Bridgetown in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Bridgetown

29°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season perfection - March is Barbados' driest month with minimal rainfall but enough brief showers to keep dust down and gardens lush
Cricket season peak - March hosts major regional cricket matches at Kensington Oval, creating electric atmosphere with locals celebrating their national sport
Ideal swimming conditions - sea temperatures reach 27°C (81°F) with calm waters perfect for snorkeling at Carlisle Bay's shipwrecks
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak season while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Higher UV intensity - March sun is brutal with UV index of 8, requiring constant sun protection and limiting comfortable beach time to before 11am and after 3pm
Increased humidity buildup - 70% humidity makes midday activities feel oppressive, especially inland areas like Harrison's Cave tours
Sargassum seaweed season begins - eastern beaches like Bathsheba start seeing seaweed washing ashore, affecting swimming and beach aesthetics

Best Activities in March

West Coast Catamaran Cruises

March offers perfect sailing conditions with steady 15-20 knot trade winds and calm seas on the Caribbean side. Morning cruises (9am-1pm) avoid peak heat while providing excellent turtle spotting opportunities. The dry weather means consistent departures with minimal cancellations.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better boat selection. Cruises typically cost BD$120-180 per person. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon heat and get better underwater visibility. Look for operators including snorkel gear and lunch.

Bridgetown UNESCO Walking Tours

March's lower humidity makes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage historic center comfortable in early morning and late afternoon. The dry conditions are perfect for photography of colonial architecture without rain concerns. Local guides provide insights into Bajan culture during the less crowded shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided tours (BD$40-60) offer deeper historical context. Start tours before 10am or after 4pm to avoid peak heat. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for the 2-3 hour routes.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery Experiences

March is ideal for rum tours as the indoor tastings provide welcome air-conditioned relief from midday heat. The dry season ensures consistent tour schedules, and shoulder season means smaller groups for more personalized experiences with master blenders.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost BD$25-45 and run hourly 10am-4pm. Book online 3-5 days ahead for guaranteed spots. The Eclipse Tour includes premium tastings worth the extra cost. Combine with lunch in nearby St. Lawrence Gap.

Atlantis Submarine Deep Sea Tours

March's calm seas provide optimal conditions for the submarine experience with minimal motion sickness. Crystal clear waters offer 30m+ (100ft+) visibility for viewing coral reefs and shipwrecks. The air-conditioned submarine is perfect escape from March heat.

Booking Tip: Tours cost BD$180-220 per adult and run twice daily. Book 5-7 days ahead as this popular attraction fills up. Morning tours often have better underwater visibility. Not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure

The limestone cave system maintains cool 24°C (75°F) temperatures year-round, making it perfect relief from March heat. Dry season means minimal flooding concerns and all tour levels operate consistently. The crystalline formations are at their most spectacular after brief March showers.

Booking Tip: Standard tram tours cost BD$60-80, walking adventures BD$100-120. Book online for 15% discount. Tours run every 30 minutes 9am-4pm. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring light jacket for cave temperature difference.

Flying Fish Market and Cooking Classes

March is prime flying fish season when these national symbols are most abundant in Bajan waters. Morning fish market visits in Bridgetown show authentic local life, followed by cooking classes learning to prepare national dishes like cou-cou and flying fish.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost BD$120-160 including market visit and lunch. Book through hotels or local culinary schools 3-4 days ahead. Friday market visits are most busy. Classes run 9am-2pm to avoid midday heat.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Holders Season Classical Music Festival

International classical and opera performances in the impressive open-air amphitheater of a 17th-century plantation house. March features world-class musicians in an intimate setting with pre-concert dining available.

Mid to Late March

Banks Beer Holders Polo Tournament

High-goal polo matches attract international teams and local society. Spectators enjoy champagne, local cuisine, and sunset matches in a sophisticated atmosphere unique to Caribbean polo season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially for water activities

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - essential for sun protection during midday, more comfortable than constant sunscreen reapplication

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - brief afternoon showers require fast-drying fabrics, plus multiple beach/pool visits daily

Comfortable walking sandals with back straps - for Bridgetown's uneven coral stone streets and wet boat decks

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days means brief but frequent showers, especially 2-4pm

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in 70% humidity is crucial, and reduces plastic waste on beaches

Aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion - even with precautions, March sun is intense and skin needs evening care

Cash in Barbadian dollars - many local attractions, markets, and small restaurants don't accept cards, ATMs charge high fees

Waterproof phone case - for catamaran trips, submarine tours, and unexpected rain showers

Light cotton sleepwear - humid nights require breathable fabrics even with air conditioning

Insider Knowledge

Time beach activities before 11am or after 3pm - locals avoid midday sun entirely during March, heading to air-conditioned malls and restaurants from 11am-3pm

Shop at Cheapside Market on Friday mornings for best flying fish selection - vendors save their premium catch for weekend buyers, and prices are 20% lower than tourist areas

Use ZR vans (shared minibuses) for authentic transport - they cost BD$2-3 vs BD$30+ taxis, run frequently along coast, and locals provide unfiltered destination advice

Book restaurant reservations for 6-7pm sunset dining - March sunsets at 6:15pm create perfect timing for outdoor dining as temperatures drop to comfortable levels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity and getting severely burned on first day - March UV is stronger than many visitors expect, requiring more protection than typical beach vacations

Staying at east coast hotels expecting calm beach days - Atlantic side has rougher seas and seaweed in March, west coast offers better swimming and water sports

Booking afternoon tours and activities - midday heat and humidity make 11am-3pm outdoor activities uncomfortable, morning and late afternoon timing is essential