March is a great time to explore many parts of the world, as it’s a time when the cold starts to let up, and you finally get signs of warm weather. It’s also far enough from the peak summer months when you’ll hit high tourist season for most destinations. These are our favorite places to visit in March, a month that often offers the chance to enjoy more pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Tanzania
Most people don’t realize that Tanzania is pretty much a year-round destination, though it offers exceptional wildlife viewing in both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in March. This is also the time of year when you can enjoy some great weather along with your unforgettable outdoor adventures, as the humidity has dropped, and the rainy season won’t begin for another month or so. The new Sanctuary Retreats Kichakani Serengeti Camp, which offers overnight stays in luxury tents, was designed to follow the zebra and wildebeest migrations. While fewer than 100,000 visit this area annually, those who do are rewarded with sights of lions, zebras, wildebeests, crocodiles, gazelles and buffalo.
Rome
Early spring is an ideal time to wander through Rome, with the weather often idyllic, avoiding the high heat of midsummer, allowing you to make every hour of every day count. You’ll be able to notice the little things while you’re strolling the streets, gazing up at the grand architecture and visiting Rome’s iconic attractions. March is a less-visited time in the Eternal City, so you won’t have to worry about battling those thick tourist crowds, and you’ll find lower rates too. Fewer crowds bring more opportunities for romance throughout Rome, famous for glorious sunsets that turn its walls, domes and church towers to a lustrous gold.
Cartagena, Colombia
March in Cartagena is one of its warmest, driest months, with very little rain, if any at all, making it ideal for visiting the waterfront and colonial-era hub. The city boasts impressive mangroves, powdery beaches and brilliant coral reefs in addition to its historic old town surrounded by the city wall. Its 500-hundred-year-old coral stone forts and much of its walled city are admirably intact, while the colonial city center is filled with old homes that have been transformed into restaurants, like La Vitrola and Carmen Cartagena, along with some wonderful boutique hotels.
Washington, DC
The capital of the United States boasts a long list of top-rated attractions, and while it offers lots to history buffs, it also comes alive in March when the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted. The season brings an explosion of color when the hundreds of cherry trees sprout blushing blooms. The pretty pink flowers frame the area’s famous national monuments from late March through early April, which happens to correspond with the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The pleasant weather makes it a perfect time to see the sights, from the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol itself, while a number of local companies host all types of cherry blossom tours to help visitors make the most of their flower-peeping experience.
The Galapagos Islands
This world-renowned archipelago enjoys tropical weather in March, with only brief downpours, while the water temperature and visibility are at their peak. Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific, the Galapagos Islands are often ranked at the top of lists ranking the best wildlife destinations. As the islands were never linked to the mainland, to get there, species had to have floated, swam, or flown in – and as larger mammals at the top of the food chain couldn’t make the journey, the lack of predators allowed wildlife to thrive. Many of the animals have never learned to fear humans and appear practically tame – visitors can snorkel right alongside the marine iguana and walk quietly among the resident sea lions and the Galapagos giant tortoises. You’ll be able to see lots of tortoise hatchlings in March, and if you stick around until the end of March, you can witness the return of the island’s famed albatrosses, too.
Sydney, Australia
One of the best times to visit Sydney and avoid the peak season crowds is March. While most foreign travelers land in this city, there are many reasons to stick around for a while. The nation’s largest city offers an ideal mix of iconic landmarks, a lovely harbor, gorgeous botanic gardens, beautiful beaches and impressive architecture. It’s often represented by its iconic symbol, the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that not only offers opera performances but frequently hosts all types of concerts and plays. Visitors can explore it by taking a guided backstage tour or dining in one of its restaurants. It’s also home to the world-famous Bondi Beach, dubbed one of the Top 10 beaches in the entire country, renowned for its pristine sands, clean waters and fantastic people-watching.
Tromso, Norway
The Northern Lights are a mystical, almost mythical phenomenon. Though they’re highly unpredictable, odds are greatly improved around the spring equinox in March. Often referred to as “Paris of the North,” Tromso makes for a fabulous and easily accessible destination to catch the northern lights in March, teeming with aurora borealis activity thanks to its location above the Arctic Circle.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
In March, visitors to Buenos Aires enjoy pleasant fall weather that’s ideal for exploring the city. With its wide, European-style boulevards, outstanding cuisine and raucous nightlife, Buenos Aires is a destination unlike any other. The Argentine capital is one of the most exhilarating cities in the world, with nonstop fun that can be had year-round. Pedestrian areas are lined with a multitude of cafes, while wine bars and steakhouses known for serving some of the world’s best chops are available, and impromptu tango displays are common.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Spring break in Mexico is known for being more than a bit wild and crazy. It’s a time-honored tradition, but if you’re looking for a spot that isn’t TOO wild, you may want to head to Cabo. Not only will you find great parties, but you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor adventures among stunning scenery too. March is also peak whale migration season, offering the chance to get up close and personal with eight species of whales.
