Things to Do in Saint Lucia in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Saint Lucia
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Tail end of dry season means you're catching Saint Lucia at its most reliable - those 10 rainy days translate to quick afternoon showers rather than all-day washouts, and you'll still get 20+ days of brilliant sunshine for beach time and hiking
- Whale watching hits its absolute peak in March as humpback whales migrate through Caribbean waters. The west coast between Castries and Soufrière becomes a genuine marine highway, with sighting success rates around 85-90% on dedicated tours
- Crowd levels drop noticeably after February school holidays wrap up, particularly in the second half of March. You'll find beaches like Anse Chastanet and Reduit Beach significantly quieter, and restaurant reservations become walk-ins again
- Water visibility reaches 24-30 m (80-100 ft) for diving and snorkeling around the Pitons and Anse Cochon. The lack of heavy rainfall means minimal sediment runoff, making this genuinely one of the best months for underwater activities before the summer rains arrive
Considerations
- Pricing remains firmly in high season territory through mid-March, with accommodation rates typically 40-60% higher than summer months. You won't see shoulder season deals until April, so budget accordingly or book well ahead for better rates
- That 70% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) temperatures creates the kind of sticky warmth that makes midday hiking genuinely uncomfortable. The Gros Piton trail becomes a sweat-fest between 11am-3pm, and you'll want to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon
- Trade winds can be surprisingly gusty in March, particularly on the Atlantic east coast around Dennery and Vieux Fort. This makes beach days at Anse des Sables choppy and less pleasant for swimming, though it's excellent for kitesurfing if that's your thing
Best Activities in March
West Coast Whale Watching Expeditions
March sits right in the middle of humpback migration season, and the calm Caribbean waters between Marigot Bay and Soufrière offer some of the most reliable whale sightings you'll find anywhere. Tours typically run 3-4 hours in the morning when seas are calmest, and you're looking at 85-90% success rates for actual sightings. The water conditions in March are ideal - minimal chop, excellent visibility, and whales are actively breaching and tail-slapping as they move through. You might also spot pilot whales and dolphins as a bonus.
Pitons Hiking and Climbing
The relatively dry conditions in March make this the most comfortable month for tackling Gros Piton's 2-3 hour climb to 798 m (2,619 ft). You're still getting occasional rain to keep trails from being dusty, but not the muddy, slippery conditions that arrive in summer. The key is starting before 7am - by 10am that humidity and direct sun make it genuinely punishing. The summit views across to Petit Piton and down to Soufrière Bay are consistently clear in March, unlike the hazier months later in the year.
Snorkeling and Diving the Marine Reserves
Water visibility in March is exceptional at 24-30 m (80-100 ft), and water temperatures sit at a comfortable 27°C (81°F) - warm enough that you don't need a thick wetsuit. Anse Chastanet and the Anse Cochon Marine Reserve offer the best shore diving and snorkeling, with healthy coral gardens and consistent sightings of sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and reef fish. The calmer Caribbean side means flat conditions most days, unlike the choppy Atlantic coast. This is genuinely premium diving season before summer rains reduce visibility.
Sulphur Springs and Botanical Waterfall Tours
The drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs and the nearby Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens make for an excellent half-day when you want to avoid peak sun hours. The mineral mud baths are actually more pleasant in March's warmth - the sulfur pools sit at 40°C (104°F) and feel therapeutic rather than punishing. The botanical gardens are lush from the dry season's intermittent rains, and Toraille Waterfall offers a refreshing swim spot. This works well as a midday activity when beaches are too hot.
Catamaran Sailing and Island Hopping
March's trade winds make for excellent sailing conditions along the west coast, and the calm Caribbean waters mean minimal seasickness risk. Full-day catamaran tours typically run from Rodney Bay down to Soufrière, stopping at Marigot Bay and snorkeling spots along the way. You'll get lunch on board, unlimited rum punch, and usually 2-3 swim stops. The consistent winds mean you're actually sailing rather than motoring, and the clear skies provide excellent photo conditions of the Pitons from the water.
Rainforest Zip-lining and Aerial Tram Experiences
The interior rainforest around Dennery and Babonneau remains lush in March without being sodden, making this ideal for canopy tours and aerial tram rides through the forest. You'll see more wildlife in March as animals are active in the drier weather - watch for Saint Lucia parrots, iguanas, and hummingbirds. The zip-line courses offer 10-12 lines spanning 1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 miles) through the canopy, with platforms giving views over the interior mountains. The slightly lower humidity compared to summer makes this more comfortable.
March Events & Festivals
Saint Lucia Jazz Festival
This is THE cultural event of the year if you're lucky enough to catch it - the festival typically runs in early May, but planning and warm-up events sometimes begin in late March. Worth checking the official schedule when booking your trip, as smaller jazz performances at Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay venues occasionally pop up in March as festival previews. The main festival draws international jazz artists and runs multiple stages across the island.
Jounen Kwéyòl Entenasyonal Preparations
While the main International Creole Day celebration happens in October, March marks when local communities begin organizing events and cultural activities. You might catch traditional dance rehearsals, drumming circles, and food preparation demonstrations in villages around Anse La Raye and Canaries. It's not a formal tourist event, but if you're interested in authentic Kwéyòl culture, asking locals about community gatherings can lead to genuine cultural exchanges.