Where to Travel in March: Beyond the Best Beaches

Lake Atitlán sits in the Sierra Madre mountain range of southwestern Guatemala. It is the deepest lake in Central America, reaching down 340 meters. March is part of the dry season, meaning you get clear blue skies almost every day. The water is cool but suitable for swimming, and the volcano views are sharp. Strong winds often blow across the water in the late afternoon. This makes morning the best time for boat travel between the lakeside villages. March is a busy month here due to regional Easter celebrations. You will encounter higher prices for lodging and transport, so booking several weeks in advance is necessary.

Chichen Itza is an ancient city built by the Maya people in Yucatán, Mexico. March is the last month of the dry season when temperatures remain manageable. By April, the humidity and heat in this jungle region become very heavy. The site displays several architectural styles from different eras of Maya history. The main pyramid, El Castillo, aligns with the sun during the spring equinox in March. At this time, shadows create the shape of a serpent crawling down the stone stairs. This equinox event draws massive crowds to the park. If you visit during this week, expect long lines and limited space to walk around the structures.

The Pitons are two volcanic plugs rising from the sea on the coast of Saint Lucia. Gros Piton is the larger peak, while Petit Piton is steeper and more difficult to climb. March is the peak of the dry season, offering dry trail conditions. Hiking Gros Piton takes about four hours of steep stepping over boulders. The dry March weather keeps the dirt trails from turning into mud, though the heat is still intense. You must hire an official guide at the base before you start. Because March is a popular month for cruise ships, the trail base gets crowded by mid-morning. Starting your hike at 7:00 AM helps you avoid the crowds and the midday sun.

Arenal Volcano is a young, cone-shaped volcano in northwestern Costa Rica, rising 1,633 meters. It was dormant for hundreds of years before a major eruption in 1968. March is one of the driest months in this rainforest region, which gives you the best chance of seeing the summit. During the wet season, clouds cover the peak almost constantly. The dry weather also makes hiking the base trails much easier. The nearby town of La Fortuna serves as the base for exploring the area. Hot springs warmed by geothermal activity are a major draw, but they get crowded during March spring break holidays.

Hội An is a historic port town located in the Quảng Nam province of Vietnam. March offers warm, dry weather before the heavy summer monsoon and high humidity begin in May. The old town preserves centuries of wooden merchant houses and a Japanese covered bridge. In March, the river water levels are stable, allowing for calm evening boat rides under silk lanterns. The town restricts motorized traffic in the historic center during certain hours of the day. This makes walking easier, though the narrow streets still get crowded with tour groups.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a large steel arch bridge in Sydney, Australia. Opened in 1932, it carries trains, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians across the harbor. March brings pleasant autumn weather to Sydney, with warm days and cooler evenings. The summer humidity has faded, making it a great time to walk across the pedestrian path or climb the steel arch. You can walk across the bridge for free on the protected pedestrian path. Booking an official guided climb to the very top of the arch is expensive and requires booking months in advance.

Cartagena is a major port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. March is the final month of the dry winter season, offering hot days with strong coastal winds. The walled old town features stone walls built to defend the colony against pirate attacks. If you are looking for the best beaches to visit in March, you can take a boat from the city marina to the nearby Rosario Islands. The beaches inside the city limits have dark sand and are heavily populated by persistent vendors. For a quiet beach experience, you must pay for a boat trip to the outer islands.

Victoria Falls sits on the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, stretching over 1,700 meters wide. March falls during the high-water season when the Zambezi River is swollen by upstream rains. The volume of water is immense, creating a massive cloud of spray that rises high into the air. This high water level means you will get soaked while walking along the viewing paths. The heavy spray can also block your view of the actual falls, making a raincoat essential.

Marina Bay Sands is a large integrated resort fronting the bay in Singapore. Opened in 2010, the complex features a massive hotel, a luxury shopping mall, and a rooftop park. March falls during the transition period between monsoons, resulting in less wind and lower rainfall. The warm, dry evenings are ideal for visiting the open-air observation deck on the fifty-seventh floor. The famous rooftop infinity pool is only accessible to registered hotel guests. If you are not staying at the hotel, you must buy a ticket to the public observation deck instead.

The Giza pyramid complex sits on the edge of the Western Desert, about thirteen kilometers from central Cairo. It contains the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and several ancient tombs. March is the last month of the cool season in Egypt. Temperatures are comfortable for walking around the exposed desert site, before the severe heat of late spring sets in. Dust storms occasionally occur in March, which can limit visibility across the desert plateau. Checking the weather forecast for high winds before you head out is wise.