The first month of spring spells city breaks, ski season and cities starting to bloom. So where do you go? The quiet before the summer storm finds deserts worldwide basking in ideal temps. From the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean, beach getaways are in peak season, while much of Europe is beginning to thaw once more. See our selections for the top destinations to visit in March for more ideas.
Whistler, Canada
The oldest ski area in North America offers winter sports on a massive scale. Whistler has exceptional snowfall during the winter season, which spans from November to May, up in the breathtaking Pacific Ranges above Vancouver. The greatest month overall is March since you can expect bluebird powder days, big snowfall, less crowding on the slopes and lifts, and lower prices.
Temperature: 7°C high; –2°C low
Season: Ski season; spring
Travel time from UK: 9 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT –8
Madrid, Spain
In March, Madrid removes her winter coat. When the clocks go forward, the city experiences a surge of warmth that envelops it and relaxes its stiff façade. Large parks in Madrid bloom, and residents spill onto the streets. Because it rarely gets beyond 20°C (far cooler than the capital's sweltering summers), you can stroll through its renowned museums, Victorian houses, and upscale shops without being too hot.
Temperature: 16°C high; 6°C low
Season: spring
Travel time from UK: 2 hours 25 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
Lisbon
With an average daily temperature of roughly 15C, Lisbon is arguably your best bet for
warmth among the larger European capitals if you're looking to take a city holiday this month. The adjacent Atlantic Ocean, which makes the winters here warm, may also bring in fog, but somehow that simply heightens the atmosphere, especially on the narrow, winding streets of the Alfama neighbourhood. Even so, there will probably be plenty of bright days, and there won't be as many people visiting the famous monuments of Portuguese discovery by the water in Belém or the cafés and fado bars in Bairro Alto.
Temperature: 18°C
Season: Spring
Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes
Time difference: N/A
Oman
Oman's natural and simple appearance sets it apart from the UAE, its neighbour on the Arabian Peninsula. A quirky anomaly in a region known for barren ruggedness, Oman has the pristine, dolphin-filled fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, Wadi Shab's emerald waterfalls, and Salalah's misty greenery. Whereas the latter has built a playground of space-age skyscrapers and bling-bling beach clubs. Even Muscat, the port city of Oman, maintains its elegance thanks to the imposing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the backdrop of rocky, brown mountains. The ideal moment to unearth the Middle East's hidden gem? March straddles the busy winter season and the oppressive summer heat.
Temperature: 29°C high; 23°C low
Season: spring
Travel time from UK: 7 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +3
Las Vegas, USA
In Las Vegas, spring is undoubtedly the ideal transitional season between winter and
summer. The resort pools can finally open again in March after being closed for the season due to the rising temperatures, but the blazing desert sun and triple-digit days are still months away.
The sky is usually clear, and the strong Las Vegas sun can make it feel warmer than the temperature indicates (which is great in March but brutal in August). That also means that it gets very cool as the sun sets, so dress warmly if you plan to wander down the Strip in the evening.
Although a storm may occasionally come through the area and bring a little rain with it, Las Vegas is mostly dry all year long.
Temperature: 22°C high; 4°C low
Season: dry
Travel time from UK: 10 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT -8
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