March is the point in the year when UK winters really start to drag. You need at least five degrees more than you are getting. The good news is that you do not have to travel far. Lanzarote, Seville, Cyprus and Marrakech all offer reliable warmth in March, with direct flights from most UK airports and prices that have not yet climbed to their summer peak. Here is what to expect from each.
See the Where’s Hot Each Month guide for the full year, or read on for the March detail.
| Destination | Avg Temp | Flights from UK | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanzarote | 21°C | 4 hrs | Reliable sun, volcanic scenery, good value |
| Seville | 18°C | 2.5 hrs | City breaks, architecture, off-peak prices |
| Cyprus | 18°C | 4.5 hrs | Walking, spring wildflowers, Easter breaks |
| Marrakech | 21°C | 3 hrs | Short breaks, souks, affordable riad stays |
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the most dependable warm-weather option in March for UK travellers. Daytime temperatures average 21°C, there are around seven hours of sunshine per day, and rainfall is minimal: the island gets less annual rain than many parts of southern Spain and has a near-desert microclimate. The volcanic interior around Timanfaya National Park is the most distinctive terrain in the Canaries, and the small resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are spacious without being crowded in March.
Flights take around four hours from most UK airports. Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 all operate the route. March falls before the Easter school holiday uplift, so prices are notably lower than April. Self-catering apartments are particularly good value. Check our Canary Islands budget guide for what to budget per day.
Sea temperature sits around 19°C in March: cool, but most visitors manage a short swim. The beaches are quieter than summer. For couples and walkers, March is arguably the best month on the island.
Seville
Seville in March is close to perfect for a city break. Daytime temperatures reach 17-19°C, the light is sharp and clear, and the city is quiet enough to move around without fighting crowds. The Cathedral, the Alcazar gardens and the Barrio Santa Cruz are all best seen in spring before the tour groups arrive in force in April and May. The orange trees are still bearing fruit in March, which gives the city its characteristic scent.
March prices for hotels and flights are significantly lower than April, when Semana Santa brings large crowds and room rates spike. Book a central hotel in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and you can walk to every major sight. Flights from the UK take around two and a half hours. Ryanair and Vueling both operate direct routes from multiple UK airports.
See our guide to booking cheap flights for tips on finding the best Seville fares. Budget for around £80-120 per night for a good central hotel in March.
Cyprus
Cyprus in March is warm and largely sunny but not yet swimming weather for most UK visitors. Daytime temperatures reach 17-18°C in Paphos and Limassol, rising to 19-20°C by the end of the month. The sea sits around 17°C, which is on the cooler side. The island offers good value for money in March compared with peak summer packages.
The main draw in March is the combination of mild walking conditions and the start of the spring wildflower season. The Akamas Peninsula and Troodos foothills turn green and colourful by mid-month. For those specifically looking for Easter breaks, Cyprus is a popular choice: it has a strong Orthodox Easter tradition, and the island is well served by UK charter and scheduled flights.
Flights from most UK airports take around four and a half hours. Package deals are common and often represent good value for accommodation in the southern resorts. Check our all-inclusive holidays guide for Cyprus options.
Marrakech
Marrakech in March is close to ideal. Daytime temperatures average 21°C, evenings cool to 12-14°C, and the rains that occasionally affect February are largely gone. The medina is at its most animated: spring produces fresh produce in the souks, flowers in the Majorelle Garden, and good light for photography across the city’s rooftops and squares.
One date to check before booking: if your trip falls during Ramadan, the experience changes significantly. Restaurants close during daylight hours, some riads reduce their services, and the evening atmosphere is different but can be compelling. Ramadan dates shift each year, so confirm against the Islamic calendar for your specific March dates before committing.
Flights from most UK airports take around three hours. Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways all operate the route. Marrakech is one of the cheaper warm-weather short breaks available in March: a riad stay and return flights can often be arranged for under £400 per person. See our Morocco budget guide for what to expect on costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best March holiday destination from the UK?
Lanzarote is the most reliable warm-weather option in March, with around 21°C and very little rainfall. It also has the most direct flight options from UK airports and a wide choice of accommodation at all price points.
Is Seville worth visiting in March?
Yes. Temperatures average 17-19°C during the day, which is perfect for exploring the old town without heat or crowds. Hotels are significantly cheaper in March than in April and May when Semana Santa and the Feria bring in large numbers of visitors.
Can you swim in the sea in Lanzarote in March?
The sea temperature in Lanzarote sits around 19°C in March, which is cool but swimmable. Most visitors manage a short dip without a wetsuit, though it is noticeably cooler than the July-August peak of 22-23°C.
How warm is Cyprus in March?
Cyprus averages 17-18°C during the day in March, rising slightly at the end of the month. Evenings cool to around 10°C. The sea is around 17°C, which most UK visitors find too cool for sustained swimming.
Is Marrakech good in March?
March is one of the best months for Marrakech: 21°C days, cool evenings, and the city at its most lively. Check Ramadan dates before booking, as the experience changes considerably if your trip overlaps with the fast.
