Ready to March ahead into the sun? (Picture: Getty)
While the post-Christmas months are always a slog for many, this year, the cold snaps and flood warnings have given 2023 a tough start.
This could mean that many of us are already planning ahead for some Spring sun and dreaming of sunnier climates.
With Christmas debts still lingering, you might not be ready to splash the cash on a January or February holiday, but you could be cutting some money aside for a little break in March.
And you’d be right to! March is a wonderful month to visit many parts of the world, including areas of South-East Asia, North America, Africa and South America.
Hey, there are even a few European destinations that escape the rainy, chilly and blustery weather March is known for.
Some places have temperatures in early 30s territory, and for many countries March is considered ‘shoulder season’ – meaning you’ll likely avoid the bulk of the crowds.
Yay. So, where should you jet off to?
Where is hot in March?
The Gambia
The Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest countries (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 34°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: Six hours, five minutes
This small West African nation’s hottest month is March – you definitely won’t feel a chill here.
The Gambia is known for having lovely beaches near the capital Banjul and Serrekunda, but it’s also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Nature-lovers should consider a stay at the eco-lodge at Tanji Bird Reserve (though October to December is typically birding season). It’s also possible to spot leopards, hippos and monkeys in Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park.
Hawaii
Hawaii is hot this time of year (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 24°C (up to 26°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: 17 hours (with one-stop, no direct flights).
Alas, Hawaii isn’t in shoulder season in March. But the views are guaranteed to be gorgeous.
As is the weather. Temperatures are perfectly placed right in the middle of the 20s, and though you may experience the odd snap shower of rain, it’s far less rainy than in February.
You’re a bit spoiled for choice when it comes to visiting Hawaii’s beautiful islands. Honolulu, O’ahu, Maui and Kaua’i are among the most famous for their beaches, rich histories and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Dominican Republic
There’s much to see and do in the Dominican Republic, including the capital Santo Domingo (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 25°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: 13 hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 15 minutes
A Caribbean holiday usually promises hot weather and sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing.
It’s absolutely possible to have an all-inclusive, resort holiday in the Dominican Republic. Look up Punta Cana, or Cabarete and Sosúa in Puerto Plata. (The latter is great for water sports).
But if you want to explore, drive to the capital, Santo Domingo. As of one the Caribbean’s oldest cities, there’s plenty of history to learn about. Uncover some at the palace-turned-museum Alcázar de Colón.
If you’re looking to escape the standard beach break, consider a visit to the peaceful Samaná Peninsula.
Southern Vietnam
Wherever you visit in Vietnam, there’ll be good weather in March (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 10 to 11 hours
Flight time: 11 hours, 50 minutes (to Ho Chi Minh City)
If it’s an unforgettable beach experience you want, then heading to the southern coast in Vietnam is a good plan.
It’s well worth the lengthy flight time from the UK, which will likely take you to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a day or two (or longer, if you can swing it) in the city, before driving a few hours to a coastal resort.
While it’s hot in the south, it’s a bit cooler up north, around the 19°C mark. Here, you’ll find capital city Hanoi. It’s also where you can embark on a visit to Halong Bay – a classic tourist hotspot for a reason.
Seville, Spain
Seville’s famous Alcazar is just one of many places to visit (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 15°C (up to 20°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Two hours, 45 minutes
Sadly, you can’t expect too much sun from Europe in March, but the southwestern Spanish city of Seville should warm your soul.
There’s a chance you could experience a high temperature of 20°C, but even a tepid 15°C is ideal for traversing the city on foot.
Architecture is Seville’s number one selling point – particularly Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish Revival.
Check out the Cathedral, admire the Royal Alcazar (a palace you’ll have spotted in the hit HBO series Game Of Thrones) and wander the 1920s Plaza de España to admire its many ceramic tiles.
Grenada
The Caribbean country of Grenada is too often underrated (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 26°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 15 minutes
The Caribbean country of Grenada may be relatively small, but it shouldn’t be underestimated.
It has three main islands: Grenada itself, plus the smaller Carricou and Petite Martinique, and a few others (including the ludicrously-costly private island Calivigny).
Of its golden beaches, Magazine, Levera, Morne Rouge and Grand Anse are probably the best know. So you can’t go wrong with accommodation nearby.
But in your search for sea and sand, don’t miss out on the capital St George’s, and a walk along its picturesque Carenage harbour.
Nature lovers will also have plenty more to appreciate beyond the beach. Make plans to explore Grand Etang Lake, Concord Falls or Annandale Forest Park, if you can.
