Best places to travel in March – cold, hot, cultural destinations

Planning a spring trip and wondering where to go? Keep reading – I’ve prepared a list of the best places to travel in March. This month offers a little something for everyone around the globe: warm beaches, snowy retreats, vibrant festivals, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In March, you can see cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., the Northern Lights in Tromso, and the festive streets of Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, and many more.

As a self-proclaimed travel enthusiast (I’ve been to over 50 countries and counting), I know how overwhelming it can be to choose a destination. That’s why I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide – with weather details, top attractions, accommodation options, and average prices. I’ve even given some insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.

If you’re curious about where to travel in other months, check out my posts for February, April, and May.

Best spring break destinations for hot weather

In March, it’s hot in tropical destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Bali. The weather is also warm to hot across South America, so it’s comfortable to visit Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

Bali, Indonesia

Weather

March in Bali is pure magic: warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine (up to 7 hours a day), minimal rainfall, and just a hint of humidity to keep things feeling lush.

Best places to travel in March in Bali

Bali is more than just beaches (though let’s be real, the beaches are amazing). This island is packed with Instagram-worthy spots like the iconic Uluwatu Temple perched on a cliff and the serene rice terraces of Ubud.

Cultural must-visit locations include traditional dance performances, local markets, sacred monkey forests, and vibrant art museums.

Activities

Try surfing in Canggu and yoga retreats in Ubud. Or maybe you’re more about exploring the island’s lush jungles and hidden waterfalls.

Pro tip: rent a scooter to zip around the island like a local.

Ideas for lodging

• Luxury: check out Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, private villas with infinity pools, or the St. Regis Bali Resort, beachfront luxury with butler service.
• Mid-range: consider Amnaya Resort Kuta – a chic boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, just steps from the beach.
• Budget: I recommend Pondok Nyoman Bagus Homestay (a cozy, family-run guesthouse in Ubud with a pool and lush gardens) and M Boutique Hostel Seminyak (stylish and affordable, with a rooftop terrace and free breakfast).

Average prices

• Flights: an economy round-trip from Europe will be around $600-1,000 per person and $1,000-1,400 from the US.
• Accommodation: budget options start at $6/night, while luxury resorts can go up to $500+/night.
• Meals: street food will cost you $2-5, and a nice dinner at a mid-range restaurant will be around $9-25 per person.

Cancún, Mexico

Weather

Cancún is the ultimate warm-weather destination for March. It’s pleasant, with sunny skies and barely any rain. It’s the dry season, so you can leave your umbrella at home and focus on soaking up the sun.

Top sights

The Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas beaches are the best places to travel in March. History buffs, don’t miss the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum to explore pyramids and learn about fascinating pre-Columbian cultures. And for nightlife? The Coco Bongo show and the clubs in the Hotel Zone will keep you dancing until sunrise.

What to do

You can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Isla Mujeres or dive in the Museo Subacuático de Arte (an underwater museum).

Also, consider exploring the Cenotes – natural sinkholes perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. And think about a day trip to Xcaret Park to experience wildlife encounters and cultural shows.

Places to stay

• Luxury: want a sleek, modern resort with private pools and ocean views? Book Nizuc Resort & Spa. Beachfront elegance with a world-class spa? Then The Ritz-Carlton is your choice.
• Mid-range: Cancún has a chic beachfront hotel Emporio with a rooftop pool and easy access to the nightlife.
• Budget: ourists love Hostel Ka’beh Cancún. A social, budget-friendly spot with a pool and free breakfast.

Cost

• Flights: a one-person round-trip from the US starts at $300; from the EU – $700+.
• Accommodation: good budget stays range from $15/night, and elite spots are $400+.
• Meals: street tacos will cost you $1-1,5; a nice dinner at a mid-range restaurant is $30+.

Best March getaways for cold weather

Reykjavík, Iceland

Weather

March in Reykjavík is cold, and this is the icing on the cake. Plus, it’s one of the best times to catch the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Best places to travel in March in Reykjavík

Don’t miss the Golden Circle, where you’ll find the Geysir Geothermal Area (erupting hot springs!) and the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall. In the Þingvellir National Park, you can walk between tectonic plates. Even more, there’s the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa that’s, in my opinion, heaven on Earth.

What to do

I recommend four options:

• Hunting for the Northern Lights.
• Exploring ice caves in Vatnajökull Glacier.
• Soaking in hot springs like the Secret Lagoon.
• Chasing waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss.

And gourmets, take the Reykjavík Food Walk to sample Icelandic delicacies like lamb stew and skyr (Icelandic yogurt).

