27 Cheap Destinations For 2024 With Great Weather in March

March is a great month for vacations because most of the world’s cheaper destinations have some of their nicest weather of the year this month, and they are generally not crowded anyway. The weather in the Caribbean and Central America is close to perfect in March and there are dozens of great choices in all price ranges. In fact, if you want to visit this area you might just skip to our list of the cheapest Caribbean islands.

Even if you aren’t near the Caribbean or don’t want to go to a beach, there are lots of great choices below. South America has early autumn weather in March, so some of the cities there can be great options. The Middle East and Asia also have plenty of fantastic choices with both cities and beach areas being possible on the same trip. We’ve added more information about which destinations have the best deals on all-inclusive resorts and included prices for those as well, and there are some really good deals out there in March of 2024. Hotels in many places on the list below went up in price over last year, but a surprising number of them actually came down in price and those are all noted so you can look for places that are bargains in 2024.

Important March global holidays in 2024

  • March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day (Mostly USA and Ireland)
  • March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day (public holiday in Switzerland, parts of Spain, and a few other places)
  • March 24, 25 – Holi and Holika Dahan (Large and colorful celebrations in India)
  • March 31 – Easter (Major holiday in most Western countries)

Video showing most of the places below

I recently started making Youtube videos out of the popular articles on this site so you can both read about the different options and see actual footage of them as well. Below is a video with highlights of the best places to visit in March and April.

The Americas

With the United States and Canada either being frozen or expensive (south Florida) this time of year, you’ll want to head to Latin America or the Caribbean for the best bargains with sunny and warm weather.

>>>19 Cheap and warm Easter and Spring Break destinations around the world

The Caribbean

For Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, the closest and best place to find a beach to relax on in March is in the Caribbean and we discuss the most popular options below. All-inclusive resorts are continuing to gain in popularity and are a great choice for those who like to have more than a drink or two each day.

Easter Week is March 24 to 31 in 2024 and those are popular dates in the Caribbean, but the two weeks before that are also popular for Spring Breakers from North Americans schools, so the whole month is going to be reasonably crowded in 2024.


Cancun, Mexico

  • March avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • March avg low: 71°F/22°C
  • March avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

March is still part of the high season in Cancun and all over the Caribbean, but it’s still very good value and prices are lower than during the Christmas weeks. The middle two weeks of March are very popular with Spring Break crowds in Cancun, so it’s best to book early if you want to visit in that period. Easter is March 31 in 2023, but most Spring breakers still come in the middle of March, so take that into account when you book. Aside from that, you can still find pretty good deals to Cancun as well as nearby Playa del Carmen and Cozumel even a few weeks out.

Cancun is one of the best places to travel in March because the airport is the busiest in the entire region so it has more direct flights in from key hubs in North America and Europe than any other destination nearby. This keeps flights cheaper than to most islands, and easier to find as well. There are also some good all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun area, though they don’t offer quite the great value that those in Punta Cana (below) do.

Since Cancun is so popular and such a large area I have put together a guide to choosing where to stay in the Cancun area, which should be helpful. There are 7 different areas to choose from and depending on your tastes, some are much better than others. The room rates quoted below are for the Downtown Cancun area, which does actually have some small resorts with rooftop pools and such along with good restaurants and affordable nightlife. The other areas are at least a bit more expensive, and many are MUCH more expensive.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$222 per night for two people

>>Cancun prices
>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals


Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • March avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • March avg low: 72°F/22°C
  • March avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm

Again, March is part of the high season in Punta Cana and the middle weeks of the month are very popular for Spring Breakers, but still Punta Cana is the best-value destination in the Caribbean for larger resorts and especially for all-inclusive resorts. The rates drop down in summer but then it’s also hotter with some chance of rainfall, so March really is an ideal month to take advantage of the perfect dry weather and reasonable prices.

The resort hotels along the stretch of Punta Cana beaches tend to be large, with many having well over 500 rooms to go along with multiple pools and extensive recreational facilities. Many resorts here are also very family oriented so they could be ideal for a holiday with the kids or even the extended family. Flights into the Punta Cana airport are also among the cheaper fares into the Caribbean, with many direct flights from large hubs, so this is a good choice for many types of travelers.

