Where's Hot in March? Best Spring Sun Destinations for UK Travellers
March is the month when winter begins to loosen its grip, making it an excellent time to get away before the Easter crowds and peak summer prices arrive. While much of Europe is only just beginning to warm up, several popular holiday destinations already enjoy comfortable temperatures, long sunny days and ideal conditions for a spring escape.
For most UK travellers, Tenerife remains the best all round destination in March thanks to its reliable weather, varied resorts and year round appeal. If you’re looking for hotter temperatures, Egypt offers genuine beach weather, while Cyprus starts to emerge as one of the Mediterranean’s first destinations suitable for early sunshine holidays.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach break, an active walking holiday or an all inclusive getaway, March offers more choice than the winter months while still delivering excellent value.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and overall suitability for a March holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in March based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare temperatures and the best destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where's Hot in March?
If you’re looking for the best place to enjoy warm weather in March, Tenerife is the strongest all round choice. Average temperatures reach around 23°C, sunshine is reliable and the island offers an excellent mix of beaches, outdoor activities and family friendly resorts.
Other excellent destinations include Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, all of which remain dependable for spring sunshine. For travellers wanting even higher temperatures, Egypt reaches around 27°C, while Dubai offers some of the warmest and driest conditions before its intense summer heat arrives.
March is also the month when Cyprus starts to become a realistic option for travellers looking for early Mediterranean sunshine, although sea temperatures remain cooler than in Egypt or the Canary Islands.
March Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | 23°C | 7 | 2 | 19°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Lanzarote | 23°C | 8 | 2 | 19°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Gran Canaria | 22°C | 7 | 2 | 20°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Fuerteventura | 22°C | 8 | 2 | 19°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Egypt | 27°C | 10 | 1 | 23°C | 5h | ✓ |
| Dubai | 29°C | 9 | 1 | 24°C | 7h | ✓ |
| Cyprus | 20°C | 7 | 5 | 18°C | 4h 30m | Limited |
| Morocco (Agadir) | 22°C | 8 | 3 | 18°C | 4h | Limited |
| Madeira | 20°C | 6 | 7 | 18°C | 4h | Limited |
| Costa del Sol | 19°C | 7 | 6 | 16°C | 3h | Limited |
| Algarve | 18°C | 7 | 7 | 16°C | 3h | No |
Best Places That Are Hot in March
Tenerife – Best Overall
Tenerife continues to be one of the safest bets for spring sunshine, offering consistently warm weather long before most of mainland Europe catches up.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 23°C, while southern resorts including Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas enjoy long sunny days and very little rainfall.
March is also an excellent month to explore beyond the beach. Comfortable temperatures make it ideal for visiting Mount Teide National Park, hiking volcanic trails or taking whale and dolphin watching excursions without the intense heat of summer.
Compared with southern Spain or Portugal, Tenerife offers significantly more reliable beach weather and warmer daytime temperatures throughout March.
Best for: First time visitors, families and travellers wanting a balance of beaches, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Egypt – Best for Guaranteed Heat
If warm weather is your top priority, Egypt is difficult to beat in March.
Resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh regularly reach 27°C, while sea temperatures around 23°C make swimming comfortable throughout the month.
March is one of the best times to visit before the intense summer heat arrives. Days are warm without being uncomfortable, making it ideal for combining beach time with snorkelling, diving or desert excursions.
Compared with the Canary Islands, Egypt is typically 4–5°C warmer, enjoys more sunshine and experiences almost no rainfall.
Best for: Guaranteed beach weather, all inclusive holidays, diving and couples looking for reliable sunshine.
Lanzarote – Best for Relaxing Spring Sunshine
Lanzarote combines dependable March weather with a quieter atmosphere than many larger holiday destinations.
Resorts including Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise enjoy temperatures of around 23°C, while the island’s volcanic landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop for both beach holidays and sightseeing.
Compared with Tenerife, Lanzarote offers a slower pace of life while still delivering almost identical sunshine and weather conditions.
For travellers looking to unwind without sacrificing reliable warmth, it’s one of the strongest choices available.
Best for: Couples, relaxed beach holidays and value for money spring breaks.
Cyprus – Best Emerging Mediterranean Destination
March marks the beginning of spring holiday season in Cyprus.
Although average temperatures of around 20°C are cooler than the Canary Islands, the island enjoys noticeably longer sunny days and increasingly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Popular resorts including Paphos, Limassol and Ayia Napa begin to come alive again after winter, while inland villages and archaeological sites are particularly enjoyable before the summer heat arrives.
Compared with the Costa del Sol or Algarve, Cyprus is generally warmer during March and offers one of the earliest opportunities for a Mediterranean sunshine holiday.
Best for: Early spring breaks, sightseeing, walking holidays and travellers wanting Mediterranean sunshine before peak season.
