The 14 best places to visit in March 2025

Average March temp: 17C/63F

New Orleans is best enjoyed when you just stop to take it all in. Do the late nights, slinky jazz bars and seriously good Creole food, (it’s got it all, in buckets), but the best things to do there are often found when you slow right down. Don’t pack it all in in NOLA – try simply mooching instead. Stroll from the French Quarter through to the Garden District, go shopping on Magazine Street, take street art tours and people-watch in cafes. If you go in February, the weather is perfect for it.

Why go now? Okay, so I said slow down, but I meant after you’ve done one of the most insane things you’ll ever do in your life: and that’s Mardi Gras. It can fall in February or March, but the celebrations will continue for a number of weeks, so you’ve got time to plan. Trust us, you’ve never seen New Orleans like this (or anywhere else, for that matter).

🎺 Discover the best things to do in New Orleans

Average March temp: 20C/68F 

Tunisia feels like it has two separate continents rolled into one country: in the north, the Mediterranean coast is lined with seaside resorts which feel like they’re in sunny southern Europe, but once you begin to head south towards the town of Douz, the winding roads lead you into a fascinating dune-filled wilderness. It’s not scorching hot at this time of year, but exploring the desert by Jeep, camel or quadbike (and yes, it is possible to do all three in one day, let me tell you) in balmy 20C heat is much, much more pleasant. 

Why go now? The Amphitheatre of El Jem is open all year round, but before the heat and crowds, head here in March to make the most of the stadium’s majesty. It’s the largest example of Roman ruins in North Africa, and is mightily impressive. 

Average March temp: 6C/43F

I think March is the perfect time to visit old NYC. The perishing cold has usually subsided by this point, and it’s well before the sweltering humidity sets in (which made me want to wallow away under some AC), meaning you get to absorb the best of this marvellous city’s offerings without thinking about how ridiculously sweaty or goddamn frozen you are the whole time. New York is a crowning jewel of the world’s culture scenes, after all, and whether you’re catching a show on Broadway, shopping and eating your way around Greenwich Village (which was my favourite ever place to do those things) or heading over the bridge to see some of Brooklyn, you’re not held back but unbearable weather. 

Why go now? If you’re in New York in late March, there’s nothing quite as quintessential as heading to a baseball game. Tickets for the Yankees are available here, but check out all the other cool stuff going on in the Big Apple this month here. 

🌃 Discover the best things to do in New York

Average March temp: 6C/43F

If you end up heading to Dublin in March, it will almost definitely rain. However, before that puts you off, just think of all the excuses you’ll have to cosy up inside, dry off, and indulge in some good craic. Dublin International Film Festival kicks off at the end of February and runs until early March, with everything from Q&As to intimate screenings on offer, or head to one of the city’s brilliant attractions: at the Museum of Literature you can get properly lost in the history of some legendary Irish fiction. 

Why go now? You’re going to think this suggestion is really unoriginal, but experiencing St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a rite of passage. Head into town to catch the parade (in 2024 it moved along O’Connell St and passed Trinity College) before meandering along Temple Bar, and copping a pint a few streets away where the prices are less frightful (there are some suggestions here). 

💚 Discover the best things to do in Dublin

Average March temp: 8C/46F

One of the world’s most fascinating cities, Istanbul has one foot in Europe and one in Asia, with the mighty Bosphorus strait dividing the city in two. While the Asian side is well worth a visit, most of the attractions can be found in the European part, from the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar to the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and plenty, plenty more. March is generally pleasant weather-wise, with sunny days and mild temperatures.

Why go now? Anxiously awaiting spring? Make sure you’re in Istanbul for Nevruz, which marks the first day of the season on March 20, 2025.

🕌Discover the best things to do in Istanbul

Average March temp: 9C/50F

Sure, we all know Italy as a summer vacation spot, but it does get pretty choker. Why not beat the start of the high season and head to Sicily for some springtime sun, before the temperatures reach their scorching summer heights? The breezy March weather will make for a much more enjoyable time to sample all the seafood and explore the gorgeous streets of Palermo and Catania. But it's not just the island’s cities that are worth a peruse - the vibrant town of Cefalu is home to some incredible ancient ruins and even a Norman cathedral.

Why go now? The island’s annual Almond Blossom Festival takes place in Agrigento throughout March, and celebrates peace, freedom, and some of Sicily’s folk traditions – it’s set to be a colourful event. 

🏩Discover the best hotels in Sicily

Average March temp: 2C/37F

Straddling two coastal islands, Denmark’s capital makes for an excellent city break in March. You’ll want to layer up— temperatures don’t tend to exceed 5C/41F—but it’s a small price to pay to avoid the seething tourist crowds that descend later in the year. Most of the main attractions are open, from the National Museum of Denmark to Amalienborg Palace.

