Port Vila in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Port Vila

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

End of cyclone season means calmer seas and safer water activities - boat tours to outer islands run 95% of days versus 60% in January-February
Mango season peaks in March with over 12 local varieties at markets, plus breadfruit and island citrus at their sweetest
Tourist numbers drop 40% after February school holidays end, meaning shorter lines at attractions and better service at restaurants
Trade winds return consistently, dropping humidity 15% from February peaks and making 30°C (87°F) days actually comfortable for walking tours

Considerations

Late afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor plans - locals call this 'mango rain season'
Accommodation prices remain high until Easter due to Australian holiday patterns, with beachfront properties 25-30% above low season rates
Some cultural sites reduce hours due to staff participating in custom ceremonies - church and community events peak before Easter season

Best Activities in March

Outer Island Snorkeling Expeditions

March's calm post-cyclone seas make this the first reliable month for trips to pristine reefs around Pele Island and Hat Island. Visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) and water temperature hits perfect 26°C (79°F). Morning departures avoid afternoon storms completely.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through operators with cyclone insurance policies. Tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 VUV ($67-100 USD) including equipment and lunch. Look for operators offering morning-only trips (8am-1pm) to avoid weather.

Cultural Village Walking Tours

March timing coincides with pre-Easter traditional preparation activities - watch women weave palm fronds for ceremonies and men prepare earth ovens. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, and you'll see seasonal foods being prepared.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8am-11am) avoid afternoon storms and heat. Community-based tours cost 2,500-4,000 VUV ($21-34 USD) and often include traditional breakfast. Book through village liaisons, not international operators, for real feels.

Waterfall Swimming Adventures

March rains fill waterfalls to perfect levels - not the trickles of dry season or dangerous torrents of cyclone months. Mele Cascades and Sekwa Falls have ideal swimming pools, and cooler forest temperatures provide relief from coastal humidity.

Booking Tip: Visit in early morning (8am-10am) before crowds and storms. Entry fees 500-800 VUV ($4-7 USD). Transport costs 1,500-2,500 VUV ($13-21 USD) roundtrip. Avoid afternoons when storms make trails slippery.

Sunset Market Food Tours

March brings peak seasonal produce - sample fresh coconut crab, island beef, and the season's best tropical fruits. The covered Vanuatu market stays open later due to increased evening foot traffic, and humidity drops after 5pm making food walking tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours cost 3,000-5,000 VUV ($25-42 USD) in food purchases. Start at 5pm when market activity peaks and temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F). Friday and Saturday offer the most vendor variety.

Traditional Fishing Experiences

March's calm morning seas and strong afternoon winds create perfect conditions for traditional outrigger canoe fishing. Learn techniques used for centuries while catching species that feed in post-storm waters. Morning trips avoid weather completely.

Booking Tip: Half-day experiences cost 6,000-9,000 VUV ($50-75 USD) including equipment and local guide. Book morning departures (6am-11am) for best conditions and highest catch rates. Look for experiences that include traditional cooking methods.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Nakmal Festival Preparations

Throughout March, villages begin intensive preparations for the traditional Nakmal ceremonies that occur before Easter. Visitors can observe (respectfully) traditional crafts being made, custom dances being practiced, and community feast preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but can be intense with 25mm (1 inch) per hour rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index of 8 can burn fair skin in 15 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Closed-toe water shoes for reef walks - March's calm seas mean better reef access but coral can be sharp

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - post-rain mosquito activity peaks in early morning and evening

Daypack with waterproof liner - afternoon storms hit quickly and electronics need protection

Light cotton long sleeves for air-conditioned restaurants - indoor temperatures often drop to 18°C (64°F)

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - multiple swimming opportunities and high humidity mean slow drying

Reef-safe sunscreen only - Vanuatu has strict coral protection laws with 5,000 VUV ($42 USD) fines for harmful chemicals

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-February - March rates stay high until Easter but availability becomes limited as Australian school holidays approach

Eat at local markets between 11am-1pm when vendors offer free taste samples to attract lunch crowds, but avoid 2-4pm when most stalls close for afternoon storms

Change money at BSP or NBV bank branches for best rates (around 119-121 VUV per USD) - resort exchange rates can be 8-10% worse

Use Air Vanuatu's March promotional fares for inter-island flights - domestic routes get 20-30% discounts to fill planes during shoulder season

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - 60% chance of storms means morning scheduling is essential for reliable experiences

Bringing only summer clothes - air conditioning in restaurants and transport can be quite cold, and morning temperatures hit 22°C (72°F)

Expecting consistent internet - March storms frequently disrupt connections, so download maps and important information beforehand