Best places to travel in March with family

March is the time when many destinations begin to bloom again after winter, and is a particularly great time to travel if you seek lower prices, quieter crowds and cooler temperatures. Plus, the month claims three celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day, International Women’s Day, and Mother’s Day, so there’s a few excuses to get away this time of year.

So where should you go? With spring around the corner, it’s time to ditch your hat and scarf and book your next holiday to one of the best places to travel in March with family…

Top March destinations: quick look

1. Best all-inclusive destination: Egypt

2. Best budget-friendly destination: Tunisia

3. Best short-haul destination: Canary Islands, Spain

4. Best for city travel: Lisbon, Portugal

5. Best for relaxation: Cyprus

1. Best all-inclusive March destination: Egypt

Egypt | Find a hotel in Egypt

For a unique adventure, Egypt offers the perfect getaway in one delightful package. March brings ideal weather, and days are usually hot with balmy evenings with temperatures hovering around 28°C during the day and 17°C at night.

For history buffs, a Nile Cruise to the ancient cities of Luxor and Aswan will provide a glimpse of the past as you discover ancient mummies, monuments and ancient Egyptian architecture. Cruises like this also offer a myriad of activities to keep all family members entertained. A day in Cairo and Giza will offer an incredible look into the land of the pharaoh’s, through coveted museums, the Pharaonic Village, and in the Nile City.

On the flip side, explore Greek and Roman history with a trip to the coastal city of Alexandria. Here you’ll find a stunning view of the Mediterranean and ample opportunity to explore historic sites with ancient Greek and Roman influences, combined with delicious Egyptian cuisine on tap.

For ultimate relaxation, Mumsnetters recommend an all-inclusive stay in either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, which may just be what you need for your March family holiday.

What Mumsnet users say

“Hurghada is fine, safe, and not advised against on FCO site. We've been going for years, where we stay we can walk to the local shopping centre and have never felt unsafe, however most excursions are guided and you are picked up from the hotel entrance.” ThisOverGetIDoHow

“Loved Egypt. Stayed in Sharm...no issues with going outside hotel, but felt very unsafe in Cairo even though we were on a guided tour. Food is a bit hit and miss but no stomach issues from it.” Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername

2. Best budget-friendly destination in March: Tunisia

Tunisia | Find a hotel in Tunisia

Whether you prefer a beach holiday or wandering around a country full of rich culture or visiting monuments and sites from Roman times, Tunisia is an underrated player when it comes to March holidays.

The north African country has much to offer. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast and just a stone's throw away from Europe, Tunisia is home to a number of beautiful sandy beaches and jaw dropping desert dunes of the Sahara and enchanting ancient ruins.

The beaches are long and wide measuring a whopping 35 kilometres in length for beaches in Sidi Mahrez and Seguia and measuring up to 50 kilometres near Nabeul. The Tunisian resorts are aplenty and seaside relaxation is no stranger to this charming country. Most resorts are situated away from the city and offer private beaches for guests.

The cities of Tunisia don’t only offer beachside tourism however. If you’re looking for more adventure it is worth exploring the souks, sfax, hammamet and the nation’s capital, Tunis. The city is surrounded by historic quarters, archaeological sites, which shows the important historical role of Tunisian civilisation.

What Mumsnet users say

“We have done fab hols in Tunisia in April - it's very cheap, so we can afford a 5* hotel on the beach, half or full-board. They are really child and baby-friendly, and there's pools, beach and often clubs / minding service.” bigTillyMint

“We had a fantastic holiday with the children in Tunisia in a beautiful hotel, child friendly as well but no children's club that I am aware of. It was in May and we were able to have a dip both in the outside pool and in the see. I doubt you would be able to do it much earlier than that but seem to remember they also had an indoor swimming pool.” Gorionine

3. Best short-haul trip in March: Canary Islands, Spain

Canary Island | Find a hotel in Canary Islands

Always a popular family holiday destination amongst Mumsnetters, the Canary Islands is an archipelago of islands nestled between Spain and north-western Africa.

