March by the sea: 19 resorts where it is already warm and dry

In March, Northern Europe is still in winter, while the south has already opened its beach season. The sea in the south is already warm. A vacation at this time is cheaper than in the height of summer and calmer than during the New Year holidays. We have put together 19 destinations where it is warm in March and broken them down by sea, weather, and rainy season. Most of them are dry, but Tanzania and Bali get rain in March. For each destination, you will find water temperature, wind, and what sets the resort apart from its neighbors. We cross-checked climate data against open weather sources, including Holiday-Weather (checked on 15.09.2026).

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Where to go for a beach vacation in March 2026

💡 In short:

• March is the end of the dry season in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the UAE, and the Maldives.
• In Turkey, March is still windy and cool, but prices are the lowest of the year. In Egypt, the weather is mild and the Red Sea is refreshing.

Water and air temperatures are best treated as climate norms: in any given year, adjustments are possible. We take air and water benchmarks from Holiday-Weather climate summaries and describe the rest based on season, wind, and precipitation.

1. Thailand: warm sea and dry season

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

March is one of the best months for this country. The dry season still holds, tropical downpours are almost absent, and the sea remains warm. Air temperatures reach 27-35 °C, water stays around 27 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Phuket). Differences between regions are small, the wind is light, and the water temperature almost matches the air.

Swimming is pleasant in Phuket and Pattaya, while Koh Samui is the hottest in March. A pleasant sea breeze softens the midday sun. March hosts the Kite Festival, Thai Elephant Day, and the Muay Thai Festival. You will catch them in almost any tourist area.

Demand for tours is high, but accommodation and food outside the peak cost less. Choose a hotel with a pool: the water there is usually cooler than the sea. Hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

2. Sri Lanka: diving and mild weather

In March, the island's high season is coming to an end. The weather depends on the coast: the west gets short thunderstorms, while the north and east are dry. Air temperatures stay in the 25-32 °C range, water around 28 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Colombo). Humidity is higher in the west, so it feels more stifling there. There are no big waves here.

For the beach, choose the north and east of the country. The southern resorts are hot, and the sea is sometimes covered with green algae. For diving, March is the best season: you can see shipwrecks and coral reefs. The festival of Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, takes place in March.

• The catch: a vacation here is not budget-friendly, with almost no discounts on accommodation and food.

Hotels in Sri Lanka on Trip.com

3. Vietnam: dry season and warm sea

© Chris Lewis · CC BYPhoto: Chris Lewis, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In March, almost the entire country is in its dry season. Weather varies by region: the north is warm and mildly springlike, the south is hot. In Nha Trang the sea is warm, and on Phu Quoc there is no rain, so swimming is pleasant every day. The country stretches along the coast, and that changes conditions significantly. There is almost no rain in March.

For the beach, choose the central and southern parts of the country. In Hanoi, walking around is more comfortable at this time than in summer, but swimming is chilly. In Da Nang you can catch the Cau Ngu festival and the Marble Mountains temples, while Hanoi hosts the Chu Dong Tu festival.

Prices for accommodation and food during this period are not the highest. Hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com

4. Turkey: low prices and a cool sea

© Antoloji · CC BY-SAPhoto: Antoloji, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Turkey's shoulder season means low prices. At the start of the month the sea is still cool; by late March it becomes tolerable for swimming. Wind and short showers are still possible, but the sun warms the air well, and you can sunbathe at any resort. Evenings are still cool.

You can swim as much as you like in a pool, and admire the sea from a yacht or boat. Without exhausting heat, you can explore the ancient cities of Antalya, Bodrum, Alanya and Kemer. Prices for accommodation and food at this time are the lowest of the year, and package tours are comparable to last-minute deals.

• The catch: in early March the sea is cold, and not everyone will be able to swim.

Hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

5. Egypt: the Red Sea and gentle warmth

The best time for Egypt is the period from November to April. In March, resorts have mild and moderately hot weather. The Red Sea water is around 23 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Hurghada), and the air stays warm. Rain is rare.

