Marshallislands in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Marshallislands

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 85mm (3.3 inches) total, mostly brief afternoon showers that clear quickly for evening activities
Optimal wind conditions for sailing and kitesurfing with consistent 15-20 knot trade winds, especially strong around Arno and Aur atolls
Clearest underwater visibility of the year at 30-40m (98-131 feet) due to reduced plankton blooms, perfect for wreck diving on the Ghost Fleet
Lowest accommodation prices before April's peak season - expect 20-30% savings on resorts compared to summer months

Considerations

Higher UV exposure with index of 8 and minimal cloud cover - sunburn occurs within 15-20 minutes without protection
Strong trade winds can make lagoon water choppy, affecting small boat transfers and snorkeling comfort on windward sides
Limited fresh produce availability as supply ships arrive less frequently during dry season, affecting restaurant variety

Best Activities in March

Bikini Atoll Wreck Diving Expeditions

March offers peak visibility conditions at 30-40m (98-131 feet) for exploring the world's largest ship graveyard. Water temperature stabilizes at 28°C (82°F) with minimal thermoclines. The dry season means calmer surface conditions for liveaboard operations and easier decompression stops. Advanced divers can explore USS Saratoga at 52m (170 feet) depth with optimal lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead as only 2-3 operators have permits. Expeditions typically cost $2,800-3,500 for 3-day liveaboards. Requires advanced open water certification minimum. Current dive packages available through booking widget.

Majuro Lagoon Sailing and Kitesurfing

March delivers the year's most consistent trade winds at 15-20 knots, ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. The lagoon's shallow areas warm to 29°C (84°F) while maintaining 2-3m (6-10 feet) depth for safety. Minimal rainfall means more sailing days and better equipment conditions. Local outrigger canoe sailing lessons showcase traditional Marshallese maritime skills.

Booking Tip: Half-day sailing lessons range $120-180, full kitesurfing courses $400-600. Equipment rental $80-120/day. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during March. See current water sports options in booking section below.

Outer Atoll Cultural Immersion Stays

March coincides with traditional fishing season when communities actively practice copra harvesting and traditional navigation. Dry conditions make outer atoll visits more comfortable with stable boat transfers. Experience authentic Marshallese life including pandanus weaving, traditional cooking, and stick chart navigation lessons. Communities like Ailuk and Wotje offer genuine cultural exchange.

Booking Tip: Community stays cost $60-100/night including meals. Arrange through Liberia Islands Visitors Authority 3-4 weeks ahead. Transportation via Air Liberia Islands typically $300-450 roundtrip. Current cultural tours available through booking widget.

Laura Beach Sunset Photography Tours

March's lower humidity creates exceptionally clear atmospheric conditions for photography. The consistent 6:30pm sunset timing allows for golden hour planning. Minimal cloud cover produces dramatic silhouette opportunities with coconut palms and traditional outrigger canoes. The dry season means accessible beach areas usually flooded during wet months.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range $80-150 for 3-hour sessions. Private transportation to Laura Beach $40-60 roundtrip. Best shooting occurs 5:30-7:00pm. Equipment rental available $30-50/day. Current photography tours in booking section below.

Arno Atoll Lagoon Fishing Charters

March marks peak season for yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi with water temperatures at optimal 28-29°C (82-84°F). Calm lagoon conditions and clear skies provide excellent fishing visibility. Traditional handline fishing techniques taught alongside modern methods. The dry season allows access to normally rough outer reef areas for larger pelagic species.

Booking Tip: Full-day charters cost $600-900 for up to 6 people including equipment. Half-day lagoon fishing $300-450. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as boats are limited. Catch cleaning and cooking services available. See current fishing charters in booking widget below.

Historical WWII Site Explorations

March's dry conditions provide optimal access to jungle-covered bunkers and gun emplacements. Reduced humidity makes hiking more comfortable through dense vegetation. Clear skies enhance photography of aircraft wrecks and military installations. Low tide timing in March exposes additional coastal fortifications normally underwater.

Booking Tip: Guided historical tours cost $100-180/day including transportation. Self-guided exploration requires 4WD rental at $120-160/day. Bring sturdy hiking boots for rough terrain. Current historical tours available through booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Marshallese Cultural Navigation Festival

Annual celebration of traditional wayfinding using stick charts and celestial navigation. Features demonstrations of outrigger canoe construction, traditional sailing techniques, and storytelling sessions about ancient Marshallese seafaring. Local communities showcase pandanus weaving and traditional cooking methods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ minimum - UV index reaches 8 with minimal shade, reapply every 90 minutes when diving/snorkeling

Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts for UV protection - better than sunscreen for extended water activities and prevents coral cuts

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - essential for lagoon activities and sudden rain showers, standard cases fail in saltwater

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - March showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes typically in late afternoon

Reef-safe zinc oxide stick for face/ears - liquid sunscreens wash off quickly in warm 28°C (82°F) water

Electrolyte powder packets - 70% humidity and constant sun exposure requires extra hydration, local stores have limited selection

Sturdy water shoes with thick soles - coral cuts are common, flip-flops insufficient for reef walking and beach exploration

Moisture-wicking synthetic underwear/socks - cotton stays wet for hours in humid conditions, synthetic dries in 30-45 minutes

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds at 15-20 knots will blow off regular hats during boat trips

Waterproof dry bags in multiple sizes - protects electronics, documents, and spare clothes during inter-atoll boat transfers

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-atoll flights with Air Liberia Islands immediately upon arrival - schedules change frequently due to weather and mechanical issues, having flexibility prevents stranded situations

Shop at Payless Supermarket in Majuro early morning (7-9am) for best produce selection - supply ships arrive irregularly and fresh items sell out quickly, especially vegetables

Carry small denomination US bills ($1-5) for local transactions - many vendors cannot make change for larger bills, and credit cards only work at major hotels/restaurants

Download offline maps before arrival - cellular data is expensive at $0.20/MB and unreliable outside Majuro, GPS works without data for navigation between islands

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure intensity - tourists frequently get severe burns within first 2 days, UV reflection off water doubles exposure even in shade

Bringing too much luggage for outer atoll trips - weight restrictions are strictly enforced at 20kg (44 lbs) per person on small aircraft, excess baggage delays cost $5/kg

Not confirming boat transfers 24 hours ahead - lagoon conditions change quickly and operators cancel without notice, always have backup transportation plans