Where's Hot in March?

Spring may have sprung in the UK, but our coats and jumpers are still firmly on. By March, the novelty of winter coats and grey skies has well and truly worn off, so you’re not alone if you’re seeking sunnier climes at this time of year. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. From inviting seas in the Maldives to wine and wildlife in South Africa, read on to find out where’s hot in March…

 

1. Egypt (25°C)
2. Jamaica (27°C)
3. The Maldives (29°C)
4. Sri Lanka (28°C)
5. Florida (24°C)
6. Thailand (30°C)
7. South Africa (22°C)

 

1

Egypt

Average March temperature: 25°C

Average daily sunshine hours: Ten hours

Flight time from the UK: four hours and 50 minutes (to Cairo)

When we asked our Egypt expert what it’s like to visit the country in March, they had high praises for the weather. The climate here is blissfully balmy with temperatures reaching highs of 28°C, and with over ten hours of sunshine a day, you can enjoy the perfect combination of sun and culture. Lose yourself in the colourful bustle of Luxor’s souqs, get up close and personal with the primordial Pyramids of Giza and marvel at Abu Simbel’s towering temples. If you’re dreaming of an itinerary jam-packed with exciting excursions, the country’s rich ancient history is more than enough to fill your boots (or sandals). Or, if a slower pace is more your speed, a cruise down the Nile aboard our vintage paddle steamer, the elegant Steam Ship Sudan, will hit the spot. Glide through the stunning Nile Valley, sipping icy cocktails and relaxing on the sun-drenched deck as you drift past impressive temples, such as the Karnak Complex and Dendera Temple.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to Egypt.

Image by boby.

 

2

Jamaica

Average March temperature: 27°C

Average daily sunshine hours: 12 hours

Flight time from the UK: nine hours and 50 minutes (to Montego Bay)

Jamaica holidays get a yes from us all year round, but particularly in March. With the promise of little rainfall, sunny skies and balmy evenings, Jamaica is the ultimate springtime retreat. Retrace Bob Marley’s footsteps in the country’s charming yet chaotic capital of Kingston; get away from it all in the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains; and find a quiet spot on the silky sand of Doctor’s Cave Beach. If you want to tap along to the country’s soundtrack of rum-infused reggae, head down to Tuff Gong Recording Studio for a private tour or grab a table at Escape 24/7 Bar and Grill to hear the latest beats. A couple of rum punches and Red Stripes in and you’ll see why Kingston is one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to Jamaica.

 

 

3

The Maldives

Average March temperature: 29°C

Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours

Flight time from the UK: ten hours and 20 minutes (to Malé)

Oh, the Maldives – one of the only places where you’re likely to forget that winter is even a season. Home to perhaps the most beautiful beaches in the world, this pristine archipelago scores highly when it comes to climate consistency. Sun-soaked all year round, spend your days lounging under coconut trees, cycling around azure atolls and diving down to dazzling coral reefs and mysterious underwater caves. The Maldivians are a friendly bunch, too. Take a day trip to Hithadhoo or Keyhodoo, where tourism is surprisingly sparse, and you'll see why the Maldives hold such a special place in many travellers’ hearts.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to the Maldives.

Image by Carlota Weber Mazuecos.

 

4

Sri Lanka

Average March temperature: 28°C

Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours

Flight time from the UK: ten hours and 30 minutes (to Colombo)

Where’s hot in March, you ask? Why Sri Lanka, of course. Even with average spring temperatures of 28°C, the ‘Island of Serendipity’ is still relatively overlooked by even the most intrepid travellers. With treetop safari stays in Wilpattu National Park, beachfront bolt holes on Mirissa’s crescent coast and scenic train rides through hillside cities and dense paddies, Sri Lanka is simply irresistible. And given that the country is so accessible, you don’t have to pick just one side of its cultural triangle to explore – you can do it all. Did we mention they make oh-so-tasty tea, too?

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to Sri Lanka.

 

 

5

Florida

Average March temperature: 24°C

Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours

Flight time from the UK: nine hours and 50 minutes (to Miami)

There’s a reason why Florida is called ‘The Sunshine State’. Need a hint? Look up and you’ll see – the sun shines all year round. While many flock to Miami’s chalk-white shores and beachfront bars, the coastal metropolis is much more than a student spring break destination in March. Wynwood is the hippie hub and birthplace of Miami’s contemporary art scene, Ocean Drive is the quintessential 1980s Art Deco boulevard (complete with a pastel trim that makes it even more Instagram-worthy) and Key Biscayne offers dreamy subtropical solitude.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to Florida.

Image by Jérôme Galland.

 

6

Thailand

Average March temperature: 30°C

Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours

Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 30 minutes (to Bangkok)

Thailand is our next answer for a March hot holiday. It’s the start of the warmest season, and sunny skies promise temperatures in their 30s throughout the country. Southern Thailand, however, steals the show with spots like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui boasting beautiful beaches to lounge on and crystal-clear water to cool off in. Along with a healthy dose of vitamin D, there are plenty of temples, night markets, boat trips and snorkelling adventures to get stuck into as well.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to Thailand.

Image by Anaïs Barelli.

 

7

South Africa

Average March temperature: 22°C

Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours

Flight time from the UK: 11 hours and 30 minutes (to Cape Town)

If it’s wildlife, wine and wonderfully warm weather you’re after, South Africa delivers in March. As it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, their March is the equivalent of the UK’s September – in Cape Town, you can expect thinning crowds and sunny (but not scorching) conditions. March highlights here include the city’s renowned Cape Town Festival, which celebrates the city’s culture with elaborate floats and costumes. In other areas, like the coast and Kruger National Park, March marks the end of the heavy summer rains, bringing perfect weather for spotting the ‘Big Five’ on a safari. It’s also the harvest season, so there’s no better time to clink glasses in the sunny Cape Winelands on a private vineyard tour.

Find out more about our tailor-made trips to South Africa.

Image by Olivier Romano.

 

For more winter sun hot spots, check out our guide on where to go in winter.

 

Written by Evie Buller.