The last few weeks have been particularly drizzly, so you’d be forgiven for dreaming of escaping to sunnier climates. The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful destinations enjoying warm and balmy weather in March – for those who aren’t tied to school holiday dates, it can also be a budget-friendly time to go away before the peak seasons kick in.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best hot and sunny destinations in March. Check out our top picks below…

The Caribbean

March is one of the best months to visit the Caribbean; the weather is hot and sunny but with a light breeze, with average daily temperatures around 28C. Basically, ideal conditions whether you want to make the most of those ridiculously beautiful Caribbean beaches or explore the islands’ rich cultures, charming towns and historic landmarks.

Mexico

Cancun and Tulum are well worth having on your radar if you’re after holidays full of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and luxurious hotels. Temperatures in March tend to average around 29C in the day time, while come evening time the balmy temperatures are still ideal if you fancy eating outside, or exploring Cancun’s iconic Strip with its bustling bars and clubs.

Las Vegas

There’s so much more to this Nevada hotspot than just casinos and parties – although there are plenty of those on offer of course. Spend your day lounging by one of the glorious hotel pools, tucking into some seriously good food at any of the countless restaurants, or taking on thrilling attractions from rollercoasters to zip lines. Come nighttime, Vegas quite famously has an abundance of clubs, restaurants and bars to check out, not to mention there are always tons of shows and live performances to enjoy.

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands tend to offer year-round sunshine, and in March you can enjoy daily average temperatures of around 20C. It may not be quite hot enough to lounge on the beaches, but each island boasts plenty more to explore thanks to the varied landscapes, historic landmarks and attractions including theme parks.

Thailand

If Thailand has always been on your bucket list, then March could be one of the best times to go. For a start you won’t be battling the school holiday crowds to be found in the likes of February half term, but you’ll still get plenty of sunshine and warm weather that’s ideal whether you’re planning to hit the beach or do a spot of sightseeing.

The Maldives

There are some amazing experiences in the Maldives from underwater restaurants to picture-perfect beaches. No wonder it’s hailed as a must-visit for the bucket list.In March the islands’ temperatures tend to be around 31C which are ideal for those lazy beach days, soaking up the views and only moving when you want to take a dip in the crystalline waters, enjoy a spa treatment or tuck into some delicious world cuisines.

Morocco

If you’re not a huge beach fan but you’re after a city break in the sunshine, Morocco delivers. Marrakech is packed with bustling markets and beautiful landmarks, while the country’s world-famous Chefchaouen aka the Blue City is a must-visit. Average temperatures in March tend to be around 22C, making for ideal conditions if you’re going to be out and about exploring during the day, especially compared to the overwhelming hot temperatures during the summer months.

• Jet2 and easyJet can be good sources for Marrakech city breaks including flight and hotel packages. 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s temperatures in March tend to be around 25C-30C, which works well if you’re planning to do plenty of sightseeing but also want some days to relax on the breathtaking beaches. There’s so much to see and do too whether you’re heading to the ancient citadel of Sigiriya, keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife in Udawalawe National Park, or visiting iconic temples such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth.

Vietnam

Vietnam is packed with vibrant cities, beautiful temples and paradise-esque islands, and March’s balmy temperatures can make for a dreamy scenario to explore them all.It’s hot enough that you can make the most of the beaches, but not so hot that a day spent sightseeing can feel a little daunting.

Bali

Bali has average daily temperatures of around 27C in March and the weather is usually dry, so it’s the ideal time to go and explore what the Indonesian hotspot has to offer. After all, the island offers heaps of amazing things to visit, a plethora of picture-perfect beaches for those lazy days, and of course, it’s home to some of the world’s most incredible temples.