Apia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Apia

31°C (87°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

302 mm (11.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

March marks the end of Samoa's wettest season with decreasing rainfall patterns - you'll experience fewer daily downpours compared to January-February
Tourist crowds are at their lowest before the dry season rush, meaning better availability at accommodations and authentic local interactions at markets and cultural sites
Trade winds strengthen in late March, providing natural cooling that makes outdoor activities more comfortable during midday hours
March harvests bring peak freshness to local produce - breadfruit, coconuts, and tropical fruits are at their best, and fishing conditions improve for fresh seafood

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur on 60% of days, typically lasting 30-45 minutes between 2-4 PM, which can disrupt beach activities and outdoor excursions
High humidity levels combined with warm temperatures create a sticky feeling that takes 3-5 days for visitors to acclimate to
Some outer island ferry services run reduced schedules due to variable sea conditions, limiting same-day island hopping options

Best Activities in March

Morning Cultural Village Tours

March mornings (7-11 AM) offer perfect conditions for exploring traditional fale villages before afternoon heat and rain. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity make walking tours comfortable, and you'll witness daily village life as locals prepare for the day. Cultural demonstrations are most authentic in mornings when extended families gather.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Tours typically cost WST$80-120 per person and include traditional lunch. Look for operators offering morning starts (7-8 AM) to avoid afternoon weather. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Coastal Swimming and Snorkeling

March water temperatures reach their warmest at 29°C (84°F), perfect for extended swimming sessions. Morning snorkeling (8-11 AM) offers the calmest conditions and best visibility before afternoon winds. The decreased rainfall from February means clearer coastal waters with excellent coral visibility.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling tours cost WST$60-100 per person. Book with operators providing covered boats for afternoon shower protection. Morning departures (8 AM) offer the best conditions. Equipment rental available at most tour bases for WST$25-35 per day.

Indoor Market and Food Experiences

March's unpredictable afternoon weather makes covered markets ideal for cultural immersion. Maketi Fou (Kolkata) bustles with March harvest produce, and cooking classes take advantage of seasonal ingredients. The humid conditions actually enhance the aromatic experience of traditional earth oven (umu) cooking.

Booking Tip: Market food tours run WST$40-70 per person and typically include 6-8 tastings. Book cooking classes 3-4 days ahead (WST$90-130 per person). Morning market tours (6-9 AM) showcase the freshest produce before midday heat.

Waterfall and Rainforest Hikes

March's increased rainfall creates spectacular waterfall flows - Papaseea Sliding Rocks and Sopoaga Falls are at their most impressive. The regular rain keeps rainforest trails from becoming dusty, and the high humidity supports lush vegetation. Early morning hikes (6-9 AM) avoid both heat and afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Guided rainforest hikes cost WST$70-110 per person including transport. Book with operators providing rain gear and non-slip footwear. Trails can be muddy - look for guides with local knowledge of current conditions. Morning departures essential to avoid afternoon weather.

Museum and Indoor Cultural Attractions

March weather makes air-conditioned museums and cultural centers perfect afternoon retreats. The Museum of Samoa and cultural centers offer look ats into Polynesian history during weather breaks. These indoor experiences provide comfortable learning environments when outdoor activities are weather-affected.

Booking Tip: Museum entries typically cost WST$15-25 per person. Many cultural centers offer afternoon programs (2-5 PM) perfect for weather avoidance. Combined museum and cultural show packages run WST$45-65 per person. No advance booking usually required for individuals.

Scenic Coastal Drives

March's dramatic skies and lush landscapes create impressive photographic opportunities during coastal drives. The South Coast Road offers spectacular views, and vehicle rentals provide flexibility to stop during rain breaks. March's variable weather actually creates more interesting cloudscapes and lighting conditions than dry season monotony.

Booking Tip: Car rentals cost WST$120-180 per day including insurance. Book vehicles with good windshield wipers and air conditioning for March conditions. Self-drive coastal tours allow flexibility to wait out afternoon showers at scenic stops or local cafes.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Teuila Festival Planning Period

While the main Teuila Festival occurs in September, March marks the beginning of serious preparation activities including traditional craft workshops and cultural group rehearsals. Visitors can observe authentic cultural preparation processes and sometimes participate in community workshops teaching traditional arts like siapo (bark cloth) making and ie toga (fine mat) weaving.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in natural fibers - cotton and linen breathe better than synthetic materials in 70% humidity conditions

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers are brief but intense, and umbrella use is impractical in windy conditions

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 requires serious protection, and Samoa's coral reefs are protected from harmful chemicals

Non-slip water shoes - March's wet conditions make rocky coastal areas and waterfall approaches extremely slippery

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential for comfort in high humidity, synthetic materials work better than cotton for base layers

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics, and you'll want photos near waterfalls

Insect repellent with DEET 20-30% - increased rainfall creates more mosquito breeding sites, especially important for evening activities

Quick-dry towel - regular towels don't dry properly in March's humidity, microfiber towels are essential for multiple daily swims

Packable day bag with waterproof lining - for protecting purchases and electronics during market visits and cultural tours

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - flip-flops are inadequate for wet surfaces, look for sports sandals with toe protection

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important outdoor activities between 10 AM-1 PM when afternoon storms are least likely - follow this pattern for your most important excursions and photo opportunities

March is breadfruit season in Samoa - try freshly prepared breadfruit dishes at local eateries, as this staple food is at peak quality and prepared in traditional ways you won't find during other seasons

Many accommodations offer lower weekly rates in March due to reduced demand - booking 7+ nights often triggers discounts of 15-25% that aren't advertised online

The 2 PM Samoa Observer weather update (available at most accommodations) provides the most accurate afternoon storm predictions - locals check this religiously for planning beach and hiking activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling important outdoor activities (like wedding photos or once-in-a-lifetime experiences) in the afternoon without weather backup plans - always plan key activities for morning hours

Bringing only one pair of shoes - you need separate footwear for wet and dry conditions, as shoes don't dry overnight in March humidity

Expecting European or North American rain patterns - Samoa's tropical downpours are intense but brief, don't cancel entire days due to weather forecasts showing rain