By March, spring is stirring across the northern hemisphere, thawing several high-profile destinations from their chilly, off-peak periods – with the bonus that the crowds have yet to arrive. Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, the mercury is starting to slide in the opposite direction, attracting thrill seekers and bargain hunters for low-season adventures.
No matter what you’re looking for, it’s a rewarding time to hit the road. Find out 9 best places to visit in March 2025
1. Gran Canaria, Spain
Ideal for Relaxation
As part of the 9 best places to visit in March 2025, Gran Canaria is an excellent choice for a wellness retreat among dunes and pleasantly warm weather, with temperatures consistently above 20°C (68°F) and more than seven hours of sunshine each day in March. This charming centre of the Canary Islands is a hub for yoga, meditation, tai chi, and qigong retreats, many of which are located near Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s culturally rich capital. Choose a spot based on your preferences – after your early-morning tai chi session, you’ll have ample time to unwind or get active. There are plenty of beaches to relax on, but you might also consider exploring the island's hiking trails.
Planning Tip: Stay in Las Palmas for a mix of sand and city life, Maspalomas for vibrant beach activities and expansive sand dunes, Puerto de Mogán for a scenic harbor, or the central north for hiking adventures.
2. Sedona, USA
Ideal for a spiritual journey
The vibrant red sandstone formations in central Arizona, famous as the backdrop for numerous films, are perhaps the most iconic symbols of Sedona. However, a less obvious attraction captivates many visitors today. A group of significant "energy vortexes" discovered in the 1980s attracts New Age enthusiasts, who partake in various mystical and spiritual healing practices and workshops (along with some excellent restaurants to nourish both body and mind). March offers warm weather, blooming wildflowers, and numerous outdoor adventure opportunities. Bring loose clothing and a mat for yoga at one of the many studios, as well as cycling gear and hiking boots—over 200 trails weave through the surrounding landscape, especially around the stunning formations of Red Rock Crossing—and an empty memory card for this highly photogenic city.
Planning tip: Several companies provide vortex tours; save money by grabbing a free map from shops around the city.
Planning tip: Several companies offer vortex tours; save money by picking up a free map from shops around the city.
3. Morocco
Ideal for surfing
A series of surf camps line Morocco’s coast between Agadir and Essaouira, mainly concentrated around Taghazout and the quieter fishing village of Tamraght. The surfing conditions are consistently good from October to March, when the weather begins to warm up but the waves remain large, long, and steady. Most camps follow a simple routine: start with sunrise yoga to stretch, then grab a board and seek out the best waves, making time to explore the galleries and souqs of Essaouira’s fortified medina.
Planning tip: The Atlantic is at its coldest in March – you’ll need at least a 3/2mm wetsuit.
4. Costa Rica
Ideal for outdoor adventures
Costa Rica, a small country with a vast array of landscapes and wildlife, also experiences significant weather variations, contributing to its lush rainforests. Visit in March to enjoy the drier season on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts as well as in the highlands (though some rain is always possible). This time is also after the peak US holiday season, so there are fewer crowds. The most challenging part will be deciding what to do while there.
5. New Brunswick, Canada
Ideal for sweet indulgences
March marks maple syrup month in New Brunswick, a Canadian province known for its tranquility, low tourist traffic, and abundant natural beauty and history. During this “fifth season,” temperatures begin to rise above freezing, causing the sap to flow in maple trees. Sugar camps (or shacks) invite hungry guests to sugarbush events, offering cooked breakfasts of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and pancakes – all generously topped with that irresistibly sticky syrup. With snow still on the ground, you can build up an appetite by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking in breathtaking locations like Fundy National Park.
6. Istanbul, Türkiye
Ideal for food enthusiasts
Istanbul never fails to impress, and in March, as the weather begins to warm up towards the end of the low season, you can benefit from discounts, fewer crowds, and more pleasant weather. Make sure to allocate some time for the greatest legacy the Ottomans bestowed upon the world: food. Why else would the Spice Bazaar be so expansive and lively? From simple kebabs to meze feasts and the exquisite aubergine dish imam bayıldı, few cuisines are as indulgent as that of Türkiye. In the past couple of decades, a variety of excellent food-themed walking tours and cooking schools have emerged in Istanbul, offering the chance to combine a springtime city getaway with a culinary refresh.
7. Naples, Italy
Ideal for an Italian getaway
Naples is bold and unreserved. This southern Italian city may appear a bit rough around the edges, but it boasts an unyielding spirit, a stunning location (on the Bay of Naples, under the watchful eye of Mt Vesuvius), and, naturally, the finest pizzas in the nation. Visiting in March, during the off-season, offers mild weather and precedes the influx of tourists. As a result, must-see attractions like the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (filled with artifacts from Pompeii) are free from crowds, as is Pompeii itself, just a 45-minute train journey to the south.
Planning tip: Circumvesuviana and Campania Express trains link Naples and Pompeii; to avoid crowds at the archaeological site, begin with the sections farthest from the entrance and work your way back.
8. Kyūshū, Japan
Best for cherry blossoms
A cherry tree in bloom is a delightful sight – sure. But 2000 cherry trees blossoming in the clear spring air? That’s a mind-boggling spectacle. Japan’s warmer southwestern island of Kyūshū blushes with blossom before the better-known spots on Honshū. Its somei yoshino and yamazakura trees bloom from mid-March in parks around Fukuoka, at the magnificent castle in Kumamoto, and in Yoshino Park in Kagoshima, set against the dramatic backdrop of aptly named Mt Sakurajima.
9. Antigua
Ideal for Sunseekers
Antigua is said to have a beach for every day of the year. Whether or not there are truly 365 distinct beaches, you'll certainly find plenty of soft, golden shores to relax on. In March, tourist numbers dip after the winter peak and before Easter, yet the weather remains dry and free from hurricanes. Antigua is also a family-friendly haven, offering numerous activities and a touch of adventure. Explore Nelson’s Dockyard or the historic 18th-century Fort James for some maritime history, snorkel vibrant reefs, or try bodysurfing.
March’s dream trip: Follow the Overseas Highway in South Florida
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