Swimming is pleasant in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab; the Mediterranean coast is cooler. Besides Hurghada, Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba and Taba are also in demand. Hotels have air conditioning and pools, so the heat will not get in your way. In March it is easy to combine the beach with trips to the pyramids and Luxor. Only in spring can you comfortably get to know this ancient country and its customs without exhausting heat. For diving enthusiasts, the Red Sea remains a year-round destination.

• The catch: in summer there is exhausting heat and the dusty khamsin wind picks up, so it is better to plan your trip before April.

Hotels in Egypt on Trip.com

6. UAE: comfortable warmth before the heat

After winter, heat arrives quickly in the UAE, and only March still offers mild, moderate warmth. Daytime temperatures reach 28 °C, and there is almost no rain. The water in the Persian Gulf warms up to 23 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Dubai). Swimming here is comfortable.

You can enjoy boat trips, snorkeling, and dolphin encounters. The lowest daytime temperatures are in Fujairah, which is washed by the Indian Ocean. In March, Dubai hosts the World Cup horse race, a tennis tournament, and spring shopping. Water activities here are varied: jet skis, banana boats, canoes, catamarans, and motorboats.

• The catch: a vacation in the UAE is almost never budget-friendly.

UAE hotels on Trip.com

7. Dominican Republic: the Caribbean and the end of the season

© Oleg Yunakov · CC BY-SAPhoto: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Dominican Republic is a country of endless summer, and it is a convenient place to escape to at the end of winter. In March, the dry season ends here, and there is almost no rain. The air stays around 29 °C, and the Caribbean Sea water is around 26 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Punta Cana). The breeze makes the heat easier to bear, and the water is warm in all areas.

The most comfortable resorts are Punta Cana, La Romana, and Boca Chica. Add Puerto Plata and Playa Bavaro to the list: they have even beaches and calm water. On excursions, you will see Santo Domingo, Duarte Peak, and the salt lake Enriquillo. March is considered the end of the season, so last-minute deals start appearing. It is warm here at night.

Dominican Republic hotels on Trip.com

8. Philippines: warm ocean and islands

© Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BYPhoto: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Philippines lies in a subequatorial climate, so it is always hot here. In March the sea water is warm, and swimming feels pleasantly refreshing. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and at the beginning of the year the weather is noticeably drier. Swimming is pleasant all day long.

The weather varies from island to island, so it is worth planning your route in advance. On Boracay it is hot in March both day and night, while Manila is milder. A typhoon sometimes passes over the northern islands. In March you can enjoy carnivals, concerts and water activities.

The cost of the trip depends on the island and the hotel, and this is not a budget vacation. Before the trip, you should map out your route in advance, because traveling between islands takes time. Hotels in the Philippines on Trip.com

9. Mexico: Riviera Maya without the heat

© Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA · CC BY-SAPhoto: Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mexican resorts in March have no exhausting heat. The air stays around 30 °C, and the Caribbean Sea water is around 25 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Cancun). The wind rarely blows, and the sea is calm and good for walks. Early spring is considered the ideal time for the beach.

Swimming is comfortable in Cancun on the Caribbean Sea, as well as in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean. The choice of resorts here is wide, and the weather suits vacationers of any age. You can take excursions to the ancient Maya cities: Tulum, Uxmal and Labna. On the day of the spring equinox, the shadow at the Kukulkan pyramid mimics the movement of a snake. Excursions to Maya sites take a whole day, so plan them for the morning. The pristine tropical landscapes around the ancient cities deserve a separate day trip.

• The catch: March is high season, so it is better to book expensive tours in advance.

Hotels in Mexico on Trip.com

10. Cuba: warm, but windy

© Didier Baertschiger · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Baertschiger, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cuba is hot all year round, and in March only the wind spoils the vacation. A cold wind can blow for several days in a row, but it is easy to shield yourself with clothing. The air stays around 27 °C, the Caribbean Sea water is around 26 °C, and the Atlantic is a little cooler. The wind blows often.

