Where is Hot in March?
The Maldives, Krabi, Cancun, St Lucia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Oman, and Jaipur stay hot in March, with average temperatures from 75°F to 89°F. Choose from beaches, diving, wildlife, culture, and desert experiences while comparing sunshine, humidity, and seasonal conditions.
The Maldives, Krabi in Thailand, Cancun, St Lucia, Mirissa in Sri Lanka, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, Fortaleza in Brazil, Muscat in Oman, and Jaipur in India all stay hot in March, with average temperatures between 75°F and 89°F and mostly sunny, dry conditions across most of the list.
This blog answers "where is hot in March" with ten picks that hold onto strong sun and warmth as the Northern Hemisphere's late winter gives way to spring, drawn from the destinations that dominate any list of hot destinations in March.
Each one comes with real temperature, sunshine, and humidity figures, plus tips for staying connected and comfortable on a hot-weather trip.
March Weather at a Glance
The table below compares all ten side by side, using consistent climate figures so you can see how they stack up against each other at a glance.
Read more: Planning an earlier winter escape? Where is Hot in January? covers warm destinations, seasonal weather, and sunny places to consider.
#1. Maldives
March sits near the end of the Maldives' dry season, with calm, clear water that makes it one of the best months for diving and snorkeling before the southwest monsoon arrives in May.
Manta ray and whale shark sightings are still active around several atolls this time of year, and resort transfers run smoothly without monsoon delays.
Warm, dry heat dominates here, with little day-to-day variation across the atolls.
Average temperature in the Maldives in March is 82°F (28°C), with an average max of 83°F (28°C) and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity runs around 76%.
Best time to visit the Maldives is November through April, the dry northeast monsoon season, before the wetter southwest monsoon takes over.
Stay connected in the Maldives: get a Maldives eSIM before you fly, since some resort islands have limited local SIM access once you arrive.
#2. Krabi, Thailand
Krabi holds onto its dry season through March, which keeps the limestone cliffs at Railay Beach in good climbing condition and the boat crossings to Phi Phi and the Hong Islands smooth.
Expect strong, humid heat softened by sea breezes along the coast.
Average temperature in Krabi in March is 82°F (28°C), with an average max of 89°F (32°C) and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 75%.
Best time to visit Krabi is November through April, before the southwest monsoon brings heavier rain from May onward.
Stay connected in Krabi: a Thailand eSIM covers the whole country on one plan, useful for hopping between Krabi and Phuket or Bangkok.
Read more: If you're looking for another warm-weather trip, Where is Hot in February? highlights destinations with sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and seasonal beach conditions.
#3. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun and the Riviera Maya stay dry and sunny through March, and the month also marks the start of spring break season, so beach clubs, cenotes, and day trips to Chichen Itza and Tulum get busier as the weeks go on.
Booking accommodation early pays off here more than in quieter months.
Cancun runs warm rather than intense, with a steady breeze off the Caribbean Sea. Average temperature in Cancun in March is 77°F (25°C), with an average max of 81°F (27°C) and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 71%.
Best time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya is November through April, avoiding hurricane season entirely.
Stay connected in Cancun: a Mexico eSIM keeps navigation and translation apps running between Cancun, Tulum, and the ruins.
Read more: Planning a later spring getaway? Where is Hot in April? covers hot destinations, beach escapes, and places with plenty of sunshine.
#4. St Lucia
St Lucia's dry season carries through March, a good stretch for hiking the Pitons, sailing along the calm west coast, and soaking in the Sulphur Springs before the island gets busier and pricier around the winter holidays.
Rainfall and humidity both stay lower than the wetter months later in the year.
St Lucia stays warm and tropical, tempered by steady trade winds. Average temperature in St Lucia in March is 78°F (26°C), with an average max of 82°F (28°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 70%.
Best time to visit St Lucia is December through April, the heart of the dry season.
Stay connected in St Lucia: a St Lucia eSIM for international travel keeps maps and ride apps working from the airport onward.
#5. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Mirissa's south coast dry season runs through March, and this is also peak blue whale watching territory, with boats heading out most mornings from December through April.
The beach itself stays calm for swimming and surfing lessons, a contrast to Sri Lanka's east coast, which follows the opposite seasonal pattern.