Honestly, the best deals in Punta Cana are at the all-inclusive hotels, many of which are run by large Spanish resort chains. Even in March you can find places starting around US$200 per night for two people, including tax. If you don’t drink alcohol you can save a bit at one of the resorts that only includes breakfast, but the all-inclusive places are so efficient that you won’t save much anyway. We also rank Punta Cana tops on our list of the best family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean for kids.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$53 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$129 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$239 per night for two people

>>Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals


Montego Bay, Jamaica

  • March avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • March avg low: 72°F/22°C
  • March avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm

Montego Bay is along the northern coast of Jamaica, which is a long way from the capital, and this is the major hub for all foreign tourists. The large and busy airport here has direct flights in from many destinations in North America and Europe, so fares tend to be reasonable, even for a trip of just a long weekend. The greater Montego Bay area has hundreds of hotels in all price ranges, from modest places a few blocks off the beach up to luxury resorts that you’ll never want to leave. In fact, Jamaica has 2 of our 11 most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the entire Caribbean, including one in Montego Bay itself.

If Montego Bay itself doesn’t sound perfect then you might instead consider Negril or Ocho Rios, both of which are about 90 minutes from the same airport and each has a different feel. All combined there are about 500 hotels to choose from, including many all-inclusives, so it can be worth checking each of the 3 areas (that are all served by the same airport) and picking the deal that suits you best. If you want to stay in a large resort then the northern coast can be a great choice, but if you want to stay in a smaller hotel and sample some Jamaican culture, then Negril is by far the best choice of the three.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$197 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$414 per night for two people

>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals


Los Cabos, Mexico

  • March avg high: 80°F/27°C
  • March avg low: 56°F/14°C
  • March avg precip: 0.1″/0.2cm

For those in the western half of the US or Canada, Puerto Vallarta (see below) has long been the best choice of a Mexican resort town, but Los Cabos on the southern tip of Baja California is also definitely worth considering. Los Cabos is actually the name of the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas, which is built around a busy and gorgeous marina, and San Jose del Cabo, which is mostly newer and close to the airport. There are also dozens of great beach resorts on the southern coast between them as north of Cabo San Lucas as well.

Even though Cabo is in the Tropics, the March weather is still fairly mild. The days are pleasantly warm and perfect for the beach, while the evenings are a bit chilly and you’ll want to bring a jacket or sweater. This is perfect for those of us who don’t like to sweat in the tropical evenings in the Caribbean.

If you are interested in shopping and the party scene then you’ll feel most at home near the marina in Cabo San Lucas, but if you want something quiet on an uncrowded beach, you’ll be better off almost anywhere else in the area.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$227 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$365 per night for two people

>>>Check current Cabo resort and package deals


Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

  • March avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • March avg low: 62°F/17°C
  • March avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

The Caribbean destinations listed above are ideal for most people in the eastern half of the US or Canada, as well as those in Europe. But anyone starting in the western half of the US or Canada should consider Puerto Vallarta as a probable first choice. Flights will be shorter and cheaper, and PV has many benefits over the others as well.

Among the great things about Puerto Vallarta is that it has a real historic town at its core so there are good sights, interesting restaurants, and great shopping there. Hotels are spread all up and down the coast, with a new area of posh hotels well north of the airport. As you can see by the hotel prices below, there is a huge difference between a 3-star, which is often an older traditional hotel, and a 4-star, which is usually a modern chain hotel on its own section of beach. The area has an increasing number of fully all-inclusive hotels as well, some starting at very affordable rates. The Puerto Vallarta area is fun to explore and generally very safe, but all-inclusive resorts can be a great choice for many travelers as well.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$44 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$159 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$156 per night for two people

>>Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals


Ambergris Caye, Belize

  • March avg high: 79°F/26°C
  • March avg low: 74°F/23°C
  • March avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

March is definitely part of high season in Belize, so it’s a good thing that even during this period it’s fairly cheap by most standards. The weather is perfect – day and night – with almost no chance of rain. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the most expensive part of the country so backpackers and budget travelers are advised to head to Caye Caulker, very nearby, instead, for lower prices and a similar vibe.

