Best Places to Visit in March for Sun, Festivals & Deals

March is one of the few months where travel feels balanced rather than rushed or overpriced. Winter crowds are fading, summer prices have not yet taken over, and destinations across the world start to open up with better weather and lighter foot traffic. That overlap makes March one of the best places to visit in March planning windows if you want warmth, culture, or value without compromise.

What makes March especially appealing is how flexible it is. You can chase early sun, plan trips around major festivals, or take advantage of shoulder-season pricing before spring demand pushes costs higher. A quick planning edge, such as staying connected while comparing routes, events, and accommodations, can make decisions easier. An eSIM for international travel from Jetpac fits into that planning phase by keeping essential travel apps accessible while plans come together.

Before picking a destination, it helps to narrow down what kind of March experience you actually want.

How to choose the right March trip

Choosing the right March destination starts with understanding what you want most from the trip. March weather can mean beach conditions in one country and jackets in another. Crowds are typically driven by festivals or school breaks, rather than seasonal changes, and prices often spike for specific weeks rather than the entire month.

Rather than scrolling endless lists, narrowing options by trip goal helps avoid disappointment. March rewards travelers who align their destination, timing, and expectations, rather than chasing generic “perfect weather.”

Quick filters to decide faster:

• Sun: Prioritize dry climates and calm evenings.
• Festivals: Lock dates first, then choose where to stay nearby.
• Deals: Travel early or mid-March and midweek.
• Nature: Target seasonal wildlife or park access windows.

Once you know what you want from March, the next step is seeing where those conditions actually come together.

Best March destinations for sun and beach time

These destinations stand out in March because daily life revolves around the water without feeling rushed. In addition, beach conditions are consistent, outdoor dining stays comfortable, and you can plan full days outside without constantly checking the weather forecast. These are some of the best places to travel in March if sunshine is your priority.

Aruba

Aruba in March feels effortless. The weather is consistently warm, rain is minimal, and trade winds keep afternoons comfortable rather than draining. It’s a strong option if you want a beach trip where plans don’t revolve around checking forecasts.

• Best for: Predictable sun and relaxed beach days.
• March vibe: Warm, breezy, and dry without peak-season pressure.
• Top experiences: Eagle Beach lounging, snorkeling, and sunset dinners.
• Where to stay: Palm Beach for walkability and easy access to restaurants.
• Deal tip: Early March is more affordable before North American spring breaks begin.

If you want similar sunshine but prefer a European setting with culture layered in, the Canary Islands offer a different March experience.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife works well in March because it delivers warmth without the summer crowds Europe sees later in the year. You can switch between beaches, small towns, and volcanic landscapes without long travel days. It is one of the best places to travel in Europe in March.

• Best for: Sun with cultural variety and shorter flight times from Europe.
• March vibe: Mild days, cooler evenings, and steady outdoor conditions.
• Top experiences: Coastal walks, Mount Teide viewpoints, black-sand beaches.
• Where to stay: Costa Adeje for calm beaches or Santa Cruz for local life.
• Deal tip: Avoid Easter week pricing by traveling earlier in March.

For travelers who want warmer water and a lively coastal atmosphere, Mexico’s Pacific coast hits a sweet spot in March.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

March is one of the most comfortable months in Puerto Vallarta. Days are sunny, evenings cool off nicely, and whale season is still active early in the month. It balances resort ease with walkable neighborhoods. It balances resort ease with walkable neighborhoods and is among the best travel destinations in March.

• Best for: Beach time mixed with town life and local food.
• March vibe: Warm, social, and active without extreme heat.
• Top experiences: Beach clubs, old town dining, whale watching.
• Where to stay: Zona Romántica for walkability and atmosphere.
• Deal tip: Midweek stays are noticeably cheaper than weekends.

If staying closer to home matters more than international travel, Florida offers a familiar but reliable March escape.

Florida Keys, USA

The Florida Keys feel their best in March. Temperatures are warm without summer humidity, and water activities are comfortable throughout the day. It’s ideal if you want an easygoing trip without crossing borders. They remain one of the best places to travel in the US in March.

• Best for: Low-effort beach days and water activities.
• March vibe: Sunny, relaxed, and comfortably warm.
• Top experiences: Snorkeling, island hopping, sunset views.
• Where to stay: Islamorada for balance or Key West for energy.
• Deal tip: Stay slightly off the main islands to reduce accommodation costs.

For those willing to travel farther, Southeast Asia offers beach destinations where March brings both value and variety.

Phuket, Thailand

March sits just before Thailand’s hottest months, making Phuket more enjoyable than later in spring. Beaches are calm, crowds are manageable, and prices stay lower than peak winter season. Thailand is often listed among the best countries to visit in March.

• Best for: Affordable beach travel with cultural depth.
• March vibe: Warm days, calmer seas, and relaxed pacing.
• Top experiences: Island hopping, night markets, coastal viewpoints.
• Where to stay: Kata or Karon for quieter beaches, Patong for nightlife.
• Deal tip: Book local tours on arrival for better prices than online packages.

