March: When Spring Opens Up the World
March is when the travel calendar splits in two — cherry blossoms begin in Japan and Korea, European cities emerge from winter, and Southeast Asia is in its sweet spot.
March is when the travel calendar splits in two. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring starts to crack open, cherry blossoms begin in Japan and Korea, and European cities emerge from their gray winter shells. In the Southern Hemisphere, the shoulder season begins, prices drop, and crowds thin out at beaches and safari lodges that were packed through January and February.
I have always thought of March as the most underrated travel month. It does not get the attention that summer or Christmas travel gets, but the conditions in many places are noticeably better. Japan in late March is one of the most visually stunning experiences on the planet, with cherry blossoms peaking across Kyoto and Tokyo. We went in late March 2023 and the timing was almost perfect, the Meteorological Agency’s cherry blossom forecast was accurate to within a day or two.
Southeast Asia is still in its dry season through March, which means Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all at their best. Prices for flights to Bangkok and Hanoi are lower than they will be in April when Songkran and other holidays drive demand up. If you are planning a first trip to Southeast Asia, March is the sweet spot of weather, price, and crowd levels.
Here is what makes March special for each region and what to prioritize.
OPTIMAL DESTINATIONS
| Destination | Why March | Conditions |
| Japan (Kyoto, Tokyo) | Cherry blossom season begins | Book 5+ months ahead |
| Bhutan (Paro Taktsang) | Clear mountain views | 10-25°C, rhododendrons bloom |
| North Vietnam | Perfect weather | Ideal for Halong Bay |
| Morocco | Spring weather | Comfortable temperatures |
| Portugal | Spring emergence | Mild, fewer crowds |
| Belize | Dry season continues | Great for diving & wildlife |
| China (Yunnan) | Spring weather | Perfect for exploration |
| South Korea | Cherry blossom prep | Cool, clear weather |
| Egypt | Continued excellence | Perfect conditions |
| Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum) | Ideal temperatures | 20-30°C, perfect for exploring |
PRIME DIVING CONDITIONS
- Egypt Red Sea – Peak season continues
- Maldives – Still excellent
- Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines – Season begins (book years early)
- Belize – Great Blue Hole optimal conditions
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Japan – Cherry blossom festivals begin
- Bhutan – Clear mountain views for Tiger’s Nest
Jordan – Perfect weather for Petra exploration
Gear and Guides We Recommend
Planning a trip based on these recommendations? Here are some items we find essential:
- packable rain jacket
- Japan cherry blossom guide
- compact travel umbrella
- packing cube set
- universal travel adapter
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me