Belize is definitely one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations, and the offshore islands actually do have quite a Caribbean feel in spite of being surrounded by Latin America. There are wonderful resorts here for those willing to spend more, but even the cheaper hotels are decent, and very good bargains even in high season.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$120 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$191 per night for two people

>>Ambergris Caye prices
>>>Check current Ambergris Caye/San Pedro hotel and package deals


Guanacaste, Costa Rica

  • March avg high: 96°F/36°C
  • March avg low: 71°F/22°C
  • March avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm

We used to list San Jose, Costa Rica on this list, but the capital isn’t all that charming and those coming in March are probably more interested in a beach vacation than an adventure trip anyway. The Liberia Airport is very close to the Guanacaste beach resort communities, so it’s far more convenient than flying into the capital as well.

Hotels here run the gamut of prices, from simple and traditional beach shacks all the way up to posh chain hotels with all the luxuries. You don’t have to spend much to enjoy the friendly towns and great March weather, but the top places are good value even at the higher rates. Like so many other places, you pretty much get what you pay for in Guanacaste. In other words, a US$200 per night resort is going to be WAY nicer than a US$95 per night hotel a couple blocks inland. The area now has quite a few all-inclusive resorts at very tempting prices, although rates seem quite high in March, 2024 for some reason.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$190 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$522 per night for two people

>>Guanacaste prices
>>>Check current Guanacaste and Tamarindo hotel and package deals


Mexico City, Mexico

  • March avg high: 78°F/26°C
  • March avg low: 49°F/9°C
  • March avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm

Due to its elevation, Mexico City is fairly cool during winter, but by March the days have warmed up enough that it will feel great when arriving from a cold climate. This city is routinely underrated as a cultural destination by those who might fear the worst, and the city center is very safe by almost any standard.

The food, the nightlife, and the shopping are other great reasons to visit Mexico City at any time of year. Perhaps best of all, it’s all very cheap compared to most of Latin America so you can afford to splurge a bit while still keeping costs down. If you know how to speak at least some Spanish you’ll be even better off because English isn’t widely spoken outside of larger hotels and restaurants. Hotel rates in March of 2024 are looking very reasonable so this could be a great year to visit.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$37 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$59 per night for two people

>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel and package deals


Cartagena, Colombia

  • March avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • March avg low: 77°F/25°C
  • March avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Cartagena is an excellent choice for a late-winter vacation as the weather is still pretty much perfect and yet hotel prices are starting to ease off of their high-season levels. There are great deals on beach hotels in this city from 2-star all the way up to 5-stars, and airfare prices are often cheaper than you’d expect as well.

Another key feature about this city is that it’s a cultural destination in addition to being a great beach spot so you can explore the historic city center and include some culture on an otherwise hedonistic getaway. The beaches in the city aren’t the fluffy white sand you might dream about, but there is so much to see and do in this place that you might not notice. As long as you can get an affordable flight, Cartagena could be the cheapest beach destination in the Caribbean, at least as long as you don’t need a high-rise hotel on the sand. There are some really nice all-inclusive resorts at good prices, but overall Punta Cana is similar in price and probably better value.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$44 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$100 per night for two people
  • 4-star all-inclusive hotels from: US$260 per night for two people

>>Cartagena prices
>>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals


Lima, Peru

  • March avg high: 80°F/27°C
  • March avg low: 69°F/21°C
  • March avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

As a very popular summer destination for South Americans, Lima can be quite crowded from December through February, but by March the crowds are thinning out and hotel prices are falling a bit, in spite of the continuing perfect weather. This is another historic colonial city that also has very good nightlife and excellent food at very good prices.

