Things to Do in Dominica in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Dominica
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means you get mostly sunny mornings with predictable afternoon showers - the rain typically hits between 2-4pm, giving you clear weather for morning hikes and beach time. Waterfalls are still flowing strong from earlier wet season accumulation, so places like Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool look spectacular without the January-February deluge.
- Carnival season wraps up in early March, which means you catch the tail-end energy without the peak crowds. The island transitions from festival mode to quieter rhythms around mid-month, so accommodation prices drop 15-20% compared to February while weather stays nearly identical.
- Whale watching conditions are excellent - humpback whales migrate through Dominican waters from January through March, and March actually offers calmer seas than earlier months. The 70% humidity is manageable compared to summer's 85%+, and that 29°C (84°F) daytime temperature is genuinely comfortable for hiking in the rainforest.
- Mango season begins in late March, and you'll find the first early-season Julie mangoes at markets. The island's agricultural calendar means fresh produce is abundant - dasheen, breadfruit, and local vegetables are at their peak, making it ideal timing for anyone interested in farm-to-table experiences or cooking workshops.
Considerations
- You're catching the very end of dry season, which means weather becomes increasingly unpredictable as the month progresses. Early March might give you 8 sunny days out of 10, but late March trends closer to 6 out of 10 as the island transitions toward wetter months. Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly distributed.
- Easter timing affects 2026 significantly - Easter falls on April 20th, which means the week before (mid-to-late March) sees Caribbean families booking spring break trips. Accommodation in popular areas like Roseau and Portsmouth gets tighter, and domestic flight connections through Antigua or Barbados fill up faster than usual.
- The Atlantic coast gets rougher as March progresses - windward beaches like Woodford Hill and Hampstead see choppier conditions, limiting swimming and snorkeling opportunities on that side of the island. If you're specifically planning Atlantic coast activities, early March is noticeably better than late March.
Best Activities in March
Rainforest Waterfall Hikes
March hits the sweet spot where waterfalls still have substantial flow from earlier rains but trails are drier and more manageable than January-February. The Middleham Falls trail (3.2 km / 2 miles round trip, roughly 90 minutes) and Syndicate Falls are particularly rewarding now. Morning hikes between 7-11am avoid both afternoon rain and midday heat. The forest canopy keeps things 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than coastal areas, and wildlife activity peaks in early morning - you'll likely spot Sisserou parrots if you're quiet. River crossings are still exciting but not dangerously swollen.
Whale Watching Tours
Humpback whale migration continues through March with calmer seas than earlier winter months. The leeward (Caribbean) coast from Scotts Head to Salisbury offers the smoothest conditions, and March typically sees 2-3 meter (6-10 foot) swells compared to January's 3-4 meters (10-13 feet). Morning departures between 8-10am catch whales when they're most active and before afternoon weather builds. You'll also spot pilot whales and dolphins. The combination of good visibility, manageable seas, and guaranteed whale presence makes March one of the three best months for this.
Snorkeling and Diving Champagne Reef
Underwater visibility peaks in March at 18-25 meters (60-80 feet) as the dry season keeps sediment low. Champagne Reef's volcanic bubbles create a unique experience, and March water temperatures around 27°C (81°F) are comfortable without thick wetsuits. The reef is diveable year-round, but March offers the calmest conditions on the leeward coast. Morning sessions before 11am get the best light for photography. The nearby Scotts Head Marine Reserve and Soufriere Pinnacles are equally spectacular now.
River Tubing and Canyoning
March water levels are ideal - rivers like the Layou and Pagua have enough flow to be exciting but aren't dangerously high like they can be in September-October. Water temperature stays around 24-26°C (75-79°F), which feels refreshing rather than cold. The Titou Gorge swim-through is particularly good now with clear water and manageable currents. Canyoning trips that involve rappelling down waterfalls work best in March because rock faces are less slippery than in full wet season. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon rain.
Kalinago Territory Cultural Experiences
March timing means you avoid both peak tourist season and the wettest months, making visits to the Kalinago Territory on the east coast more pleasant. The Kalinago Barana Aute cultural center offers demonstrations of traditional canoe building, cassava processing, and basket weaving. The 70% humidity is noticeable but not oppressive, and the territory's coastal location catches trade wind breezes. Combine this with a visit to the L'Escalier Tete Chien coastal rock formation. The cultural calendar doesn't have major festivals in March, so experiences are authentic rather than performance-oriented.
Hot Springs and Volcanic Features
Dominica's volcanic hot springs are year-round attractions, but March weather makes the experience more comfortable - soaking in 37-40°C (98-104°F) thermal waters when air temperature is 29°C (84°F) rather than 32°C (90°F) feels better. Wotten Waven has multiple accessible hot spring pools, and Screw's Sulphur Spa offers a local experience. The Boiling Lake hike (13 km / 8 miles round trip, 6-7 hours) is challenging but March conditions are optimal - trails are drier, and that 22°C (72°F) morning temperature makes the strenuous climb manageable. Late March sees more afternoon clouds, which can obscure Boiling Lake views.
March Events & Festivals
Carnival Jump-Up (Early March)
Dominica's Carnival officially runs Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which falls in late February or very early March depending on the year. In 2026, Ash Wednesday is February 18th, so Carnival itself is mid-February. However, the cultural hangover continues into early March with smaller community jump-ups and fetes in villages around the island. You won't catch the main parade, but you'll experience the post-Carnival atmosphere when locals are still in festive mode and calypso music dominates. Worth experiencing if you're visiting the first week of March, though not the full Carnival spectacle.
World Creole Music Festival Planning Season
While the actual festival happens in October, March is when the organizing committee announces initial lineup details and early bird tickets go on sale. This matters if you're a return visitor or planning ahead - locals talk about the upcoming festival, and you'll see promotional activity around Roseau. Not an event to experience per se, but culturally interesting timing if you're into Caribbean music scenes.