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Already three months into the year, but the blissful few weeks of warmth and sunshine that a UK (hopefully) summer brings are still months away.
For those who have not beaten the post-Christmas blues and escaped the miserable weather so far this year, March is a perfect month to seek some sun to tide you over until the hotter months at home. There are some destinations where the warm temperatures are already in full swing, from long-haul locations such as Australia to places reached by shorter plane rides, like the seemingly ever-warm Canary Islands.
Falling outside the peak holiday period, March is also an ideal time to escape somewhere sunny before the crowds also arrive, letting you do some city exploring or simply dozing on a sun lounger (often for a lower price compared to the summer months).
To help you plan an early spring break, we’ve rounded up our top picks for hot places to visit in March, as well as suggestions on where to stay.
1. Dubai, UAE
Temperature: averages of 24C, highs of 30C
Before the sweltering summer heat descends on the emirate, March can be an ideal time to visit this modern metropolis. No activity is off limits in the springtime, as the weather can be mild enough to wander the streets soaking up the culture, taking a dip in the Gulf or visiting some of Dubai’s top attractions, like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, both the largest of its kind. If you want a taste of Arabian history, venture away from the shiny skyscrapers to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for tours around the sandstone wind towers, or head to Dubai’s souks selling anything from spices to textiles. If watersports are on the agenda, Dubai’s hotels and waterfront offer a range of activities, from kitesurfing to hoverboarding, or head down to the Aquaventure World water park with kids.
To stay near Old Dubai, book a room at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton for a boutique experience that blends vintage charm with modern amenities. Suites and hotel rooms celebrate Emirati culture, while the restaurant spotlights traditional flavours of the region. Opposite the hotel, the famous spice and gold souks can be seen across Dubai Creek and are accessed via water taxi.
Read more: The best hotels in Dubai
2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Temperature: averages of 19C, highs of 23C
Lanzarote is a great place to visit in March if you would prefer not to hop onto a long-haul flight seeking the sun. All the Canaries stay warm due to winds that cross the Sahara but are tempered by the cool Atlantic that surrounds them. Lanzarote is a favourite with families, but with British children usually in school during most of March, adults can potentially enjoy a more tranquil stay at some of the hotels that open early for the season. While not relaxing poolside, the pleasant weather is ideal for touring Timanfaya National Park’s lunar-like landscapes of hardened lava flows or ash fields created by volcanic eruptions or heading to a wine tasting in vineyards that rise from the volcanic ashes.
Planning on travelling with your pet while the weather is slightly cooler, then a room at the five-star Princesa Yaiza resort is a top pick. Aside from pooch-friendly rooms, the hotel in Playa Blanca offers a wide range of rooms suited to every guest, from family suites, adapted rooms, interconnecting spaces and deluxe sea view options. The hotel has several restaurants, a spa, a gym and pools to enjoy.
Read more: Why the Canary Islands should be your next holiday destination for winter sun
3. Barbados
Temperature: averages of 26C, highs of 30C
This Caribbean island is very popular with holidaymakers from all over the globe, and while some countries have drab weather in March, this month is in the middle of Barbados’ high season. Known for its fresh seafood, fish frys and rum-fuelled beach festivities, this destination is a great place to let loose under the warmth of the sun. Aside from its food and drink offerings, the fine white sandy beaches also are often teeming with watersports opportunities, from snorkelling, surfing and scuba diving. When not sipping rum punch on a sun lounger, why not explore the island’s capital, Bridgetown, for its shopping streets, and small eateries, before heading down to St Lawrence Gap’s lively nightlife that lasts until sunrise.
To stay near the nightlife at St Lawrence Gap, book a room at Sandals Barbados, an all-inclusive adults-only resort designed for couples that provide luxurious accommodation from beachfront penthouses to swim-up butler suites. While not trying out the resort’s 21 restaurants and 14 bars, there are also opportunities for watersports such as scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaks. Guests can also use all the amenities at its sister hotel, Sandals Royal Barbados, next door.
Read more: The most affordable Caribbean holiday destinations
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Temperature: averages of 25C, highs of 30C
Another popular beach destination that marries tropical nature, fine sandy beaches and hedonistic nightlife is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. One of the most well-known resort towns in the country, Punta Cana is lined with popular white sand stretches complemented by its bright blue waters, such as Playa Macao, which is loved by surfers, to Bavaro Beach, ideal for long strolls next to calmer waves. There are all-inclusive resorts aplenty to choose from here, but if you prefer an action-packed break, there is also no shortage of outdoor activities such as the natural ‘theme park’ of underground caves and jungles at Scape Park or the lush greenery at Ojos Indigenas Ecological Park & Reserve. Head out on the town at night to experience some of Punta Cana’s lively nightclubs and bars.
For a five-star luxury stay, check out Coral Bavaro. It’s home to a ‘Coral Laboratory’, a coral nursery where researchers study the plant’s adaptation to climate change and how to further protect them from bleaching, diseases and hurricanes. Aside from its environmental focus, the all-inclusive hotel has two freshwater pools, a beach club, and various suites and rooms to choose from.
