With longer daylight hours and daffodils in bloom, March can offer all the promise of spring, but often fails to really deliver. Rather than wait it out, hoping the temperatures will rise, treat yourself to a late winter getaway/pre-spring trip.
Grab some short-haul sunshine in southern Europe, enjoy a last-minute ski adventure or retreat to a land far, far away for hot climates and cultural adventures. Here are a few wanderlust-worthy holiday ideas to tide you over until the seasons change.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Perfect for walking and hiking
This is the Canaries’ greenest and least developed island, enjoying rugged, forested terrain, well sign-posted paths, and an average March temperature of 19°C. The entire island was classed as a Biosphere Reserve and is home to more than 900 endemic species, as well as lush national parks and volcanoes.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Ideal for late season snow
Overlooked by the mighty Matterhorn, this car-free town offers every Alpine cliché going, as well as some world-class skiing. Its 120 plus miles of pistes are dominated by long, cruising red runs and with lifts going higher than 10,000ft, the snow stays fresh well into the spring.
Jaipur, India
Ideal for experience seekers
March is the end of the dry season in India and also marks the start of Holi, the Hindu holiday that celebrates the beginning of spring. Holi is the festival of colour and come March, cities and towns across the country are covered in rainbow powder. A popular destination for tourists thanks to its stunning palaces, temples and forts, Jaipur is a wonderful base from which to enjoy the show.
Dublin, Ireland
Ideal for party-lovers
Experiencing the infamous Paddy’s Day celebrations in Ireland’s capital is definitely a bucket-list experience. The festival kicks off on March 13 and culminates with a decidedly raucous parade on March 17, complete with costumes, packed pubs and pints.
Malta
Ideal for short-haul sunshine
Malta enjoys surprisingly warm weather through winter and into early spring, with average March highs of 18°C. It’s certainly warm enough to enjoy al fresco dining in the cobbled courtyards of Valetta or hike the cliff tops at Dingli. Plus, you’ll escape the peak season crowds.
Havana, Cuba
Ideal for culture vultures (and sun-seekers)
If you’re seeking a hot Caribbean climate plus an intoxicating culture bursting with soul and flavour, then the Cuban capital is hard to beat. This is a city renowned for cigars, classic cars and salsa, but it also enjoys a thriving, modern arts scene. Beyond the city, you’ll find white-sand beaches to rival any found elsewhere in the Caribbean – ideal for cooling off in March temperatures averaging 28°C.
Garden Route, South Africa
Ideal for once-in-a-lifetime adventures
All the things that make South Africa an incredible destination, from its gorgeous beaches and rugged mountains to its incredible marine and safari wildlife, can be found driving the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. March is a fabulous, temperate time of year to make the trip.