Where to Travel in March: 10 Incredible International Destinations for a Spring Refresh

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March is that sweet spot between winter’s last gasp and spring’s first bloom. It’s the kind of month that makes you want to shake off the gray and go somewhere—whether that means chasing cherry blossoms, hiking through surreal desert landscapes, or diving into a food scene that’s way more exciting than your pantry.

From sunny cities and colorful festivals to shoulder-season bargains and emerging spring blooms, March opens up a world of travel options. It’s one of the best months for avoiding crowds, enjoying pleasant weather, and catching destinations before they shift into high season.

Ready to swap your scarf for sunglasses (or lace up those hiking boots)? These 10 international destinations are perfect for a March getaway.

Japan (Early Cherry Blossom Season)

March in Japan is the beginning of something beautiful—literally. In the south, cherry blossom (sakura) season starts to bloom (usually in late march), signaling the start of spring. Even in places where the blossoms haven’t peaked yet, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and crowds are smaller than in April. From ancient temples to neon cities, Japan is stunning this time of year.

Highlights

• Tokyo for modern energy, parks in bloom, and early sakura in Ueno or Shinjuku.
• Kyoto for temples, tea houses, and cherry blossoms starting to open late in the month.
• Fukuoka & Hiroshima for southern sakura spots and mild weather.
• Nara for deer-filled parks and peaceful early-spring walks.

Note: Bloom timing shifts a bit each year, so check the annual sakura forecast to catch the blossoms at their peak.

Morocco

March is one of the best months to visit Morocco: the winter chill is gone, the summer heat hasn’t arrived, and the landscapes—from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara dunes—are green, blooming, and beautiful. It’s ideal for exploring the country’s cultural heart, colorful cities, and wide-open desert under clear, sunny skies.

Highlights

• Marrakech for buzzing souks, rooftop cafés, and riad luxury.
• Fes for authentic medina life and traditional craftsmanship.
• Chefchaouen for picture-perfect blue alleys and mountain views.
• Sahara Desert (Merzouga) for camel rides and stargazing.
• High Atlas Mountains for hiking and Berber villages.

Portugal

March is when Portugal starts to wake up from its (very mild) winter. Flowers bloom, cafés spill back into the streets, and coastal towns start to feel lively again—without the summer crowds or prices. Whether you’re sipping port in a wine cellar, road-tripping through sunny hillsides, or basking in the Lisbon sun, March offers the perfect mix of chill and charm.

Highlights

• Lisbon for pastel buildings, tram rides, and sunny sidewalks.
• Porto for riverside vibes, wine caves, and tiled facades.
• Douro Valley for scenic drives and port wine tastings.
• The Algarve for clifftop hikes and empty golden beaches.

Vietnam (North & Central)

March is one of the best times to explore northern and central Vietnam. The weather is dry, comfortably warm, and perfect for everything from exploring ancient cities to cruising misty bays or cycling through rice paddies. Flowers bloom across the countryside, and local life buzzes at full speed—minus the sticky heat of late spring or summer.

Highlights

• Hanoi for history, rooftop bars, and street food.
• Ha Long Bay for jaw-dropping karst islands and boat cruises.
• Ninh Binh for temples, caves, and boat rides.
• Hue for royal ruins and riverside charm.
• Hoi An for lanterns, tailors, and warm coastal breezes.

Note: Northern mornings and evenings can still be cool, so bring light layers if you’re traveling up north.

India (Rajasthan or Kerala + Holi Festival)

March in India is packed with color—literally. The weather is dry and warm (but not sweltering), and the country comes alive for Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. It’s a joyful, chaotic, unforgettable experience where streets, parks, and people burst into a cloud of bright powders and music. Beyond Holi, it’s also one of the best months to explore India’s rich culture, palaces, and natural beauty—especially in Rajasthan or the lush southern state of Kerala.

Highlights

• Jaipur, Udaipur & Jodhpur for forts, palaces, and desert charm.
• Varanasi for spiritual depth and riverside rituals.
• Kerala for tropical backwaters, houseboats, and spice plantations.
• Agra for the iconic Taj Mahal.

Note: Holi usually falls in March—confirm the exact date before your trip.

