Top 10 Places to Visit in March

This massive concrete arch gravity dam sits in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It sits directly on the border between Nevada and Arizona. Built during the Great Depression, it remains a major engineering feat of the twentieth century. March brings comfortable daytime temperatures to the desert canyon, usually averaging in the mid seventies. You will avoid the extreme heat over one hundred degrees that plagues this region during the summer months. Crowds are also manageable compared to the spring break rushes later in the season. Be prepared for heavy security screenings before you enter the site. Visitors must pass through a checkpoint, which can cause traffic backups on the access road.

Located in northeastern Vietnam, this bay is famous for its thousands of limestone karsts and islets. The name translates to descending dragon. Most visitors explore the area on overnight cruise boats. March is a transitional month with dry weather and moderate temperatures. The winter fog starts to clear, which improves visibility of the limestone islands. It is much warmer than January but lacks the sticky humidity of the summer. Water pollution is a growing issue in the bay. You will likely see plastic trash floating near the heavy tourist boat traffic.

This ancient archaeological site in southern Jordan is carved directly into red sandstone cliffs. Known as the Rose City, it served as the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Visitors enter through a narrow canyon called the Siq. March is one of the best months to visit because daytime temperatures are cool enough for long walks. You can hike the steep trails to the Monastery without overheating. The desert nights remain very cold, so you will need heavy layers. Local vendors can be incredibly persistent, especially those offering donkey or camel rides. You will need to say no firmly and multiple times.

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, home to hundreds of historic temples and traditional wooden houses. It sits on the island of Honshu. March marks the beginning of the spring season. Late March is when the famous cherry blossoms begin to open. Visiting now allows you to see the early blooms before the massive April crowds arrive. The weather is cool, often requiring a light winter coat. The city gets highly congested during this time. Public buses are frequently packed to capacity, making trains a much better option for getting around.

Rio is Brazil's second largest city, famous for its beaches, mountains, and music. It sits on the Atlantic coast. March is the transition from summer to autumn in the southern hemisphere. The intense summer heat begins to break in March, making outdoor activities much more comfortable. Rain showers are common but they usually pass quickly in the afternoon. The massive Carnival crowds have departed, so accommodation prices drop significantly. Petty theft is common on the popular beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Do not bring valuables, expensive jewelry, or large amounts of cash to the sand.

This major Moroccan city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Known as the Red City due to its sandstone walls, it features historic palaces and a large maze of markets. March brings ideal weather with average daytime temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. You can walk through the outdoor souks without the oppressive heat of summer. Nights are still chilly, so bring a warm jacket. The main square, Jemaa el Fnaa, can be overwhelming. Watch out for aggressive street performers who will put monkeys or snakes on you and demand money.

This desert plateau stretches along a coastal strip in northern Chile. It is the driest non polar desert in the world. The landscape features salt flats, active geysers, and high altitude lagoons. March is the start of the autumn season here. The skies are exceptionally clear, which makes for excellent stargazing at night. Daytime temperatures are warm but comfortable, and the summer wind storms have mostly stopped. The high altitude can cause severe headaches and shortness of breath. The main tourist hub, San Pedro de Atacama, sits at 2,400 meters above sea level.

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning across North Africa. In Morocco, visitors usually access the desert dunes through towns like Merzouga or M'hamid. March offers a sweet spot with warm days and manageable night temperatures. You avoid the freezing winter nights and the dangerous summer heat waves. Sandstorms are a risk in spring, so pack a scarf to cover your face. Getting to the dunes requires a long, bumpy car ride. The journey from Marrakesh to the Merzouga dunes takes at least nine hours of driving over mountain passes.

Wadi Rum is a massive river valley cut into sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan. It is also known as the Valley of the Moon. The area is famous for its red sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs. March brings pleasant spring weather that is perfect for hiking and riding in open trucks. The wildflowers sometimes bloom in the desert during this month if there was winter rain. The wind can be quite strong, bringing dust. Accommodations range from basic tents to luxury domes. The luxury domes often get incredibly hot during the day because they act like greenhouses.

This mountain range in northern Nepal contains some of the highest peaks in the world. The trekking routes here offer close views of snowy mountains and deep river gorges. March marks the start of the spring trekking season. The rhododendron forests begin to bloom, covering the hillsides in pink and red flowers. The high mountain passes are usually clear of heavy winter snow by late March. The weather in the mountains is highly unpredictable. Morning blue skies can quickly turn into heavy afternoon rain or snow at higher elevations.