Taking a vacation in March means you’ll be in that sweet spot of escaping the Canadian cold while also travelling during the shoulder season. Sounds like the perfect combination, right? So whether you’re looking for world-class festivals or water sports fun for hot days in the Caribbean, these amazing destinations have a bit of everything. Here are some of the best warm places to visit in March this year.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata one of the best warm places to visit in March. Many will say that Puerto Plata is simply the cheap alternative destination to Punta Cana, but it’s much more than that. Spend your vacation exploring to find your favourite beach and your perfect secret waterfall and you might end up making this a recurring spring trip.
Best places to visit in March for warm temperatures and lots of sun: Puerto Plata, DR
The third-largest city in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata has some amazing beaches where you’ll be able to find comfortable accommodation and lots of nature escapes to boot. Plus you’re almost guaranteed sunny skies all day every day, making Puerto Plata one of the best places to visit in March for warm weather.
Aqua adventurers and ecotourists, welcome to paradise! Just a 20-minute drive from central Puerto Plata is Playa Cabarete, a gorgeous bay that has been named the water sport capital of the Caribbean. Exercise those muscles kiteboarding, windsurfing, and wing foiling, as this part of the Dominican coastline is the perfect spot for these activities.
Puerto Plata also boasts a slew of hotel options for just about any type of traveller, from big names to boutique beachfront stays that will make you feel more than welcome. Check out the Iberostar Costa Dorada, a great family-friendly hotel choice with all-inclusive options. For all you child-free travellers out there, consider the BlueBay Villas Doradas on the eastern edge of Playa Dorada, an adults-only hotel offering all-inclusive stays. And these direct flights from Toronto and Montreal make Puerto Plata an easy and more affordable option for a warm Caribbean vacation this March.
Valencia, Spain
If your sights are on Europe this spring, we recommend heading to Valencia for a warm weather getaway. This port city in southeast Spain is surrounded by beautiful national parks and filled with colourful architecture, historic attractions and world-class festivals – another major bonus is that you can get some beach time in without the busy crowds.
Why Valencia is one of the best warm destinations in March
Spain is actually one of the best European countries to visit in March because it won’t be crazy busy with international tourists or super hot! March is arguably one of the best times to visit Spain for comfortable weather, especially southern Spain, where the climate is famously hot starting in June until September. Highs of 19-20 degrees Celcius means ideal walking weather for your trip, too.
Ever heard of Las Fallas? It’s one of the biggest festivals in the Spanish nation and it happens every March. The festival was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016, and its where papier-mâché type statues (the fallas) that have been crafted by local artists are on display in and around different neighbourhoods of the city. It’s a tradition that dates back say some to the Middle Ages. Celebrate with the locals and indulge in all the outdoor eats (paella has its origins in the region of Valencia, by the way), admire the arts and crafts and enjoy the evening fireworks displays.
When you’re not festival-ing, take advantage of the warm March days and explore some of Valencia’s best beaches. La Malvarrosa is the most centrally-located beach in the city, which is home to a picturesque promenade that’s perfect for an afternoon wander with your travel buddies. For some real beach time, pack up for the day and head to some beautiful beaches on the outskirts of Valencia. Some of our top picks are: Port Saplaya, La Devesa, and Sagunto Beach.
San Diego, USA
San Diego is not only filled with amazing things to see and do year-round, it’s also the warmest city on the U.S. West Coast to visit in March. And with lots of flight deals from major cities in Canada, San Diego is a safe bet for an amazing March getaway.
San Diego is one of the best warm places to visit in March
Want to chill at the beach all day? Shop til you drop? Soak in some culture (and amazing food along the way)? San Diego has it all, and a trip here in March means that you can experience it all without the busy summer tourist crowds. Expect highs in the low 20s during the day and bring a light sweater for a cooler evenings (but the temperature cools down pretty much every night in southern California, no matter the month). This climate makes for great outdoor exploring, and it San Diego is truly a destination to discover.
Start by heading a little north of town to La Jolla Shores, where you’ll get amazing views of the coastline along the walking paths. You can spend the whole day here, or head down to Ocean Beach for an early dinner to watch the sunset. This funky neighbourhood is filled with independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants, where you can easily spend the whole day (or two, or three) exploring and taking in the vibes.
All you budget travellers out there will love Samesun Ocean Beach, a backpacker hostel with private rooms and dorm rooms just a few blocks from the beach. You can smell the sea breeze from every part of the hostel, and it’s a great place to connect with other travellers.
Want more warm and can extend your trip a week or so? Fly down to Los Cabos in Baja California, which is only a few hours from San Diego or LA, and see what all the fuss is about.
What are some of the other top warm places to visit in March?
For some more travel inspiration, check out these other hot destinations around the globe.
| Country | City | Average temperature in March |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba | Varadero | 29°C/84°F |
| Panama | Panama City | 22°C/72°F |
| El Salvador | San Salvador | 31°C/88°F |
| Mexico | Cancun | 29°C/84°F |
| Chile | Santiago | 28°C/82°F |
| Peru | Lima | 27°C/81°F |
| India | Mumbai | 33°C/91°F |
| USA | Los Angeles | 21°C/70°F |
| Philippines | Manila | 32°C/90°F |
| USA | Fort Lauderdale | 27°C/81°F |
Already have another idea for your March vacation spot this year? Or are you just waiting for a cheap flight deal to take that leap? Either way, your flight search starts right here. Search for flights from your chosen destination to anywhere in the world and find the cheapest deals.