Read more: The best things to do in the Dominican Republic
5. Cancún, Mexico
Temperature: averages of 25C, highs of 29C
A popular tourist destination in Quintana Roo, Cancún’s resorts serve everyone from energetic spring breakers to families looking for a relaxing break. With high temperatures in March, this month is an ideal time to grab a spicy margarita and top up your tan on the soft, sandy beaches. A holiday on the Mexican coast does not have to be kept within the confines of an all-inclusive: venture to downtown Cancún for a taste of the local life, such as live music in the main square Parque de las Palapas, shopping and street food. There are also many Maya ruins to be explored in the area, as well as an incredible underwater museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte, off the coast, with over 500 sculptures made out of long-lasting pH cement. If you have time to spare, it is well worth travelling a few hours inland to gaze upon the over 1,000-year-old, sacred site of Chichén Itzá, one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Found within the six-mile Hotel Zone surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Nichupte Lagoon on the other is JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. There is a ‘Maya-inspired’ spa providing treatments integrated with Mayan rituals to help you feel at your most relaxed, as well as five restaurants each celebrating cuisine from around the world. One of the resort’s star offerings is the JW lobby bar which offers 150 uniquely crafted margaritas, curated by mixologists and tequila connoisseurs.
Read more: How Mexico City’s humble taco went from market stall to Michelin star
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Temperature: averages of 29C, highs of 37C
While Bangkok is normally the go-to choice for a Thai city exploration, Chiang Mai’s vibrant natural life and beautiful architecture are not something to be looked over. Nestled between a sweeping natural landscape, from mountains, and jungles to rice paddies is best known for its mesmerising terracotta brick temples, with 200 of them sprinkled within the city. With temperatures high in the day, you may find yourself slowing your pace by visiting a spa for a tok sen massage or grazing on a bowl of khao soi, a flat noodle soup synonymous with the region. While the heat beats in the day, it is only right to save time for shopping until dusk, and that is exactly what you can do on a Sunday evening at Tha Pae Walking Street, a weekly market selling everything from local crafts and clothes to spices and street food.
While there are plenty of luxury retreats and five-star offerings in Chiang Mai, those looking for a bed and breakfast full of little quirks and charm, look no further than Paapu House. Decorated with purple accents, an abundance of plants and eclectic furniture, this bright and colourful B&B has a large ‘living room’ space where guests are encouraged to grab food and drinks, curl up with a book or chat with other travellers. The rooms are basic but practical, and you’ll be situated near the centre of town, allowing easy access to explore on foot.
Read more: Where is The White Lotus season three set? Thailand filming locations revealed
7. Florida, USA
Temperature: averages of 21C, highs of 28C
The ultimate destination for a kid-friendly holiday, Florida has become a pilgrimage destination for many UK families over the years, saving up to go wild in Orlando’s amusement parks, from Walt Disney World to Universal Studios. But while not getting flung up, down and around on rollercoasters and raising your dopamine levels at the happiest place on earth, this US state has a lot more to offer than Mickey Mouse. Florida has hundreds of miles of beaches, from the iconic Miami Beach to the sands of Siesta Key, to provide you with sunbathing and wave-catching hotspots. There are plenty of cities and towns to explore, from the lively nightlife in Key West to the political hub of Tallahassee, but one of the most popular haunts is Miami, a city teeming with Latin culture, a thriving arts scene, live music and delicious Cuban sandwiches.
If you are planning on staying near the coaster action in Orlando, the Waldorf Astoria, an official Walt Disney World Hotel, is situated right on the doorstep of the park. The hotel offers large rooms with queen-size beds, some with views of the famous Disney fireworks, to beautifully decked-out suites with living and dining areas. The pools and private cabanas give guests a well-needed break away from the bustle of the parks, with a spa, golf course and fitness centre also on hand.
Read more: The best beaches in Florida
8. Darwin, Australia
Temperature: averages of 28C, highs of 31C
An alternative destination to some of the many Aussie hotspots, March sees Australia’s Northern Territory stay in the ‘cool’ high 20s as it emerges from its summer season into its autumn. Known for its unbelievable sunsets during balmy evenings, Darwin is also a city venerated for its Aboriginal art scene, which can be spotted throughout galleries, museums and building murals. From heading on a crocodile tour, spending a day at the waterfront precinct or hopping on an army truck to learn about Darwin during wartime, there’s plenty to do in the city. Darwin also happens to be on the Outback’s doorstep, serving as a base while heading to arid national parks.
For a place to stay right in the heart of the city’s action, check out Vibe Hotel, with rooms sleeping two to three people in twin or double beds, with work desks and views over the waterfront. This hotel is surrounded by a range of shopping, eating and drinking opportunities, with an on-site restaurant also at hand for a bite to eat.
Read more: Why you should swap Melbourne for Darwin this autumn
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Temperature: averages of 22C, highs of 27C
Sitting on the southwest coast of South Africa is Cape Town, centred around one of the new seven wonders of the natural world, Table Mountain. The city is known for its breathtaking biodiversity; aside from the glorious Table Mountain (that can be visited via cable car), Cape Point Nature Reserve is another natural spectacle with long hiking paths, shipwreck trails and awe-inspiring ocean and mountain scenery. Just off the coast of the city is Robben Island, a place used various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, hospital and military base, and famously held Nelson Mandela along with 3,000 other political prisoners during their fight to end apartheid. The island and its tours now serve as a place to learn from and remember this period in history. Back on the mainland, the V&A Waterfront is a popular place to shop and grab a bite to eat, before heading down to a beach for a spot of snorkelling. If getting up close with the fishes is not on your list, there are plenty of vineyards dotted outside the city for wine-tasting days in the wine regions of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.
Mount Nelson is a blush-pink hotel has been captivating visitors since 1899, holding relaxation and glamour as its core values. It is well-known for its “Tea at the Nellie” afternoon tea, with a tea sommelier walking you through a choice of 60 different blends while you sample pastries, tartlets and sweet treats. The 198-room hotel also features a spa, two pools and a nine-acre garden, all set against the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain. Mount Nelson has also created a selection of experiences for its guests, such as a culinary journey through Cape Town, helicopter tours and vineyard excursions.
Read more: The secret South African scuba diving destination that’s cheaper than the Maldives
