Good countries to visit in March (2026)

March is a great time to travel — right between the tail end of winter and the first hints of spring. It’s long enough after the hectic festive period to crave a getaway, but early enough to skip the peak crowds. Sun-seekers will love the Caribbean, with warm seas and dry days at their best, while Egypt offers perfect weather for exploring ancient sites. In Asia, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms start to bloom, and Bhutan’s clear skies are ideal for trekking and local festivals. Down in South Africa, late-summer weather makes for amazing wildlife spotting, plus world-class food and wine.

Caribbean

A favourite for sun-seekers, the Caribbean mixes soft sandy beaches, clear blue seas, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. March is the perfect time to go — dry season is in full swing, temperatures are comfy at 26–29°C, the humidity is lower, and the February crowds have started to thin. Spend your days snorkelling the Grenadines’ coral reefs, hiking St Lucia’s Pitons, or enjoying Jamaica and Barbados’ music, culture, and cuisine. Stay in chic beachfront boutique properties in Turks & Caicos, elegant plantation-style hotels in Antigua, or relaxed luxury resorts tucked into quiet bays. With guaranteed sunshine, space, and effortless island style — March shows the Caribbean at its best.

• Hidden in a calm bay around the coast from English Harbour on Antigua, Carlisle Bay feels like a laid-back members’ club. The rooms have a coastal, tactile vibe with cotton, wicker, and pale woods, and the beachfront suites are just steps from the water. With nine tennis courts, a top-notch seafood restaurant, and calm seas, it’s perfect for families or honeymooners.
• Pink Sands on Harbour Island in the Bahamas is a relaxed, design-focused escape with just 25 cottages set in verdant gardens. Rooms feature mahogany furniture, shuttered windows, and spacious decks. Enjoy meals made with local ingredients, unwind at the chandelier-lit bar in the evenings, and take advantage of March’s perfect weather for sailing and snorkelling.
• Secret Bay sits tucked into a rock face on Dominica's north west coast, offering private bungalows with jaw-dropping views and total seclusion. Each has its own plunge pool, kitchen, and dedicated chef, plus a treehouse spa and fabulous restaurants which champion fresh local ingredients.

Egypt

Egypt promises a mix of ancient monuments, bustling cities, and vast desert landscapes. March is the perfect time to visit ; you can expect clear skies, low humidity, and daytime temperatures around 22–25°C make sightseeing a breeze before the summer heat hits. Don’t miss the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the incredible temples of Luxor and Karnak, or a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. For some downtime, head to the Red Sea for snorkelling and chic resorts in El Gouna or Sharm El Sheikh. Stay in Nile-view hotels, charming boutique lodges, or relaxed beach retreats for a perfectly balanced trip.

• Adrere Amellal is a candlelit desert hideaway in Siwa Oasis, with sandstone suites featuring carved details, kilim textiles, and cosy fireplaces. Dine on organic meals under the stars, swim in the pool among the dunes, or embark on treks and horse rides. In March, the days are warm, nights are cool, and the whole place feels beautifully romantic.
• At Cairo's Mena House Hotel, you will wake up to pyramid views in suites with four-poster beds, kilim rugs, and Egyptian antiques. Spend your days by the huge pool, indulging in spa treatments, or dining on everything from Italian to Indian to classic Egyptian cuisine. With mild weather, sightseeing in Cairo couldn’t be easier.
• La Maison Bleue is an intimate lagoon hideaway in El Gouna, featuring just 13 suites that boast domed ceilings, hand-painted murals, and vintage silks. Mornings are for kitesurfing, afternoons for lazing by the marble pool or hammam, and evenings for dining in style. Warm seas, breezy days, and quiet beaches make it perfect for a relaxing escape.
• Step into old-world elegance at the Steigenberger Hotel Cecil with its vast windows, antique furnishings, and balconies overlooking the sea. Explore Alexandria’s historic sights, markets, and seaside promenades, then return to base for drinks and dinner. The pleasant weather at this time of year makes it perfect for seeing the city without the crowds.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a timeless city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, making it an unforgettable place to explore. March brings cool, crisp days around 12–15°C, smaller crowds, and the first cherry blossoms starting to bloom at the end of the month, adding soft colour to temples and riverbanks. Don’t miss the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the golden pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, or the atmospheric streets of Gion with its teahouses and traditional townhouses. Stay in Higashiyama for easy temple access, or choose central Kawaramachi for dining and shopping — either way, Kyoto in March is serene, beautiful, and perfectly photogenic.

