Top 11 Destinations to Visit in March

As spring emerges from winter’s chill, towns and cities come alive, embracing longer days and rising temperatures. Festivals spring up in every corner, while bars and restaurants welcome back patrons. March is a month of celebration, with the best travel spots embracing the season’s energy and excitement.

March is the month of vibrant hues. From Europe to the US, cherry blossoms envelop cities in shades of pink. Fireworks and fire festivals light up the skies. In India, Holi brings a kaleidoscope of colors across the nation. And around the globe, everyone goes green for St. Patrick’s Day. Here are my top picks for a March getaway.

Top 11 Destinations for March

Best Spots to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day festivities have spread globally in recent years. From its origins in Ireland to the celebrations in the US, here are the top places to join the festivities over the weekend of March 17th.

1. Dublin, Ireland

• Discover more: Dublin travel guide
• Why visit in March? Experience a St. Patrick’s Day celebration like no other.

On the third weekend of March, much of the globe will be swept up in a vibrant St. Patrick’s celebration. Yet, there’s no better place to partake than in Dublin, the heart of Ireland.

Kick off the festivities with a complimentary tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where the renowned writer and poet Jonathan Swift once served as dean. Then, join the throngs of revelers at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which winds its way through the city from Parnell Street to Kevin Street, showcasing entertainers and marching bands from across the globe.

All of Dublin transforms into a sea of green. In the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland’s Collins Barracks, a wide array of events are lined up. Enjoy music, dance, circus performances, delicious food, and, of course, copious amounts of Guinness. It epitomizes the true Irish craic, so be sure to book early for the best hotel and flight deals.

2. Chicago, Illinois

• Discover more: Chicago travel guide
• Why visit in March? Experience the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the US.

Chicago hosts one of the most renowned St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the US, proudly honoring its Irish heritage each year. The celebrations span from the Irish community in Beverly to the Irish American Heritage Center near Albany Park, making it a weekend-long event.

Irish pubs buzz with revelers while cultural festivities erupt on nearly every corner. Events such as Shamrock’n the Block at Old St. Patrick’s Church highlight the significance of the occasion for local communities. In 2024, the grand parade will occur on Saturday the 16th along Columbus Drive, stretching between Balbo and Monroe, featuring elaborate floats, bagpipers, and Irish step dancers, all led by the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band.

The main attraction, though, is the iconic dyeing of the Chicago River. Using a safe, vegetable-based powder, the city transforms its central waterway into a striking emerald-green hue. This vibrant display lasts for several days, making it the ideal occasion for a river cruise.

3. Munich, Germany

• Discover more: Munich travel guide
• Why visit in March? To indulge in all things beer.

March marks the shoulder season in southern Germany, where crowds are at their lowest and prices are more affordable. This may be attributed to the chilly weather, with average temperatures barely above freezing. However, I see this as an opportunity for a ski getaway to nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

While Bavaria’s capital is renowned for Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day is also a significant event in its cultural lineup. Make your way to Odeonsplatz for the familiar green-themed parades and celebrations, but with a unique German flair. Alongside Guinness, you'll find traditional Bavarian beers and hearty foods to warm you up. Don't miss the würstl (sausages) and definitely try a schweinshaxe (ham hock) as well—just be prepared to take a break afterwards.

If that's not enough, the Starkbierfest takes place from March 1st to 24th at the grand hall of Paulaner Nockherberg. Translated as the Strong Beer Festival, it offers exactly what the name implies.

Top destinations to visit in March across the US

While much of the US remains in the grips of winter's chill, the southern regions begin to warm up. March brings vibrant spring blossoms, harvest festivals, and one of the world's major cultural celebrations to the forefront.

4. Macon, Georgia

• Discover more: Macon travel guide
• Why visit in March? To witness the city’s transformation into a pink wonderland.

In the heart of Georgia, nature stages one of its most stunning displays each March. From the 15th to the 24th, Macon hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival. The city morphs into a ‘pink, cotton-spun paradise’ as its 350,000 Yoshino trees burst forth in a symphony of cherry blossoms. To celebrate, the city features parades, concerts, fairs, and an extravagant pink party.