Promising ‘the best climate in the world’, holidaymakers here are guaranteed sunshine, warm temperatures and dry forecasts for the majority of the year - albeit with a slight breeze. But if a windswept look doesn’t put you off, a trip to one of the Canary Islands is certainly a must at this time of year if you seek a getaway.

There are eight islands in total. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are the most popular island choices by parents with children, and each offer family-friendly activities like hiking, dolphin- and whale-watching, historical tours, water sports and treks up impressive volcanoes!

What Mumsnet users say

“Highly recommend Lopesan Baobab [in Gran Canaria] for families with kids.” Focalpoint

“Iberostar Anthelia in Tenerife ticks all the boxes.” rookiemere

“Gran Melia Palacio de Isora in Tenerife is fantastic.” Lookatthat

4. Best for city travel in March: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal | Find a hotel in Lisbon

Portugal is one of Europe’s most coveted travel destinations, and it’s easy to see why with the country’s mesmerising, colourful architecture, culinary offerings and culture.

The country’s capital, Lisbon, is a great destination for a March city break. The city’s hills, charming trams, and cobbled streets all add to Lisbon’s charms, and local cafés and bakeries here are all the rave. With outdoor terraces for chats over coffee, served up with their renowned pastéis de nata - a traditional Portuguese custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon - what’s there not to love about this wonderful European city vibe? The city also presents museums, galleries, palaces, monasteries and castles that you can explore and wander around.

If you seek to visit elsewhere in Portugal at this time of the year, the Algarve is worth a try. Although a popular choice amongst Mumsnetters for summer breaks, the Algarve in March isn’t exactly sunbathing weather. But with breathtaking views and quieter crowds, it’s worth visiting to catch a number of events that happen in March here - including the Feira do Pão Quente e Queijo Fresco, the bread and fresh cheese fair which provides fresh cheeses, sweets and sausages, and the FIESA International Sand Sculpture Festival, which runs from March to October and features giant sand sculptures made by artists from around the world.

Last but not least, March brings the Feira dos Enchidos to Portugal, an annual trade fair that celebrates traditionally cured sausages, liquors, homemade cakes, honey and crafts.

Temperatures across Portugal in March range from 10°C to 15°C as the country defrosts following winter and spring begins to appear.

What Mumsnet users say

“Madeira is lovely. Weather can be mixed but lots to see and some fab hotels. Funchal is a great place to visit if you like relaxed pottering about, and there's plenty to see around the island.” EnglishGirlApproximately

5. Best for relaxation in March: Cyprus

Cyprus | Find a hotel in Cyprus

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a beautiful island country that has both Greek and Turkish influence. The beautiful coastline along with its rich culture and history make for a great beach holiday getaway.

While the country is small, there is much to do in Cyprus. From historic and ancient archaeological sites to dreamy beaches and picturesque mountains, Cyprus has just about everything that a family needs to be entertained while on holiday. Combine that with perfect March weather and welcoming, hospitable locals and Cyprus may just be the perfect Mediterranean adventure at this time of year.

March is considered spring weather with warmth and sun all day long, reaching averages of about 22℃. The weather is ideal for lazy days in the sun enjoying the breathtaking scenery, although it’s worth mentioning that the water temperatures may not be as warm and are likely not ideal for swimming.

Aside from this, visiting Cyprus will give you the opportunity to enjoy the rich cuisine, taste premium wine and enjoy a little of Cyprus and its influences, Greece and Turkey.

While the island prides itself on its own unique culture and heritage, there are many nationalities that reside in Cyprus as a result of migrations from neighbouring countries since the 19th Century. As a result, Cyprus has a rich culture that is both unique and diverse.

What Mumsnet users say

“Hotel Louis Phaethon Beach in Paphos, Cyprus. Thomson website, doing good deals at mo. All Incl. Kids club runs all through the year (10am to 4 pm). Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom.” MouseMate

6. Best for cultural experiences: Spain

Spain | Find a hotel in Spain

As the cold winter comes to a close, Spain comes to life in March as the spring brings warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 17°C.

As March is a low-season, Spain tends to be quieter at this time of the year, meaning you can enjoy the country without the busy tourist season that often results in costly attractions and large crowds. With fewer tourists and cheaper prices in March, you can visit cities like Barcelona and Madrid without breaking the bank.

