By the time March is on your doorstep, you will be longing for an escape to get away for a long weekend at home or abroad. Perhaps you yearn for a sunny beach and tropical waters, in which case there are many wonderful tropical islands such as the Maldives or the Caribbean to escape to, or you may also be considering a visit to southern hemisphere countries like Australia, South America, or New Zealand, where March is warm and sunny. Of course, March also offers wonderful conditions for skiing both in North America and Europe and a week or two of winter sports could be just what you need to chase away the winter blues.
Adelaide, Australia
In sharp contrast to the northern hemisphere, March is one of the warmer months in Australia, offering excellent beach weather and an abundance of cultural pursuits for you to enjoy. If you love the arts and live entertainment, then early March is an excellent time to visit Adelaide and attend the Adelaide Festival and the Adelaide Fringe, one of the city’s most popular annual events.
The city boasts a vibrant bar and nightlife scene side by side with good museums, great shopping, and innovative restaurants. Visiting Kangaroo Island is a must on any itinerary; not only can you hike the very scenic Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, but you will also be able to see several of Australia’s unique endemic wildlife species.
Bermuda
The idyllic island of Bermuda is an ideal March getaway destination for winter-weary Americans, offering blue skies, plenty of sunshine, pink beaches, and very little chance of rain.
You can spend your time soaking up the sun on miles and miles of pink sand beaches, see the island from another perspective as you explore the coastline by boat or yacht, or slip beneath the azure waters with a snorkel or scuba gear to explore the marvelous marine diversity.
Other water sports include jet skis, kite boarding, flyboarding and parasailing. On land you can explore some of the island’s natural wonders, including the Crystal Caves and Bermuda Railway Trail National Park. Bermuda is home to several luxury resorts.
Big Sur, USA
Big Sur is a rugged and very scenic 85-mile stretch of California coastline that lies between Carmel and San Simeon. In March the already scenic route is enhanced by the appearance of millions of wild flowers, which makes this a great time to explore Big Sur along iconic Highway 1.
The route winds along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, passing several state parks where you can stop off for some hiking, cycling, or beachcombing. To learn about the history of Big Sur, you can join a Monterey Wharf Walk on the first Saturday of March and stay on to attend the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Whale and otter watching can be very rewarding at this time of year.
Canary Islands, Spain
Northern hemisphere visitors wanting to escape the last of winter’s freezing weather will find the Canary Islands an excellent choice for a March escape.
The seven islands that make up the archipelago all have wonderful year-round weather, and March temperatures in the low seventies offer near-perfect conditions to enjoy a myriad of adventure sports and other outdoor activities.
The islands boast four national parks where you can hike and rock climb through an exceptional volcanic landscape, while offshore there are more than 60 dive sites and three marine reserves to explore. The islands also offer excellent shopping, and foodies will enjoy sampling delicious Spanish flavors in a myriad of restaurants.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is another idyllic spot where you can soak up some sun in March. The town has often been nominated as one of the best vacation destinations on the Caribbean coast due to the large variety of activities on offer.
Besides relaxing on the beach or swimming in the warm tropical waters, you can also enjoy an almost endless variety of fun activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing and jetpacking, and much more.
If you venture inland, you can have yet more fun at Xcaret, where you can explore a lagoon and float through an underwater limestone cave. Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum is a must for any visitor to Cancun, as is sampling the local flavors on a Cancun Food Tour.
Charlottesville
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Charlottesville has a lot to offer visitors in March. To usher out winter and welcome in spring, the city embarks on a series of events and you can join in the Charlottesville 10-Miler, an enthusiastically supported running race that winds through the city, accompanied by live music.
Other March attractions include the Festival of the Book and numerous concerts and musical performances. Other activities include wine and brewery tours and visiting the historic Downtown Mall and stately homes such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland. Art lovers can feast their eyes at numerous city galleries and foodies can join a Taste of Virginia Food Tour.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte in Colorado is a great destination for a March getaway. If you love skiing and snow sports you can spend your days enjoying the last of the winter snow on the extensive ski area, which offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and much more.
Visitors who don’t ski can still join in the fun by donning a pair of snowshoes or ice skates. You can even go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. March ushers in the appearance of a spectacular display of wild flowers, which you can enjoy on a scenic drive.
Back in town you can join a Crested Butte Historic District Walking Tour to learn about the mining history of the area or take a tour of the Crested Butte Creative District to meet local artists and admire their work.
