Top 3 Best Caribbean Winter Sun Destinations in March

Snowbirds and 50+ visitors who want to visit the Caribbean during winter will find the region's laid-back lifestyle relaxing and the weather warm, dry, and welcoming. Hot temperatures, calm seas, and cool breezes are what to expect – only on rare occasions will you get light showers. The top destinations in March are Barbados, St Lucia, and Grenada.

These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Caribbean winter sun destinations in March.

#1. Barbados Winter Sun Destination in March

The Caribbean is a collection of Islands with diverse peoples and cultures, and Barbados is one of them. Its warm tropical climate endears it to tourists the world over, making it a top holiday destination.

Barbados holds a special appeal thanks to its multipleattractions, including stunning beaches, water activities, cruises, lush tropical scenery, and scrumptious seafood.

Why Should You Stay in Barbados in March?

In March, the weather is hot and balmy, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F)

on average, making it very appealing for snowbirds and 50+ visitors looking for warmer weather.

Barbados is a place steeped in rich history. In fact, Bridgetown (the capital) and the Garrison area are UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. The island also possesses magnificent colonial architecture, gorgeous beaches, a broad array of tropical flora and fauna, rich marine life, and astounding coastal scenery.

Accessing Barbados

March is pretty busy with tourists, so prices tend to be steep (the island is among the most expensive places in the Caribbean). Therefore, consider making your flight and accommodation bookings early.

You touch down at Grantley Adams International Airport, which handles flights to the US, Canada, and Europe.

The transport system is solid in Barbados though the island is a mere 430 square kilometers. To get around, use a taxi or take the bus – it's cheaper. Note there are no trains.

What to See in Barbados

Below are some of the top attractions, events, and sightseeing opportunities open to snowbirds and 50+ visitors in March:

The Annual Sanday Lane Gold Cup: If you enjoy horse racing, you will adore this event which draws jockeys, international riders, and horse racing enthusiasts globally. It takes place onthe first Saturday of March.
Careenage Marina: This marina hosts top-notch eateries and pubs. It's also the place where ships docked to unload cargo.
Historical landmarks: These include the Gothic-inspired St. John's Parish Church, George Washington House and Museum, and Ferdinando Paleologus' tomb (believed to be kin to Constantine The Great). Also, there's Gun Hill Signal Station, built to warn about imminent threats, and St. Nicholas Abbey, an ancient plantation house where you can view artifacts, stroll through glorious gardens, and enjoy some rum tasting.
Mount Gay Distillery: This 18th-century distillery produces world-class rum. You also get to taste Barbados' acclaimed cocktail, the rum punch.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve: The reserve contains cheeky, green monkeys whose native home is West Africa.
Sugar plantations: The historic plantations (dating back to the 25th century) form a cultural landmark, with The Morgan Lewis Windmill being the last sugar mill.
Botanical gardens: The lush gardens include the exquisite Orchid World, a tropical flower garden with multiple orchid species. You'll also find a tumbling waterfall here.
Kensington Oval: Cricket is the national sport. Get ready to watch a thrilling match on these world-famous grounds.

Activities in Barbados

Barbados offers a wide range of activities to help you forget the cold winter and have a fantastic time. These include:

A visit to the beach: Barbados has beautiful white sandy beaches with aquamarine waters like Crane Beach and Carlisle Bay. Enjoy a stroll, cooling dip, or dine at the classy restaurants that dot the area.
Take a cruise: A luxury cruise offers an unrivaled way to experience this incredible island – you get to view the beautiful Barbados West coast aboard a catamaran. While on the cruise, enjoy snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, exploring shipwrecks, and swimming alongside sea turtles, vibrant corals, and tropical fish in the warm, clear waters.
Bajan Walking Food Tour: Sample Barbados' culinary delights like rice 'n' peas, flying fish, fish cakes, and roti on the streets of Bridgetown as you learn about Bajan culinary history. The eclectic flavors borrow from Creole, British, and Portuguese fare. This tour presents an excellent opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed site too.
Oistins Fish Market: Go here for delicious and affordable local food (like fresh fish and macaroni pie) available all night.
Go shopping: Don't leave Barbados without souvenirs and gifts. Choose from high-quality Caribbean crafts, spices, jewelry, and Caribbean rum either at Bridgetown Market or the famous Crane Village.
Reggae music: Check out bars showcasing local legends throughout the week.

