Basseterre in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Basseterre
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime dry season conditions with only 10 rainy days - perfect for beach activities and island hopping with calm Caribbean seas
- Tourist season winds down after February crowds, giving you better hotel rates (15-25% lower than peak) while weather remains excellent
- Trade winds are strongest in March, creating ideal sailing conditions and keeping humidity comfortable at outdoor attractions
- Sea temperatures peak at 27°C (81°F) with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving - best underwater conditions of the year
Considerations
- Afternoon rain showers occur 10 days throughout March, typically lasting 30-45 minutes but can disrupt outdoor lunch plans
- Strong trade winds (15-25 knots) make some boat transfers to Nevis choppy - not ideal if you're prone to seasickness
- UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable midday walking tours around Basseterre's historic district
Best Activities in March
Mount Liamuiga Volcano Hiking
March offers perfect conditions for this challenging 6-hour trek to the crater rim at 1,156 m (3,792 ft). Cool morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and minimal rainfall make the muddy sections manageable. The rainforest canopy provides natural shade, and clear skies offer spectacular views of neighboring islands.
Catamaran Sailing to Nevis
March's steady 15-20 knot trade winds create ideal sailing conditions across the 3 km (2 mile) Narrows channel. Calm seas and minimal rainfall make for comfortable full-day excursions with snorkeling stops at Pinney's Beach. The strong winds mean faster sailing times and cooler deck temperatures.
Historical Basseterre Walking Tours
Early morning tours (8-10am) are essential in March due to intense UV and rising temperatures. The Independence Square, Berkeley Memorial, and Circus area are best explored before 10am when temperatures are still comfortable at 25°C (77°F). Late afternoon tours (4-6pm) work well after daily rain showers cool the air.
Scenic Railway Sugar Plantation Tours
The narrow-gauge railway operates in optimal conditions during March with minimal rain disrupting the 3-hour circular journey. Clear weather provides unobstructed views of cane fields and coastline. The partially open-air cars benefit from cool trade wind breezes that make the 30 km (18.6 mile) trip comfortable.
Brimstone Hill Fortress Exploration
March's clear skies provide exceptional visibility from this UNESCO World Heritage site at 244 m (800 ft) elevation. Morning visits (8-11am) avoid peak UV exposure while still offering panoramic views to Montserrat, Nevis, and Antigua. The stone fortifications provide natural shade during exploration.
Snorkeling at Shitten Bay
March offers peak underwater visibility (20-25 m or 65-80 ft) and calm seas perfect for snorkeling. Water temperature reaches comfortable 27°C (81°F) with minimal wave action on the Caribbean side. The coral reefs are most active with tropical fish during these optimal conditions.
March Events & Festivals
St. Patrick's Day Festival
The island's Irish heritage celebration features traditional music, local food vendors in Independence Square, and cultural performances. Local bands play at Circus area with extended happy hours at waterfront bars. Green clothing is encouraged as locals embrace the festivities.
Easter Festival Preparations
Late March sees preparation for Easter celebrations with church concerts, traditional food preparation workshops, and kite-making sessions for Easter Monday flying competitions. Local markets feature seasonal fruits and traditional Easter bread.