Where To Visit In March

Late March in Japan is when things get really pretty. The cherry blossom forecasts start appearing (yes, they have apps for this), and if you time it right, you’ll catch the early blooms without the April madness. Temperatures sit around 10-15°C which is cool enough for a jacket but comfortable for walking around all day.

I spent ages tracking blossom predictions for a trip once, and everyone kept saying April was peak season. Turns out late March was perfect, fewer crowds, and the blossoms had this delicate, almost fragile quality that felt more special than full bloom.

In Kyoto, you can’t miss Fushimi Inari with its endless red gates. It does get busy, but go early morning and you’ll have more space to breathe. The Philosopher’s Path is stunning for blossom-spotting walks, and wandering through temple grounds when petals start falling feels like being in a film.

Hanami picnics are big here, people actually bring bento boxes and sit under the trees for hours. Pack some snacks from a konbini (Japanese convenience store), grab a spot in Maruyama Park, and just… relax for a while.

Tokyo gives you a different energy. Ueno Park is the classic cherry blossom spot, but it’s also where half of Tokyo seems to congregate. Still worth it though. Then there’s the contrast of neon-lit streets at night with blossom petals falling, Nakameguro river is good for this.

Food-wise, you have to try takoyaki from a street stall. Cheap, filling, and the right amount of comfort food when you’re walking around for hours. And if your feet are done in, find an onsen (hot spring bath). Nothing beats soaking your tired legs after a day of temple hopping.

The Practical Bits

Flights from the UK to Japan can be reasonable in March, I’ve seen round trips for under £500 if you’re flexible with dates. Layers are your friend because mornings are cold but afternoons warm up. And yes, download one of those cherry blossom forecast apps. Sounds nerdy but it actually helps.

The one downside? Bloom timing is unpredictable. Some years they come early, some years late. But even without perfect blossoms, Japan in March is still stunning.

Seville and Granada, Spain: Festival Season in Andalusia

Spain in March means 15-20°C weather, warm enough to enjoy being outside without melting. And if you’re there late March, Semana Santa (Holy Week) kicks off with incredible processions through the streets. The atmosphere is something else, very intense, very beautiful.

Seville is where I’d start. The Alcázar gardens are blooming, and wandering through those courtyards feels like stepping into a different century. Flamenco shows are everywhere some are touristy, some are authentic. The real magic though? Tapas crawls. Order a drink and get free tapas with it, perfect if you are on a budget.

The cathedral is massive (the third largest in the world), and climbing the Giralda tower gives you views across the city. Worth the leg workout. And the orange trees lining the streets smell incredible this time of year.

Granada is about an hour away and worth the trip. The Alhambra is the palace everyone raves about, and they’re right to, it’s so impressive. Book tickets in advance because they sell out. The intricate tile work and garden courtyards are the kind of thing photos don’t quite capture.

What surprised me was how close Granada is to the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can literally see snow-capped peaks while spring flowers are blooming in the city. There are hikes up there if you fancy a change from city walking.

If you can manage it, head to Valencia for Las Fallas, a festival where they build massive sculptures then burn them. It’s chaotic and loud and absolutely worth experiencing. Happens mid-March, usually around the 15th-19th.

Getting There

Ryanair and easyJet run cheap flights from UK airports to Seville or Málaga. March is before peak tourist season, so accommodation is more affordable too. Pack for changeable weather, it can rain, but somehow rain in Seville feels atmospheric rather than annoying.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz and Southern Spring

March in New Orleans is post-Mardi Gras recovery time, which means the city’s calmed down a bit but still has that festival energy bubbling under the surface. Temperatures hit 20-25°C, and the azaleas start blooming in all the gardens. It’s when you get the soul of the city without quite as many tourists.

The French Quarter is the obvious draw, grab beignets from Café du Monde (yes, there’s always a queue, but it’s worth it), wander down Bourbon Street at night for live music spilling out of every bar, and just soak up the architecture. Those iron balconies and colourful buildings are ridiculously photogenic.

But the real gems are slightly off the beaten track. Frenchmen Street has better live music and fewer stag dos. Magazine Street is good for vintage shopping and local cafes. And you haven’t done New Orleans until you’ve tried a proper po’boy sandwich.

The bayou tours are brilliant. I wasn’t sure about kayaking near alligators, but guides know what they’re doing, and seeing the swamps up close is both eerie and beautiful. The WWII Museum is also excellent especially if you need a break from walking in the heat.

Food-wise, go for gumbo, jambalaya, and anything involving crawfish. It’s heavy, it’s rich, and it’s exactly what you want after walking around all day. The humidity starts creeping up in March, but it’s not yet at “can’t breathe” levels.