Additional Things to See and Do in Barbados in March

Visit Gibbs Beach: This well-liked beach with aquamarine waters is home to exotic fish like rainbow-hued parrotfish.
Tour Folkestone Beach: The rich artificial reef here contains a shipwreck, home to an expansive marine life.
Explore Carlisle Bay: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for snorkeling and wreck diving, with up to six shipwrecks marked with buoys.
Visit Harrison's Cave: The dramatic cave consists of a limestone cavern that extends for a mile. A natural wonder, it contains stalagmites, stalactites, a pool, and an underground waterfall.
Food on Wheels: Food vans are a Caribbean specialty. Get mouthwatering ribs, and oxtail stew served from a traditional minivan.

Are You Safe in Barbados?

Barbados is reasonably safe (compared to other Caribbean destinations), but you should still exercise standard precautions. Keep your belongings secure, stay clear of isolated areas, especially after dusk, and avoid carrying lots of cash/jewelry.

There is no threat of hurricane weather in March, though, as this usually occurs between June and November.

Health-wise, you need to take precautions against Dengue Fever (use mosquito repellant) and get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, B, and Yellow Fever. Additionally, buy travel insurance to cover health expenditures or emergencies, as medical care in Barbados is rather steep. That said, you can get a doctor at any of the readily available private hospitals, emergency centers, or leading hospitals.

Helpful Tips When Holidaying in Barbados

Protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing pants, long sleeves, plus a hat.
Be careful when swimming, as currents can get strong.
Beware of pedlars selling drugs on the streets/beach – drugs are illegal here.
Be mindful of falling coconuts.

#2. St Lucia Winter Sun Destination in March

St. Lucia is arguably the most picturesque of all the Caribbean Islands. Add to this a pleasant climate (temperatures lie between 23 and 29°C (73 and 84°F), fabulous beaches, splendid waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails, and you have the setting for an idyllic vacation. No wonder couples and honeymooners pick this as their best option in the Caribbean.

There's much to see in St. Lucia, which contains two Pitons listed by UNESCO World Heritage. What’s more,this month kicks off the turtle hatching season. Here's more:

The Gros and Petit Pitons. Visit these twin volcanic plugs and take amazing photos, or if you are up to it, hike the Gros Piton. The 4-hour trek rewards you with splendid views at the top.
St Lucia Botanical Gardens: Relax amidst natural tropical flowers.
Beautiful beaches: Swim or sunbathe on St Lucia's amazing beaches. These include Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Anse Cochon Beach. The bays offer snorkeling opportunities.
Hiking: Tet Paul Nature Trail boasts spellbinding views, while the area surrounding Gros Piton offers superb hiking grounds.
Sightseeing cruise: This includes snorkeling and scuba diving, presenting a superb chance to explore the thriving underwater world. In March, the waters have high visibility due to minimal river run-off.
Pigeon Island National Park: The park features the remnants of canons and military buildings from the Britain-France wars (1770s).
Tour St Lucia's landscapes atop an ATV: This exciting ride takes you through lush tropical forests, farming communities, and past historical sites.
Land and sea tour: Take a tour of Saint Lucia's top highlights, including mud baths, fishing villages, La Soufriere drive-in volcano, and Toraille Waterfall.

#3. Grenada Winter Sun Destination in March

Grenada might be among the tiniest Islands in the Caribbean, but this fantastic destination has plenty to offer in March. With temperatures averaging between 23-30°C (73 – 86°F), you will likely enjoy a picture-perfect vacation.

You can get to Grenada from the Bahamas via ferry, as the two islands have a ferry service connecting them, making it easy to island hop from one to the other.

What to See and Do in Grenada Over Winter

Fort George. Visit this picturesque spot that serves spectacular views and history. Attractions include 19th-century cast-iron cannons and tunnels.
River Antoine Rum Distillery: You get a taste of the Caribbean's best rum here. It is distilled the traditional way.
Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve: Adventure seekers will enjoy hiking through a tropical rainforest with waterfalls, monkeys, bird life, and panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.
Underwater Sculpture Park: Snorkel over astounding underwater sculptures teeming with multicolored fish, corals, and barnacles. The park is listed among National Geographic’s Wonders of the World.
Market Square: Grenada is also known asSpice Island. A stroll through Market Square reinforces this, as it is filled with the fragrant aroma of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Grand Anse Beach: This enticing beach is the best spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to calm waters and a long stretch of white, soft sand.
Diamond Chocolate Factory Tour: Discover how Grenadine's Jouvay chocolate gets its unique taste. Additionally, you could also try out the chocolate smoothie or chocolate beer.

How this Top 3 list was made

The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.