Most people who visit Lima from far away will do it as part of a tour of South America, and in that context it’s a great stop for at least a few days. By the way, the rainy season in Cusco goes on in March, so the trails can sometimes be cut off, although many people go anyway. Hotels in March of 2024 are great bargains compared to previous years so this could be a great time to include Peru in a trip of South America.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$35 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people

>>Lima prices
>>>Check current Lima hotel and package deals


Santiago, Chile

  • March avg high: 80°F/27°C
  • March avg low: 51°F/11°C
  • March avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Santiago is far enough south that it’s starting to cool off just a bit by March, which is a good thing because it’s even more pleasant. This is another city that is popular with South Americans during their summer so hotel prices start coming down and crowds start thinning out by March, making it an ideal time to come. There’s almost zero threat of rain, and evenings are pleasantly cool.

Another feature of Santiago is that it’s the gateway to several different other destinations within Chile so many people come and stay for just a few days before heading on to a mountain resort or the colonial city of Valparaiso.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$75 per night for two people

>>Santiago prices
>>>Check current Santiago hotel and package deals


Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • March avg high: 84°F/27°C
  • March avg low: 63°F/17°C
  • March avg precip: 5.3″/13.3cm

Though March is actually the wettest month in Buenos Aires, visitors are unlikely to notice because rainfall is fairly consistent through the year. Again, the temperatures in March are pretty much ideal and many South American tourists have gone back home by now so hotel prices are a bit lower.

As of late 2023, Argentina is once again in the throes of a financial and currency crisis with prices shooting up and the currency going down by just as much every month. The great news for international visitors is that Buenos Aires is now insanely cheap, especially if you bring US currency or Euros and exchange money at the “Blue dollar” when you arrive. It sounds sketchy but it’s actually just part of life in Argentina these days. Still, do some research on changing money at the blue rate and you’ll be in for one of the cheapest holidays of your life.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$82 per night for two people

>>Buenos Aires prices
>>>Check current Buenos Aires hotel and package deals


Bariloche, Argentina

  • March avg high: 66°F/19°C
  • March avg low: 39°F/4°C
  • March avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm

If you are flying in from a long distance to visit Buenos Aires then you’ll probably also want to include a side trip to Bariloche. This is a mountain resort that is popular all year round since the water activities morph into ice and snow activities in the winter (June through August). March is actually a shoulder-season month here, so room rates will be even lower than they are in summer and winter.

Bariloche is also unusual in that it was once a German community and there are still many chocolate shops around town as a reminder. The value here is excellent and it will provide a nice contrast from your other stops in South America.

You might also consider including Mendoza on your trip, which is the main wine region of Argentina, and also good value. A short side trip (by air) to Iguazu Falls can be wonderful if you’ve got at least two extra days. Nominal hotel rates in 2024 are looking pretty high in March so remember that if you pay in cash after you’ve exchanged it in Argentina you can basically be paying half the prices mentioned below.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$95 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$167 per night for two people

>>Bariloche prices
>>>Check current Bariloche hotel and package deals


Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • March avg high: 90°F/32°C
  • March avg low: 73°F/23°C
  • March avg precip: 5.1″/12.8cm

With Carnival going on in mid February in 2024, Rio de Janeiro will be much less crowded in March. There will be some rain, but Rio is in the Tropics so it tends to come and go quickly, usually in the late afternoon.

Rio de Janeiro seems a bit cheaper in 2024 than it had been in the last few years as hotel deals seem easy to find. Budget travelers can still do well here if they stay inland from the beaches or even in the city center area, but those who want to participate in the good life in Copacabana and Ipanema most days will be paying more for it. On the other hand, petty crime is an issue in this city and tourists can be targeted so do a bit of research and be alert in order to stay safe.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals

 

Europe

From November through March there are literally no European cities that could qualify as having “great weather,” except for the Canary Islands, mentioned just below. So during the winter Europe is all about cultural tourism, and lower hotel prices make it especially appealing for those who like to stretch their travel budgets and avoid crowds at the same time.