Flights from the UK usually connect through Atlanta or another US hub. March deals exist if you book early. Stay in the Garden District if you want something quieter than the French Quarter.

Charleston and Savannah: Southern Gardens in Bloom

These two cities in South Carolina and Georgia basically turn into postcards in March. Temperatures sit around 18-23°C, and the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom. It’s pre-humidity season, which means you can actually enjoy walking around historic neighbourhoods.

Charleston has incredible antebellum homes and tree-lined streets that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled. The Battery waterfront is lovely for an evening walk, and the food scene is phenomenal, lots of seafood, obviously. She-crab soup is a thing here, and it’s delicious if you’re into that.

The beach islands near Charleston (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms) are great for a day trip if you fancy some coast time. And there’s something charming about taking a carriage ride through the historic district, touristy but actually quite nice.

Savannah is about two hours away and has a completely different feel. The squares dotted throughout the city are beautiful, especially when spring flowers are out. Forsyth Park is the big one, bring a book, grab some takeaway coffee, and just sit for a while.

The ghost tours are surprisingly fun, even if you’re skeptical about that sort of thing. The city’s history is fascinating (and dark), and evening walks through the historic district have this atmospheric quality. Plus, the tour guides are usually entertaining.

Low-country boils are the food experience here, basically seafood, potatoes, and corn all boiled together with Old Bay seasoning. Messy, casual, and exactly the kind of meal you want.

You’ll want to fly into Atlanta from the UK, then drive down (rental cars are easy). Both cities are walkable once you’re there, but having a car gives you flexibility for day trips.

Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona: Desert Blooms

Arizona in March is what desert travel should be—21-27°C, clear skies, and if you’re lucky with winter rainfall, wildflower superblooms that transform the landscape. It’s hiking weather, without the summer heat.

Phoenix has Camelback Mountain for proper hikes with city views, and spring training baseball if you’re into that. But the real draw is getting out into the desert. Seeing a saguaro cactus in person is weirdly moving, they’re massive and strange and beautiful.

Tucson and the Saguaro National Park are about 90 minutes south. The trails here range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, and sunset in the desert is one of those experiences that sounds cliché but I always love a good sunset. The light turns everything golden and pink, and it’s so quiet.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is worth visiting if you want to learn about the ecosystem without committing to a full hike. And Sedona (two hours north) has those famous red rocks that look photoshopped but aren’t. The hiking is excellent, and the town has a quirky, slightly hippy vibe.

Stargazing in the Arizona desert is spectacular as minimal light pollution means you see stars you forgot existed. Bring layers because desert nights get cold, even in March.

Direct flights from London to Phoenix exist on British Airways. Rental car is essential here, public transport isn’t really a thing. Pack sun cream, good walking shoes, and more water than you think you’ll need.

Jaipur and Varanasi, India: Holi Festival

India during Holi (usually mid-March) is unforgettable. Temperatures hit 22-30°C, and the festival involves throwing coloured powder at everyone. It’s chaotic, messy, and one of those experiences you’ll talk about for years.

Jaipur (the Pink City) has incredible palaces and forts. The Amber Fort is stunning, especially if you arrive early before tour groups. And the street food scene is excellent, think chaat, samosas and lassi from roadside stalls. Just pace yourself because your stomach needs time to adjust.

The City Palace and Hawa Mahal are the main sights, but honestly, wandering through bazaars and watching everyday life unfold is equally compelling. It’s loud, crowded, and colourful in ways that feel overwhelming and thrilling at the same time.

Varanasi is more spiritual as it’s one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, and watching sunrise ceremonies on the Ganges is genuinely moving. Take a boat ride at dawn, and you’ll see rituals that have been happening for thousands of years.

Holi in these cities means you will get covered in coloured powder. Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining, and embrace the chaos. People are welcoming if you’re respectful, and being part of the celebrations feels like a privilege.

Practical Advice

Air India and other carriers offer decent deals from the UK in March. Organise your visa in advance (straightforward online process). Pack light, breathable clothes, hand sanitiser, and an open mind. The crowds and dust can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared, but it’s also an incredibly rich experience.

Why We Love Travelling In March

March doesn’t get enough credit. It’s that transitional month where destinations show you something different, whether it’s cherry blossoms just starting, festivals in full swing, or desert landscapes coming alive. The weather’s usually decent, the prices are reasonable, and you’re travelling when places feel more authentic, less overrun.

Check Skyscanner for flight deals, book accommodation early if you’re hitting festival dates, and pack layers because March weather is reliably unreliable everywhere. And maybe support local businesses where you can, small guesthouses, independent restaurants, local tour guides. Your money goes further, and the experience tends to be better.