Grenada, Caribbean
Grenada (aka the Island of Spice) is one of a trio of idyllic islands in the southern Caribbean known as the Grenadines. Boasting great year-round weather, the island is an ideal March destination for northern hemisphere visitors in search of some sun. You can spend your days lazing on the white sand beaches or enjoy a variety of water and land-based activities, which include sailing, sport-fishing, eco kayak adventures as well as exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving.
Those who like to keep their feet dry can try a Grenada Seafaris Powerboat Eco Tour or explore the island’s interior along a network of very scenic hiking trails. Round off a busy day in one of the island’s bustling restaurants or bars, where you can enjoy genuine Caribbean music.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
No less than three fabulous ski areas await March visitors to Jackson Hole in Wyoming. You can choose to have fun in the snow at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, or Snow King Mountain Resort, which together offer over 130 trails served by more than 12 lifts, the Bridger Gondola, and the “Big Red” aerial tram.
The area offers runs for all levels of expertise, and many daredevils come to Jackson Hole to enjoy some of the steepest runs in the country.
If downhill skiing and snowboarding is not for you, you can try cross-country skiing or fat biking. Lessons and all equipment hire are available on site. Art lovers should not miss the National Museum of Wildlife Art to see works by masters like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Killington, Vermont
Killington offers the ideal getaway for anyone who loves winter sports. The fabulous Killington/Pico Ski Area is a veritable playground during the winter ski season, which very often continues all the way through April and May.
If you visit after mid-March, you can buy a reduced-price ski pass that is valid until the end of the season. Some of the highlights of your March visit to Killington should include excellent downhill skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ski biking, snowmobile tours, and scenic gondola rides. Several outfitters will ensure that you are kitted out with everything you need. Beer lovers should time their visit to coincide with the Vermont Brewers Festival, held in late March.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Whether you are coming to enjoy the varied winter sports on offer or simply to soak up the unique European atmosphere of this Austrian ski resort, Kitzbühel is a perfect March destination.
Skiing is at its best in Kitzbühel in the spring, when the days are getting longer and the weather is a little milder, offering near-perfect conditions and a snow guarantee until well into April. You can enjoy exploring 155 miles of ski runs serviced by 54 cable cars and lifts. Stop along the way to enjoy Tyrolean delicacies and a glass of glühwein for lunch and round off a busy day on the slopes with the lively Kitzbühel après-ski scene.
Malta
The intriguing Mediterranean island of Malta offers mild sunny days and over 7,000 years of history, making it an ideal choice for a March getaway.
Arts and culture enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice by Malta’s wonderful museums and historic sites, which include the 16th century Grandmasters’ Palace, the amazing St. James Center for Creativity, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed in an impressive 16th century rococo building.
For a break from history and culture, you can take a scenic drive, play a round of golf, or go hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Avid cyclists can join the Tour ta’ Malta cycle race around the islands, which is held the last week of March each year.
Naples, Florida
Naples has long been a favorite getaway destination for winter-weary Americans who fly south in their numbers to enjoy the mild Gulf of Mexico weather. A March visit to Naples is a great time to get out of the city and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Reserve or the Bird Rookery Swamp.
You can soak up some welcome sun or go rock pooling along miles of beaches or add a dose of culture to your vacation by visiting the Baker Museum to see their wonderful collection of contemporary art. Motor heads will enjoy a visit to the Revs Institute (vintage cars), while families can visit the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, the Bird Gardens of Naples, and the interactive Golisano Children’s Museum.
Phoenix, Arizona
The desert city of Phoenix offers visitors near-perfect weather in March and fun things to do. You can expect moderate temperatures and hardly any rain – the ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March brings on a wonderful display of color in the Sonora Desert as cacti and succulents burst into bloom – see it all by pulling on your hiking boots and exploring the scenic landscape.
You can pay a few rounds of golf, soak up some sun by the pool, rent a mountain bike to explore the trails, or go horseback riding. This is also a good time of year to take a day-trip to the Grand Canyon as there are fewer crowds. Music lovers are in for a real treat in March, with no less than three music festivals happening in the area.
Providence, Rhode Island
March is an excellent time of year to head for Providence, as the town gradually awakens from its winter slumber. The cool temperatures are perfect for hiking and cycling, or you can explore the city by riverboat from Waterplace Park. If you are an art lover, you will want to spend some time touring the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) or the John Brown House Museum and join the monthly Gallery Walk.
Families can take the children to the zoo, natural history museum and planetarium, all of which are conveniently located in Roger Williams Park. March is also the time to don something green and join a host of St. Patrick’s Day festivities held throughout the town.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
March is an excellent time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the last days of winter and the promise of spring just around the corner. Skiers can expect to still find a good deal of snow at higher elevations, so come prepared to have a lot of fun. Non-skiers can explore the summer hiking trails using snowshoes, which can be rented onsite. You could also try cross-country skiing or sledding or join a ranger-led snowshoe excursion.
