Things to Do in Marshall Islands in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Marshall Islands
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Exceptional lagoon visibility for diving and snorkeling - March sits at the tail end of the dry season, meaning underwater visibility regularly hits 30-40 m (98-131 ft) around Bikini Atoll and Majuro's outer reefs before April's heavier rains arrive
- Calmer ocean conditions for inter-atoll travel - the northeast trade winds typically moderate in March compared to January-February, making the 3-4 hour boat trips between atolls significantly more comfortable and reducing cancellations from rough seas
- Lower accommodation prices before spring break surge - you'll find room rates at Majuro's hotels running 15-20% below April-May prices, and booking 3-4 weeks ahead usually secures availability without the panic of high season
- Peak season for pelagic fish sightings - March brings large schools of tuna, manta rays, and occasionally whale sharks to the outer reef channels, particularly around Arno Atoll's eastern passages where currents concentrate nutrients
Considerations
- Inconsistent inter-island flight schedules - Air Marshall Islands tends to adjust routes in March for maintenance cycles, meaning your planned trip to Jaluit or Wotje might face last-minute schedule changes or 2-3 day delays that can disrupt tight itineraries
- Limited restaurant variety after 8pm - Majuro's already small dining scene sees even fewer options in March as several family-run spots close early or take breaks before the tourist uptick, leaving you with hotel restaurants or the 24-hour Tide Table as your main choices
- Occasional surprise squalls despite dry season - while March is generally drier, you'll still get sudden 30-45 minute downpours about once every 3-4 days that can temporarily halt boat trips or leave you stuck indoors mid-afternoon
Best Activities in March
Bikini Atoll wreck diving expeditions
March offers the year's best conditions for diving the nuclear test fleet wrecks at Bikini Atoll. The lagoon visibility peaks at 35-45 m (115-148 ft) before April rains reduce clarity, and calmer seas make the 200 km (124 mile) journey from Majuro more reliable. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F), perfect for 3-4 dives daily without excessive thermal protection. The USS Saratoga, lying at 52 m (171 ft), becomes dramatically clearer in March light penetration. Worth noting that liveaboard expeditions typically run 7-10 days and need booking 4-6 months ahead given limited annual permits.
Majuro Lagoon kayaking and paddleboarding
The lagoon's protected waters stay glassy most March mornings until 11am when breezes pick up, making early starts ideal for exploring the 295 sq km (114 sq mile) lagoon. You'll paddle past WWII relics, traditional canoe-building sites, and sandbars that emerge at low tide. March's moderate winds mean you can actually reach the lagoon's outer edges near Calalin Pass without fighting whitecaps. Local families often fish from outriggers in early morning, and you'll see the occasional sea turtle surfacing. The lack of boat traffic before 9am gives you surprisingly peaceful conditions just 2 km (1.2 miles) from downtown Majuro.
Arno Atoll cultural homestays and traditional navigation
March timing works beautifully for Arno visits because inter-atoll boats run more reliably in calmer seas, and the 2-3 hour journey from Majuro becomes genuinely enjoyable rather than an endurance test. Several families on Arno offer homestays where you'll learn traditional stick chart navigation, participate in breadfruit harvesting, and join evening storytelling sessions. The atoll's 133 islands remain largely untouched by commercial tourism, giving you authentic glimpses of Marshallese life. March also brings lower mosquito populations compared to wetter months, making outdoor evening activities more comfortable.
Laura Beach lagoon-side picnics and swimming
Laura Beach on Majuro's western end offers the most accessible quality beach experience, and March conditions make it particularly appealing. The sand stays firm from drier weather, the lagoon water clarity improves to 10-15 m (33-49 ft) visibility for casual snorkeling, and afternoon temperatures peak around 30°C (86°F) making the water genuinely refreshing. Local families gather here on weekends for barbecues, and you'll often see traditional canoe racing practice in late afternoons. The 45-minute drive from downtown Majuro passes through quieter villages where you'll see copra drying and local craft production.
WWII battlefield and fortification exploration
March's drier conditions make hiking to overgrown Japanese and American military sites significantly easier than wet season visits. The trails to gun emplacements, command bunkers, and aircraft wreckage around Majuro and Mili Atoll stay relatively mud-free, and lower humidity means less fogging on camera lenses. Sites like the Japanese headquarters complex on Majuro's eastern end and the coastal defense positions near Rita reveal themselves more clearly when vegetation growth slows in drier months. You'll find unexploded ordnance warnings taken seriously - stick to established paths and never touch corroded metal objects.
Traditional outrigger canoe sailing lessons
Learning to handle a wa (traditional outrigger canoe) in March takes advantage of consistent but moderate trade winds that provide genuine sailing conditions without overwhelming beginners. Several master canoe builders and sailors on Majuro offer 2-3 hour introductory sessions where you'll learn the physics of outrigger stability, traditional sail trimming, and wave reading techniques passed through generations. The lagoon's protected waters let you actually practice tacking and jibing without the anxiety of open ocean swells. March's clearer skies also make traditional star navigation discussions more practical during evening sessions.
March Events & Festivals
Liktanur Canoe Racing Series
March sees several weekend canoe racing events in Majuro's lagoon where traditional wa compete in various distance and team categories. These aren't tourist events but genuine community competitions with significant inter-family pride at stake. You'll watch crews of 4-8 paddlers navigate courses ranging from sprint races around marker buoys to longer 5-8 km (3-5 mile) endurance runs. The skill in coordinating paddle timing while managing the outrigger in crosswinds becomes immediately apparent. Beach areas near Laura and Rita fill with family supporters cooking out and cheering, creating festival atmospheres.