Hawaii, Seville, and Cartagena: top 16 sunny destinations for traveling in March
The post-Christmas months are always so exhausting for many people. Spring and the warmer weather it brings can still be felt far away on the horizon, so if you're desperate for some warmth and sunshine, it's worth planning a vacation.
March is a great month to visit many parts of the world, including regions of Southeast Asia, North America, Africa, and South America. There are even a few European destinations that escape the rainy, cold, and stormy weather that March is famous for," writes the Metro website. In some places, the temperature reaches 30 degrees, and in many countries, March is considered the "shoulder season" - which means you are likely to avoid the crowds.
Orlando, Florida
Temperature: 20°C
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
The best time to visit Orlando is between March and May, as this is when you will find pleasant weather (sunny and warm) and the most reasonable housing prices. In addition to enjoying the wonderful sunshine, there is also plenty to do here. From Disneyland and Universal Studios to a variety of water parks, you will find plenty of entertainment to pass the time.
Brisbane, Australia
Temperature: 24°C
Number of hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Brisbane starts to get a little colder in March, but is still considerably warmer than the UK - a pleasant 24°C. The capital of Queensland is known for its lush green parks and riverside locations, as well as a rich cultural life with galleries, theaters and markets. Elsewhere, you'll find the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to more than 70 species of these Australian animals, as well as the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Muscat, Oman
Temperature: 26ºC
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
Muscat, the port capital of Oman, is located on the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by mountains and desert, which creates a stunning backdrop. Temperatures in March are warm but not too hot, which means you can explore the city and the market without feeling uncomfortable - unlike the scorching summer months of June and August.
The "Pearl of Arabia" offers plenty of entertainment and attractions, from historic castles and fortresses to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Gambia
Temperature: 34°C
Number of hours of sunshine: 10 hours
The hottest month in this small West African country is March, so you definitely won't feel the chill. The Gambia is known for its beautiful beaches near the capital Banjul and Serrekunda, but it is also a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Nature lovers should consider staying in an eco-lodge in the Tanji Bird Sanctuary (although October-December is usually the bird season). You can also see leopards, hippos and monkeys in the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park.
Hawaii
Temperature: 24°C (up to 26°C)
Hours of sunshine: 9 hours
Unfortunately, March is not the season for travelers in Hawaii. But the scenery is guaranteed to be beautiful. And so is the weather. Temperatures stay in the 20s, and while you may encounter the occasional short-lived rainstorm, they are much less severe than in February.
When it comes to visiting the beautiful islands of Hawaii, you have a lot of choice. Honolulu, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai are among the most famous for their beaches, rich history, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Dominican Republic
Temperature: 25°C (up to 30°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: 13 hours
It is quite possible to spend an all-inclusive resort vacation in the Dominican Republic. Consider Punta Cana or Cabarete and Sosua in Puerto Plata (the latter is great for water sports). But if you want to explore the country, go to the capital, Santo Domingo. It's one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, and there's a lot of interesting history to see here. Discover some of them in the museum-turned-palace Alcazar de Colon. If you want to avoid the standard beach vacation, visit the tranquil Samana Peninsula.
South Vietnam
Temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 10 to 11 hours
If you want to get an unforgettable beach vacation experience, then head to the southern coast of Vietnam. It's well worth the long flight from the UK, which will most likely bring you to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a day or two (or longer if you can) in the city before heading to a coastal resort for a few hours. While it's hot in the south, it's a bit cooler in the north, around 19°C. Here you will find the capital city of Hanoi. From here you can also head to Halong Bay, a classic tourist destination for good reason.
Seville, Spain
Temperature: 15°C (up to 20°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Unfortunately, you shouldn't expect much sunshine in Europe in March, but the southwestern Spanish city of Seville will warm your soul. There is a chance that you might experience high temperatures of 20°C, but even a warm 15°C is ideal for walking around the city.
Architecture is a must-see in Seville, especially Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish Revival. Visit the Cathedral, admire the Royal Alcazar (a palace you may have seen on the popular HBO series Game of Thrones) and wander through the 1920s Plaza de España to admire its many ceramic tiles.