If beaches aren’t your priority and you prefer cities that feel electric, March shifts the focus from sand to streets.

Staying connected matters when moving between beaches, tours, and transport hubs in March.

Jetpac international eSIM keeps maps, bookings, and ride apps working without roaming surprises.

Best March destinations for festivals and street energy

March is one of the best months to travel if you enjoy cities at their most alive. Festival calendars drive the energy more than weather alone, which means crowds are concentrated, events feel intentional, and prices vary sharply by timing. Choosing the right city lets you experience the peak atmosphere without paying peak-season rates.

New Orleans, USA

March in New Orleans blends warm weather with one of the city’s busiest cultural calendars. The tail end of Carnival season and early spring events create constant street energy without summer heat.  It remains one of the best places to visit in March for music lovers.

• Best for: Music lovers and festival-focused trips.
• March vibe: Lively, social, and celebratory.
• Top experiences: Parades, live jazz, and French Quarter food.
• Where to stay: French Quarter or Marigny for walkability.
• Deal tip: Stay just outside parade routes to reduce hotel prices.

If you want festival energy with a European backdrop, Spain offers a vibrant alternative in March.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia hosts Las Fallas in March, one of Europe’s most dramatic street festivals. Fireworks, sculptures, and parades transform the city, making it a destination that feels truly seasonal. It is frequently ranked among the best destinations to visit in March.

• Best for: Festival-first travelers.
• March vibe: Loud, colorful, and immersive.
• Top experiences: Las Fallas events, historic center walks.
• Where to stay: Ruzafa or Ciutat Vella.
• Deal tip: Book early March dates before peak festival nights.

For a festival experience rooted in tradition rather than spectacle, Japan offers a quieter but meaningful March atmosphere.

Kyoto, Japan

Late March in Kyoto marks the start of cherry blossom season. Japan remains one of the best countries to visit in March for seasonal culture. The city balances celebration with calm, where cultural rituals shape crowds rather than nightlife.

• Best for: Cultural festivals and seasonal beauty.
• March vibe: Reflective, scenic, and orderly.
• Top experiences: Temple walks, early blossoms, traditional markets.
• Where to stay: Gion or Kawaramachi.
• Deal tip: Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowd surges.

If music and nightlife matter more than tradition, Austin delivers a different kind of March energy.

Austin, USA

Austin in March revolves around SXSW, making it one of the best places to visit in March for music and nightlife. Turning the city into a hub for music, film, and tech. Outside festival days, the city remains relaxed and affordable.

• Best for: Music fans and social travelers.
• March vibe: Creative, crowded during events, casual otherwise.
• Top experiences: Live shows, food trucks, downtown bars.
• Where to stay: South Congress or East Austin.
• Deal tip: Travel immediately before or after SXSW to save money on accommodation and flights.

For travelers who want large-scale cultural celebrations, India offers unmatched intensity in March.

Mumbai, India

March in Mumbai sits just before extreme heat, making it ideal for festivals and street life. India continues to be one of the best travel destinations in March for cultural immersion. Holi celebrations bring color and energy across the city.

• Best for: Festival immersion and urban culture.
• March vibe: Busy, vibrant, and expressive.
• Top experiences: Holi events, street food tours, and coastal walks.
• Where to stay: South Mumbai for access to landmarks.
• Deal tip: Book guided experiences locally instead of online.

Best March destinations for nature and wildlife

March marks transition seasons for wildlife across the world. Migration patterns, changing landscapes, and shoulder-season access make nature-focused travel more rewarding and less crowded.

Baja California, Mexico

March is peak whale-watching season in Baja California. Calm seas and clear skies make excursions reliable and affordable.

• Best for: Marine wildlife experiences.
• March vibe: Calm, sunny, and observational.
• Top experiences: Whale watching, coastal hikes.
• Where to stay: La Paz or Loreto.
• Deal tip: Book tours locally for better pricing.

For land-based biodiversity and rainforest experiences, Central America stands out in March.

Costa Rica

March falls in Costa Rica’s dry season, making it ideal for wildlife spotting without heavy rain.

• Best for: Rainforests and eco-adventures.
• March vibe: Warm, green, and active.
• Top experiences: National parks, ziplining, wildlife tours.
• Where to stay:  Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna.
• Deal tip: Stay outside resort zones for better rates.

For dramatic landscapes and trekking, South America offers an unmatched scale.

Patagonia, Chile, or Argentina

March marks the start of fall in Patagonia, bringing cooler temperatures and fewer hikers.

• Best for: Trekking and scenery.
• March vibe: Crisp, quiet, and expansive.
• Top experiences: Hiking, glacier views.
• Where to stay: Torres del Paine or El Chaltén.
• Deal tip: Shoulder-season lodges offer discounts.

Closer to home, March also opens access to some of the US’s best outdoor spaces.

Utah National Parks, USA

March brings fewer visitors to Utah’s parks while keeping trails accessible.

