Osaka, Japan.
Ah, March. That capricious month where winter clings like a bad ex, but spring whispers sweet nothings of renewal. As someone who’s spent more Marches than I care to count dodging rain showers in one hemisphere while basking in blooms in another, I can confidently say it’s the unsung hero of travel seasons. Why? Because while everyone else is hibernating or plotting their summer escapes, March offers a sweet spot: fewer crowds, milder prices, and that intoxicating first whiff of adventure without the full-blown tourist stampede. I’ve chased cherry blossoms that bloomed too early (or not at all), gotten drenched in colorful powders during festivals, and even surfed waves that nearly swallowed my dignity whole. What follows is my personal odyssey through eight of the best places to visit in March,drawn from my own escapades, laced with lessons learned the hard way, and sprinkled with enough humor to make you chuckle over your packing list. Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy, beautiful ride.
1. Japan: Petals, Pandas, and the Perils of Picnic Planning
Tokyo.
My love affair with Japan in March began in 2018, when I impulsively booked a flight to Tokyo after a particularly dreary February in my hometown. I was chasing sakura,the ethereal cherry blossoms that transform the country into a pink wonderland. Little did I know, March is when the magic starts brewing, especially in southern spots like Kyushu, where the blooms kick off earlier than in Tokyo or Kyoto. In 2025, if the weather gods cooperate, expect the first flurries around mid-March in Fukuoka or Kumamoto, building to a crescendo by month’s end.
I landed in Fukuoka, jet-lagged and armed with a bento box of optimism. The city, often overlooked for its flashier cousins, is a gateway to Kyushu’s charms. I rented a bicycle, a big mistake for someone whose coordination rivals a drunken flamingo,and pedaled to Ohori Park. There, under a canopy of somei yoshino trees just beginning to blush, I joined locals for hanami, the art of flower viewing. It’s not just staring at petals; it’s a full-blown picnic extravaganza with sake, karaage chicken, and strangers becoming instant friends. Pro tip: Pack your own tarp, or you’ll end up sitting on damp grass like I did, earning a soggy bottom that haunted me for days.
Venturing south to Kumamoto Castle, a UNESCO hopeful rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake, I marveled at its imposing stone walls framed by yamazakura blossoms. March’s mild temps,around 15-20°C (59-68°F),make hiking the castle grounds a joy, not a sweat-fest. But here’s where humor intervenes: I attempted a samurai sword class nearby, only to accidentally nick my pant leg. The instructor, bless his stoic soul, laughed it off with, “You fight like cherry blossom, beautiful but fleeting.” Touché.
For the informative bit: Japan’s March weather is transitional, with occasional showers, so layer up. Cherry blossom forecasts (sakura zensen) are updated obsessively by the Japan Meteorological Corporation. Check apps like Weather News for real-time blooms. If you’re in Tokyo later in the month, Ueno Park or the Meguro River are musts, but Kyushu offers a quieter prelude. Budget-wise, flights from the US hover around $800-1200 round-trip, and hostels start at ¥3000 ($20) per night. Don’t miss onsen hot springs in Beppu; after a day of petal-gazing, soaking in volcanic waters feels like rebirth.
My takeaway? Sakura teaches impermanence, grab the moment before the winds whisk it away. And always carry spare pants.
2. Ireland: Green Shenanigans and the Luck of the Drenched
Dublin
If March had a patron saint, it’d be St. Patrick himself, and there’s no better place to toast him than Ireland. My 2022 jaunt coincided with March 17th, that glorious day when the world turns emerald. Dublin erupts in a five-day festival,parades, ceilidhs (traditional dances), and enough Guinness to float a shamrock. But let’s be real: I arrived expecting leprechauns and left with a profound respect for Irish resilience against rain.
Starting in Dublin, I joined the throngs at the St. Patrick’s Festival. The parade, with its floats, bands, and costumed revelers, snakes through the city center. I donned a ridiculous green top hat (bought for €5 at a street vendor) and danced along, only to be pelted by a sudden downpour. “Welcome to Ireland,” quipped a local, handing me a pint. “Our weather’s like our humor,wet and unpredictable.” Temperatures in March average 8-12°C (46-54°F), so pack a waterproof jacket or risk becoming a human sponge.
Beyond the capital, I drove the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km coastal route that’s sublime in spring. March brings newborn lambs frolicking in fields and Atlantic puffins returning to cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher. I hiked there at dawn, the 214m drops dramatic against crashing waves. Wildlife spotting is prime: seals, dolphins, and those puffins with their clownish beaks. In Donegal, I tried surfing,another comedy of errors. The waves were gentle for beginners, but I wiped out spectacularly, emerging seaweed-draped like a kelp monster.
Informatively, March is shoulder season, with hotel rates 20-30% lower than summer (expect €100-150/night in Dublin). Fly into Dublin or Shannon for under $600 from the East Coast. Festivals extend beyond St. Paddy’sTradFest in Kilkenny and offer Irish music in historic pubs. Foodies, try soda bread and colcannon; I devoured them at a farmhouse B&B near Sligo.