• The Reign Hotel's bright, airy rooms with Scandinavian lines deliver a minimalist but cosy feel. The Danish-inspired restaurant is perfect for a long lunch. Just steps from Fushimi Inari and a short bike ride to Lake Biwa, this 51-room spot is a hip city base for families or design lovers.
• Tatami floors and modern comforts make Granbell Kyoto a mix of old-town charm and contemporary style. The lobby bar buzzes with energy, the restaurant serves tasty Japanese dishes, and you can rent a bike to explore the historic streets. Plus, the traditional public bath is perfect after a day of sightseeing — Yasaka Shrine is just around the corner.
• Tucked into beautiful gardens, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo's rooms feature tatami mats, futons, and some even have indulgent bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a short stroll to Nanzen-ji Temple, Nishiki Market, or Gion’s historic streets. With only 17 rooms, this is a peaceful, intimate spot to relax in central Kyoto.
• 22 Pieces offers modular suites with self-catering and multiple beds, which it perfect for families or groups. Explore Kyoto by bike or walk to Tofuku-ji Temple and Kyoto Tower. With a boutique selection of 22 local Japanese products, it blends city convenience with modern style for a fun, lively stay.

Bhutan

Bhutan is a bucket-list destination for a reason, not least the stunning Himalayan scenery, vibrant Buddhist culture, and quietly luxurious lodges. March is a great time to visit — you'll find clear skies, mild spring temperatures, and valleys dotted with rhododendrons. It’s perfect for exploring the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery, wandering the dzongs of Paro and Punakha, or hiking in the Phobjikha Valley before the trekking season gets busy. Stay in charming lodges in Paro Valley, elegant retreats overlooking Punakha Dzong, or peaceful hideaways near Thimphu, and enjoy crisp mountain air by day and cosy evenings by the fire.

• Right next to Wandichholing Palace in the town of Jaka, Amankora Bumthang Lodge has wood-panelled rooms with king-sized beds, soaking tubs, and fireplaces. Kick back on window seats with stunning valley views, dine alfresco in the courtyard, or join a guided trek to explore Bhutan’s sacred landscapes nearby.
• Overlooking Neyphu Valley, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is a boutique base whose rooms feature four-poster beds, local textiles, and terraces with amazing panoramic views. Relax in the herbal spa, try traditional Bhutanese dishes, or take a helicopter ride over Paro Valley for seriously epic mountain views.
• Taj Tashi is a modern mountain retreat with suites decorated in local patterns, cosy rugs, and terraces overlooking the peaks. Unwind at the Jiva Spa, visit nearby monasteries, or hike to Paro Taktsang. Great for couples or families who want luxury, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery all in one place.
• Out in remote Gangtey Valley, Gangtey Lodge has earthy, sustainable interiors and peaceful vibes. Enjoy three-course local meals, spa treatments, and guided hikes through forests and valleys. Keep an eye out for rare Black-necked Cranes or just soak in the stunning panoramic views.

South Africa

South Africa provides a fabulous mix of wildlife, wine, coast, and culture — and March is one of the best times of year to visit. The summer crowds have thinned, the landscapes are still lush and green, and daytime temperatures sit comfortably around 25–28°C. It’s perfect for a safari in Kruger National Park, where game viewing is excellent, or exploring Cape Town — hike Table Mountain, stroll the V&A Waterfront, or relax on nearby beaches. March is also harvest season in the Cape Winelands, so Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are very tempting. Stay in chic city boutique hotels, elegant vineyard estates, or luxury safari lodges for a trip with a bit of everything.

• Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape features five unique lodges in the heart of the bush, offer a range of accommodations from private villas to stylish suites. Daily safaris bring wildlife right to your doorstep, while al fresco dining, guided bush walks, and a spa keep things relaxed. Kids have plenty to do with curated activities, all in a sustainably run reserve.
• Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is a 79-room hotel with a warm, homely vibe. Sunlit rooms, soft interiors, and sparkling bathrooms come as standard. Dine on seasonal cuisine at DISH, accompanied by the amazing wine list, and unwind at Camelot Spa. Tennis, cycling, and nearby trails make it a perfect spot to relax and recharge.
• Just minutes from Sun City, Bakubung Bush Lodge keeps everyone entertained. Safari drives, on-site tennis, the Valley of Waves, and a kids club with a candy floss machine ensure fun-packed days. Stylish rooms and spacious family suites make it a great base for travellers of all ages.
• Petite Provence Guest House is a romantic hideaway with seven individually styled bedrooms full of Provence charm in KwaZulu-Natal. Romantic suites, family rooms, and a self-catering apartment sit in manicured gardens with an inviting pool. Close to the Dolphin Coast, scenic walks, and golf, it’s perfect for couples or families looking for character and charm.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to see our recommendations for the best honeymoon hotels in the Caribbean, the best ryokans in Kyoto or the best safari lodges in South Africa,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.