Antigua and Barbuda in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Antigua and Barbuda

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Ideal sailing conditions with consistent trade winds at 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h) and minimal tropical storm risk during the tail end of dry season
Wildlife viewing peak - green sea turtle nesting begins at Pasture Bay Beach and migrating humpback whales pass within 8 km (5 miles) of the western coast
Cricket season atmosphere with island-wide excitement building toward the April Test matches - locals gather at Village Cricket Grounds every weekend
Perfect hiking weather with morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) ideal for the 2.5 km (1.6-mile) Antigua and Barbuda trail before afternoon heat sets in

Considerations

Variable rainfall pattern means you'll experience sudden 20-30 minute downpours on 10 out of 31 days, typically between 2-5 PM
Rising accommodation rates as properties prepare for high season - expect 20-30% higher prices than February
Sargassum seaweed begins washing ashore on Atlantic-facing beaches, particularly affecting Antigua and Barbuda and Long Bay

Best Activities in March

Nelson's Dockyard Historical Exploration

March offers perfect morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site before the heat intensifies. The restored Georgian naval buildings and maritime museum are best visited 8-11 AM when lighting is optimal for photography and crowds are minimal. The dockyard's stone buildings provide natural cooling, and the harbor views are spectacular with March's clear skies.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided heritage tours typically range EC$40-60 (US$15-22). Book combination packages including Antigua and Barbuda sunset viewing 2-3 days ahead through certified heritage guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Antigua Sailing Adventures

March delivers the Caribbean's most reliable sailing conditions with steady 15-20 knot (28-37 km/h) trade winds and 1-2 meter (3-6 foot) swells. This is prime time for both beginners and experienced sailors, with minimal rain interference in morning sessions. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), perfect for swimming stops at secluded coves.

Booking Tip: Half-day catamaran tours range EC$200-350 (US$75-130), full-day trips EC$400-600 (US$150-220). Book 7-10 days ahead as March demand increases. Look for operators with Coast Guard certification and reef-safe anchoring practices. Current sailing options available in booking section below.

Rainforest Canopy Hiking

The Antigua and Barbuda area and Wallings Nature Reserve offer exceptional hiking in March's moderate humidity before April's intense heat arrives. Morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) are ideal for the 3 km (1.9-mile) Rendezvous Bay trail through tropical rainforest. Afternoon showers actually enhance the experience, creating dramatic mist effects and activating the forest's sounds.

Booking Tip: Guided nature walks typically cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) for 2-3 hour experiences. Independent hiking is possible but guided tours provide essential wildlife spotting expertise. Book 3-5 days ahead through eco-certified guides. See current hiking tour options in booking section below.

Deep Sea Fishing Expeditions

March marks peak season for blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi as they follow baitfish migrations along Antigua's continental shelf. Morning departures at 6 AM take advantage of calmer seas before afternoon wind picks up. Success rates are highest in March with water temperatures at 26°C (79°F) attracting game fish.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters range EC$1,200-2,000 (US$450-750) for 4-6 people, full-day expeditions EC$2,500-4,000 (US$925-1,500). Book 10-14 days ahead as March is prime fishing season. Ensure boats have proper safety equipment and fishing licenses. Current fishing charters available in booking section below.

Stingray City Snorkeling

March's calm sea conditions and 26°C (79°F) water temperature create perfect visibility for interacting with southern stingrays in their natural habitat. The shallow sandbar location is protected from trade winds, making it ideal for non-swimmers. March timing avoids both winter cruise ship crowds and summer heat intensity.

Booking Tip: Stingray encounters typically range EC$150-250 (US$55-95) including snorkel equipment and boat transport. Morning trips offer best visibility and calmest conditions. Book 5-7 days ahead through marine park certified operators. Current stingray tour options available in booking section below.

Local Cricket Match Experience

March brings intense cricket action as teams prepare for the April Test season. Every village green hosts weekend matches with passionate local crowds. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium often features regional competitions, while village cricket at Recreation Ground offers authentic cultural immersion with local food vendors and calypso music.

Booking Tip: Village cricket matches are typically free with donations welcomed. Stadium events range EC$25-75 (US$10-28). No advance booking needed for village games, but arrive early for shade seating. Regional matches require tickets 1-2 days ahead. Cultural cricket experiences available in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Independence Cricket Festival

Week-long celebration combining cricket matches with steel band competitions, local food festivals, and cultural performances across various village grounds. Features both youth leagues and veteran exhibitions with traditional rum punches and johnny cakes sold by local vendors.

Mid to Late March

Antigua Sailing Week Preparation Regattas

Local sailing clubs host practice races and boat shows as crews prepare for the famous April regatta. Spectators can watch from Antigua and Barbuda or join spectator boats. Many visiting yachts arrive early, creating a festive harbor atmosphere with evening social events at yacht clubs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - March showers are sudden and intense, lasting 20-30 minutes typically between 2-5 PM

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Caribbean sun reflects strongly off white sand and water

Quick-dry hiking shorts and moisture-wicking shirts for morning trail adventures before humidity peaks at 70%

Waterproof phone case and dry bag for sailing and water activities - sudden rain squalls can soak electronics

Closed-toe water shoes for reef snorkeling and rocky coastline exploration - March storms can shift sand and expose sharp coral

Light cotton long-sleeves for evening sailing - trade winds at 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h) can create surprising chill

Insect repellent with DEET for rainforest hikes - March moisture activates mosquito and sand fly populations

Portable umbrella specifically for sudden afternoon downpours - many outdoor restaurants lack covered seating

Breathable cotton underwear and socks - avoid synthetic materials in 70% humidity conditions

Waterproof watch for sailing and diving activities - essential for timing tide changes and dive safety

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen launch from Urlings and Parham between 5:30-6 AM - join them for authentic fishing experiences at half the tourist price, typically EC$300-400 (US$110-150) versus EC$800+ (US$300+) for resort charters

Village cricket matches on Saturdays feature the best local cooks selling johnny cakes, saltfish fritters, and fresh coconut water for EC$5-15 (US$2-6) - far superior to resort food and a fraction of the cost

March trade winds make the Atlantic side choppy but create perfect conditions on the Caribbean side - locals know Galley Bay and Hawksbill Bay offer the calmest morning swimming

Antigua and Barbuda Sunday party starts at 4 PM but locals arrive at 6 PM when the steel band energy peaks and sunset timing is perfect - avoid tourist pricing by eating dinner before arriving

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking beach activities for 2-5 PM when afternoon showers are most likely - schedule water activities for 8 AM-1 PM or after 6 PM

Underestimating March wind strength for small boat excursions - 15-20 knot (28-37 km/h) trade winds can make zodiac rides uncomfortable for those prone to seasickness

Packing only summer clothes - evening trade winds and air conditioning require light layers, especially for sunset sailing trips