Where Is Hot in March? Spring Sun Destinations for Every Budget
Where is hot in March: the Canaries, Morocco, Egypt, Dubai, the Caribbean and Thailand, with temperatures and Easter and spring-break tips.
Key takeaways
- March brings warming weather to North Africa and the Gulf before the summer heat.
- The Canaries remain reliable; Morocco, Egypt and Jordan are excellent for sightseeing in the sun.
- US spring break pushes up prices in Florida and Mexico; check dates.
- Easter sometimes falls in March, which can raise prices.
In this guide
March is a month of transition: winter fades in the north, while North Africa and the Middle East reach perfect sightseeing temperatures. Here are the best warm destinations in March.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs.
March sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Best for | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 22–23 / 72–73 | Short-haul sun | UK |
| Morocco (Marrakech) | 22–23 / 72–73 | Culture, souks | UK |
| Egypt (Luxor) | 28 / 82 | Ancient sites | UK |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 24–25 / 75–77 | Diving | UK |
| Jordan (Aqaba) | 24–25 / 75–77 | Petra, Red Sea | UK |
| Dubai | 28–29 / 82–84 | City and beach | UK, AU |
| Caribbean | 29 / 84 | Beaches | UK, US |
| Mexico | 29–30 / 84–86 | Spring break, all inclusive | US |
| Florida | 27 / 81 | Theme parks | US, UK |
| Thailand | 33 / 91 | Beaches | UK, AU |
| Vietnam (central) | 26 / 79 | Hoi An, food | AU, UK |
| Maldives | 31 / 88 | Luxury | UK, AU |
Short-haul and medium-haul
Canary Islands
Still the most reliable short-haul sunshine from the UK. See where to stay in Tenerife.
Morocco
Marrakech is pleasant for exploring souks and gardens, while Agadir offers beach time. Evenings are cool.
Egypt and Jordan
March is ideal for visiting Luxor's temples or Petra before temperatures soar. Combine with a Red Sea beach stay.
Dubai and the Gulf
Warm, sunny and lively, with outdoor events before summer.
Long-haul
Caribbean and Mexico
Dry season continues. Prices rise during US spring break, typically spread through March.
Thailand and Southeast Asia
March is hot and dry in much of Thailand. Central Vietnam, around Hoi An, enters a lovely season.
Maldives
Calm seas and sunshine continue.
Easter and spring break
- Easter moves between late March and late April. When it falls in March, prices rise in popular destinations.
- US spring break dates vary by college and school district, spreading demand across March and early April.
- UK Easter holidays vary by local authority.
For Australian travellers
March is early autumn in Australia, with warm days still common in the north and west. Overseas, Japan's cherry blossom season begins in late March, and Vietnam's central coast is pleasant.
Money-saving tips
- Avoid Easter and spring-break weeks if you can.
- Combine sightseeing and beach in North Africa or Jordan.
- Book refundable rates and watch for price drops.
- Compare packages for the Canaries and Egypt.
Region-by-region guide: what March is really like
Canary Islands
The Canaries enter spring with long, bright days. Daytime highs in the low 20s Celsius feel warm in the sun, but the Atlantic is still cool at around 18–19°C, so families with young children should look for hotels with heated pools. The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria and the east of Fuerteventura are the sunniest spots. Evenings are cool enough for a light jacket.
Morocco
Marrakech is at its most pleasant for walking the medina, visiting gardens and taking day trips to the Atlas Mountains. Nights can drop close to single figures, so pack layers. Riads, traditional houses built around a courtyard, are the classic places to stay; many have rooftop terraces for breakfast in the sun. Agadir on the coast is better for a beach-and-pool holiday.
Egypt and Jordan
March is one of the best months for Egypt's ancient sites: Luxor's temples and the Valley of the Kings are hot by midday, but manageable early and late. A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is a comfortable way to see several sites without changing hotels. In Jordan, combine Petra (cooler, especially at night) with Aqaba or the Dead Sea.
The Gulf
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat have warm, sunny days ideal for outdoor activities. Beach clubs and outdoor dining are in full swing. Hotel prices stay relatively high until temperatures climb in April and May.
Caribbean, Mexico and Central America
Dry season continues. Costa Rica's Pacific coast is sunny and dry, and Mexico's Yucatán is hot but comfortable for visiting ruins early in the day.
Southeast Asia
March is peak dry season on Thailand's Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and in Cambodia. It is getting very hot inland, so plan sightseeing for mornings. In northern Thailand, March can bring smoky haze from agricultural burning, which affects air quality in Chiang Mai.
Sample week-long March trips
| Trip | Itinerary idea | Best hotel type |
|---|---|---|
| Sun and culture | 3 nights Marrakech + 4 nights Agadir | Riad, then beach resort |
| Ancient wonders | 4-night Nile cruise + 3 nights Hurghada | Cruise ship, then all inclusive |
| City and beach | 3 nights Dubai Downtown + 4 nights Dubai Marina | City hotel, then beach hotel |
| Easy family sun | 7 nights south Tenerife | Family resort with heated pool |
| Long-haul beach | 9 nights Phuket or Krabi | Beachfront resort or boutique |
What to pack for March sun
- Layers: warm days, cooler evenings in North Africa and the Canaries.
- High-factor sunscreen: spring sun is stronger than it feels.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf.
- Comfortable walking shoes for ancient sites and medinas.
The bottom line
March is perfect for sunny sightseeing in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, reliable warmth in the Canaries, and beaches in the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Just check for Easter and spring-break dates before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in March in Europe?
The Canary Islands are the most reliable. Southern Spain, Cyprus and Malta can be pleasantly warm on sunny days but are not usually hot in March.
Is March a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes. March is warm and sunny, before the intense summer heat, though prices remain relatively high.
Where should I go for spring break?
Popular warm spring break destinations from the US include Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Book early, as demand is high.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