Not all warm weather, but where to go in Europe in March

>>>Best destinations in Europe to go in March

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

  • March avg high: 71°F/22°C
  • March avg low: 60°F/16°C
  • March avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Tenerife is the most popular part of the Canary Islands (off the coast of Africa) for English-speaking tourists, but there are other options with similar weather and prices. It’s not as warm in March as most other places on this list, though at least it’s fast and cheap to reach by plane from Europe, which isn’t true of the others.

Compared to Europe this island is a relative bargain, which helps make it popular pretty much all year round. Needless to say, prices can range quite a bit from one part of the island to another so it’s good to stay somewhere central if possible so you have the most options for food and drink. Most of the crowd in March will be retired refugees escaping the late winter from northern Europe, so don’t expect much nightlife.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$98 per night for two people

>>>Tenerife prices
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel and package deals

Africa

March is a good month for the northern and southern parts of Africa, which are where most of the popular destinations are anyway.

Marrakech, Morocco

  • March avg high: 72°F/22°C
  • March avg low: 49°F/9°C
  • March avg precip: 1.5″/3.8cm

It may still be a bit chilly in Marrekech during March so it’s not really ideal for those who are absolutely fed up with snow and freezing temperatures, but at least it’ll be pleasant here. Fez tends to be a bit cooler year round and a bit cheaper as well, though March may be a bit too early for that city if you need warm weather.

There are amazing numbers of hotels in Marrakech and it’s good to be aware that the bottom price level will usually be for something that is very shabby by European standards so many will want to pay a bit more for something nicer. Still, things tend to be cheap in all of Morocco so it’s a good overall destination.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$64 per night for two people

>>Marrakech prices
>>>Check current Marrakech hotel and package deals


Cairo, Egypt

  • March avg high: 75°F/24°C
  • March avg low: 52°F/11°C
  • March avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm

March is part of the sweet period in Cairo where it’s nicely warm but still not overwhelmingly hot. With so many things to see in the outdoors in Cairo you are much better off avoiding the summer heat. Even as part of the high season for hotels, Cairo is incredibly cheap by most standards so you can find a great bargain any time of year.

When Egypt is struggling to attract tourists you might find that you can get a fantastic deal at a 3- or 4-star hotel, since they tend to lower prices when demand is weak while the cheaper places generally hold steady. Food tends to be very cheap in Cairo as well, as long as you avoid the restaurants in those fancy hotels.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people

>>Cairo prices
>>>Check current Cairo hotel and package deals


Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

  • March average high: 77°F/25°C
  • March average low: 61°F/16°C
  • March avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

March tends to be an in-between month in most of the world for weather, but in Sharm el-Sheikh it’s pretty much the annual sweet spot. Days are warm enough to enjoy sitting on the beach, but they are still not too hot and the evenings are pleasant as well.

Many people add a trip to Sharm el-Sheikh to a visit to Cairo, but more people are just skipping the chaos of Cairo and coming here instead. This is an area that is known for amazing value beach resorts along with diving and other activities. You won’t find a better beach hotel deal anywhere. Sharm had totally fallen out of fashion with non-Egyptian visitors for a couple years after a mysterious plane crash, but now the crowds are back and prices are close to normal for this bargain beach destination.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$63 per night for two people

>>Sharm el-Sheikh prices
>>>Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals


Cape Town, South Africa

  • March avg high: 78°F/26°C
  • March avg low: 58°F/14°C
  • March avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm

March is yet another very dry month in Cape Town, and temperatures tend to be pretty much perfect all day and all night as well, even for the beach. The high season hotel prices have eased off a bit so this is a perfect time to enjoy the best possible weather without having to pay the highest prices for it.

Cape Town is relatively cheap once you get there, so the main problem for most people is that it’s quite expensive to fly in. Since most people coming from longer distances tend to combine Cape Town with a safari or other activities then the airfare can still be worthwhile for a longer visit, even if it’s too expensive to just pop down for a few days.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$62 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$117 per night for two people

>>>Cape Town prices
>>>Check current Cape Town hotel and package deals

Middle East

March is cool and even a bit rainy in most of the Middle East. An exception is Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which both have perfect sunny weather. However, Abu Dhabi isn’t cheap enough to make the cut, and Dubai is below.