Expect tropical, fairly humid heat, cooled somewhat by sea breezes along the shore. Average temperature in Mirissa in March is 80°F (27°C), with an average max of 86°F (30°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 81%, among the highest on this list.
Best time to visit Mirissa and Sri Lanka's south coast is December through April, which covers both the driest weather and the strongest whale watching season.
Stay connected in Mirissa: a Sri Lanka eSIM covers the south coast and the rest of the island if your trip continues further.
#6. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sihanoukville sits in its dry season through March, which makes it a reliable jumping-off point for the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, where the water stays clear and calm for swimming and snorkeling.
Temperatures climb further into Cambodia's hottest stretch in April and May, so March is one of the more comfortable dry-season months.
Sihanoukville runs tropical and humid, with the strongest heat in the early afternoon. Average temperature in Sihanoukville in March is 82°F (28°C), with an average max of 84°F (29°C) and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 77%.
Best time to visit Sihanoukville is November through April, before the wetter months set in.
Stay connected in Sihanoukville: a Cambodia eSIM keeps ferry schedules and island bookings working from the mainland to the islands.
#7. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio's dry season holds through March, so trails inside Manuel Antonio National Park stay easy to walk and wildlife spotting for sloths, capuchin monkeys, and toucans is at its most reliable.
Our Costa Rica Travel Guide has more on combining Manuel Antonio with a stop further up the Pacific coast.
Warm, humid heat builds through the afternoon here, tempered by shade from the surrounding rainforest. Average temperature in Manuel Antonio in March is 78°F (26°C), with an average max of 83°F (28°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 81%.
Best time to visit Manuel Antonio is December through April, before the green season brings daily afternoon rain.
Stay connected in Manuel Antonio: a Costa Rica eSIM keeps maps and park bookings working along the whole Pacific coast.
Read more: For even warmer-weather options later in spring, Where is Hot in May? highlights destinations with high temperatures, sunny conditions, and seasonal travel opportunities.
#8. Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza stays hot and sunny through March, though this falls within the region's milder rainy stretch, so short afternoon showers are more common here than in the other destinations on this list.
Clear mornings are typically the best window for dune buggy trips out to Cumbuco and Jericoacoara before clouds build later in the day.
Fortaleza runs warm and humid, with brief tropical downpours that clear quickly. Average temperature in Fortaleza in March is 80°F (27°C), with an average max of 84°F (29°C) and 7.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 83%, the highest on this list.
Best time to visit Fortaleza is August through December, the driest stretch of the year, though March still delivers plenty of sun between showers.
Stay connected in Fortaleza: a Brazil eSIM keeps maps and translation apps working from the beach into the city.
#9. Muscat, Oman
March is one of the last comfortable months in Muscat before summer's extreme heat sets in, making it a good window for exploring Mutrah Souq, touring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and taking a dhow cruise along the coast.
Wadi trips into the mountains outside the city are also more pleasant before the peak summer temperatures arrive.
The heat in Muscat runs dry, with low humidity that keeps the warmth from feeling oppressive.
Average temperature in Muscat in March is 75°F (24°C), with an average max of 82°F (28°C) and 11.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 53%, among the lowest on this list.
Best time to visit Muscat is November through March, before temperatures climb well past 100°F from May through July and stay in the high 90s through September.
Stay connected in Muscat: an Oman eSIM keeps navigation and translation apps working across the city and out to the wadis.
#10. Jaipur, India
Jaipur often hosts Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in early March, when streets around the old city fill with color powder, music, and street food stalls.
Sightseeing at Amber Fort and the City Palace stays comfortable this month too, before the pre-monsoon heat pushes temperatures higher from April through June.
Jaipur's heat runs dry and intense, especially by early afternoon. Average temperature in Jaipur in March is 75°F (24°C), with an average max of 89°F (32°C) and 11.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 30%, the lowest on this list.
Best time to visit Jaipur is October through March, before the intense pre-monsoon heat sets in.
Stay connected in Jaipur: an India eSIM keeps ride-hailing apps and maps working across Jaipur and the rest of Rajasthan.
Before You Go: Practical Tips for March Travel
Staying hot in March comes with a few practical considerations, from setting up connectivity to packing for the sun.