Accommodation

• Luxury: consider The Reykjavík EDITION. It’s a stylish, modern hotel with killer views of the harbor.
• Mid-range: check Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre with Icelandic design touches or Fosshotel Reykjavík which gives easy access to the city’s attractions.
• Budget: my recommendation is Kex Hostel. It’s a hip, social hostel with a bar and a laid-back vibe.

How much?

• Flights: prepare $200-300 if you are from Europe. And Americans, it’ll cost you ~$500. 
• Accommodation: budget options start at $30, and luxury locations are $400+.
• Meals: a hot dog from the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand costs $4. A nice dinner at an inexpensive café is $14+ per person; at a middle-class restaurant – $35+.

Banff, Canada

Weather

March in Banff is winter at its finest: plenty of snow and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. It’s the kind of place where you can ski in the morning and soak in a hot spring by afternoon.

Best places to travel in March in Banff

Start with Banff National Park. Here you’ll find iconic spots like Lake Louise (the one you are likely to see on Instagram) and Moraine Lake (even more stunning in person). Don’t miss the Banff Gondola for panoramic Sulphur Mountain views that will leave you speechless. And for a touch of history, check out the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – it’s a castle in the Rockies! Just watch this:

Activities

I advise you to ski at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort and snowshoe through pristine forests. Also, consider ice skating on Lake Louise or soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs after a day of adventure. For the brave, there’s always ice climbing in Johnston Canyon.

Accommodation

• Luxury: of course, the must is Fairmont Banff Springs. The hotel is as luxurious as it sounds. With spa services, fine dining, comfortable rooms, and epic(!) mountain views. The next is The Rimrock Resort Hotel. Perched on the side of a mountain, it offers stunning views plus easy access to the hot springs.
• Mid-range: take a look at a cozy lodge Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. There is a great spa and a tasty restaurant.
• Budget: I stayed at HI Banff Alpine Centre, and I liked its friendly atmosphere and easy access to hiking trails.

Average prices

• Flights: a trip to Banff costs $300-500 round-trip from the US and $800-1,000 from Europe.
• Accommodation: low-cost stays are $35+, while fancy lodges are available for $400+.
• Meals: a hearty poutine will cost you $10-20. A nice dinner at a cheap spot is $17-35. At a mid-level restaurant, it is around $55-170 for two.

Tromso, Norway

Weather

March in Tromso is cold. With Arctic conditions and snowy landscapes, it’s the ideal time to experience the Northern Lights and explore the wild beauty of Norway’s far north.

Top visits

• Tromsø’s best places to travel in March are the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum. The first combines striking modern architecture and stunning stained glass. The second, which I especially enjoyed, boasts fascinating insights into Arctic exploration.
• And, Polaria! The Arctic Aquarium with cute seals.
• Finally, the Northern Lights are the star of the show — just head outside the city for the best views. Look at this beauty for yourself:

Activities

In Tromsø, you should go dogsledding through snowy forests and snowmobile across frozen tundras. If you like whale watching in the fjords, March is prime time for spotting orcas and humpbacks here.

And for a truly unique experience, try a Sami cultural tour to learn about indigenous traditions and meet reindeer.

Options for lodging

• Luxury: Clarion Hotel The Edge is about stunning views of the harbor and mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows. Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is a centrally located place where staff make Northern Lights wake-up calls so visitors won’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime view.
• Mid-range: Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø – a trendy, not expensive option with a great location and stylish design.
• Budget: I stayed at Tromsø Activities Hostel. A social, pet-friendly spot with a kitchen and easy access to tours.

Expenses

• Flights: an economy round-trip from America will be $500-800 and $200-400 from Europe.
• Accommodation: budget lodgings start at $100/night (there are cheaper ones as well, but they are poorly commented and seem suspicious to me). Expect 5-star resorts to cost you $400+.
• Meals: a hearty bowl of fish soup costs $15-20 per person, lunch at an inexpensive dining place – costs $16-40, and a nice dinner at a middle-class restaurant is $35-65.

Cultural and festival March travel destinations

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland

Climate

Dublin is the place to be for St. Patrick’s Day! March in Dublin is cool with the occasional rain shower, but that’s just part of the charm. With St. Patrick’s Day in full swing, the city comes alive with parades, music, endless celebrations, and plenty of Guinness.

Festival highlights

The city’s famous parade is a must-see: colorful floats and marching bands, as well as performers taking over the streets. Live music fills the air, and pubs like The Temple Bar and The Brazen Head are the heart of the celebration. And of course, visit the St. Patrick’s Festival – there are fantastic street performances to fireworks.

