Things to Do in Port of Spain in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Port of Spain
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Carnival hangover means lower prices and smaller crowds - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to February, and you'll actually get breathing room at popular spots like Fort George and the Savannah. The city feels more authentically local without the festival crush.
- Perfect weather window between Carnival chaos and rainy season intensity - March sits in this sweet spot where you get warm, manageable conditions (22-32°C/72-89°F) with only occasional showers. The 10 rainy days are typically brief afternoon downpours, not day-long washouts.
- Local cultural calendar heats up with smaller, more authentic events - Phagwah (Holi) celebrations usually fall in March, giving you genuine cultural immersion without the overwhelming tourist presence of Carnival. You'll see the city in its everyday rhythm.
- Beach conditions are excellent with calm seas - the Bocas islands (Gaspar Grande, Chacachacare) are accessible with minimal wave action, and visibility for snorkeling is typically 15-20 m (50-65 ft). Water temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), which is comfortable without a wetsuit.
Considerations
- Post-Carnival fatigue means some venues operate on reduced schedules - certain restaurants and bars take their annual break in early March, and you might find inconsistent opening hours. The city catches its breath after the madness, which can feel anticlimactic if you're expecting constant energy.
- Heat and humidity combination is genuinely challenging for extended outdoor activity - that 70% humidity at 32°C (89°F) isn't just numbers, it's the kind that soaks your shirt within 15 minutes of walking. UV index of 8 means you'll burn faster than you think, especially between 10am-3pm.
- You've completely missed Carnival - if Trinidad's biggest cultural event was on your bucket list, you're about 2-4 weeks too late. March is specifically for people who want Trinidad WITHOUT the Carnival experience, which is either perfect or a dealbreaker depending on your goals.
Best Activities in March
Bocas Islands Day Trips
March offers some of the calmest sea conditions for exploring the islands off Port of Spain's northwest coast. The Bocas (Gaspar Grande, Chacachacare, Huevos) are accessible with minimal seasickness risk, and the water clarity is excellent for snorkeling and swimming. Temperatures are warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit, but not so hot that you're desperate to stay in the water. Most tours run 8am-4pm, which lets you avoid the strongest midday sun during the boat rides.
Northern Range Hiking
The trails in the Northern Range mountains are in prime condition in March - not yet muddy from heavy rainy season downpours, but the vegetation is still lush from earlier rains. Popular routes like Paria Bay and Avocat Waterfall are manageable, though you'll want to start early (6-7am) to avoid hiking in the peak heat. The 22°C (72°F) morning temperatures make the ascents much more comfortable than later in the day when it hits 32°C (89°F).
Street Food Tours in Downtown and Woodbrook
March is actually ideal for food exploration because the post-Carnival period means vendors are back to regular schedules and you're not competing with massive crowds. The evening food scene (5pm-10pm) along Ariapita Avenue and around Independence Square comes alive when temperatures drop to more comfortable levels. You'll find doubles vendors, corn soup stands, and bake and shark spots operating without the February chaos. The slight chance of evening showers (usually brief) actually cools things down nicely.
Queen's Park Savannah and Botanical Gardens Morning Walks
The Savannah is best experienced early morning (6-9am) in March when locals are out jogging, practicing cricket, and the temperature is still manageable. The 3.7 km (2.3 mile) perimeter walk is a genuine slice of local life, and you'll see the Magnificent Seven colonial buildings in soft morning light. The adjacent Botanical Gardens and Emperor Valley Zoo are worth 2-3 hours, and going early means you avoid both the midday heat and the afternoon rain chances.
Maracas Beach and North Coast Drive
The north coast beaches are accessible and beautiful in March, with calmer surf than the June-November period. Maracas Bay is the classic choice, about 40 minutes (18 km/11 miles) from Port of Spain via a spectacular mountain road. The famous bake and shark vendors are back to normal operations post-Carnival. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. The afternoon rain possibility actually works in your favor - you can beach it in the morning, grab lunch, and head back before any potential showers around 3-4pm.
Asa Wright Nature Centre Bird Watching
March is solid for birding in Trinidad's Northern Range, with resident species active and some late migrants still around. Asa Wright, about 90 minutes (43 km/27 miles) from Port of Spain in the Arima Valley, offers veranda viewing where you can spot toucans, motmots, and hummingbirds without serious hiking. Morning tours (6-10am) are essential for bird activity, and the cooler morning temperatures make the experience much more pleasant than midday visits.
March Events & Festivals
Phagwah (Holi Festival)
Trinidad's Phagwah celebrations typically fall in March, marking the Hindu spring festival with vibrant powder throwing, music, and community gatherings. The main public event usually happens at the Aranguez Savannah or other community grounds, where you'll see locals in white clothes getting covered in abir (colored powder) and dancing to chutney music. It's genuinely participatory - visitors are welcome to join, though you should ask before throwing powder at anyone. Bring clothes you don't mind permanently staining and a waterproof phone case.
Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day
March 30th is Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day, a public holiday commemorating the 1951 repeal of laws that banned the Spiritual Baptist faith. You'll see church services, processions, and cultural events, particularly in communities with strong Spiritual Baptist presence like Belmont and Laventille. It's more observational than participatory for visitors, but offers insight into Trinidad's religious diversity beyond the Catholic and Hindu traditions most tourists encounter.