Winter’s done, here comes the sun – and a whole heap of multi-hued fun
Colours are everywhere in March: dancing across the sky in Iceland, making up a feathered headdress at Carnival, thrown into the air in India and blossoming in the cherry trees in Japan. If you feel like celebrating the end of winter or holding onto the joy of summer – then a trip in March is just the ticket.
1. South India
Why go? Celebrate life with Holi and enjoy the comforts of a slightly cooler India
Temperature: 27ºC (81ºF) high, 17ºC (62ºF) low
Season: hot and dry season
Possibly the only place that can outdo the colours of Carnival is the celebration of Holi, which takes place every March in India. Known as the Festival of Colour, everyone is invited to join the throwing of colourful powders, which celebrates the end of winter. With accompanying sweets, traditional music and bonfires lit to celebrate the day, Holi is just a good time all around. Celebrations occur all across India but those looking to get doused in colour should look to the events in the northern regions, specifically in the Golden Triangle.
2. Brazil
Why go: Beaches are sunny and the party’s just getting started
Temperature: 29ºC (84ºF) high, 22ºC (72ºF) low
Season: Summer
Brazil in early March is a dazzling array of samba, sequins, celebration and more as Carnival continues until March 8 in Rio de Janeiro. Nicknamed ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, Carnival is as exciting as it gets with a never-ending stream of parades, street parties known as ‘blocos’ and glamorous balls.
Outside the party, this month in Brazil is still warm, perfect for wandering around the sights in the morning with a dip in Copacabana in the afternoon. Say less; we’ll grab the feathers.
3. Nepal
Why go? Flowers frame the countryside and the trails open again
Temperature: 27ºC (81ºF) high, 12ºC (54ºF) low
Season: Spring
Celebrate the end of Nepal’s winter with a burst of colour during Holi on March 25. With the arrival of spring, the rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, begin to bloom bright pinks and purples across the trails and tracks. A pretty stellar sight for those trekking up to Base Camp.
The new season also brings warmer temperatures, meaning some trekking trails will become accessible again. This is one of the two peak hiking seasons, although March generally sees fewer people than the other peak time (mid-September to November).
4. Iceland
Why go? One of your best chances to see the northern lights
Temperature: 3ºC (38ºF) high, -2ºC (28ºF) low
Season: Winter
The spring equinox on March 20 is known to strengthen and brighten the lights and colours of the aurora borealis (thanks to a whole lot of long scientific words). The temperatures are slightly warmer this month, and spring is soon to arrive in April.
While March is still a winter month, there are now around 10 hours of daylight instead of the mid-winter five. Meaning more time to spend traversing snow-covered landscapes, hiking over glaciers and marvelling over frozen waterfalls. Iceland is one of those destinations that shimmers (literally) in both summer and winter, so why not tick one off this March (and hopefully the northern lights too)?
5. Jordan
Why go? Quiet and cooler days, festive Ramadan celebrations at night
Temperature: 20ºC (68ºF) high, 10ºC (50ºF) low
Season: Spring
In 2025, Ramadan will take place in March, and as a predominantly Islamic country, Jordan can be an exciting place to visit during this time. Many residents partake in the traditional daytime fasts, and when iftar (breaking fast) comes, the festive spirit is brought to life.
The streets are decorated, families gather, restaurants are full, and street vendors entertain with music and shows. Alongside the celebration, prayers and reflection, there is also a focus on generosity during Ramadan, with many making an effort to give meals and aid to those less fortunate.
Travel and tourism continue somewhat normally during Ramadan. However, there are things to keep in mind, such as being mindful of those who are fasting, eating in private and being aware that alcohol will likely not be served, to name a few.
6. Japan
Why go? Blossoms in bloom and plenty of room (away from the crowds)
Temperature: 16ºC (61ºF) high, 8ºC (46ºF) low
Season: Spring
Cherry blossoms season means peak season, but after you’ve checked off the blooms, there’s a lot more of Japan left to see – and we’ll have you away from the crowds in no time.
The southern regions of Japan are known to have fewer visitors but great weather around this time of year. Made up of volcanoes, onsens, galleries, rice fields and more, you’ll see a slower side of this typically energetic country. What’s more, on some of our Japan itineraries, you’ll even be welcomed with a night of home-cooked meals and local hospitality in a Usuki countryside homestay (we guarantee the crowds won’t be here).
If you are in town specifically for the cherry blossoms, mid-March to mid-April will likely have the best blooms. But they can never be guaranteed – Mother Nature isn’t one to stick to a schedule.
7. Southwest USA
Why go? Weather that’s comfortable for trekking the deserts
Temperature: 26ºC (79ºF) high, 11ºC (52ºF) low
Season: Spring
Canyons, monuments, valleys and more await in Southwest USA this spring. Cooler weather makes trekking in this desert region much more comfortable than in summer when crowds and temperatures hit their peak.
With stops including the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, you just know there’s a view around every corner. But that’s not all this region has to offer. Be taught local history and culture with a Navajo guide in Monument Valley, hike the red rocky trails of Sedona, make a stop at Historic Route 66, and then call it a day in Las Vegas. This here is the Wild West and it’s not to be missed.
Flexible on the month?
Check out our recommendations on where to travel in February and April.
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