With events and festivals happening all across the country in March, travellers will have an opportunity to bask in local Spaniard culture that fills the cities during this time of the year.

A holiday to Spain in March comes with many advantages. The Las Fallas festival, for example, runs from 3rd March to 19th March and celebrates the beginning of the spring season. You can find the popular festival in Valencia. Large puppets made of wooden frames and paper-mâché objects perusing through the city are not uncommon during this popular festival.

Another popular event is Barcelona’s Sant Medir Festival. The little ones will surely enjoy this sweet event that offers toffees and bonbons throughout the streets.

While the month of March sees sunny days and clear blue skies, it is common to see some rainfall and precipitation. Coastal areas of the country tend to see warmer temperatures with average highs of about 19°C.

What Mumsnet users say

“If you specifically want mainland Spain then look at hotels in the area of Costa Dorada as there is the huge theme park and water park near there called Port Aventura.” Ellabella989

7. Best for history buffs: Netherlands

Netherlands | Find a hotel in Netherlands

The Netherlands is filled with an abundance of interactive adventures for families. Amsterdam, the capital city, is filled with history, culture, and attractions. The photogenic city is a wonderland full of museums, canals, charming hotels, hipster coffee shops, historical sites and a buzzing cuisine.

While Amsterdam offers countless opportunities for families to get out and explore, it is not the only city that provides family attractions in the Netherlands. In fact, a journey down the Amsterdam canal will lead you to the largest flower parade in the world in Zundert. You can also enjoy the Scheveningen Beach in Den Haag or snack on cheese at an authentic cheese market in Woerden.

The country is extremely diverse with beautiful natural views and national parks with woodlands. Hiking and family walks and, of course, bike rides are encouraged in Amsterdam as dunes and heaths provide countless opportunities.

The World Heritage Wadden Islands lie north of the Netherlands and offer the experience to trek through nature overlooking sandy beaches with cycle paths, charming villages and natural reserves.From the end of March until mid May, the Netherlands bursts into bright, vibrant colours as the tulip fields come into bloom. The Keukenhof Flower Festival is held annually in the spring months and attracts tourists from around the world to experience the breathtaking scene and colours.

And, when it comes to the little ones, the Netherlands is a great place to visit. With sites and attractions made with families in mind, the Dutch are very welcoming and accepting of the noise, mess and the hustle and bustle that comes with young children. Little details such as children’s trolleys in the grocery store, child sized furniture, toys and games, the Netherlands is as child-friendly as it gets.

What Mumsnet users say

“Try looking at the centre parcs and landal websites both offer plenty of different types of accommodation and on site facilities. The beaches are fab and very sandy. Keukenhof near leiden is fab to visit if you want tulips etc. I love it. Had many a happy holiday in Holland.” gardeningsarah

8. Best March destination for natural scenery: Thailand

Thailand | Find a hotel in Thailand

Decorated with sun-kissed tropical beaches, dreamy islands, temples and pagodas, Thailand is a bucket list destination. Thailand isn’t exclusive to just pristine beaches, though, as tourists can enjoy attractions such as museums, monasteries, citadels while enjoying the incredible cuisine and delectable seafood.

As a tropical country, Thailand has a hot and humid climate all year long. While the summer months are extremely humid and sticky, March presents perfect weather conditions. With cool, comfortable weather temperatures ranging from 25℃ to 34℃, it is the best time to enjoy this tropical haven.

With a number of different islands and beaches throughout the country, feel free to explore at your own pace. After all, there is one thing that Thailand is known for: its comfort and relaxation. Thailand has a unique scenic charm that you simply can’t get bored of, and the list of attractions here are never ending.

If spending days under the warm sun overlooking the beautiful blue tides is not your cup of tea, then a trip to Koh Samui, Hua Hin or Phi Phi Island will not disappoint.

Not forgetting a trip to Phuket to discover the true Thai local culture along with a love for nature is a must while here. The bustling city has many temples and allows visitors the chance to truly delve into the everyday life of locals in Thailand.

