As European beach holiday destinations slowly emerge from the dark depths of an icy winter other destinations around the world such as Thailand, Gambia, Cuba and Dubai are basking in hot, sunny weather. If you're seeking day long sunbathing sessions in March on the beaches of the Algarve or the south of France you'll be disappointed, so we've picked out some hot countries in March to tempt sun holiday seekers, keen for an uplifting dose of sunshine.

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are just over 50 miles from sub Saharan Africa and so benefit from a pleasant climate and plenty of sunshine all year round, perfect for a hot winter sun holiday. With average winter temperatures hovering around a very mild 23C, sunbathing around the pool or relaxing on the 930 miles of beaches is an everyday possibility.

Average March Temperature: 23C 

Average March Rainfall: 42mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 7hrs

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has some stunning beaches, notably Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. It is also an excellent place to see volcanic activity with Mount Teide looming over the central part of the island. Next in size, Gran Canaria, also plays host to some beautiful beaches, in particular, Maspalomas, with its white beach and huge sand dunes which providing a spectacular backdrop along the 3.5 mile stretch of beach.

Other islands such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Gomera also enjoy pleasant winter sun temperatures, averaging around 23C in March, and as the peak season has long since passed you'll be able to pick up some bargain package deals in March.

Dubai

Dubai has a hot and arid desert climate but this ensures hot and sunny weather all year round. In fact, it's almost too hot in the summer months with temperatures reaching over 40C. A much more pleasant time to visit Dubai is from November to March when temperatures tolerable for sun seekers.

Average March Temperature: 23C 

Average March Rainfall: 21mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 8.5hrs

Beautiful beaches line Dubai's coastline such as Jumeirah Beach, home to Dubai's swankiest holiday clubs and hotels. Dubai is popular for it's local markets or Souks as they are referred to locally, there is a whole host of different souks selling the a wide range of Arabian themed produce - the  Spice Souk, Perfume Souk and Fish Souk are well worth a visit purely for the experience if not to purchase anything! Recently opened, the Dubai Mall has the world's largest number of retailers in one mall with 1,200 shops, housed in salubrious surroundings in air-conditioned bliss. Outside of Dubai's city limits thrill seeking visitors should try a 4X4 desert safari which takes you on a tour of the awe-inspiring dunes, you can also stop at local Arabian settlements and even try your hand at sandboarding!

Florida

Disneyworld and the Orlando theme parks plus stunning beaches such as St Petersburg and Clearwater make Florida a brilliant choice for a hot family holiday in March

Average March Temperature: 25C 

Average March Rainfall: 92mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 9hrs

With average temperature high's of 25C and average March rainfall of 92mm in comparison to 200mm in June, Florida is definitely a safe bet for British holidaymakers desperate for some vitamin D this March! 

Caribbean

The Caribbean Islands will always satisfy the need for a spot of March winter sun. From the Bahamas in the north of the Caribbean region to Barbados in the south, there will be plenty of package holiday deals to suit the budgets of most travellers desperate to soak up some winter rays this March

The fascinating island of Cuba has some of the best value all inclusive resorts in the world; you can have a luxury all inclusive 10 days for approximately £900. 

Average March Temperature: 25C 

Average March Rainfall: 40mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 8hrs

Also, for example, the Dominican Republic has excellent all-inclusive resorts and is perfect for your hot holidays in March; the temperature peaks around midday at 27C to 30C, and the rainfall statistics are pleasing too; the Dominican Republic has just 50mm of rain per month and that usually falls at night, when you'll be sipping a rum and coke and tucking into the local cuisine!

Gambia

Gambia is often overlooked by many UK holidaymakers as the Canaries, Balearics, Greece and Turkey take precedent. However, Gambia is a great alternative to a Mediterranean holiday and also offers a March winter sun option for sun starved Brits.

Most major tour operators include Gambia in their brochures and you can pick up some fantastic late bargains for 2 adults for 1 week for around £300. Be warned that you need to have injections before travelling (Malaria tablets too) but you are virtually guaranteed 9 hours of sunshine with temperatures peaking at 33C during the day and zero rainfall in March. 

Average March Temperature: 26C 

Average March Rainfall: 0mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 9hrs

So for a total different cultural experience in Western Africa, beaches that stretch for miles, guaranteed sunshine and a cheap package holiday deal, so why not consider Gambia for your hot holidays in March? 

Thailand

Thailand is a country scattered with tropical islands such as Ko Phi Phi, Ko Chang, Ko Samui and popular resorts such as Pattaya and Phuket, all conjuring up typical picture postcard scenes of white sands, turquoise seas and palm fringed beaches.

Average March Temperature: 29C 

Average March Rainfall: 60mm

Average Hours of Sunshine: 9hrs

Although flights to Bangkok may be more expensive than the usual fortnight in Spain, the costs when you're there are very low indeed, a top quality meal in a restaurant with a couple of drinks will set you back the equivalent of £10, perfect if you're a big fan of hot Thai cuisine and genuine Thai hospitality. The cost of accommodation is also very competitive from air conditioned beach bungalows to 5 star resorts for a fraction of European prices.

The March climate is perfect too; the bustling and popular resort of Phuket has average temperatures of 29C and enjoys 9 hours of sunshine. As Thailand is sub tropical in the heart of South East Asia it has very high humidity in March so the monthly 60mm of rain is most welcome as evening descends, cooling things down to a still balmy 24C at night.