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.
Egypt (Red Sea)
Egypt’s Red Sea coast in March is one of the best-value beach holidays from the UK. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh reach 24-26°C, the sea is warm and clear for snorkelling and diving, and direct flights from multiple UK airports take around five hours. March prices sit well below the December and January peak.
Sharm el-Sheikh suits those who want a purpose-built resort with direct beach access and water sports on the doorstep. Hurghada is the better base for day trips: boat excursions to offshore reefs, the desert at sunrise, and the possibility of reaching Luxor in a long day by road or a short internal flight. Both resorts have a solid range of all-inclusive hotels from budget to four-star.
Jet2, easyJet and TUI all fly direct from UK regional airports. March is one of the most reliable months on the Red Sea: dry, sunny and hot without the humidity of summer. Budget around £700-900 per person for a week all-inclusive from the UK in March, significantly less than July or August equivalents.
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.
Further afield: long-haul options for March
March is the last comfortable month in Dubai before summer heat arrives, and both Florida and the Caribbean are at their best. Prices are more reasonable than the Christmas and January peak.
| Destination | Avg Temp | Flight Time | Why Go in March |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 28°C | 7h | The last good month before temperatures climb above 35 degrees. Short flight for long-haul, with good daily schedules from most UK airports. |
| Florida | 27°C | 9h 30m | Late March, after the Spring Break peak, offers excellent conditions. Beaches and theme parks are manageable and the heat is warm rather than tiring. |
| Barbados | 28°C | 8h 30m | The dry season continues. March is one of the best months for windsurfing at Silver Sands on the south coast. |
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.
Jane Robinson is Senior Editor at Flight Tribe. She has a Master’s in English and Journalism, and writes about flight deals, holiday offers and practical ways UK travellers can spend less without wasting time on weak promotions. Jane has spent time living and working across Asia and New Zealand, which gave her a lasting interest in how people travel, eat, move around and spend their free time in different places.
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