Saint Kittsandnevis in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Saint Kittsandnevis

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

65 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

73% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season conditions with only 6 rainy days and minimal 65mm (2.6 inches) rainfall - ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration
Strong northeast trade winds average 20-25 km/h (12-15 mph), making 29°C (84°F) temperatures feel comfortable and perfect for hiking Mount Liamuiga
Sea conditions are calmest of the year with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells, creating excellent visibility for snorkeling at Shitten Bay and diving at Nag's Head
Hotel rates drop 20-30% after peak winter season ends mid-March, while weather remains optimal through month-end

Considerations

First two weeks overlap with North American spring break, creating crowds at Frigate Bay beaches and 15-20% higher accommodation rates
Saharan dust can reduce visibility and create hazy sunsets 3-4 days per month, though this rarely affects beach activities
Some restaurants in Basseterre reduce hours as tourist season winds down, particularly after March 20th

Best Activities in March

Mount Liamuiga Rainforest Hiking

March offers the driest trail conditions for this 1,156m (3,792 ft) volcano hike. Trade winds keep temperatures manageable during the 6-hour round trip, and reduced rainfall means fewer muddy sections in the crater rim approach. Morning starts are essential - begin by 7am to avoid afternoon heat buildup.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through certified nature guides. Tours typically cost $75-95 USD per person including transport. Look for guides certified by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Scenic Railway Historic Tours

The narrow-gauge railway offers impressive coastal views enhanced by March's clear, dust-free days. The 3-hour journey combines the last working railway in the Caribbean with optimal photography conditions. Trade winds through open-air cars provide natural cooling during the 30 km (18.6 mile) route around St. Kitts.

Booking Tip: Railway operates Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday only in March. Book 10-14 days ahead as this is peak season for the experience. Standard tickets range $89-109 USD. Premium seating available for $15-20 additional.

Catamaran Sailing to Nevis

March delivers ideal sailing conditions with consistent 15-20 knot northeast trades and minimal rainfall. The 45-minute crossing to Nevis offers whale watching opportunities as humpbacks migrate through the channel. Calm seas make this perfect for first-time sailors or those prone to seasickness.

Booking Tip: Full-day sailing excursions cost $110-140 USD including lunch and snorkeling stops. Book through licensed operators 7-10 days ahead. Morning departures (9am) offer best whale spotting chances. Check current sailing schedules in the booking section below.

Brimstone Hill Fortress Photography

March's low humidity and strong trade winds create exceptional visibility from this UNESCO World Heritage site at 244m (800 ft) elevation. Clear conditions offer views extending to Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. Golden hour lighting is spectacular for photography without tropical haze interference.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $10 USD entry. Guided historical tours range $25-35 USD per person. Best photography light occurs 5:30-6:30pm. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration. No advance booking required for individual visits.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

March marks prime marlin and mahi-mahi season with fish moving closer to shore in cooler waters. Calm sea conditions mean comfortable 6-8 hour charters with minimal motion sickness concerns. Northeast trades create optimal trolling conditions 5-10 km (3-6 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) cost $400-600 USD for up to 4 people. Full-day excursions range $800-1200 USD. Book 5-7 days ahead through marina-based operators. Morning departures offer best fishing success rates.

Plantation Historical Tours

March's comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for exploring sugar plantation ruins across the island. Romney Manor and other historical sites offer shaded walks through gardens at peak bloom. Trade wind cooling makes midday visits comfortable unlike other months.

Booking Tip: Combination plantation and batik factory tours cost $45-65 USD per person including transport. Self-drive options available with rental cars $35-50 USD daily. Historical walking tours typically last 2-3 hours. Book through certified cultural guides.

March Events & Festivals

March 10-17

St. Patrick's Day Festival

Week-long celebration honoring St. Kitts' Irish heritage with traditional music, local food festivals, and green beer specials at Frigate Bay bars. The festival reflects the island's unique Irish-African cultural blend dating to 17th-century settlement patterns.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and trade winds create deceptive cooling while sun intensity remains extreme

Lightweight quick-dry hiking pants for Mount Liamuiga - protect against razor grass and provide sun protection during 6-hour hikes

Polarized sunglasses essential for water activities - Caribbean sun reflection off calm March seas causes severe glare

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 73% humidity conditions that persist despite trade wind cooling

Waterproof phone case for catamaran trips - sea spray increases with 20-25 km/h (12-15 mph) trade winds even on calm days

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - volcanic rock surfaces at historical sites become slippery with morning dew

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers are brief but intense when they occur during 6 rainy days monthly

Insect repellent with DEET for rainforest hikes - mosquitos remain active in sheltered crater areas despite dry conditions

Reusable water bottle - March heat combined with outdoor activities requires 3-4 liters daily hydration

Cash in small bills - many local vendors and taxi drivers prefer cash payments, ATMs limited outside Basseterre

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before March 15th for 20-30% savings as rates drop significantly after spring break crowds depart but weather remains optimal

Local fishermen at Old Road Bay sell fresh catch daily around 2pm - significantly cheaper than resort restaurants and you can request cooking at nearby beach bars

ZIZ radio station (96.1 FM) announces real-time updates on Saharan dust conditions affecting visibility - useful for planning photography and diving activities

Frigate Bay South (Atlantic side) offers stronger trade wind cooling and better body surfing, while North side provides calmer swimming conditions - locals choose based on daily wind patterns

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Mount Liamuiga hike difficulty - many tourists attempt it in regular sneakers and insufficient water, requiring rescue assistance from 1,156m (3,792 ft) elevation

Booking beach activities during midday hours (11am-2pm) when even trade wind cooling cannot offset UV index 9 intensity - locals schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 3pm

Expecting consistent ferry schedules to Nevis - services reduce frequency in March transition period and weather can cause cancellations despite generally calm conditions