sits in the low 70s, making it an ideal time to hike popular sites around Cebu and the Chocolate Hills before the humid heights of the peak tourist season. While in the hills, you’ll also witness harvest festivals, such as the Anibina Bulawanun Festival, filled with golden celebrations and parades.
If you want to hit the beaches, March is a good time to head to El Nido and Palawan. Here you can relax on miles of soft sand, go snorkeling or diving in the clear waters, or enjoy boat tours around the extensive coastlines. The warm temperatures, low rainfall, and low amounts of tourists due to the shoulder season are a winning combination during your Philippines trip.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in The Philippines in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
The Cordillera |
|
|
4-6 days |
El Nido |
|
|
3-4 days |
Vigan |
|
|
3-4 days |
9. Cuba
Why we picked it:
- Festivals, including the iconic Fiesta del Tambor or Drum Festival
- Warm, tropical weather (good for beaches!)
- The best time to see tropical birds in their natural habitat
Climate range: 18– 28°C (Havana), 20– 28°C (Matanzas), 20– 30°C (Holguin)
As Cuba moves from winter to spring, daylight increases to over 11 hours a day in March, making it the ideal month to hike and spot the country’s most beloved birds. This is especially impressive in natural places like Yumuri Canyon, where wildlife is around every corner, and there are few visitors. Combine this with the iconic Fiesta del Tambor (the Drum Festival), the golden sand beaches, and warm water temperatures, and Cuba is one of our top countries to visit in March.
March in Cuba is also the month with the least rainfall; in the capital, Havana, there are only 3 days of rainfall in the entire month. This is perfect for touring Cuba on foot and indulging in nightlife and museum scenes.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Cuba in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend at the destination |
Havana |
|
|
3-4 days |
Yumuri Canyon |
|
|
1-2 days |
Vinales |
|
|
3-4 days |
10. Brazil
Why we picked it:
- Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro
- Beach season
- Lush natural hotspots, including the Amazon Rainforest
Climate range: 23– 28°C (Rio de Janeiro), 23– 31°C (Manaus), 19– 29°C (Belo Horizonte)
Lush post-rain landscapes, vibrant waterfalls, and mild temperatures perfect for exploring and beaching make Brazil another top pick for places to visit in March. March is the start of Brazilian autumn and the celebration of the ultimate party festival—Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, which happens annually in late February/early March. If you time it right, you can see dancers in huge feathered headdresses and sparkly outfits dancing through the streets, hear amazing local music, and get into the festive atmosphere – it’s infectious! In addition to Carnaval, there are also massive celebrations for Holy Week, although note that these events can cause prices to skyrocket, so do your research while planning your trip to Brazil!
Parties aside, Brazil in March is a great time to visit the famous Iguazu Falls, which will be roaring and full after the summer rains. If you’re more into the Amazon Rainforest, you’ll also be able to enjoy lush greenery and spectacular wildlife, although March still sees plenty of rain in this northern area.
Top 3 popular destinations to visit in Brazil in March
Destination | Major attractions | Things to do | How many days to spend in the destination |
Rio de Janeiro |
|
|
3-5 days |
Brejo da Madre de Deus |
|
|
2-3 days |
Iguazu Falls |
|
|
2-3 days |
So, there you have it, the top 10 best places to visit in March. From tropical vacations in the Philippines and Colombia to icy dreamscapes like Greenland and Finland to party hubs of Brazil and Cuba, these countries in March have a little something to suit every kind of vacation style.
Whatever tour you’re looking for, from history to hiking, sightseeing to snowsports, our travel experts are on hand to make sure your holiday dreams become a reality. Check out these destinations with Bookmundi and get the best that these nations have to offer!