Cartagena, Colombia
Not just heat, but history too. Cartagena’s walled city is UNESCO-listed (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 26°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: 7.5 hours
Flight time: 12 hours, five minutes
Most major cities in Colombia are poised to give you the March hot holiday you’re looking for.
There’s Bogota, Medellin and Cali to choose from – but perhaps Cartagena is the prettiest.
Set along the northern coast, it’s known for its UNESCO-recognised walled city, which dates back to 16th century. Expect to see great art and visit fascinating museums.
You’ll also be a boat ride away from one of Colombia’s national parks, Rosario Islands, which is known for its excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Tenerife
Tenerife is more than a beach island… but the beaches are pretty amazing (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 17°C (up to 21°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Four hours, 30 minutes
Few will be shocked to see this Canary Island on our March list – it’s also on November’s, too.
The reason why is simple: Tenerife, though part of Spain, is geographically located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Making it a touch warmer than much of mainland Europe during wintry months.
It’s also got everything you could want from a hot holiday: beaches, water sports, nature, hiking, cruises, cultural activities, an epic water park and of course, the volcanic Mount Teide.
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi’s waters will be lovely and warm in March (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 29°C (up to 34°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Around 16 hours (usually with a stop in Bangkok)
Thailand’s weather can be intense in March. You can expect to sizzle in the capital, Bangkok, and it can be uncomfortably hot at times in the country’s northern reaches.
Luckily, there are plenty of island locations to keep things a tad cooler, most offering out-of-this-world beaches, with warm water perfect for swimming and splashing around in.
By no means is Krabi your only option, but this province promises ultimate relaxation, (literal) turquoise waters and stunning views of breathtaking karsts. Sold.
Trinidad & Tobago
Unbeatable views, as well as high March temperatures, can be found in the Caribbean (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 30°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 50 minutes
Like many of the destinations on this list, you can have the best of both worlds with Trinidad & Tobago.
If you want to laze by a pool, there’s no shortage of gorgeous villas to book. But the islands (Trinidad, the larger, and Tobago, the smaller) are also rich in history and culture.
To bear witness to something really special, arrive at the country’s capital, Port of Spain, by March 1. You’ll hopefully get to see the end of Calypso: an explosion of music, dance and bold colours, often dubbed the Caribbean’s largest carnival.
Gozo, Malta
See another side of Malta on the isle of Gozo (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 14°C (up to 17°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Three hours, 10 minutes (to mainland Malta).
The archipelago of Malta, on the map, sits below Italy and off the coast of Tunisia in Africa. This means it can, at times, reach some gorgeously warm temperatures.
It’s one of the better flight times on this list, with a trip to the main island, Malta, taking just over three hours. But if you’ve seen Valletta and want to see another side of Malta – why not hop on a ferry to its second-biggest island, Gozo?
Travel time will be added to your trip, yes, but you can stay on Gozo for several days (in some rather lovely hotels).
Here, you’ll explore the city of Victoria’s medieval citadel – as well as admire rocky bays, ancient temples, basilicas, sandy beaches, plus sample only the finest Maltese dishes.
Cyprus
Tear yourself away from the resorts to see Aphrodite’s Rock (Picture: Getty)
Temperature: 19ºC
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Four hours, 30 minutes
Cyprus is usually a winner, whether it’s summer or a million miles away from the UK’s sunny season.
Temperatures are typically in the high 10s at this time of year, reaching just shy of 20ºC. It does get cooler in the evenings (somewhere around 9ºC), so bring something warm for the nighttime.
You’ve got plenty of choice on where to stay and what to see. Classic resort destinations include Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. For a city experience, try Nicosia.
And if you’re game to party, there’s always Ayia Napa…
Before you book, keep in mind…
A March getaway sounds great, but remember that Covid restrictions could still be in place in some countries. Before booking, check gov.uk’s Foreign Travel Advice for your ideal destination.
You should check:
Are Brits allowed in to the country at all?
To enter, do you need to show proof of a negative test, or prove you’ve had your Covid vaccinations?
On arrival, will you need to self-isolate at your hotel or quarantine somewhere else for a set period of time?
On return to the UK, will the British government expect you to self-isolate at home or quarantine in a hotel?
These are all questions you should be able to answer. Even then, the answer could well change at the drop of a hat.
Entry requirements and travel rules are frequently being altered and updated. Any country can be added to an England or UK travel red list at incredibly short notice. If a country goes red while you’re in it, you’ll be subject to the new quarantine rules.
Make sure you’re prepared to deal with any sudden changes along the way, and also ensure you’ve got top-tier travel insurance for your trip, covering all possibilities.
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Escape the dregs of winter and enjoy some warmth.
