March transforms the world's coastlines into a traveler's paradise. The best beaches to visit in March offer perfect weather transitions, fewer crowds, and that magical sweet spot between seasons. Whether you're craving the warm waters of the Maldives, the cultural richness of Morocco's Atlantic coast, or the pristine sands of My Khe in Vietnam, March delivers experiences that linger long after your tan fades.
From the turquoise lagoons of Seychelles to the volcanic shores of the Canary Islands, this month opens doors to destinations where winter's chill gives way to spring's promise. Cyprus awakens from its quiet season, while Thailand's beaches shine brightest before the summer heat arrives.
Get ready to discover why March might just be the perfect month for your next beach escape.
List of Contents
- 1. Maldives: Liquid Crystal Dreams
- 2. Seychelles: Granite Giants Meet Turquoise
- 3. Thailand: Emerald Seas and Limestone Pillars
- 4. My Khe Beach, Vietnam: Silk Sand Symphony
- 5. Canary Islands: Volcanic Playground
- 6. Cyprus: Mediterranean Awakening
- 7. Turkey: Turquoise Coast Treasures
- 8. Egypt: Red Sea Coral Gardens
- 9. Morocco: Atlantic Authenticity
- 10. India: Tropical Transition
1. Maldives: Liquid Crystal Dreams
The Maldives in March feels like stepping into a screensaver that came to life. Crystal-clear water meets powder-soft sand in 1,192 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. This month marks the end of the dry season, delivering brilliant sunshine and calm seas perfect for snorkeling.
I'll never forget floating above a coral garden at Maafushi Island, watching manta rays glide beneath like living carpets. The water temperature holds steady at 84°F (29°C), making extended swims effortless. Local guesthouses on inhabited islands cost $80-150 per night, offering authentic Maldivian experiences without resort price tags.
The secret locals know: visit Male's fish market at dawn. The energy, colors, and fresh tuna displays reveal the ocean's daily rhythm that powers these islands.
2. Seychelles: Granite Giants Meet Turquoise
Seychelles in March represents nature's architectural masterpiece. Massive granite boulders frame beaches so photographed they've become visual clichés—yet standing among them feels profoundly original. Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue Island transforms golden at sunset, when the granite glows like burnished copper.
The northeast monsoon brings brief, warm showers that clear within minutes, leaving air so fresh it feels filtered. Temperatures hover around 80°F (27°C), with humidity that feels tropical rather than oppressive. Take the island ferry between Mahé and Praslin for $25—the journey itself becomes part of the beach experience.
Local tip: rent a bicycle on La Digue. Cars are rare, ox-carts still operate, and pedaling between beaches feels like time travel to a simpler world.
3. Thailand: Emerald Seas and Limestone Pillars
Thailand's beaches in March offer the final weeks of peak season perfection. The Gulf of Thailand side, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, enjoys crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. Meanwhile, the Andaman coast around Phuket and Krabi delivers those iconic limestone karsts rising from emerald seas.
At Railay Beach, accessible only by longtail boat, I've watched rock climbers scale cliff faces while beach loungers sip fresh coconut water below. The contrast epitomizes Thailand's diverse appeal. Street food vendors serve pad thai steps from the sand for $2, while luxury resorts offer the same view for $500 per night.
The insider move: visit Phi Phi Islands on weekdays. Weekend crowds from Bangkok can transform paradise into a floating party, but Tuesday mornings reveal the pristine beauty that made these islands famous.
4. My Khe Beach, Vietnam: Silk Sand Symphony
My Khe Beach in Da Nang stretches 20 miles along Vietnam's central coast, offering what locals call “silk sand” beneath your feet. March brings ideal weather—warm days around 75°F (24°C) with low humidity and minimal rainfall. The beach gained international recognition during the Vietnam War as a recreation spot, but today it's Vietnam's premier coastal destination.
The sunrise at My Khe creates a daily ritual for early risers. Local fishermen return with nets full of fresh catch while joggers trace the waterline. Dragon Bridge, visible from the beach, breathes fire every weekend evening—a spectacular finale to perfect beach days.
Vietnamese coffee shops dot the promenade, serving ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) for $1. The contrast between ancient fishing traditions and modern resort development creates a uniquely Vietnamese coastal experience.
5. Canary Islands: Volcanic Playground
The Canary Islands in March feel like Europe's best-kept weather secret. While mainland Europe shivers, these Spanish islands off Morocco's coast enjoy spring temperatures around 70°F (21°C) with almost guaranteed sunshine. Lanzarote's black volcanic beaches create dramatic contrasts with azure waters.
Tenerife's El Médano beach becomes a windsurfing mecca in March, when trade winds create perfect conditions. I've watched beginners take their first lessons while experts perform aerial maneuvers that defy gravity. The volcanic sand feels different—coarser than typical beach sand, with a warmth that holds long after sunset.
