Samoa in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Samoa

31°C (87°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - March is the tail end of Samoa's dry season, giving you consistently sunny mornings and only brief afternoon showers on 10 days maximum
Ideal ocean conditions for snorkeling and diving with visibility reaching 25-30 m (82-98 ft) around Upolu and Savai'I reefs due to calm seas and minimal runoff
Shoulder season pricing for accommodations - you'll save 20-30% compared to peak July-August rates while still enjoying excellent weather conditions
Perfect timing for cultural experiences as March falls after harvest season when villages are relaxed and welcoming, plus it's before the busy conference season that brings crowds in April-May

Considerations

Increasing humidity levels reach 70% as the wet season approaches, making midday activities feel quite sticky and uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
Trade winds begin weakening compared to peak dry season months, so coastal areas feel warmer and less comfortable for extended outdoor activities
Some waterfalls run lower than wet season months, though major ones like Papase'ea Sliding Rocks and Sopoaga Falls still have good flow from residual groundwater

Best Activities in March

Coral Garden Snorkeling and Marine Sanctuary Tours

March offers the clearest water conditions of the year with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility around Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and Giant Clam Sanctuary. Morning tours from 8am-11am avoid the afternoon heat and potential brief showers. Ocean temperatures are a comfortable 28°C (82°F), perfect for extended snorkeling without wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Tours typically cost WST$80-120 ($30-45 USD) including equipment and lunch. Look for operators with traditional fa'a Samoa cultural components and reef conservation education. Morning departures strongly recommended.

Traditional Fale Building and Village Cultural Immersion

March timing is perfect as harvest season has ended and villages are in their most relaxed social period before the busy conference season. Temperatures are ideal for hands-on activities like coconut husking, traditional cooking, and fale construction demonstrations. The 70% humidity actually benefits traditional activities like weaving pandanus leaves.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village tourism committees 5-7 days ahead. Full-day cultural experiences typically cost WST$120-180 ($45-65 USD) per person including traditional lunch. Choose programs that include overnight stays in traditional fales for real feel.

Volcanic Crater and Lava Field Exploration

March's lower rainfall means hiking trails to Saleaula Lava Fields and Mount Matavanu crater are in excellent condition with minimal mud. Early morning hikes (6am-10am) avoid the intense UV and afternoon humidity. The contrast between the black lava rock and green regenerating vegetation is most dramatic after the dry season.

Booking Tip: Book guided volcano tours 3-5 days ahead. Half-day tours cost WST$100-150 ($35-55 USD) including transport from Salelologa wharf. Essential to have certified guides who know safe paths through unstable lava rock areas. Bring minimum 3 liters (0.8 gallons) water per person.

Traditional Polynesian Navigation and Sailing

March offers the last month of reliable southeast trade winds before they weaken significantly. Traditional va'a (outrigger canoe) sailing is at its best with consistent 15-20 knot winds. Ocean swells are moderate, making this ideal for learning traditional navigation techniques used by ancient Polynesian voyagers.

Booking Tip: Book traditional sailing experiences 1-2 weeks ahead as only a few operators offer authentic traditional craft. Full-day sailing typically costs WST$200-280 ($75-100 USD) including traditional lunch on a remote motu. Look for programs that include traditional navigation star compass training.

Waterfall Swimming and Natural Pool Adventures

While not at peak wet season volume, March waterfalls like Papase'ea Sliding Rocks, Fuipisia Falls, and Afu Aau Falls still have excellent flow for swimming and the famous natural rock slides. Water temperatures are refreshingly cool at 22-24°C (72-75°F), perfect relief from the 31°C (87°F) air temperature.

Booking Tip: Most accessible independently, but guided waterfall tours cost WST$60-90 ($22-33 USD) and include multiple sites plus cultural context. Best visited early morning (7am-11am) before afternoon heat. Bring reef-safe biodegradable soap as these are pristine freshwater ecosystems.

Traditional Umu Earth Oven Cooking Classes

March's dry conditions are perfect for traditional umu earth oven cooking as the ground is optimal for digging and maintaining consistent heat. This is the time when root vegetables like taro and breadfruit are at their best quality. The moderate humidity actually helps with traditional food preservation techniques.

Booking Tip: Book through village cultural centers or resorts offering authentic programs. Half-day cooking classes typically cost WST$80-120 ($30-45 USD) including ingredients and traditional feast. Programs starting at 9am allow you to participate in the full 4-hour cooking process and eat lunch together.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Teuila Festival Preparation Season

While the main Teuila Festival occurs in September, March marks the beginning of serious preparation with traditional dance group rehearsals and craft production. Villages welcome visitors to observe authentic cultural preparation, offering insight into fa'a Samoa that tourists rarely see.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off white coral sand beaches and water

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo clothing - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity, natural fibers breathe better

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water constantly, and cotton takes hours to dry in humid conditions

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but can be intense, happening on roughly 10 days

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental gear is often poor quality and doesn't fit properly, plus you'll use it almost daily

Closed-toe water shoes with thick soles - essential for lava rock areas, coral reef walking, and waterfall approaches with sharp volcanic rock

Electrolyte replacement tablets - you'll sweat significantly more than expected in the humidity, and dehydration happens quickly

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquitoes are most active during March transition period, especially near freshwater areas

Dry bags in multiple sizes - protect electronics, documents, and spare clothes during boat trips and waterfall visits

Lightweight long pants and sleeves - required for village visits and church services, plus protection from sun and insects during hiking

Insider Knowledge

Local families do their big shopping and errands early morning (6am-9am) before the heat builds - follow their lead and start your days early for the most comfortable sightseeing

March is when local fishermen know exactly where schools of tuna and mahi-mahi are running - ask your accommodation to arrange fresh fish directly from fishermen rather than eating imported frozen fish at tourist restaurants

The 10-day rain pattern in March is predictable - locals know storms typically build between 2pm-4pm, so plan indoor activities like cultural centers and markets during these hours

Village councils are most welcoming to visitors in March because it's after harvest stress but before the busy season - this is the absolute best time to arrange homestays and authentic cultural experiences that may not be available in other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations for only 3-4 nights - March weather is so perfect that most visitors wish they'd planned longer once they experience the ideal conditions and relaxed pace

Planning activities during 11am-3pm peak heat and humidity hours instead of following local patterns of early morning and late afternoon activity

Bringing only beach clothes without proper coverage for village visits and cultural sites - Samoan culture requires modest dress, and you'll miss incredible experiences if you can't participate appropriately