Where To Go In March
March is a time of great change. Optimism wafts in the air as we leave winter behind us and look ahead to lighter, warmer days. It’s shoulder season, so the start of the ideal time to travel, as tantalising deals can be found. Whether you’re thinking European cities where the cold thaws and the sun begins to shine in March, places where snow scenes are still there to be enjoyed, or further afield where the hot and humid days begin to cool and rainy seasons abate, you’ll encounter fewer crowds in this low season month.
To make the most of what March has to offer, here’s our pick of where to head off on your post-winter travels.
Washington, USA
While most of us think of Japan when we think of cherry blossom celebrations, Washington does its own cherry blossom festival. Gifted their cherry blossom trees by Japan, the city is transformed into a wonderful pink wonderland. Though exact dates of flowering can’t be guaranteed, the festival occurs on around the 20 March to ensure the best chances of catching that blossom. The main event is the parade, which includes dancers, elaborate floats, marching bands, and colourful balloons.
The weather is mild and not humid like in the summer, but as the end of March approaches it does start to get busy: many visitors arrive for the festival and then stay a little longer.
Tignes, France
If you’ve not made it out to ski this season yet, it’s not too late to grab your gear and find some near-guaranteed snow. Some resorts across the world are coming into their peak season, and even Europe has some surefire bets. For example, Tignes in the French Alps has been reliable for March snow in past years, aided by the Grande Motte glacier terrain. You can buy a ski pass for the whole of the Espace Killy area, which gives you a choice of 300km of slopes. Enjoy cross country skiing opportunities, as well as slopes for all levels, and accessible slopes too.
Jebel Akhdar, Oman
The gentle breeze that lingers by the coastline of Oman is heavenly, it has to be said, but travel inland to Jebel Akhdar and with temperatures of around 30C in March, it’s perfect for anyone looking for some serious heat and somewhere that little bit different. This mountainous area of the country is where you’ll find traditional villages where you can wander around date plantations and witness the livestock market. It’s also where the beautiful damask roses are harvested in March. Limited guided tours will take you into the communities harvesting the roses. The gardens are spectacular and you can watch locals making their famous rose water, which offers a glimpse into life in these remote mountains.
Mendoza, Argentina
For some early spring sun, head to Mendoza where temperatures are around 26C in March and there’s eight hours of sunshine a day. As it’s Argentina’s wine capital, it’s no surprise the wine flows freely whenever you go here, but in March the Vendimia, which marks the wine harvest, brings an element of carnival to your visit too. Vendimia keeps on getting bigger every year and it’s now a full-on wine festival that includes displays of folk dancing in traditional costume, local music, fireworks, parades, and of course, lots of wine. The event reaches a grand finale when the new Queen of Vendimia is chosen for the year.
It’s also a beautiful time to be in Argentina, as their summer begins to end and the colours of trees and gardens alter subtly with the cooling of the weather.
Sicily, Italy
Everywhere you go in Sicily in March, the almond trees are in bloom, and with balmy temperatures at around 18C, the Italian island is one of the warmest places you can be this month in Europe. Fewer tourists and more manageable temperatures also make it a great time for exploring the island’s Greek and Roman ruins. Take a trip to the city of Agrigento and catch the Festa del Manorlo in Fiore which has the island’s biggest almond tree blossoms celebrations, involving dancing, music and evening processions.
Wherever you plan to go this year make sure to protect your trip with Switched On Travel Insurance. We provide 24/7 medical support, whether that’s via our medical emergency helpline, or via Air Doctor, which offers those with minor illnesses and injuries the option to see a medical professional either in person at their accommodation or via a clinic visit, or through a video consultation. Find out all about our worldwide assistance network on the Medical Support page of our website.