Where to go on holiday in March

There are festivals all across the globe in March and no better time to feel the rhythm of the Americas with music festivals in both Cuba and Panama. If it’s an Asian adventure that you’re after, check out India for the colourful Holi, or the hills of Laos for a spot of trekking.

Drier conditions make it ideal for snorkelling and diving, as well as great opportunities for bird-spotting. But the real show-stopper is Santiago de Cuba’s Festival Internacional de Trova. A celebration of Cuba’s very own Trova music, expect to find streets and parks packed with musicians.

As the higher altitudes begin to heat up, March is a great time to head into the hills for a spot of trekking. As the weather is still dry, March is also a great time of year to visit Siphandone in Southern Laos. With the river at its lowest point, you’ll see 4000 islands slowly emerge from the murky depths of the Mekong.

March is often the best month for good weather country-wide in Vietnam. The grey clouds are beginning to clear in northern Vietnam and the dry season comes to an end in the south. Your best for clear skies is the central region, so factor in a visit to tiny Palm Island for soft sand, fresh cuisine and sunny days.

Possibly India’s most famous, and certainly most colourful, festival falls in March. The Holi celebrations in north India see an explosion of colour and jubilant festivities as celebrators throw coloured powder over anyone within range. At the national parks, drier days also mean a better chance of spotting tigers.

Not one to be left out of the music scene, Panama celebrates its very own Jazz and Blues Festival in Boquete in early March (though this sometimes falls at the end of February). Grab a hot cup of coffee, breath in the crisp mountain air and let that cool jazz rhythm wash over you. Head to the powdery white sands of the San Blas Islands for long, dry days of sunshine.

Thailand’s famous beaches are gorgeously hot and wonderfully dry throughout much of March. With tourists beginning to leave you might even find you have the beach to yourself. Further north, tropical fruit is ready for harvesting so you can expect to find the markets alive with colour.

If you’re seeking warm spring sunshine, perfect for wandering through vibrant souks and exploring historic cities, Morocco is an excellent choice, with temperatures ranging between 22-27 degrees. The dry, pleasant weather during this season—and throughout much of spring and autumn—also makes it ideal for trekking adventures and desert excursions.