Beyond the cherry blossoms, Macon stands as a hub of Native American heritage. Wander through Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, a captivating tribute to the area’s ancient indigenous cultures. As the newest national park in the US, it offers stunning views of Macon from the summit of Temple Mound.

Within the city, broad streets are adorned with art galleries, unique shops, and architecture that reflects its rich history. Music fills the air, resonating from lively bars, concert halls, and historic spots like Grant’s Lounge. Macon has a regional airport, but the simplest option is to fly into Atlanta, just two hours away, and rent a car.

5. Austin, Texas

• Discover more: Austin travel guide
• Why visit in March? To indulge in Texan hospitality at SXSW.

As one of the US’s cultural hubs, Austin reaches its zenith in March with the expansive South by Southwest festivals. Initially a platform for musicians and filmmakers, it has evolved into one of the most extensive cultural gatherings globally. It's a vibrant space for comedians, creatives, entrepreneurs, and tech innovators to showcase performances and exchange ideas.

Predictably, SXSW brings soaring prices and bustling crowds. If you plan ahead and secure a budget-friendly accommodation, you can enjoy events that don’t break the bank. Venues like Mohawk and Sahara Lounge thrive with live music and comedy, while parks and even parking lots host a variety of pop-up performances.

And there’s an abundance of Texan hospitality to savor. I recommend indulging in hearty Tex-Mex dishes and frozen margaritas, ideally at Trudy’s Texas Star or Habaneros.

6. Charleston, South Carolina

• Discover more: Charleston travel guide
• Why visit in March? Food festivals and lively fun.

A trip to Charleston feels like a journey back into American history. Stroll through the French Quarter, where horse-drawn carriages clatter over cobblestones, and explore the historic homes and exhibitions along Museum Mile. In March, the city's antebellum mansions and blooming trees shine brilliantly under the gentle spring light and mild temperatures.

The sunny weather invites both locals and tourists to venture outdoors in search of entertainment. From March 6th to 10th, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival showcases the best of local culture and culinary delights. Expect brunches, lunches, dining, dancing, classes, and workshops, all community-led to celebrate the rich stories and flavors of the Lowcountry.

Later in the month, the Charleston Bluegrass Festival brings a weekend of toe-tapping bluegrass to the Woodlands Nature Reserve.

Top destinations for March travel in Europe

As spring arrives, Europe begins to awaken. My top pick is Spain, where temperatures climb rapidly and one of my favorite festivals takes center stage in the city of Valencia.

7. Valencia, Spain

• Discover more: Valencia travel guide
• Why visit in March? To experience the excitement of the Las Fallas Festival.

Valencia embodies the essence of Spain—rich in history yet brimming with innovation, basking in sunshine, and boasting stunning Mediterranean beaches. How about some paella?

March ushers in pleasant temperatures, extended daylight, and crystal-clear nights—ideal for a festival. The highlight is Valencia’s most significant event, Las Fallas, which begins in late February with a grand firework display to herald the arrival of spring. The real action kicks off on March 15th.

Throughout the city, falleros construct towering, intricate papier-mâché figures known as ninots. Many artisans dedicate an entire year to crafting these masterpieces, fully aware of their fate. After being judged over three days, they are dramatically set ablaze in a spectacular show of fireworks. Meanwhile, extravagant parades, outdoor concerts, and non-stop street parties electrify the atmosphere. This is Spain at its finest. 

8. Pesaro, Italy

• Discover more: Italy travel guide
• Why visit in March? It’s designated as the Italian capital of culture for 2024.

Among Italy's renowned cities, the lesser-known Pesaro has been named the Capital of Culture for 2024. Nestled by the Adriatic Sea, this coastal gem is rich in culture and nature, located in the historic Marche region.