Dubai, UAE

  • March avg high: 83°F/28°C
  • March avg low: 64°F/18°C
  • March avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm

Dubai does have a few beaches, but it’s mostly popular this month among Europeans who are tired of the long winter and want to escape to a place with warm weather in March. The number one activity here seems to be shopping, as evidenced by the many huge and fancy shopping malls. The weather in March is pretty much perfect and you are unlikely to get any rainfall at all.

Hotels and restaurants in Dubai can be found in a very wide range of prices. Many independent hotels offer great value, including the many that are nightly apartment rentals rather than small hotel rooms. And finding cheap restaurants is easy as long as you follow the locals rather than the other tourists. Alcohol is extremely expensive in bars, which are only attached to hotels. Those who like a drink should consider stopping at the famous Dubai Duty Free on the way in, where you can buy two liters at low prices.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$68 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people

>>>Dubai prices
>>>Check current Dubai hotel deals

Asia

March is a good month to visit many parts of Asia, although some cities like Bangkok, Saigon, and Siem Reap are already too hot during the day for most people. Those looking for hot countries in March will find plenty to choose from in Southeast Asia.

Phuket, Thailand

  • March avg high: 92°F/33°C
  • March avg low: 76°F/24°C
  • March avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

It’s getting quite hot in March in Phuket, but since it’s almost exclusively a beach destination it is still worthy of consideration. In fact, all of the islands in Thailand can be quite nice to visit in March, with Phuket being the most expensive of them. The crowds are thinning out after February so hotel prices are coming down a bit as well.

Phuket is quite a large island with many different beaches on its edges, most of which are quite expensive and lined with posh resorts, so if you are on a low budget you are going to have to choose a beach carefully or even stay in Phuket Town, which is inland. Still, food and drink prices are quite low and it’s a fun place if you find the right area for your style. In 2024 we are seeing many hotel bargains so you should at least be able to find something decent a few blocks or more in the Patong Beach area, which is very central with plenty of cheap food options as well.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$22 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$40 per night for two people

>>Phuket prices
>>>Check for the best Phuket resort deals


Boracay Island, Philippines

  • March average high: 86°F/30°C
  • March average low: 76°F/24°C
  • March avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm

You may not have heard of Boracay Island in the Philippines yet, and there are plenty of people who’d rather keep in that way. This small resort island feels like Phuket might have 30 years ago, where pretty much the only way to get around is to saunter along the sand path along White Beach. This place feels modern and there are a few chain restaurants, but generally this island feels far more relaxed and old school than the famous beach resorts in Asia.

One thing that Boracay Island lacks is super-cheap hotels, but many people prefer to NOT have the backpacker crowd mixed in. Still, hotel value is excellent, especially considering that pretty much every hotel on the island is within a 2-minute walk of the sand, or it’s up in the hills with gorgeous views. Those looking for a new place to relax in March should consider Boracay, at least until it really catches on in a few years. The whole island was closed to tourists for half of 2018 to repair the infrastructure, so it is in much better shape now.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$47 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people

>>Boracay prices
>>>Check Boracay resort deals


Pokhara, Nepal

  • March avg high: 72°F/22°C
  • March avg low: 50°F/10°C
  • March avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm

It’s still a bit cool in Pokhara, especially toward the beginning of March, but at least it’s very dry, and that is a big key here. This is the trekking capital of the world so you’d rather have cooler days as long as they are clear and dry.

Hotels in Pokhara are incredibly cheap by most standards, and they’ve built so many new ones that prices are likely to stay low for years to come. Food and drinks are also very good deals here so it’s a great place to chill out for a while. The trekking tours can be expensive, however, so if you want to go on multi-day trips with guides you are going to spend a decent chunk of money compared to just staying in town.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$22 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$70 per night for two people

>>Pokhara prices
>>>Check current Pokhara hotel and resort deals


Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • March avg high: 95°F/35°C
  • March avg low: 65°F/18°C
  • March avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm

It’s good to consider that April is the hottest month of the year in most of Southeast Asia so March is already pretty scorching. Fortunately, Chiang Mai is one of the cooler cities in the region, especially in the evenings, so it’s still quite nice and bearable this month. Hotels are still in high season, but the prices here are fantastic even then so there is no point in trying to save money by going when it’s hellishly hot instead.