Why go now? While Copenhagen is a lovely place to walk around no matter the weather, sometimes you need some respite from the cold. Handily, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (COP:DOX) will be taking place from March 19 - 30, so there’ll be plenty of spots to cosy up and watch something interesting. 

🎨 Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen

Average March temp: 26C/78F

The frankly glorious Mexican state of Yucatan has more world-class things to see, do and experience than some entire countries, and March is a great time to visit. Laze on paradise beaches (take your pick from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya or nearby island Cozumel), explore ancient Mayan ruins, walk around vibrant cities with stunning colonial architecture, and dive into gorgeous cenotes (azure sink-holes).

Why go now? From March 19-21, the spring equinox will be visible at Yucatan’s most famous attraction, the Chichen Itza. What happens? Well, the sun’s rays apparently create the illusion of a serpent descending the steps of the Temple of Kukulkan. 

🏖️Discover the best things to do in Cozumel

Average March temp: 16C/61F

This oasis of a city, located in the California desert about a two hour drive east from LA, is a brilliant spot to soak up some spring (or late winter) sunshine (expect 27C/80F). Other than lounging by a hotel pool, a must-do is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which will carry you on a rotating cable car through a majestic canyon before depositing you at a viewpoint which presents the entire Coachella Valley in all its glory.

Why go now? Fancy having a Devil Wears Prada moment? El Paseo Fashion Week is taking place on March 15 - 19, 2025, and tickets are available via their page here.

🌵 Discover the best things to do in Palm Springs

Average March temp: 23C/73F

Jaipur, aka the ‘Pink City’ on account of the blushed hue of its buildings, is one of India’s top highlights, and March temperatures (around 30C/86F at the hottest part of the day) make it all the more agreeable. Highlights include the stupendously impressive palaces of Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal (the latter sits in the middle of a lake), and Nahargarh Fort, which is one of the finest in a country where there’s plenty of competition.

Why go now? March 14 is Jaipur’s Elephant Festival, which promises to be a colourful spectacle of these magnificent animals and their sacred status in this region.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Jaipur

Average March temp: 20C/68F

Pleasing alliterations aside, there are some huge pluses to visiting Morocco’s Marrakech in March. The daytime temperatures lounge around a manageable 22C/72F, perfect for a city that begs to be explored on foot, with a tantalising maze of alleyways within the ancient medina walls (not to mention the enormous public square, Jemaa el-Fna, at the heart of it all). Get lost in one of the world’s best souks, and soak up the atmosphere of the street food stalls in the aforementioned square once evening falls.

Why go now? On Marche is a contemporary dance festival which takes place in Marrakech every year, with performances at Palais Bahia, Jemaa el-Fnaa and plenty of other spots across the city. Keep an eye on the website for news of their 2025 dates.

🌤️Discover the best things to do in Marrakech

Average March temp: 24C/76F

March is one of the best times to visit Central America (the dry season runs from December to April), with balmy air and pleasant sea temperatures: Trek to Belize for splendid coral reefs; Guatemala has beautiful Lake Atitlan; Nicaragua, with its surfable volcanoes (bucket list anyone?); and Costa Rica’s jaw-dropping biodiversity. It’ll be a trip to remember.

Why go now? If participating in a river challenge is on your bucket list, head to Belize. From March 7 - 10, Belikin La Ruta Maya, a four-day canoe marathon, will be taking place.

🦜Discover the best things to do in Costa Rica

Average March temp: 17C/63F

The Texan capital has firmly established itself as the live music capital of the world (to borrow its self-awarded slogan), and the corresponding highlight that is SXSW occurs in March (March 10-19 in 2023, to be exact). Other than the music scene, there’s a huge amount to experience here, especially outdoors: the city boasts 300 or so parks, and many miles of urban walking and cycling trails. It’s also absurdly friendly, and has an awesome food truck scene.

Why go now? Rodeo Austin is taking place from March 14 - 29, and is a proper Texas showdown. Think livestock shows, concerts, carnival activities and, of course, plenty of food.

🏜️ Discover the best things to do in Austin

Average March temp: 28C/82F

The South East Asian island of Borneo, shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, forms one of the most wonderful natural environments Planet Earth has on offer. Its most famous residents are its orangutans, which can be seen in abundance in their natural jungle home, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit: you can swim with turtles, hike up mountains, and explore jaw-dropping caves.

Why go now? Lom Plai Traditional Culture Festival is a celebration of harvest which happens annually: eyes peeled for Embob Jengea, the harvest party.

🦧 Discover 12 ways to be a sustainable tourist right now