Travel Photography: Where to Go in March

March is an interesting month. It’s the crossover between winter and spring. In some places, it’s still full-blown winter, while in others, daffodils are already blooming. However, the harsh—or for some, rainy—part of winter is beginning to fade, and photographers are increasingly greeted by warm sunshine. Yet, even as nature stirs, green is still missing from the color palette. It appears nature is still asleep.  

In this article, we’ll mostly explore Europe, making just one journey overseas. We’ll start with the frozen landscapes of Iceland before heading across the Atlantic to the slightly less frozen Boston, Massachusetts. The historic streets of Boston take us back to the early settlements of North America. But even Boston is a baby compared to Florence, Italy, with its over 2,000 years of history. Back in Central Europe, Český Krumlov offers a rare chance to experience its charm without the usual tourist crowds and the scenic peak of Ploská in Slovakia’s Velká Fatra is a rewarding early spring climb.

1. Iceland

Iceland in March is anything but ordinary. If you’re after long hikes and camping, the summer months are a better bet. But if you want rugged Iceland—with longer days, Northern Lights, frozen waterfalls, lower prices, and fewer tourists—March is the month for you. Rent a car directly from the airport and drive around Iceland. Explore its hidden gems at your own pace. Iceland rewards those who seek its beauty, but respect its unpredictable weather—even in March, you’ll understand why Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. 

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is a small archipelago in the south of Iceland where few travelers venture. A short ferry ride brings you to this quiet fishing community that forms the center of the island. From the ferry, you already have spectacular views, but the real magic is found in the hills and lookout points.  There are several on Vestmannaeyjar and they are never very far apart. The views of the rugged volcanic islands and the vast Atlantic allow you to fully absorb the surroundings. 

March casts Iceland in a unique light, often a deep blue that is complemented by the golden hues of the sun. This fascinating interplay of light and color unfolds before your eyes, heightened by the country’s open, dramatic landscapes. With 10-13 hours of daylight in March, you’ll have plenty of time to capture it all.  

2. Boston (USA)

Boston is one of America’s most visited cities, and for good reason. This early European settlement offers a mix of history, architecture, and fantastic food. March can be brisk, but the light is softer, and the city’s streets offer great opportunities for getting creative with light. The diverse architecture spans centuries and offers striking compositions of its many different layers, from the founding of the city, to the present day.  

Unlike European cities, where green spaces blend with urban life, Boston has fewer trees. Not to mention, the trees are still bare in March. However, this lack of foliage allows other colors to take center stage, offering unique perspectives you might miss in summer. Like other U.S. cities, there’s never a shortage of color, so you can even think of your visit as a small exercise in color.  

Another benefit of a March visit is that you won’t be sharing the city with crowds of tourists. You may experience colder temperatures, but even that is better than high summer temperatures combined with oppressive humidity. Not to mention, more reasonable prices for accommodation and other services.  

3. Florence (Italy)

Italian summers get so hot that an increasing number of tourists try to explore this masterpiece of a city in the spring or fall. That’s why March is the perfect time to visit. The weather is already relatively warm, and while the historic center of Florence is never empty, the crowds are far more manageable. Venture beyond the city center to experience Florence beyond the typical tourist spots—these are often the best for capturing local life.  

Florence is sometimes known as the “city of bridges.”  Its most famous, the Ponte Vecchio (or Bridge of Goldsmiths), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another famous historic bridge is the Santa Trinita. These spots are popular with tourists, but Florence has many other bridges primarily used by locals that offer unique photographic perspectives of the city and surrounding hills.

Remember, you’re in the heart of Tuscany. There are beautiful hills, forests, and centuries-old vineyards around Florence. This rolling, rugged landscape is extremely photogenic and begins just outside Florence. Renting a car is best for exploring the countryside, but you can reach the surrounding villages with the help of public buses. 

4. Český Krumlov (Czechia)

Český Krumlov is the Czech equivalent of Florence in terms of popularity. That’s why it’s a good idea to come here in March, before the main tourist season. If you want to venture further off the beaten path, take advantage of Český Krumlov’s accessibility and try to avoid visiting on weekends. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of this magical place all the more. 

Český Krumlov is steeped in history and architectural charm. From a photographic perspective, it’s a perfect location. It is situated on the hills and the river winds through the historical center, adding to its picturesque appeal. Wander through its streets and keep an observant eye, because every angle offers a new and interesting composition of diverse architecture and landscape.

5. Veľká Fatra (Slovakia)

If it’s the mountains you’re after, you don’t have to go far from the Czech Republic. For some travelers, Slovakia’s Veľká Fatra is even closer than Český Krumlov. By March, the snow is slowly disappearing from the hills or packed down on well-trodden paths, making hiking easier. The visibility is spectacular.  

With an altitude of 1,532 meters, Ploská is an excellent choice for photographing breathtaking views. Its lack of forest means the landscape is constantly shifting. That is, unless you get caught in a snowstorm, which is not very likely in March but can still happen. But if that happens, embrace the challenge and get some interesting minimalist shots of the snow-covered scenery.