Best places to travel in March in Dublin

• The first is attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
• The second – visiting historic sites like Trinity College (home to the Book of Kells) and Dublin Castle.
• And for a bit of culture, don’t miss the Guinness Storehouse — because no trip to Dublin is complete without a pint of the black stuff.

Options for lodging

• Luxury: consider The Westbury, a chic, five-star hotel right off Grafton Street. Or choose The Merrion Hotel, a luxurious stay with elegant rooms and even an art collection.
• Mid-range: among mid-range places, check out a trendy boutique hotel The Dean Dublin.
• Budget: look no further than Abbey Court Hostel! A budget-friendly spot with a cozy atmosphere and free breakfast.

Expenses

• Flights: prepare $500-600 if you’re from the US and $150-300 if you’re from Europe.
• Accommodation: budget options start at $30/night, while luxury lodges can go up to $400+/night.
• Meals: cheap dining places – $15-30. Mid-class ones – $30-75 per person. However, if you are in the mood for street food, note that a hearty Irish stew will cost you $15-20.

Cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C., USA

Weather

Washington, D.C., is one of the best places to visit in March in the US. This month here is mild and magical. It’s time when the city’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Festival highlights

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the star of the show. Parades and illuminated cherry trees make the city glow at night. And don’t miss the Blossom Kite Festival to see the sky filled with colorful kites and the Petal Porches competition to admire local homes decorated with cherry blossom themes.

Best places to travel in March in Washington, D.C.

Here’s what I suggest you do:

• Stroll through the Tidal Basin under a sea of pink blossoms.
• Admire the city’s world-class museums, like the Smithsonian or the National Gallery of Art.
• Check out the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument.

Options for lodging

• Luxury: you won’t regret booking a room at The Jefferson with elegant decor. It has a spa and boasts a prime location near the White House. Or, choose The Hay-Adams – a historic lodge with stunning views of the National Mall.
• Mid-range: try 4-star accommodation with easy access to the city’s top attractions – The Darcy.
• Budget: my choice was HighRoad Hotel. I liked that there’s a kitchen in the room and the place takes environmental sustainability seriously.

Expenses

• Flights: an economy round-trip is $100-300 for Americans and $500-700 for Europeans.
• Accommodation: if you are looking for cheap options, then it will be about $40/night. For luxury fans, it’ll cost $350+.
• Food: a meal at a food truck is around $10-15. A nice dinner at a mid-range cafe is $60-200 for two. Cheaper places cost $15-40 per person.

Tips and useful sources to find the best places to travel in March

Before you even start planning your trip, a few tools and resources can make the whole process easier. First thing I usually find a travel eSIM to stay connected abroad, compare flight and rental prices by days (there can be a festival or a concert in your target location that spikes the rent), and check how much the food and local transportation costs.

Stay connected with eSIM

Having reliable internet is a game-changer. Navigating public transport, translating menus or signs, sharing photos on Instagram, and googling museums – all this requires you to stay connected. That’s where eSIMs come in.

Since I first tried Ohayu eSIM in 2024, I haven’t purchased a single physical SIM card for my trips. eSIMs can connect you to local mobile operators in 170+ destinations, but don’t require a physical SIM card or an operator store visit. A new country profile can be downloaded to your phone online from a website or app. In a year, it saved me hours of searching and a few hundred dollars on roaming.

If you plan to visit several countries in one trip, I can recommend using Global eSIM. It covers 120+ countries, has monthly plans from 2 GB for $9.99, and can automatically switch networks as you move from one country to another.

Why eSIM? Because it’s often cheaper than roaming from your home operator or more convenient than buying local SIMs. And you have a wide range of choices: global plans (for multi-country travel) or pay-as-you-go country plans (for a single-country trip).

Download travel apps

Travel apps are lifesavers when you’re on the go. My favorites are TripAdvisor (for reviews and recommendations) and iExit (if you’re road-tripping in the US, this app tells you what’s at every exit).

Find the best travel deals and explore the cost of living

Want to find the latest prices and best deals on lodging, flights, and dining? Then Numbeo and Google Travel are your best friends.

Numbeo is a crowdsourced database that gives you cost breakdowns on everything from market food to transportation to utilities and clothing in specific cities.

Google Travel is an aggregator. Just type in your destination, and it’ll show you price trends, the cheapest flight date, vacation rental discounts, etc.

I really hope you find all these tips and resources useful and that they help you explore the best places to travel in March smarter and stress-free. Now go enjoy that spring adventure!

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Article by Allison Reed

Editor in Chief at Ohayu

Allison's secret passion during the last 10+ years is travel journalism. She loves to pack up, leave the comfort zone and discover new destinations and cultures to later have good memories and share her adventures. She covers digital nomad trends, global mobility, and travel tips.

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