As March signals the gentle arrival of spring, Pesaro stirs from its winter rest. The birthplace of Rossini, it has been honored by UNESCO as a creative city for music due to its efforts in promoting and revitalizing his works. Experience this firsthand with a visit to Casa Rossini, where multimedia displays animate his life and music.

During your city exploration, make sure to stop by Musei Civici housed in the elegant Palazzo Mosca, where captivating artworks blend with architectural grandeur. Pass through the Ducal Palace and Duomo, and take a moment to admire Arnaldo Pomodoro’s breathtaking globe installation, perfectly illuminated by the setting sun.

Fly into nearby Rimini and rent a car to fully explore the Marche region—and be sure to visit the stunning Monte San Bartolo Natural Park that envelops Pesaro.

9. Madrid, Spain

• Discover more: Madrid travel guide
• Why visit in March? Experience the thaw of winter and the arrival of spring blooms.

Before the scorching heat of summer sets in, spring is the ideal season to explore Spain’s capital. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, Madrid’s cherry blossoms come alive. The most spectacular displays can be found in Parque Quinta de los Molinos and El Retiro, the city’s most renowned park.

As winter's chill recedes, so too does the solitude of its residents. Cafés and restaurants expand onto the streets, with locals emerging from their winter retreats to fill the sidewalks, raise their glasses, and indulge in tapas. When evening falls, Madrid comes alive with celebrations and dancing.

Madrid, like any historic European capital, pulsates with culture and iconic attractions. From the stunning architecture of the Belle Époque to the majestic Palacios Real and Cristal, along with the Reina Sofia modern art museum housing Picasso’s famous ‘Guernica,’ there’s much to explore.

10. Narvik, Norway

• Discover more: Norway travel guide
• Why visit in March? To witness the sunrise.

While spring starts to blossom across much of Europe, the northern parts of Norway still endure freezing temperatures. March marks two significant events in Narvik: the sun rises above the horizon for the first time since autumn, and the Vinterfestuka begins.

The former is a celebration—a joyful herald of the New Year and a welcome infusion of much-needed vitamin D. The latter is the Winter Festival, a lively affair that shakes the very foundations of Valhalla. Starting March 8th, the city transforms into ten days of relentless festival excitement, making it an incredible place to be.

Eighteenth-century luxury and revelry define the festivities. Don your finest period attire, participate in costume parades and spirited concerts, and explore theaters and art exhibitions. Food sizzles, drinks pour freely, and the streets vibrate with energy. The newly emerging sun is mirrored in the warmth of the local hospitality.

Best tropical destination for March

Festivals in colder regions are fantastic, but there’s something uniquely magical about celebrating under the stars on a tropical beach. In March, there’s one location that does it better than all the rest.

11. Goa, India

• Learn more: India travel guide
• Why visit in March? To enjoy Holi with sand between your toes.

Among the many spring festivals celebrated worldwide, none captures the spirit like the Hindu festival of Holi. Known as the Festival of Colors, it celebrates love and the arrival of spring. While it takes place all over India, few places rival the tropical charm of Goa, famously known as the Land of Beaches. 

Holi, referred to as Shigmo in Goa, falls on the first full moon of spring: March 25th in 2024. The night before, the Goan coast comes alive with massive parties and celebrations. The real magic happens the next morning when the streets explode in a kaleidoscope of colors. Revelers roam the streets armed with bags of vibrant powder dyes, tossing them into the air and spraying each other with water pistols, transforming the world into a rainbow.

The festivities invite everyone to join in, with Anjuna and Ponda offering particularly vibrant experiences. However, my favorite spot is Vagator, known for its stunning beaches and epic parties. 

How these destinations were chosen

The best places to travel articles by Dinogo are crafted by enthusiastic travel writers. Destinations featured here are selected based on firsthand experiences, taking into account seasonal events and festivals, costs, weather, and activities available during those times.

Explore more amazing travel destinations

You can find inspiration in my top places to visit in February and top destinations for April. If you're eager for warmth before spring arrives, check out my guide on where to find warm weather in February for some instant sunshine.