At night it gets cool at popular resorts, so bring a light jacket. Swimming and sunbathing are comfortable in Varadero, on the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, and in Havana. Diving is well developed in Cuba: dives are organized at any time of day.

Hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

11. Bali: rainy season and heat

© Satdeep Gill · CC BY-SAPhoto: Satdeep Gill, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Indonesia's climate is divided into two seasons, and March falls in the rainy season. The air is warm, the water is warm, and the humidity is high. Bali is especially hot in March, but the sea remains calm and pleasant for swimming.

Swimming is convenient in Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur and Kuta. You can enjoy fruit, sun and water activities. Keep in mind that the climate varies across the islands: the higher you go into the mountains, the colder it gets, and at night in the mountains there can be frost.

You can always find a budget tour and use a hotel discount. Hotels in Bali on Trip.com

12. Maldives: turquoise lagoons and quiet

© Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Maldives has snow-white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and majestic palm trees. In March the air stays around 30 °C and the water around 28 °C (Holiday-Weather data for Malé). Light rain passes at night, and there are no storms or high waves at this time.

Tides are gentle, so swimming is safe even with children. In March the islands are covered with fresh spring vegetation, so a vacation here is truly rejuvenating. You can look forward to exploring coral reefs and calm evenings by the water. Several dozen atoll islands are open for visitors, and each one offers a warm sea.

• The catch: prices for Maldives tours remain high at any time of year.

Maldives hotels on Trip.com

13. Israel: warmth and holy sites

In the first month of spring, Israel is already warm, but the intense heat has not arrived yet. For the beach, Eilat is the best choice: humidity is low and the Red Sea water is still refreshing. The Dead Sea remains the warmest in March, and therapeutic travel routes lead there.

In spring, pilgrims from all over the world travel to the Holy Land. March brings mild spring weather, so getting around the country is easy. Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jaffa are more pleasant to explore in March than in summer. You can choose a budget tour and find a discount on accommodation.

Bring light clothing for the day and a jacket for the evening. Nights are still cool. Israel hotels on Trip.com

14. Hainan: the best time for the beach

© Carsten Ullrich from Shanghai, China · CC BY-SAPhoto: Carsten Ullrich from Shanghai, China, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

March weather is the best fit for traveling around the island. The cold is gone, April downpours have not started yet, autumn typhoons are far off, and the summer heat has not arrived. Humidity is low, so walking and swimming are comfortable.

The best swimming is on the island's southern coast: in Sanya, Yalong Bay, and Dadonghai; the north is noticeably cooler. You can look forward to volcanic thermal springs and the Tai Chi Chuan festival. The sea water is warm, and the snow-white beaches are perfect for a relaxing vacation.

A March vacation fits an optimal budget and suits those who want to combine the beach with sightseeing. Hainan hotels on Trip.com

15. Jordan: beach and Petra in one tour

© xorge · CC BY-SAPhoto: xorge, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

March in Jordan works well for both the beach and sightseeing. In summer, unbearable heat and sand dust get in the way, but in spring exploring the sights is easier. The water in Jordan's seas stays warm all year round.

At the Aqaba resort in March it is warm during the day and cool at night; Amman is noticeably colder. You can look forward to the Wadi Rum desert, the ancient city of Petra, Mount Nebo, and the ruins of Herod the Great's palace. Add Kan Zaman to that list. The weather varies across the country, so bring clothes for a cool evening.

Booking a tour in advance is more cost-effective: prices rise closer to the date. The northwest of the country has a Mediterranean climate. In March the cold season comes to an end, so the transition to summer is felt almost every day. Jordan hotels on Trip.com

16. Costa Rica: two oceans and nature

Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and rainy. March falls in the dry period and is considered the warmest month for a vacation. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts have many spots with wildlife and sheltered bays. There is almost no rain.

For the beach, travelers usually choose the Pacific coast with its warm bays and islands. You can look forward to ecotourism, surfing, rafting, diving, and zip-line descents. Hikes lead to active volcanoes and through the jungle.