Grenada
Temperature: 26°C (up to 30°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: Eight hours
The Caribbean country of Grenada may be relatively small, but it should not be underestimated. It consists of three main islands: Grenada proper, as well as the smaller Carrique and Petite Martinique and a few others (including the ridiculously expensive private island of Calivigny).
Among its golden beaches, the most famous are probably Magage, Levera, Morne Rouge, and Grand Anse. So you can't go wrong with accommodation nearby.
But in search of sea and sand, don't miss the capital city of St. George and a walk along the picturesque Carnage Harbor. Nature lovers will also find plenty to do off the beach. Plan a visit to Grand Etang Lake, Concorde Falls, or Annandale Forest Park if you have the opportunity.
Cartagena, Colombia
Temperature: 26°C (up to 31°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: 7.5 hours
Most major cities in Colombia are ready to give you the March hot vacation you are looking for. There are Bogotá, Medellín and Cali to choose from, but perhaps the most beautiful is Cartagena. Located along the northern coast, it is known for its UNESCO-recognized fortress city that dates back to the 16th century. Expect to see great art and visit fascinating museums. You'll also find yourself within sailing distance of one of Colombia's national parks, the Rosario Islands, which are known for their excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Tenerife
Temperature: 17°C (up to 21°C)
Hours of sunshine: Seven hours
Few people will be surprised to see this Canary Island on our March list - it is also on the November list. The reason is simple: Tenerife, although part of Spain, is geographically located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Therefore, in winter it is a little warmer than in most of continental Europe.
It also has everything you could want from a hot vacation: beaches, water sports, nature, hiking, cruises, cultural events, an epic water park, and, of course, the Teide volcano.
Krabi, Thailand
Temperature: 29°C (up to 34°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: 9 hours
The weather in Thailand in March can be intense. It can be hot in the capital, Bangkok, and uncomfortably hot in the north of the country.
Luckily, there are plenty of places on the islands to keep it a little cooler, most of them offering out-of-this-world beaches with warm water perfect for swimming and splashing.
Krabi is far from the only option, but this province promises complete relaxation, (literally) turquoise waters and stunning views of karst formations that will take your breath away. Sold out.
Trinidad and Tobago
Temperature: 30°C
Hours of sunshine: 8 hours
Like many of the other destinations on this list, Trinidad and Tobago can offer you the best of both worlds. If you're looking to lounge by the pool, there's no shortage of luxury villas to book. But the islands (Trinidad, the larger one, and Tobago, the smaller one) are also rich in history and culture.
To witness something really special, come to the country's capital, Port of Spain, before March 1. Hopefully, you'll be able to see the end of Calypso: an explosion of music, dance and bright colors, often referred to as the largest carnival in the Caribbean.
Gozo, Malta
Temperature: 14°C (up to 17°C)
Number of hours of sunshine: Eight hours
The archipelago of Malta on the map is located under Italy and off the coast of Tunisia in Africa. This means that it can sometimes reach extremely warm temperatures. It's one of the best flight options on this list, as the trip to the main island, Malta, takes just over three hours. But if you've already been to Valletta and want to see the other side of Malta, why not take a ferry to the second largest island, Gozo? Yes, travel time will be added to your trip, but you can stay in Gozo for a few days (in some pretty nice hotels). Here you will explore the city of the medieval citadel of Victoria, as well as admire rocky bays, ancient temples, basilicas, sandy beaches, plus taste only the best Maltese dishes.
Cyprus
Temperature: 19ºC
Number of hours of sunshine: 7 hours
Cyprus tends to be a winner, whether it's summer or it's a million miles away from the sunny season in the UK. At this time of year, temperatures tend to be above 10 degrees, reaching just over 20ºC. It gets cooler in the evenings (down to about 9ºC), so bring something warm for the night. You have a great choice of where to stay and what to see. Classic resort destinations include Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. If you want to see the city, visit Nicosia.