Port of Spain in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Port of Spain

32°C (89°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

41 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Prime carnival season aftermath - local rhythm sections still practice in neighborhoods like Laventille and St. James throughout March, offering authentic steelpan experiences without tourist crowds
Perfect hiking weather for Northern Range trails - morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make the 3-hour El Tucuche hike (936m/3,071ft) comfortable before afternoon heat peaks
Optimal beach conditions at Maracas Bay - northeast trade winds create consistent 1-2m (3-6ft) waves ideal for bodyboarding, while UV index of 8 provides strong sun for tanning with manageable heat
Local mango season begins - Julie, Doux-doux, and Starch varieties ripen in March, available at Chaguanas Market and roadside vendors for TT$5-8 per bag, offering authentic seasonal flavors

Considerations

Inconsistent rainfall pattern - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of afternoon showers lasting 45-90 minutes, potentially disrupting outdoor plans between 2-5pm daily
High humidity at 70% makes air-conditioned transport essential - walking more than 1 km (0.6 miles) in midday heat becomes uncomfortable for most visitors
Post-carnival venue recovery - some popular nightlife spots in Port of Spain close for maintenance after February's intense carnival season, limiting evening entertainment options

Best Activities in March

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Mangrove Tours

March offers peak scarlet ibis viewing as birds prepare for nesting season. Morning tours at 6:30am provide cooler 22°C (72°F) temperatures and calmer waters before afternoon rain. The 2-hour boat journey through 15,000 acres of mangrove swamps showcases over 100 bird species in optimal visibility conditions.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots 7-10 days ahead through licensed Wildlife Section operators. Tours typically cost TT$180-250 per person. Afternoon tours often cancelled due to March rain patterns, so morning departures are most reliable.

Northern Range Rainforest Hiking

March's moderate morning temperatures make challenging trails like Avocat Waterfall (4-hour round trip) and Paria Bay coastal hikes manageable. Recent rains create spectacular waterfall flow while humidity remains below uncomfortable levels until 11am. Trail conditions are excellent with minimal mud.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon heat and rain. Local guides typically charge TT$300-500 per group. Book 5-7 days ahead during March's moderate visitor season. Look for Trinidad and Tobago Hiking Association certified guides.

Port of Spain Food Walking Tours

March brings seasonal specialties like fresh mango chutney and early crop dasheen bush. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid both crowds and afternoon rain while showcasing Frederick Street vendors, this destination spice stalls, and local breakfast spots serving doubles and bake and shark.

Booking Tip: Book weekday morning tours 3-5 days ahead for TT$200-350 per person. Weekend tours are more crowded with locals. Look for tours including this destination, Accra, and Woodbrook areas for complete culinary coverage.

Maracas Bay Beach and North Coast Exploration

March's northeast trade winds create consistent surf conditions perfect for bodyboarding at Maracas Bay. The 45-minute drive through Northern Range mountains showcases lush post-rainy season vegetation. Las Cuevas Bay offers calmer waters for swimming with fewer weekend crowds than peak season.

Booking Tip: Rent cars early morning to avoid afternoon rain on mountain roads. Parking at Maracas costs TT$20. Bake and shark vendors typically charge TT$25-35. Weekdays offer better beach space and parking availability.

Steel Pan Yard Cultural Experiences

March features active practice sessions as bands prepare for panorama competitions and community events. Neighborhoods like Laventille, St. James, and Woodbrook host evening sessions (7-10pm) where visitors can observe authentic steelpan music creation in intimate settings.

Booking Tip: Contact Cultural Division offices for current practice schedules. Most yards welcome respectful visitors for TT$50-100 donations. Evening sessions avoid daytime heat while showcasing local musical culture. Call ahead to confirm active practice nights.

Queen's Park Savannah and Magnificent Seven Architecture Tours

March's variable weather makes covered tours of colonial mansions ideal. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Savannah perimeter walk is comfortable in morning hours before heat peaks. Recent restoration work on several Magnificent Seven buildings provides enhanced viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best 8-10am before sun intensity increases. Paid architectural tours cost TT$150-200 per person and include interior access to select buildings. Combine with nearby Royal Botanic Gardens for complete cultural experience.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Holi Festival Celebrations

Trinidad's significant Hindu population celebrates Holi with powder throwing, traditional music, and street festivities primarily in Central Trinidad communities. Local temples in Chaguanas and St. Augustine host family-friendly celebrations with authentic Indian cuisine.

March 30

Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day

March 30th national holiday commemorating religious freedom with church services, cultural performances, and traditional music throughout Port of Spain. Woodbrook and East Port of Spain neighborhoods feature street processions and community gatherings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking shorts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during active exploration, synthetic fabrics dry within 2 hours after rain

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes with little warning, umbrella impractical during outdoor activities

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially during beach and hiking activities

Breathable cotton t-shirts - avoid polyester which traps heat in 32°C (89°F) afternoon temperatures and high humidity

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - wet concrete and tile surfaces become slippery after frequent rain showers

Insect repellent with DEET - March rains increase mosquito activity in mangrove areas and rainforest locations

Portable phone charger - high humidity drains battery faster, essential for navigation and emergency communication during hikes

Light cotton long pants - evening temperature drops to 22°C (72°F) plus protection from insects during sunset activities

Waterproof phone case - essential for Caroni Swamp tours and beach activities with unpredictable rain timing

Electrolyte supplements - 70% humidity and 32°C (89°F) heat increase dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local lime (hangout) culture peaks after work hours around 4-7pm - join authentic gatherings at neighbourhood bars in St. James and Woodbrook before tourist-focused nightlife begins

Maxi taxi routes #1 and #2 provide cheapest transport (TT$4) along major Port of Spain corridors - locals prefer these over expensive tourist shuttles for authentic city travel

this destination vendors offer best fruit prices Tuesday-Thursday mornings when weekend crowds thin out - negotiate in bulk for seasonal mangoes at 60% tourist area prices

Northern Range hiking trails become muddy within hours of rain - local WhatsApp groups share real-time trail conditions, ask accommodation staff for current contact numbers

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm when afternoon rain probability peaks at 60% - morning scheduling prevents weather disruptions and heat exhaustion

Wearing white or light colors to muddy hiking trails during March's wet conditions - dark, quick-dry clothing handles inevitable splashing and dirt better

Expecting carnival-level nightlife energy in March - many venues close for post-carnival maintenance, research current operating schedules before evening plans