• Best for: Desert landscapes and photography.
• March vibe: Cool, uncrowded, and scenic.
• Top experiences: Zion hikes, Bryce viewpoints.
• Where to stay: Springdale or Moab.
• Deal tip: Visit early March for the lowest accommodation prices.

For a mix of nature and city access, South Africa provides a balanced option.

Cape Town, South Africa

March in Cape Town offers beach weather and mountain hikes without peak summer crowds.

• Best for: Nature with urban comfort.
• March vibe: Warm days, mild evenings.
• Top experiences: Table Mountain, coastal drives.
• Where to stay: Sea Point or Gardens.
• Deal tip: Book midweek stays for savings.

Best March destinations for city breaks and good-value stays

March favors cities where sightseeing is comfortable, and prices lag behind peak spring demand.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon in March combines mild weather with shoulder-season pricing.

• Best for: Walkable city breaks.
• March vibe: Relaxed and cultural.
• Top experiences: Historic neighborhoods, viewpoints.
• Where to stay: Baixa or Alfama.
• Deal tip: Avoid Easter week.

For similar warmth with a stronger Andalusian flavor, Spain’s south delivers.

Seville, Spain

Seville feels local and approachable before the April festivals begin.

• Best for: History and food.
• March vibe: Sunny, lively, manageable.
• Top experiences: Alcázar, tapas walks.
• Where to stay: Santa Cruz.
• Deal tip: Visit early March.

For value-focused city travel, Eastern Europe remains underrated.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest offers low costs and thermal baths in March.

• Best for: Affordable European cities.
• March vibe: Cool, cultural, budget-friendly.
• Top experiences: Baths, ruin bars.
• Where to stay: District VII.
• Deal tip: Weekday spa visits are cheaper.

If color and culture matter more than cold, North Africa fits March well.

Marrakech, Morocco

March weather in Marrakech is warm without desert extremes.

• Best for: Markets and culture.
• March vibe: Busy, colorful, comfortable.
• Top experiences: Medina walks, gardens.
• Where to stay:  Inside the Medina.
• Deal tip: Book Riads directly.

For a North American city break with a European feel, Canada offers balance.

Montreal, Canada

March in Montreal blends winter charm with lower prices.

• Best for: Culture on a budget.
• March vibe: Cold but lively.
• Top experiences: Food scene, festivals.
• Where to stay: Plateau or Downtown.
• Deal tip: Off-peak hotels offer strong value.

Once you’ve chosen a destination, the next challenge is turning it into a plan that doesn’t feel rushed.

A simple March itinerary builder 

March trips work best when movement is limited and days stay adaptable. Weather shifts, festival schedules, and transport delays are easier to handle when your plan has fewer moving parts.

• 4 days: One city with one easy day trip keeps logistics light.
• 7 days: Two bases max, connected by direct transport.
• 10 days: Only if travel between bases is simple and infrequent.

This structure reduces decision fatigue, limits transport costs, and leaves room to adjust plans without losing time.

With a workable itinerary in place, the focus shifts to locking in prices before they move.

How to find real March travel deals 

March pricing changes fast because demand reacts to festivals and weather, not seasons. Flights often rise first, while hotels lag for a short window.

Booking flights early, staying midweek, and choosing neighborhoods just outside event zones usually delivers better value than chasing discounts. The best deals come from timing, not promo codes.

That flexibility depends heavily on having reliable connectivity wherever March takes you.

Jetpac for March travel without roaming surprises

Jetpac supports March travel with flexibility rather than friction. One eSIM works across 200+ destinations, so you set it up once and top up when needed. Its always-on multi-network connectivity helps maintain stable access even in busy cities or rural areas.

With 100% upfront pricing, Jetpac helps prevent roaming bill shocks and can be up to 70% cheaper than traditional roaming. You can share data through a hotspot without any data restrictions, and still use Uber, WhatsApp, and Google Maps even if data runs out. Support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp and email, and outgoing voice calls with 5G access are available in 50+ countries from $1.99 per 5 minutes.

Read more: If you want to apply the same timing logic beyond March, this breakdown is useful to revisit when planning future trips. Read our blog 👉 How to Save Money While Traveling Without Sacrificing Fun

FAQs

Where is the warmest place to visit in March without heavy crowds?

Aruba, Tenerife, and parts of Mexico offer warmth without peak congestion early in the month.

Which March festivals are worth planning a trip around?

Las Fallas in Spain, Holi in India, and the cherry blossom season in Japan are standout events.

How far in advance should I book March travel for good deals?

Flights are best booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead, while accommodations depend on event timing.

What are the best March destinations for families?

Florida Keys, Costa Rica, and Portugal work well due to safety and ease of movement.

How does a Jetpac eSIM help when traveling between cities in March?

A Jetpac eSIM keeps data active across borders, helping with navigation, bookings, and schedule changes without switching SIMs.

Disclaimer

Weather, events, pricing, and availability can change. Information was accurate at the time of writing. Jetpac is not responsible for third-party changes or disruptions.