Tips: Rent a car for flexibility, but drive on the left (I nearly caused a sheep stampede forgetting that). And embrace the craic,the fun, the stories, the warmth that outshines any drizzle. Ireland in March reminded me: Luck isn’t found at rainbow’s end; it’s in the pint shared with strangers.
3. India: A Riot of Colors and the Art of Dodging Powder Bombs
Holi, the festival of colors, is why India tops my March list. In 2019, I timed my visit for March 21st (it’s March 14 in 2025,mark your calendars). Landing in Jaipur, the Pink City, I was thrust into a whirlwind of gulal (colored powders), thandai (a milky drink sometimes laced with bhang, a cannabis derivative,proceed with caution), and joyous chaos.
My host, a gregarious Airbnb owner named Raj, warned me: “Wear old clothes; you’ll look like a rainbow exploded.” He wasn’t kidding. On Holi morning, streets erupted in pigment warfare. I joined locals hurling powders, dancing to Bollywood beats, and feasting on gujiya sweets. A group of kids ambushed me with water balloons,hilarious until I realized my passport was in my pocket (lesson: Use waterproof pouches). Temperatures soar to 25-30°C (77-86°F), perfect for the festivities but sweaty for temple-hopping.
Jaipur’s Amber Fort, with its elephant rides (opt for ethical jeep ascents now), glows under March sun. I ventured to Ranthambore National Park for a tiger safari. March’s dry season shrinks waterholes, concentrating wildlife. Spotting a Bengal tiger lounging like a striped diva was magical. In Delhi, I explored the Taj Mahal at dawn (a day trip from Agra), its marble pristine before crowds descend.
Humor hit when I tried street food: A spicy chaat vendor bet I couldn’t handle the heat. I lost, tears streaming, but gained respect,and a free lassi. India in March is informative gold: Holi symbolizes good over evil, spring’s arrival. Visa on arrival for many; flights from Europe around $500. Budget $50/day for street eats and hostels. Tips: Stay hydrated, use reef-safe sunscreen, and respect customs,ask before photographing people. My epiphany? Life’s too short for beige; embrace the mess, the colors, the connections.
4. Costa Rica: Jungles, Beaches, and the Monkey Business of Eco-Adventures
San José, Costa Rica.
Pura vida,pure life,is Costa Rica’s mantra, and March embodies it with dry(ish) weather on both coasts. My 2023 escape from a snowy March back home led me to this Central American gem, where highs hit 28-32°C (82-90°F) and rains are minimal.
I started in Arenal Volcano National Park, hiking lava fields and soaking in hot springs. A sloth spotting tour had me craning my neck like a giraffe,those fuzzy slowpokes are everywhere. Humor ensued when a howler monkey troupe “serenaded” my cabin at 4 AM; their roars sound like dinosaurs in heat. Moving to Manuel Antonio National Park, white-sand beaches meet rainforest. I snorkeled with parrotfish, kayaked mangroves, and zip-lined through canopies,adrenaline with a side of vertigo.
The Caribbean side, like Puerto Viejo, offers reggae vibes and cacao tours. I learned chocolate-making, emerging cocoa-smeared but enlightened. Wildlife peaks in March: Sea turtles nest, quetzals birdwatch, and humpback whales migrate offshore. Informative nuggets: Costa Rica protects 25% of its land, a biodiversity hotspot. Flights from US $300-500; eco-lodges $80/night.
Tips: Book reserves early, use insect repellent, support sustainable tourism.
My laugh? Getting lost on a trail, rescued by a guide who joked, “You’re not lost; you’re on an unplanned adventure.” Pura vida indeed,March here resets your soul.
5. Morocco: Waves, Souks, and the Spice of Serendipity
Morocco in March? Surf’s up, crowds down. My 2020 trip (pre-pandemic pivot) focused on the Atlantic coast, where consistent swells and warming temps (20-25°C/68-77°F) make it a surfer’s paradise.
Taghazout, a fishing village turned surf mecca, was basecamp. I enrolled in a surf camp,beginner level, naturally. My first wave? A glorious wipeout that had locals applauding my “enthusiasm.” Mornings: Yoga on the beach at sunrise, afternoons: Riding breaks at Anchor Point. Evenings: Tagine feasts in riads, spiced with harissa and humor from Berber tales.
Venturing inland to Marrakesh, the medina’s souks buzzed with fewer tourists. I haggled for a rug (overpaid, but the banter was priceless), visited Jardin Majorelle’s blue hues, and sipped mint tea atop a riad. March’s almond blossoms carpet valleys, and Ramadan sometimes starts late month, respecting fasting customs.
Facts: Morocco’s diverse: Sahara dunes, Atlas hikes. Flights $600 from Europe; surf lessons $50/day.
Tips: Wetsuit for cool water, learn basic Arabic phrases.
My mishap? Camel rides gone wobbly,camels have attitudes. Morocco taught me: Ride the waves, literal and figurative; flexibility is key.
