If you’re wondering ‘where is hot in March?’ we can’t blame you. Oh, March — the most bipolar month of the year. One minute it could be raining cats and dogs and the next minute? You’re sweating in the sunshine. Not quite winter and not quite spring, March is the perfect time to travel the world and escape the fickleness of British weather.

March signals the early days of spring, which means there are plenty of holiday destinations with warm weather and endless hours of sunshine. Also, travelling in March means you’re avoiding the peak season during the Easter break and half term, so you can expect less crowds. Europe has many gorgeous city breaks like Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey that offer excellent resorts, plenty of culture and warm weather – even this early in the year.

Destinations like the Algarve in Portugal or Grand Canaria, Fuerteventura Lanzarote or Tenerife in the Canary Islands are popular destinations among the Brits and offer plenty of sunshine in March, minus all the tourist crowds. Visiting these popular summer destinations during early spring means you’ll never be out of a sun lounger – and that’s a win.

Elsewhere, if you’re looking for more exotic destinations, places Cuba, Mexico, Thailand, the Caribbean, Africa, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are great for much more than a beach holiday. These far-flung destinations have rich cultural heritages, delicious local food, vibrant nightlife scenes and plenty of incredible natural sites and historical attractions to feast your eyes on. So, no matter where your wanderlust takes you this March, our handy guide has got all the winter sun holidays to suit your style, budget and occasion. Better get your sun hat ready. 

Ahead, our ‘where is hot in March’ bucket list.

1. Caribbean

The Caribbean is a group of over 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and is known as one of the best regions in the world of truly memorable beach holidays. Cuba, Antigua, St. Barths, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Barbados are some of the most popular Caribbean destinations and we’re sure they’ve populated your Instagram feeds as of late, surely inspiring you to hop on a plane to the Caribbean Sea. March is the one of the best times of year to visit the Caribbean, with average temperatures of 28°C dropping down to 23°C in the evenings.

Where to stay in the Caribbean:

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Sandpiper is a family-run beachfront boutique hotel located in popular Holetown, Barbados. The hotel is near the Folkstone Marine National Park, Holetown Beach and the quaint Chattel Village. Wake up to the gentle lapping sounds of waves, find your inner zen in the tropical gardens, lounge in the white sand beach or enjoy a cocktail at the much-loved Harold’s Beach Bar. Much of the Sandpiper’s charm can be attributed to the personal touch of the hotel staff, whose attention to detail is second to none. The Sandpiper has all the elegance of a luxury hotel, with all the charm of the Caribbean, making it one of our top hotel picks in Barbados.

The Dominican Republic is a paradise for Caribbean sunshine and this five-star all-inclusive getaway is our top pick on the island. The Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa is located on the exclusive Bavaro beach, with beautiful azure waters, palm trees and plenty of sun, sea and sand. Guests at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa can also access the facilities of two adjoining hotels which means that you have the choice between eight à la carte restaurants, five show-cooking restaurants, 25 bars, six freshwater swimming pools and one incredible spa. We think it’s a great choice for a family holiday and you simply won’t run out of things to do

2. Malta

March is the perfect time of year to visit Malta, which offers milder temperatures and average highs of 18°C. This little island off the coast of Sicily, enjoys 300 sunny days per year and is a great Mediterranean city break if you want a mix of breath-taking natural sites, Roman/Moorish history, and plenty of beaches. Malta also offers a bustling gastronomy scene, with delightful bars, cafes and restaurants dotted around Valetta and Mdina. The isle of Gozo is filled with charming villages (with world-famous honey), beautiful bays, beaches and quaint market towns and is well worth the visit too.

Where to stay in Malta:

The Xara Palace is a Relais Châteaux property in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. This 17th-century palace is perched on centuries-old bastions and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the City. The Xara Palace is a five-star haven to pause and be pampered and even has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, de Mondion, which will take you on a gastronomic journey you won’t soon forget. With only 17 luxury rooms, this intimate boutique hotel would be great for a spring getaway with your partner.

3. Africa

The African continent is a wonderfully rich and diverse place, boasting some of the world’s most majestic natural sites. With highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C, it’s one of the hottest March holidays on our list too. Johannesburg, Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Cape Town are some of the more popular destinations in this magical continent, where you have everything from safaris, desert landscapes, breath-taking mountain ranges and gorgeous beaches on the coast of Africa. There’s something for every kind of holidaymaker in Africa, making it well-worth the long haul flight.

Where to stay in Africa:

At the Saxon Hotel, you’ll be able to get a first-hand experience of the allure of Johannesburg’s cultural sites, it’s fascinating history and the warm hospitality of its people. The Saxon Hotel is a great base for exploring ‘The City of Gold’ and is near Hyde Park Corner, Nelson Mandela Square and the Peacemaker Museum. Inside, this five-star African palace has everything from heated pools, outdoor pools, swimming pools, amazing restaurants, and a brilliant spa.

4. Thailand

With world-famous white sandy beaches, gorgeous lagoons, exotic wildlife and a rich and vibrant history – it’s no wonder why Thailand is one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in the world. March is the perfect time to visit this paradise in Southeast Asia, as it means you’ll be experiencing slightly milder weather, less tourists and cheaper long haul flights. Plus, with daily average temperatures at a hot, hot, hot 26-31°C, you know that Thailand has sunshine to spare.

