Summary
By this point in the year, most people up north are sick of winter, so it’s no surprise that March is increasingly popular for Caribbean travel. The weather is dependably warm and dry, making this an ideal time to head to the islands if you have a vacation from work or school around Easter or Spring Break.
March marks the height of the high season in the Caribbean, and travelers will generally encounter some of the highest prices of the year to fly and stay in destination hotspots. Spring Breakers start arriving in various Caribbean locations during March, notably in Cancun and Cozumel, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Therefore, choose your destination carefully if you prefer to avoid a party-centric atmosphere.
Caribbean Weather in March
Weather-wise, it’s hard to beat March in the Caribbean, where the average daytime temperature hovers around 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 C) and drops to about 73 F (23 C) at night. Rainstorms tend to be infrequent, except perhaps in Bermuda, which receives an average of 4.3 inches of rain in March. Consequently, northern island temperatures gradually increase from the cooler winter months, while southern islands reach warm temperatures quickly. Ocean temperatures also rise, with the water warming up to anywhere between 76-78 F (24-26 C).
What to Pack
This is the dry season in the Caribbean, so bringing moisturizer is crucial (don’t forget lip balm, too). Light cotton clothing is ideal for daytime, while a sweater or sweatshirt may be needed for the evening. Furthermore, it’s advisable to pack dressier clothes for visiting upscale restaurants or clubs, along with formal footwear beyond just flip-flops and sneakers.
For women, a small pocketbook can be useful for keeping track of money, mobile devices, and essentials without carrying a larger purse. Men should consider keeping their wallets in the front pockets of slacks, especially in busier areas, to mitigate the risk of pickpockets. In heavily populated metropolitan regions, it’s always prudent to take extra safety precautions.
March Events and Festivals in the Caribbean
- St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in a select few islands, notably Montserrat and St. Croix, providing a unique and memorable Caribbean experience.
- The Caribbean’s strong Catholic presence means numerous Easter celebrations and parades occur in the islands when the holiday falls in March.
- Bermuda International Film Festival showcases over 80 independent films across nine days in March. Features, documentaries, and short films are projected at four theaters on Bermuda, including filmmaker chats and social events.
- The St. Thomas International Regatta takes the spotlight in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March, recognized as one of the world’s top competitive yacht races, with major social gatherings at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas.
March Travel Tips
- March is a prime time for Spring Breakers and snowbirds seeking to escape the cold, so expect larger crowds on beaches and around pools.
- It is advisable to arrange flights, accommodations, and activities well in advance; otherwise, travelers may encounter sold-out rooms and limited availability.
- Prepare for significantly higher rates as spring represents peak tourist season. To secure the best deals, plan and book several months ahead of your trip.
