Quick answer
Reviewed · 3 min read
March is the month for Japan’s cherry blossoms, which typically reach Tokyo and Kyoto in late March. Cape Town’s Winelands are in harvest season, Morocco and Egypt are warm without summer’s heat, and the Maldives and Dubai are still in their best weather. For safari, Tanzania’s southern Serengeti is good early in the month.
Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research
- Top city pick
- Kyoto & Tokyo (blossoms typically late March)
- Top Africa pick
- Morocco in spring
- Top beach pick
- Maldives (dry season)
- Best for corporate travel
- Asia after Lunar New Year
- Book by
- Japan blossom season 6–9 months ahead
Best places to travel in March
Kyoto
Japan · Cherry blossoms, typically late March
Temples, canals, and gardens framed in pink. Go early in the morning to enjoy famous spots before the crowds.
ExploreTokyo
Japan · Blossoms and city energy
Riverside and park blossoms, a world-class food scene, and an easy pairing with Kyoto by bullet train.
ExploreMorocco
North Africa · Spring
Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and a desert camp in comfortable spring temperatures.
ExploreEgypt
North Africa · Warm, not scorching
Still comfortable for the pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, and a Nile cruise before the heat builds.
ExploreCape Town & Winelands
South Africa · Harvest season
Late-summer weather and harvest in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with fewer crowds than December.
ExploreMaldives
Indian Ocean · Dry season
Sunny, calm conditions continue, ideal for snorkeling and a true do-nothing beach week.
ExploreDubai
UAE · Last of the cool season
Warm beach days and comfortable evenings before the summer heat sets in.
ExploreSouthern Serengeti
Tanzania · Herds on the plains
In early March the herds and young calves are typically still on the southern plains, before the long rains.
Explore
Why is March good for Japan, Morocco, and the Cape?
Japan’s cherry blossoms typically open in Tokyo and Kyoto in late March, and full bloom in any one spot lasts about a week. Timing moves each year with the weather, so build a few flexible days into your plan. Kyoto and Tokyo are the classic pairing.
Spring also arrives in North Africa: Morocco is warm and green before the summer heat, and Egypt is still comfortable for Luxor and a Nile cruise. In South Africa, it’s harvest season in the Winelands, with settled weather that usually carries into April.
What should you avoid in March?
March weather is friendly almost everywhere, but a few events change the math.
- U.S. spring break (mid-March): Cancun and Florida fill with college and family crowds.
- Easter and Holy Week: when Easter falls in late March, Rome, Spain, and much of Latin America are booked out.
- Nyepi in Bali (typically March): the island observes a Day of Silence, and the airport closes for 24 hours.
- Northern Thailand: smoke haze from agricultural burning typically affects Chiang Mai around March and April.
- East Africa’s long rains typically start in late March or April, and some Kenya and Tanzania camps close for April and May.
What should business travelers know about March?
With Lunar New Year over, March is busy for Asia business trips. Art Basel Hong Kong typically takes place in March, lifting hotel demand in Hong Kong. In the U.S., SXSW typically fills Austin in mid-March. In Japan, many companies close their fiscal year on March 31, so calendars get crowded late in the month.
Spring is also a strong window for meetings and events in Europe and the Middle East: Dubai is still pleasant, and European cities are quieter before Easter.
How far ahead should you book March travel?
Japan in cherry-blossom season is the one to book early. Well-located hotels in Kyoto often sell out months in advance, so 6–9 months ahead is wise. For Morocco riads and Nile cruises, 4–6 months is usually enough. Spring break and Easter weeks need earlier booking than the rest of the month.
Frequently asked questions
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Is March a good time for a safari?
What is Nyepi, and does it affect Bali travel?
How far ahead should I book Japan for cherry blossom season?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.