Mexico (Mexico City, Oaxaca & San Miguel de Allende)

March is an ideal time to explore Mexico’s cities and highland regions. The weather is dry and warm but not too hot—perfect for walking, eating, and soaking in the country’s vibrant culture. From buzzing markets and ancient ruins to baroque churches and world-famous cuisine, these inland destinations serve up history, flavor, and atmosphere in every direction.

Highlights

• Mexico City for art, history, tacos, and Aztec ruins.
• Oaxaca for colonial beauty, mezcal, and mole.
• San Miguel de Allende for colorful facades, artisan markets, and rooftop views.
• Teotihuacán for massive pyramids just outside CDMX.

Jordan

March is one of the best times to visit Jordan. The desert is pleasantly warm (not scorching), wildflowers start blooming in the valleys, and the crowds are still relatively light. It’s a month where you can hike, explore ancient wonders, float in the Dead Sea, and sip sweet mint tea in a Bedouin tent—all without melting in the heat or freezing at night.

Highlights

• Petra for ancient rock-cut temples and jaw-dropping sunsets.
• Wadi Rum for red-sand dunes, stargazing, and off-road adventures.
• The Dead Sea for floating and mineral-rich mud.
• Amman for lively cafés, Roman ruins, and modern Middle Eastern culture.
• Dana Biosphere Reserve for hiking through one of the region’s most underrated natural gems.

Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi & Koh Lanta)

March is one of the best months to visit southern Thailand—especially the Andaman coast. The skies are clear, the seas are calm, and the beaches are in full paradise mode before the rains arrive in May. Whether you’re after laid-back island life, limestone cliffs, or vibrant coastal towns, this region hits the perfect balance of beauty and adventure.

Highlights

• Phuket for beach-hopping, lively markets, and a mix of bustling energy and hidden, peaceful coves.
• Krabi for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays, and easy access to Railay Beach—one of Thailand’s most photogenic coastlines.
• Koh Lanta for its laid-back pace, long stretches of quiet beach, and charming villages that feel far from the crowds.
• Koh Phi Phi and Koh Rok for incredible snorkeling, island-hopping, and those unreal shades of blue.
• Phang Nga Bay for its emerald-green water and iconic limestone formations—best explored by long-tail boat.

Namibia

Namibia is one of Africa’s most visually striking and underrated destinations—and March is an ideal time to go. It’s the tail end of the green season, which means dramatic skies, vibrant desert landscapes, and the chance to see wildlife in unique settings (think elephants wandering through orange dunes). Crowds are light, prices are lower, and the scenery? Otherworldly.

Highlights

• Sossusvlei for towering red sand dunes and surreal salt pans.
• Etosha National Park for wildlife viewing with wide-open vistas.
• Swakopmund for sandboarding, seafood, and German-colonial charm.
• Skeleton Coast for foggy shipwrecks and hauntingly beautiful shores.
• Damaraland for desert-adapted elephants and ancient rock art.

Note: March marks the end of the green season, when roads can be muddy but landscapes are at their most lush and photogenic.

Chile (Atacama Desert or Patagonia)

March is shoulder season in Chile, which means ideal weather with fewer tourists and lower prices. It’s late summer in Patagonia—trails are still accessible, and the scenery is jaw-dropping. In the north, the Atacama Desert is dry and dramatic year-round, but March offers slightly cooler, more comfortable temps. Whether you want to hike past glaciers or watch the stars from a salt flat, Chile delivers pure geographic drama.

Highlights

• Patagonia for hiking, glaciers, and epic national parks like Torres del Paine.
• Atacama Desert for moon-like landscapes, geysers, and surreal stargazing.
• Santiago for a cosmopolitan base between wine country and the Andes.
• Valparaíso for street art, hills, and colorful coastal views.

Note: Weather in Patagonia can change quickly, so pack layers and keep your itinerary flexible for hiking days.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, blossoms, or epic landscapes, March is one of the best times to travel. It sits in that seasonal sweet spot—less crowded than summer, more comfortable than winter, and full of fresh energy. From cherry blossoms in Japan to the surreal salt flats of Chile, these destinations offer incredible experiences without the peak-season chaos.

Whether you’re ready to dive into a desert, join a colorful festival, or sip wine under the first signs of spring, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you in March. So go ahead—book the ticket, pack the layers, and let the season surprise you.

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