Local restaurants serve fresh fish caught that morning, grilled over volcanic rock. The geological drama extends underwater, where volcanic formations create unique diving experiences just steps from your beach towel.
6. Cyprus: Mediterranean Awakening
Cyprus in March represents the Mediterranean's gentle awakening. The island shakes off winter's quiet period as almond trees bloom and temperatures climb toward 68°F (20°C). Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, while Coral Bay near Paphos combines stunning scenery with archaeological wonders nearby.
The crowds haven't arrived yet, making March ideal for exploring both beaches and cultural sites. You can sunbathe at Konnos Bay in the morning, then visit ancient Kourion's amphitheater in the afternoon. This dual appeal—pristine beaches minutes from 3,000-year-old ruins—makes Cyprus unique among Mediterranean islands.
Local tavernas serve mezze platters featuring fresh seafood, halloumi cheese, and olives grown in groves visible from the beach. The hospitality feels genuine rather than tourist-focused, a remnant of March's shoulder season charm.
7. Turkey: Turquoise Coast Treasures
Turkey's Mediterranean coast in March offers dramatic beauty without summer's intense heat. The Turquoise Coast, stretching from Antalya to Fethiye, combines pristine beaches with ancient ruins and traditional villages. Kaputas Beach, with its stunning turquoise lagoon, becomes accessible via a steep cliff path—the physical effort amplifies the reward.
At Oludeniz, paragliders land on the beach after soaring above the Blue Lagoon. The contrast between adventure sports and peaceful sunbathing creates an energetic atmosphere. March temperatures around 65°F (18°C) make hiking the Lycian Way coastal path comfortable, with swimming stops at hidden coves.
Turkish hospitality shines in family-run pensions charging $30-50 per night. Owners often invite guests to share traditional breakfast spreads while discussing local history spanning Greek, Roman, and Ottoman periods—all visible from your beach chair.
8. Egypt: Red Sea Coral Gardens
Egypt's Red Sea coast in March delivers world-class diving and snorkeling in perfect weather conditions. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer coral reefs so vibrant they seem artificial, yet these underwater gardens have flourished for millennia. Water temperatures hold steady at 75°F (24°C), with visibility extending 100 feet or more.
The desert meets the sea in dramatic fashion. You can explore coral reefs in the morning, then ride camels across sand dunes in the afternoon. This contrast between underwater and desert landscapes creates unforgettable experiences within hours of each other.
Local dive shops offer full certification courses for $200-300, while day trips to pristine reefs cost $40-60. The Egyptian hospitality includes tea ceremonies on dive boats, where guides share stories of maritime history dating back to ancient pharaohs.
9. Morocco: Atlantic Authenticity
Morocco's Atlantic coast in March offers a different beach experience—wild, windswept, and authentically North African. Essaouira's medina walls face endless Atlantic swells, while Agadir provides modern resort amenities with traditional Berber culture nearby. The temperatures hover around 70°F (21°C), perfect for exploring both beaches and inland adventures.
The cultural immersion extends to the waterfront. Moroccan fishermen repair nets using techniques passed down through generations, while surfers ride waves formed by Atlantic storms. Tagine lunches cost $5-8 at beachfront restaurants, served with mint tea and views of the endless ocean.
Essaouira's souks, a five-minute walk from the beach, offer handmade crafts and spices. The combination of beach relaxation and cultural exploration creates a rich travel experience unique to Morocco's position between Europe and Africa.
10. India: Tropical Transition
India's beaches in March mark the transition from peak season to the approaching monsoon. Goa's coastline offers everything from party beaches in Baga to peaceful coves in Palolem. The weather remains ideal—warm but not scorching, with humidity levels comfortable for extended beach time.
Kerala's backwaters meet the Arabian Sea in dramatic fashion. At Varkala Beach, red cliffs frame golden sand while Ayurvedic spas offer treatments using herbs grown in nearby hills. The spiritual dimension adds depth to beach experiences—sunrise yoga sessions and meditation retreats complement swimming and sunbathing.
The cultural richness extends to beachfront dining. Fresh seafood curries cost $3-5, prepared with spices that create flavor combinations impossible to replicate elsewhere. Local fishermen welcome visitors to join dawn fishing trips, sharing techniques refined over centuries.
March beaches offer more than just sun and sand—they provide windows into different worlds, cultures, and experiences that expand your perspective on paradise itself.
These destinations await your footprints in their sand, your laughter echoing across their waters, and your memories forming in their stunning settings. Each beach tells a different story, but they all share one promise: March magic that will leave you planning your return before you've even left.
The warm sand between your toes, the gentle waves lapping at your feet, and the endless horizon stretching before you—these best beaches to visit in March offer experiences that transform ordinary vacations into extraordinary adventures.
Start planning now. Your perfect beach escape is just a booking away.