Chiang Mai is one of the world’s great budget destinations, especially with its hotels but also with its food, drinks, and shopping. It’s very popular for those spending a month or more in the region because it’s much less hectic than Bangkok or other big cities while being cheaper as well. Hotels here are cheap, even those with pools, and Airbnbs can be cheap as well, especially for longer stays. There is a large English-speaking community here that is based mostly just northwest of the city walls.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$16 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people

>>Chiang Mai prices
>>>Check current Chiang Mai hotel deals


Goa, India

  • March avg high: 90°F/32°C
  • March avg low: 74°F/23°C
  • March avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

The difficult part of Goa is that it’s quite remote for most people so it’s not the sort of place you can go for a long weekend. For that reason this Indian state tends to be very popular for longer trips of a couple weeks or more. The weather is really ideal in Goa during March, though it probably means you’ll want a place with air conditioning rather than just a fan.

Some cities, such as Anjuna and Vagator, are better for the budget crowd and the nightlife crowd, while other beaches further south specialize more in package hotels in the mid range. You can get by on very little in this area if you need to, but paying more will often get you much better quality that’s worth it. The cheaper hotels in Goa (and all over India) tend to be very disappointing, so it’s almost always better to splurge a bit and get something with consistent very good reviews.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$41 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people

>>Goa prices
>>>Check current Goa hotel and resort deals


Luang Prabang, Laos

  • March avg high: 92°F/33°C
  • March avg low: 64°F/18°C
  • March avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm

Similar in some ways to Chiang Mai mentioned above, Luang Prabang at least has cooler evenings through this period of the year so it’s still quite nice to visit in March. The key is to do your sightseeing as early as possible and then relax for most of the afternoon.

March is still part of the high season for hotels in Luang Prabang, and accommodation here isn’t as cheap as it is in many other tourist cities in the region, but it’s still quite cheap by most other standards. Affordable food and drink are also easy to find if you look around a bit, so don’t just go into the first place you see if you are trying to save money here.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$32 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people

>>Luang Prabang prices
>>>Check current Luang Prabang hotel deals


Hong Kong

  • March avg high: 71°F/22°C
  • March avg low: 62°F/17°C
  • March avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm

Those looking for warm places to visit in March should consider Hong Kong because it’s still fairly cool, but at least it’s mostly dry, so it’s a good time to visit before the summer rainy season can be problematic. This is mostly an indoor city anyway and the evenings are very mild so this is an ideal month to come and enjoy the restaurants, nightlife and shopping in this unique city.

If you’ve been following the news you’ll know that Hong Kong has huge protests starting in 2020 and the mainland China government cracked down and accelerated the process of integrating it into the country. Many people have fled Hong Kong since they started enforcing some laws arbitrarily to intimidate those who wanted Hong Kong to be independent. It’s not the same fun-loving city that it was a few years ago, but Hong Kong is still an amazing place and it’s up to each potential visitor to decide whether to come or not.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$95 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$98 per night for two people

>>>Hong Kong prices
>>>Check current Hong Kong hotel deals

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  1. Teresa says:

    Hi,
    I’m trying to go to Egypt at the end of March (anytime between the 19th-31st). When do you think is the best time I can find the best airfare prices? I’m traveling from the US. Thanks!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Teresa,

      For longer flights like the US to Cairo it seems that the cheapest fares are earlier than they used to be. In other words, most likely the fares you’ll see right now for March flights will be close to the minimum and they will stay around the same price until December or January, when they are likely to start creeping up. I’d recommend doing a fare alert on kayak or airfarewatchdog and they can email you if the fare goes down for your dates. If it doesn’t go down between now and late November I would think about buying anyway. I hope this helps. -Roger