#1. Set up your eSIM first
Install an eSIM for international travel before you leave home so maps, translation, and ride-hailing apps work the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM counter or airport Wi-Fi.
#2. Pack light, breathable fabrics
Linen and moisture-wicking materials handle humidity far better than heavier cottons or synthetics.
#3. Bring high-SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen matter more near the equator, where UV (ultraviolet) exposure is stronger year-round.
#4. Stay ahead on hydration
Heat and humidity both increase fluid loss, so carry a refillable bottle and drink more than you think you need.
#5. Book flights and hotels early
Many hot destinations in March also enter spring break or peak tourist season, so prices climb and availability tightens the closer you get to departure.
#6. Check first-time flyer basics
If long-haul travel or multiple connections are new to you, our Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers guide covers packing, layovers, and managing jet lag.
Read more: Planning a summer escape? Where is Hot in June? covers destinations suited to beach holidays, sunshine, and warm-weather travel.
Stay Connected Wherever You Go in March With Jetpac
Whichever of these hot destinations in March you choose, a Jetpac eSIM keeps you connected for maps, navigation, activity bookings, translation, and messaging home, all without a local SIM card or a surprise roaming bill.
Jetpac's eSIM for international travel covers 200+ destinations on one profile, so a trip that combines the Maldives with a Sri Lanka stopover, or Cancun with a few days elsewhere in Mexico, doesn't need a new SIM at every border.
Choose a plan based on your destination and trip length, from a short weekend top-up to a full month of data, and install it over Wi-Fi before you leave so it's ready the second you land.
A few Jetpac perks worth knowing about before you go: unlimited hotspot sharing on supported plans, so one eSIM can cover a phone, tablet, and laptop at once; in-app calling to hotels, taxis, and other landlines from $1.99 for 5 minutes; and a 100% money-back guarantee if a plan doesn't work out.
FAQs
What are the top hot destinations in March?
The top hot destinations in March include the Maldives, Krabi in Thailand, Cancun, St Lucia, Mirissa in Sri Lanka, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, Fortaleza in Brazil, Muscat in Oman, and Jaipur in India. Most sit in or near their dry season this month, with average temperatures from the mid-70s to high-80s Fahrenheit.
Where is hot in March on a budget?
What's the cheapest hot destination? Jaipur and Sihanoukville tend to run cheaper than resort-heavy destinations like the Maldives or St Lucia, since flights, food, and accommodation across India and Cambodia are generally lower cost. Mirissa is another budget-friendly pick, with inexpensive guesthouses and local food along the coast.
What should I pack for a hot destination in March?
Lightweight, breathable clothing, a reusable water bottle, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses cover most hot-weather trips. For destinations with high humidity, like Mirissa or Fortaleza, quick-drying fabrics are especially useful.
What's the weather actually like in the Maldives, Muscat, and Jaipur in March?
All three run warm to hot this month, though the type of heat differs quite a bit. The Maldives averages 82°F with 76% humidity and consistent tropical warmth; Muscat averages 75°F with only 53% humidity, so the heat feels drier, and Jaipur averages 75°F with just 30% humidity and a sharper midday intensity typical of a desert climate.
How can I stay safe and healthy in hot weather while traveling?
Drink water consistently rather than waiting until you're thirsty, avoid the strongest midday sun between roughly 11 am and 3 pm, wear sun protection, and build rest breaks into busy sightseeing days. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness or heavy sweating, and move to shade or air conditioning if they appear.
Is March peak, shoulder, or off-season for these destinations?
March falls in peak or late-peak season for the Maldives, Krabi, Cancun, St Lucia, Mirissa, Sihanoukville, and Manuel Antonio, since it lines up with their driest, sunniest weeks before things get either wetter or hotter still. Muscat and Jaipur sit at the tail end of their comfortable dry season before summer's real heat takes over, while Fortaleza runs slightly wetter than usual for the tropics, since March falls within its mild rainy season despite the heat.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only. All climate figures are based on publicly available long-term averages, sourced from Climate-Data.org and verified in September 2026. Actual conditions vary year to year and should be checked against a closer-in forecast before departure. Jetpac is not responsible for any inaccuracies, changes, or losses arising from reliance on this information.