Where to stay in Thailand:

The Banyan Tree Veya Phuket promises the ultimate wellness retreat. The Veya experience is led by multidisciplinary wellbeing hosts around a three-step programme focused on awareness, discovery and sustenance. Check into one of the pool villas, which are complete with wellbeing minibars, yoga mats and sound therapy bowls so you unlock your best self, whilst also enjoying an idyllic holiday in Phuket. Namaste!

Tucked away in a private island just 45 minutes from Phuket, Six Senses Yao Noi is just the place if you want to leave civilisation behind and reconnect with yourself and nature. This blissful private island resort has 55 elevated pool villas, each one with breath-taking tropical views. Tucked away in the hillside, the spa is a thing of beauty and offers a rejuvenating menu of treatments that will banish all your stress. Conscious travellers will like the resort’s ‘Earth Lab’ scheme which means that it has committed to reducing waste and helping its local environment and community. A win for you and a win for the environment.

5. Portugal

March is the perfect time of year to visit Portugal, with the south and the Algarve seeing plenty of sunshine. Portugal is home to picturesque cobblestoned streets, charming villages, colourful Portuguese architecture and pretty banging coffee. Take a tram up and down the hills of Lisbon, stroll along the very Instagrammable streets of Porto, buy some Azulejo tiles or simply work on your tan in the Algarve.

Where to stay in Portugal:

With a spectacular location in the Southern coast of Portugal, overlooking the cliffs and beaches, Pine Cliffs is our top pick for a luxury family holiday in the Algarve. This mega-resort has something for the whole family. It has nine swimming pools (including a dedicated kiddie pool), 12 restaurants and bars, a sprawling spa, an active club, which is complete with bootcamp and even a tennis academy. The winter months are a great time to visit this sunny destination with plenty of walks and hikes surrounding the resort. Our personal favourite is with the Seven Hanging Valleys, which offers some of the most incredible views of the coast.

Located on the ‘Portuguese Riviera’, this beautiful five-star resort is the perfect European destination for sunny skies and warm spring temperatures. The InterContinental Cascais-Estoril has some of the most incredible views of the Atlantic ocean, made better by its rustic natural surroundings. The hotel’s fabulous Bago du Vin Gourmet Bar & Terrace has a sprawling 100 label wine collection and is a great spot for a glass during sunset. Plus, the Spa InterContinental is equipped with lush L’Occitane products and Provençal-inspired treatments, so you can truly relax during your March holiday.

6. Cyprus

The weather gets warmer in Cyprus throughout March, with daily temperatures ranging anywhere between 15-28 °C. Coastal cities like Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa are particularly warm in March and boast plenty of pretty beaches minus all the tourist crowds. Have a swim in the sea, go on a hike in the mountains or check out Cyprus’s many historical sites like the Ancient Town of Kourion, the Tomb of Kings and the Birthplace of Aphrodite.

Where to stay in Cyrpus:

Located in the Blue Flag Beach of Aoratoi just outside of Limassol City Centre, Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is our top pick for a Mediterranean getaway in March. There are private villas and family suites, outdoor swimming pools, sun loungers, gastronomic restaurants and the incredible Kalloni Spa. The spa has four thalassotherapy pools (one which replicates the salinity of the Dead Sea), and an outdoor treatment room. We recommend trying the Watsu treatment, which is performed in a high density pool.

7. Maldives

Can you picture yourself embarking on a spring getaway to the Maldives? We certainly can. In March, temperatures in the Maldives rise to 31°C, ideal for long sunny days on the beach. These beautiful islands on the Indian Ocean offer picture perfect beach holidays and are a true bucket-list worthy destination.

Best hotels in the Maldives:

Set over 13 acres in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is the ultimate Maldivian escape. All villas are just a quick barefoot stroll away from the hotel’s incredible facilities which include water sports, yoga, diving and three incredible restaurants. Our favourite is Ba’theli, which is the only Maldivian restaurant in the country. For a truly splash out stay, check into the Maldivian owned, Milaidhoo Maldives is delighted to introduce a brand new uber luxe accommodation – the spectacular overwater Two-Bedroom Ocean Residence. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, there's an epic freshwater infinity pool with steps straight into the sea, allowing guests to explore Milaidhoo’s incredible house-reef. They also throw in a dedicated, 24-hour butler, champagne on arrival, a dedicated chef to personalise all meals according to preference, a pop-up cinema experience on the deck of their villa and one private, half-day boat excursion during their stay for good measure.

Make your Maldivian dreams come true at The Standard, Huruvalhi, the first Standard property in the Maldives. The hotel exudes the same eclectic cool vibes you’d expect at any Standard property but with a Maldivian twist. With 115 villas, each with their own private lounge deck and pool, you can fill your days with beautiful seaside views and relax in this tropical paradise. No stay at The Standard is complete without a night to remember, so definitely check out the resort’s glass bottom, overwater nightclub.

After something else? Peruse our edit of the best hotels in Mallorca.

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