Many of the scenic roads in the park will still be closed to motorized traffic, but several are open to mountain bikers. Wildlife enthusiasts have a better chance of spotting larger wildlife in winter – look out for elk, mule deer, moose, and big-horned sheep.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a picture-perfect group of 32 idyllic Caribbean islands boasting crystal-clear tropical waters, coral reefs, and emerald-green landscapes.
The archipelago is particularly popular as a sailing destination, but also offers dozens of pristine beaches and a wide variety of watersports; there are several outfitters waiting to help you get going. You can go on a snorkeling or scuba expedition to Bequia Island or enjoy surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Hikers will find several beautiful nature trails to explore, and you can even join a Bamboo Adventures tour to hike up the volcano. The Kingstown Botanical Gardens is a good choice for a more relaxing walk.
Maldives
A March visit to this remarkable Indian Ocean archipelago, which comprises 26 picture-perfect natural atolls and over 1,000 islands, would be a perfect antidote to the winter blues. The Maldives are surrounded by crystal-clear waters and brilliant reefs, which are home to a wealth of marine life. Many of the island resorts feature stunning water villas, built on stilts directly over the inviting tropical waters, or you could take your vacation one step further and choose to spend it on a liveaboard houseboat. Swimming, snorkeling and diving, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking are the main activities on offer, but some of the islands also have thrilling motorized water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Vail, Colorado
March is a great time to escape to Colorado’s wonderful Vail Valley for snow, snow, and more snow. You can spend your days skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and ski biking. As if that was not enough, you can also enjoy the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster or take a scenic ride on the Eagle Bahn Gondola for wonderful views of the entire Vail Valley. At the top of the gondola, you will find Adventure Ridge, which offers ski-biking, tubing lanes, and a children’s snowmobile track. Even if you are not a skier, March brings the exciting US Open Snowboarding Championships to Vail, and you will be able to watch the pros training and performing their magic.
Vermont, USA
Winter sports enthusiasts will find that March is a magical time of year to visit Vermont to enjoy excellent skiing and riding conditions. The state offers 20 alpine ski resorts dotted over 7,300 acres of outdoor playground.
There are 30 cross-country skiing centers, and strapping on a pair of snowshoes will give you access to many of the summer hiking trails. Even if you don’t enjoy skiing or snow sports, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. March is also a good month to try your hand at ice fishing, a popular Vermont winter activity. March is also “sugaring season” in Vermont, when maple syrup tapping is under way – a great time to visit. Foodies can also attend the Taste of Vermont food festival, held at the Stratton Mountain Resort.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, the Swiss town of Zermatt is a magical place to visit in March, offering activities for all ages. The area features wonderful skiing and snowboarding on Europe’s highest winter sports playground, where skiing is available all year round – there are over 229 miles of pistes to explore. Those who do not ski can still enjoy the wonderful high-Alpine scenery by taking a scenic cable car trip to Europe’s highest cable car station (12,740 feet) or by hopping aboard the Gornergrat cog railway. Back in town, you can take a Village Walking Tour through the car-free town, enjoy great regional Swiss cuisine, and visit the Matterhorn Museum.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a scintillating year-round destination, and March is one of the best months to visit to avoid the oppressive heat of the summer months. There is never a dull moment in Dubai, and you need to spend a little time planning an itinerary so that you don’t miss out on all the attractions. Just a few of the city highlights include the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest tower with an observation deck on the 124th floor), the incredible Palm Jumeirah (a collection of man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree) and historic Dubai Creek, where you will find the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. The Dubai Mall is a shopper’s paradise, which encompasses an indoor theme park, walk-through aquarium, and an ice-rink. Round off your busy day with a sunset desert safari.
Philippines
March is a particularly good time to plan a visit to the Philippine archipelago, during its dry season. Although the Philippines are quite difficult to reach, intrepid visitors will be richly rewarded for the effort – the island of Palawan has been nominated as the most beautiful tropical island in the world, offering brilliant white sand beaches, remarkable inland lakes surrounded by emerald-green karsts, and some of the best snorkeling and diving on the planet. If you can drag yourself away from the beaches and tropical waters, you can learn about the fascinating history of the islands on a tour of the archaeologically important Tabon Caves or take a boating and hiking excursion along the world’s longest underground river near the town of Puerto Princesa.