The cost of the trip requires significant spending, so plan your budget in advance. Costa Rica hotels on Trip.com

17. Seychelles: end of the rains and carnival

© Igiss · CC BY-SAPhoto: Igiss, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), Flickr

In March the rainy season comes to an end in the Seychelles. The trade winds change direction, so the weather becomes milder. The islands are warm and humid, the air is heated, and the water is warm. Short showers bring coolness and hardly interfere with your vacation. Nights here are warm.

The beaches of Mahé, Praslin, and Silhouette are suited to calm swimming. In March the International Seychelles Carnival takes place here, with musicians from all over the world. You can look forward to conditions for a relaxing vacation with water activities and warm nights.

• The catch: prices for Seychelles travel remain high.

Hotels in the Seychelles on Trip.com

18. Mauritius: beach all year round

© Simisa ( talk · contribs ) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Simisa ( talk · contribs ), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

On Mauritius, beach season lasts all year round. In March there is no exhausting heat, and the constant sea breeze softens the equatorial temperatures. The air is warm and the sea water is warm, so a vacation is comfortable for any age. The heat does not get in the way of your vacation.

Good places for swimming are Grand Bay, Turtle Bay, and Port Louis. The island has no polluting industries, and no vaccinations are needed before the trip. Once every few years, strong cyclones pass through in March, and it is better to wait them out at the hotel.

• The catch: a vacation in the Indian Ocean is not a budget option.

Hotels in Mauritius on Trip.com

19. Tanzania: low season and downpours

A March vacation in Tanzania has some climate-related quirks. Heavy rains fall from March through late May, so this is the low tourist season. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro or go on safari, pick a different time. Safaris here are nearly impossible.

For swimming, Pemba Island, the northern coasts, and Mafia Island work well. The water around Zanzibar in March is warm, about 29 °C (marine data).

• The catch: even in the low season, a trip to Tanzania is expensive.

Hotels in Tanzania on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is it warm and dry in March if you want a beach?

In March, the dry season holds in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the UAE, and the Maldives. Turkey is still windy and cool, but prices are the lowest of the year. Egypt has mild weather, and the Red Sea is refreshing. For the Caribbean, choose the Dominican Republic and Mexico: it is warm there with almost no rain, and the dry season is only just ending.

Where is the sea warmest in March?

The warmest sea in March is in the Maldives, Bali, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Thailand. The water there stays at summer-like warmth. In Turkey the sea is still cool, and in Egypt and Israel the water is slightly refreshing. For swimming with children, the Maldives and the Dominican Republic are better, with calm water and no waves.

Where to go in March on a small budget?

The lowest prices in March are in Turkey and Egypt: it is the shoulder season, and accommodation and food cost less than at any other time of year. The situation is similar in Vietnam and Hainan. In Bali and Indonesia you can also find a budget tour with a hotel discount. The Maldives, the Seychelles, and Mauritius will cost the most.

Where can you swim with children in March?

The Maldives, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt work well for a family vacation. In the Maldives the tides are gentle and the lagoons are calm, so swimming is safe. The Dominican Republic has warm water and short transfers, and in Egypt it is easy to combine the beach with snorkeling at the reef. The main thing is to pick a hotel with a pool and shade.

Which destinations are better to skip in March?

In March, do not plan Tanzania: heavy rains fall from March through late May, and safaris are nearly impossible. In Cuba, a cold wind can blow for several days in a row. In Turkey the sea is still cool, so it is better suited for sightseeing than for swimming.

In short: what to book

March is a transitional month: in some places the sea is already warm, in others it is only just waking up. If you want a guaranteed beach, choose Thailand, the Maldives, or the Dominican Republic, and to save money, look at Turkey and Egypt.

• If you have two weeks and a moderate budget: Thailand or Vietnam.
• If you want a warm ocean and diving: the Maldives, Sri Lanka, or Egypt.
• If a short trip from Europe matters: the UAE or Egypt.
• If you want exotic scenery without exhausting heat: the Seychelles, Mauritius, or Costa Rica.

Compare hotels in advance and book before you fly: in March, the good options get snapped up quickly.