Gran Canaria – Best for Families
Gran Canaria remains one of the most versatile holiday destinations in March.
Temperatures stay around 22°C, while southern resorts such as Maspalomas, Meloneras and Playa del Ingles continue to enjoy reliable sunshine and warm afternoons.
The island offers an excellent mix of family friendly beaches, shopping, restaurants and scenic mountain villages, making it suitable for travellers of all ages.
Compared with Lanzarote, Gran Canaria provides a wider variety of resorts and activities, making it particularly appealing for longer holidays.
Best for: Families, mixed age groups and travellers wanting plenty of choice.
Dubai – Best for Luxury Sunshine
March is widely regarded as one of the best months to visit Dubai.
Average temperatures reach around 29°C, while humidity remains relatively low compared with the hotter months ahead.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy beaches, rooftop restaurants, waterparks, desert safaris and world famous attractions before temperatures climb well above 35°C later in the year.
Although flights are longer than to the Canary Islands or Egypt, Dubai offers one of the most complete sunshine holidays available during March.
Best for: Luxury holidays, city and beach breaks and travellers looking for guaranteed sunshine.
Fuerteventura – Best Beaches
If your holiday is all about beaches, Fuerteventura is one of the strongest March options.
Average temperatures reach around 22°C, while the island’s long sandy beaches remain quieter than during Easter and summer.
Although it can still be breezy, Fuerteventura enjoys plenty of sunshine and excellent conditions for walking, surfing and watersports.
Compared with the busier Canary Islands, Fuerteventura appeals to travellers looking for wide open beaches and a slower pace of life.
Best for: Beach lovers, active holidays and couples.
Warm European Destinations in March
If you’re happy with mild spring sunshine rather than guaranteed beach weather, several European destinations become much more appealing during March.
Madeira
Madeira averages around 20°C and is ideal for walking holidays, scenic drives and outdoor dining.
Although it’s warmer than mainland Portugal, Tenerife is still the better choice if beach weather is your priority.
Morocco (Agadir)
Morocco (Agadir) enjoys temperatures of around 22°C, plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall.
While the Atlantic Ocean remains cool, it’s an excellent destination for golf, beach walks and relaxing outdoors.
Costa del Sol
Marbella, Benalmadena and Torremolinos begin to feel noticeably more spring like in March.
Afternoons in the Costa del Sol are often warm enough for sitting outside, coastal walks and al fresco dining, although the sea is generally too cool for most swimmers.
Algarve
Portugal’s Algarve enjoys similar conditions to southern Spain, making it a great choice for walking holidays, golf breaks and exploring picturesque coastal towns before the busy summer season.
Malta
March is one of the best months to visit Malta before the main tourist season begins.
Comfortable temperatures and quieter attractions make it ideal for sightseeing rather than beach holidays.
Crete
Crete starts to warm up during March, particularly in the south of the island.
Although it’s still too early for reliable beach weather, it’s an excellent time for scenic drives, hiking and exploring traditional villages.
Is March a Good Time to Travel?
For many travellers, March is one of the smartest months of the year to book a holiday.
Winter sun destinations remain reliably warm, the Mediterranean begins to wake up for spring and prices are often lower than during Easter and the summer holidays.
Reasons to travel in March
- Warm sunshine without peak season crowds
- The Canary Islands remain reliably warm
- Egypt and Dubai offer genuine beach weather
- Cyprus becomes a realistic Mediterranean sunshine destination
- Good value package holidays before Easter
- Excellent temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities
Things to consider
- Mediterranean sea temperatures are still cool.
- Easter holidays can increase prices in some years.
- Popular resorts become busier towards the end of the month.
Our Top March Picks
If you’re still deciding where to go, here are our recommendations.
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Tenerife |
| Best value | Lanzarote |
| Best beaches | Fuerteventura |
| Hottest destination | Dubai |
| Best luxury holiday | Dubai |
| Best family destination | Gran Canaria |
| Best emerging spring destination | Cyprus |
For most UK travellers, Tenerife remains the strongest all round choice, combining reliable sunshine, comfortable temperatures and a relatively short flight from the UK.
If you’re looking for the first taste of Mediterranean spring, Cyprus is one of the best options in March. For guaranteed beach weather and the hottest temperatures, Egypt and Dubai remain the clear winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
March is one of the best value months for a sunshine holiday, sitting perfectly between the winter and summer seasons.
For most UK travellers, Tenerife remains the safest all round choice, offering dependable warmth, excellent resorts and reliable beach weather. If you’re keen to be among the first to enjoy the Mediterranean before peak season, Cyprus is an increasingly attractive option. And if your priority is the hottest temperatures possible, Egypt and Dubai continue to deliver some of the most reliable sunshine available.
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