Best holiday destinations in March is a transition month the Canary Islands and Egypt hold steady 22 to 24°C, while Morocco and Cyprus start warming up nicely for spring. For guaranteed heat, Dubai (28°C) and long haul options like the Caribbean and Southeast Asia are still firmly in their dry season.
“Hot destinations march” and “best destinations to go in march” spike as the UK starts eyeing spring, but home weather is still unreliable. Here’s what March actually looks like across the top search destinations.
Best holiday destinations in March at a glance
Six of the best holiday destinations in March cover most of what UK travellers are looking for. Tenerife is the reliable all-rounder, averaging 22°C, around 4 to 4.5 hours from the UK, and best for dependable spring warmth. Marrakech averages 21°C and is the quickest trip on the list at about 3.5 hours, suiting a city break with day trips alongside the sunshine.
Hurghada, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is the warmest short haul option at 24°C, roughly 5.5 hours away, and the best pick for all-inclusive sun. Cyprus is the mildest choice at 18°C and between 4.5 and 5 hours away, better for quiet resorts and sightseeing than for the beach. All four sit in the lowest price bracket of the six.
For a bigger jump in temperature, Dubai and Cancun both average 28°C. Dubai is about 7 hours from the UK and suits a warmer city break, though it is the most expensive destination on this list. Cancun is the long haul option at 10 to 11 hours, firmly in its dry season and ideal for beaches, with prices sitting between the short haul picks and Dubai.
Canary Islands and Morocco: consistent, easy short haul
The Canary Islands stay close to their winter average in March around 22°C making them one of the most predictable short haul picks on the calendar. Marrakech runs slightly cooler but pairs well with day trips to the Atlas Mountains or a few days on Morocco’s Atlantic coast if you want variety alongside the warmth.
Egypt: the warmest short haul option
Egypt’s Red Sea coast edges ahead of the Canaries in March, sitting around 24°C, with the added benefit of consistently clear skies and very low rainfall this time of year a safer bet than Mediterranean destinations still shaking off winter.
Dubai and Mexico: for a bigger temperature jump
If 22 to 24°C isn’t enough of an escape, Dubai sits at a comfortable 28°C in March before the summer heat kicks in, and Cancun is squarely in its dry season at a similar temperature both good options if you want the trip to feel like a genuine seasonal shift rather than mild relief.
Where to be cautious in March
Cyprus and mainland Greece are still in shoulder season through March pleasant for sightseeing at 17 to 19°C, but sea temperatures are too cool for comfortable swimming for most travelers. Treat these as city and culture destinations this month rather than beach trips.
Getting there: flights and airlines
The Canaries and Morocco are well served by budget carriers from most UK regional airports in March, keeping flight costs reasonable even at short notice. Dubai and long haul options like Mexico typically route through major hubs, so build a possible connection into your journey time when comparing options.
Before you book
March sits outside the busiest booking windows, which generally means better availability and prices than summer or Christmas. Still worth checking the current FCDO travel advice for your destination before you book, particularly for Morocco and Egypt where regional advisories can apply to specific areas.
What to pack
March destinations sit in a wider temperature range than peak summer, so layering matters more a light jacket for evenings in Marrakech or Cyprus, alongside standard warm weather clothing for daytime in Egypt or Dubai.
Currency and typical costs
March generally offers better value than the equivalent summer trip, since it sits outside peak booking season. Morocco and Egypt tend to be the cheapest options on this list, while Dubai and Mexico sit at the premium end regardless of month.
Family vs couples picks
The Canary Islands and Egypt both suit families well, with established kids’ club infrastructure and calm, shallow beaches. Marrakech and Cyprus work better as a couples’ or small group city and culture trip, given the cooler March temperatures and lighter beach focus.
What’s included at different price points
Canary Islands and Egypt packages typically bundle flights, transfers, and all inclusive food and drink into one predictable total. Dubai and Mexico stays more often run on room only or breakfast terms, so dining and excursions add meaningfully to the overall cost beyond the headline accommodation price.
March as an alternative to Easter travel
Easter school holidays push prices up sharply across most of these destinations, so travelling a few weeks earlier in March, outside the Easter window, often means the same spring weather for a noticeably lower price worth considering if your dates aren’t fixed to school holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is hot enough to swim in March?
Egypt’s Red Sea coast and the Canary Islands are the most reliable short haul options for comfortable swimming in March, both averaging 22 to 24°C with warm sea temperatures.
Is Dubai a good choice for March?
Yes, March is one of Dubai’s best months, averaging around 28°C, warm enough for the beach while avoiding the extreme summer heat that arrives from May onwards.
Is it warm enough in Cyprus in March?
Cyprus is mild rather than hot in March, averaging around 18°C pleasant for sightseeing and walking, but generally too cool for swimming until later in spring.
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- Best Holiday Destinations in January: New Year Sun Escapes
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