6. New Orleans, USA: Jazz, Jambalaya, and Mardi Gras Mayhem
Stateside, New Orleans in March is a symphony of rebirth. Mardi Gras 2025 falls on March 4, so I revisited in 2024 for the tail end vibes. The city pulses with parades, beads, and king cake,temps 18-24°C (64-75°F) ideal for street wandering.
French Quarter: Bourbon Street’s chaos, but I preferred Jackson Square’s artists and jazz buskers. A swamp tour revealed gators basking; one eyed me like lunch, prompting my guide’s quip, “He’s vegan today.” Festivals abound: St. Patrick’s parade tosses cabbages (dodged one to the head).
Cuisine: Gumbo at Commander’s Palace, beignets at Café du Monde,powdered sugar explosion on my shirt. Informative: NOLA’s Creole culture blends French, Spanish, African. Flights $200 domestic; hotels $150/night post-Mardi Gras.
Tips: Book early for festivities, walk everywhere. Humor: Dancing in a second-line parade, tripping over my feet,rhythm isn’t genetic.
NOLA’s lesson: Life’s a parade; join in.
7. Sedona, Arizona, USA: Red Rocks, Vortexes, and Spiritual Shenanigans
Sedona’s red rocks called in March 2021, with wildflowers blooming and temps 15-20°C (59-68°F),perfect hiking weather sans summer scorch.
I chased energy vortexes, those swirling spots said to heal. At Bell Rock, I meditated… until the wind knocked me over. “Vortex got you?” laughed a passerby. Trails like Cathedral Rock offer panoramas; I picnicked amid poppies, feeling zen.
Jeep tours through canyons, stargazing (dark skies certified),March’s clear nights dazzle. Facts: Sedona’s 1.8 million acres of forest. Flights to Phoenix $300, drive 2 hours; lodges $200.
Tips: Red Rock Pass for parking, hydrate.
My gaffe? Yoga class where I downward-dogged into a cactus Ouch. Sedona whispers: Ground yourself, laugh at the universe.
8. Barcelona, Spain: Gaudí, Tapas, and the Art of Lingering
Finally, Barcelona in March 2017: Shoulder season bliss, 15-18°C (59-64°F), fewer lines at Sagrada Família.
I wandered La Rambla, nibbled paella in Barceloneta, marveled at Park Güell’s mosaics. A bike tour through Gothic Quarter revealed hidden plazas; I got lost, found a flamenco show,impromptu dancing ensued, my two left feet entertaining all.
Beaches empty, ideal for strolls. Facts: Gaudí’s masterpieces UNESCO-listed. Flights $500 from US; hostels $50.
Tips: Pickpocket alert, try vermut. Humor: Attempting Catalan,sounded like gargling marbles.
Barcelona’s vibe: Savor the slow, the surreal.
Wrapping Up the Wanderlust: Why March Beckons
Reflecting on these jaunts, March isn’t just a month,it’s a mindset. It’s dodging winter’s last gasp, embracing spring’s first kiss, all with humor as your compass. Whether petals in Japan or powders in India, each spot offered unique magic: Festivals that unite, natures that awe, mishaps that bond. Budgets stretch further, crowds thin, and experiences deepen. So, pack your sense of adventure (and spare clothes), chase that March madness. Who knows? Your next story might outshine mine. Safe travels, fellow roamers,may your journeys be as colorful as a Holi splash.
FAQ on the Best Places to Visit in March
March is a fantastic time to travel, offering mild weather and vibrant cultural experiences.
Why visit Japan in March?
Japan’s cherry blossom season peaks in March, especially in Kyoto and Tokyo. The delicate pink blooms create stunning landscapes, and festivals like Hanami celebrate this natural spectacle. Expect pleasant temperatures around 50-60°F, perfect for exploring temples and gardens.
What makes India special in March?
India’s springtime brings comfortable weather (70-85°F) to destinations like Rajasthan and Goa. The Holi festival, with its vibrant colors and joyous celebrations, is a highlight. Explore historic forts, bustling markets, or serene beaches without the intense summer heat.
Why choose Costa Rica in March?
Costa Rica’s dry season in March offers sunny days and temperatures around 80°F. It’s ideal for hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, spotting wildlife in Monteverde, or relaxing on Pacific beaches. The lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems make it a nature lover’s paradise.
Is Barcelona worth visiting in March?
Barcelona in March enjoys mild weather (55-65°F) and fewer crowds. Stroll through Gaudí’s architectural wonders like Sagrada Familia or savor tapas in the Gothic Quarter. The city’s vibrant festivals, like Sant Medir, add local charm.
Why visit Sedona, Arizona, in March?
Sedona’s mild March weather (60-70°F) is perfect for hiking its red rock trails, like Cathedral Rock. The spiritual vibe and art galleries attract wellness seekers. Spring wildflowers add color to the desert landscape.
Each destination offers unique experiences, making March an exciting time to explore.