What Mumsnet users say

“How about Thailand? We did a wellness retreat and it was incredible. Lower family count and more couples or single travellers. Lots of relaxing etc poolside or beach plus yoga if you fancy it.” MarshaBradyo

9. Best for family-friendly adventures: Ireland

Ireland | Find a hotel in Ireland

If there is ever a country that you absolutely must visit in March, it is Ireland. March promises cheer and fun as spring begins, alongside the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day on 17th March each year.

St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and many people trek the distance just to experience the festival. As an important day across the country, St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the heritage and culture of Ireland. The day brings parades and celebrations throughout the cities, with the big parade being in Dublin.

With longer days at this time of year following winter, you can take advantage of the extra daylight hours and mild temperatures for sightseeing. In fact, the month is relatively quiet - with the exception of St. Patrick’s day, of course.

Your Ireland tour isn’t complete without a trip to Glendalough. Less than an hour south of Dublin, the city has sites that date to the mediaeval era with spectacular views of the lake and the Wicklow mountains.

What Mumsnet users say

“Highly recommend a spa hotel in Ireland - aghadoe heights, muckross in county Kerry. If you want sun I would say Sevilla in Spain is a good shout. Last year I went to Rome at the end of March and the weather was pleasant.” peachypetite

10. Best for a tropical climate: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka | Find a hotel in Sri Lanka

Warm and dry temperatures are what you can expect in the exotic country of Sri Lanka. With temperatures around the mid thirties, with small chances of rainfall, March is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka.

The island country has stunning crystal blue beaches for families seeking fun in the sun and water activities. The tropical beach town of Bentota, located in the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, has some of the best beaches in the country. The Bentota Ganga river flows into the sea, creating a beautiful lagoon and an estuary. The lagoon water is breathtaking and calm, welcoming plenty of water activities. However, there is more to Sri Lanka than just beaches.

Yala National Park is a site not to be missed. As the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is an animal lover’s haven. There are other popular places, too, like the Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park and Udawalawe National Park.

For a truly magical experience, head over to the city of Galle where Portuguese and Dutch influence can be seen in buildings and attractions. Galle is made up of churches, mosques, museums and other historical buildings. The city was founded by Portuguese settlers in the 16th Century and the heritage largely embraces its history. For a truly rewarding experience, you can take a boat trip into the Indian Ocean where you may be able to spot humpback whales, dolphins, blue whales, coral reefs and other marine species… An activity sure to delight holidaymakers of all ages!

What Mumsnet users say

“No idea on current restrictions but we had a great holiday to Penang in late Feb. We also did Sri Lanka in March which was amazing.” Twizbe

Where in Europe is it hot in March?

As the mild weather starts to appear and the winter slowly becomes a distant memory, Europe is starting to say hello to Spring and the warm weather is welcomed. While some countries see the Spring season before others, there are lucky destinations that start early with warm temperatures on tap for March.

• Canary Islands

• Malaga, Spain

• Barcelona, Spain

• Athens, Greece

• Faro, Portugal

• Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Valletta, Malta

• Stromboli, Italy

• Palermo, Italy

Where is cheap in March?

With the rise in inflation, life has become expensive and finding the perfect bargain is the new trend. And, let’s face it, finding the best deals is not only easy on the bank account, it’s also oddly satisfying.

No need to break the bank when going for holidays. There are plenty of nearby countries that are beautiful, touristy and affordable for a March family holiday.

• Budapest, Hungary

• Nima, France

• Bratislava, Slovakia

• Thessaloniki, Greece

• Split, Croatia

• Sofia, Bulgaria

• Samos, Greece

Where is it hot in March in the USA?

In the United States, temperatures differ from state to state. While the southern states are relatively warm year-round, the northern states are just about to enter the spring season.

Here are the warmest places in the U.S. in March:

• Miami, Florida

• Maui, Hawaii

• Hilo, Hawaii

• Key West, Florida

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Corpus Christi, Texas

• Daytona Beach, Florida

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations by real parents

Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling in March with the family.

Expert guidance and traveller reviews

After we’ve collated our hotel picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holidays here.

Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying about the best places to visit in March on these sites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.

Celebrated destinations

Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best family holiday destinations in March that had won the most awards and recommendations across the board. We feel there’s something here for everyone, to suit every budget.

Why should you trust us?

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.