Where to travel in February and March

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

February and March sit between the winter peak and the summer heat. Prices start to ease, the weather is still good across much of India, and spring arrives in Japan and Europe.

In India

• Rajasthan: the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is usually in February, and days are warm but not yet hot.
• Rann of Kutch: the last weeks of the Rann Utsav and clear desert nights.
• Holi: celebrated with colour across North India, most famously in Mathura and Vrindavan, usually in March.
• The Andaman Islands: calm seas and clear water around Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), ideal for diving.
• Wildlife: tiger reserves enter their best sighting months from March.
• Snow: Gulmarg's ski season usually continues into March.
• Khajuraho: the dance festival is usually held in February.

Abroad

• Japan: plum blossom in February and cherry blossom from late March in Kyoto and Tokyo. See Best time to visit Japan: cherry blossom, autumn leaves and beyond.
• The Netherlands: Keukenhof's tulip gardens usually open in late March. See Netherlands.
• Vietnam: a good time for a full north-to-south trip.
• Thailand, the Maldives and Sri Lanka's west coast: still in their dry season.
• Dubai: the last comfortable weeks before summer.
• Lapland and Norway: longer days with snow and northern lights still possible.

Tips

• Holi and the cherry blossom season are popular; book early.
• March is the end of the financial year in India, so some travellers find it harder to take leave; plan ahead.
• Exam season affects family travel in March.

See our Festival and seasonal trips page.