Soak Up the Sun in the Maldives in March

With sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rain, March is an ideal time to visit the Maldives. Located in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise is renowned for its stunning beaches, turquoise lagoons, and luxurious island resorts. March falls during the hot and dry season, making it one of the best months to experience the Maldives at its finest. Read on to discover what to expect from the weather, top attractions, activities, events, and more for a memorable Maldives getaway in March.

Overview of Maldives Weather in March

March brings consistently hot, sunny days with low chances of rainfall in the Maldives. Temperatures average around 29°C during the day and drop to a comfortable 25°C at night. With about 9 hours of daily sunshine, days are mostly sunny and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and island exploration.

The ocean temperature remains a pleasant 29°C, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. Humidity rises to an average of 80%, higher than other dry season months but still comfortable when enjoying sea breezes. Rainfall is rare, although short sporadic showers can occur.

Winds are moderate, generally blowing from the northwest. While the skies may be occasionally cloudy, lengthy downpours are uncommon. Thanks to minimal storms or rough seas, marine conditions are beautifully calm and clear. Altogether, the weather makes March one of the best times to visit Maldives and enjoy the outdoors.

Festivals and Events in the Maldives in March

March brings a few cultural and sporting events to the Maldives calendar:

Eid-al-Fitr

Marking the end of Ramadan fasting, this festival is celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, new clothes and street parties. As it follows the lunar calendar, the date varies annually.

International Kite Festival

male hosts this colorful festival on the eastern shoreline where competitors fly kites traditionally used for fishing. Witness spectacular kite flying displays and competitions.

Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

Surfing enthusiasts converge at Pasta Point near Fulidhoo Island for this thrilling championship organized by the Surfing Association of Maldives.

Maldives Travel Awards Gala

The tropical island of Dharavandhoo hosts this annual awards ceremony recognizing the best of Maldives’ hospitality industry including resorts, liveaboards and guest houses.

Run for Health

Male sees runners participate in this annual 10 km marathon promoting health and fitness among Maldivians. The flat course crosses the city’s bridges and waterfront.

Top Attractions and Places to Visit in the Maldives in March

The 1192 coral islands of Maldives offer diverse experiences across different atolls. Here are top picks for a March holiday:

Male City

The bustling capital has colorful markets, historic mosques, busy fishing harbors and street food spots to sample local cuisine. Don’t miss the National Museum and Sultan Park.

Bandos Island

Just 15 minutes from Male, Bandos attracts visitors with its white sand beaches, exotic gardens, lagoon and reef perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Fun activities like jets skiing, banana boating and windsurfing are also on offer.

Baros Island

This luxury private island resort near Male has 75 stylish overwater villas showcasing contemporary design. Unwind at the spa, dine at award-winning restaurants and enjoy snorkeling in the thriving house reef.

Whale Submarine

Explore the mesmerizing undersea world aboard this marine vessel with large windows. Cruise through coral gardens off Male spotting tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks and rays.

Hulhumale Island

This reclaimed island near the airport has beautiful beaches alongside restaurants and shops. Check out the Mosque, golf course, parks and the buzzing Seagull Café by the waterfront.

National Museum

Located in the Sultan Park of Male, the museum chronicles Maldivian history and culture. Highlights include ancient Buddhist statues, royal antiquities, preserved palm leaf manuscripts, coral stone mosques and more.

Maafushi Island

Tourists flock to Maafushi, one of the biggest local islands, for its stunning beaches, diving spots and fun water activities like parasailing, jet skiing and snorkeling. The bazaars sell souvenirs and local fare.

Biyadhoo Island

Part of South Male Atoll, Biyadhoo attracts surfers to its powerful waves and has a marine protected area filled with coral gardens, turtles, and rays perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Olhuveli Beach

On the island bearing the same name, Olhuveli Beach impresses with its fine white sands and gentle slope into calm turquoise waters making it ideal for relaxed swimming and sunbathing.

Dharavandhoo Island

The picturesque island of Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll has stellar beaches, fantastic diving and snorkeling sites and a laidback vibe perfect for a tranquil holiday amidst natural beauty.

Best Activities and Experiences in the Maldives in March

With gloriously sunny weather and minimal rain, March offers perfect conditions to enjoy the outdoors in Maldives:

Snorkeling and Diving

The clear waters and ideal visibility provide phenomenal opportunities to explore thriving coral reefs and encounter marine life like turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and more.

Surfing

March brings powerful waves highly anticipated by surfers. Head to breaks like Pasta Point, Honkeys, Sultans, and Cokes to ride these world-class waves or watch the pros conquer them.

Cruising

Set sail on a dhoni to explore nearby islands and sandbanks. Enjoy snorkeling, fishing, picnicking or dining on board under starlit skies. Resorts also offer sunset cruises and dolphin watching excursions.

Sandbank Visits

Lounging on sandbanks surrounded by crystalline waters is a must-do. Many resorts organize full-day trips with food, drinks and water sports.

Fishing

March is a peak time for big game fishing. Book a morning or afternoon trip to catch giant trevally, wahoo, barracuda, marlin and sailfish. Most catches can be cooked upon return.

Water Sports

The calm lagoons are ideal for windsurfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, catamaran sailing and more. Most resorts offer equipment rental and lessons.

Seaplane Tours

These thrilling overwater flights provide breathtaking aerial views of Maldives’ scattered islands, glowing blue lagoons and turquoise reefs.

Beach Relaxation

With temperatures in the high twenties, you can comfortably sunbathe for hours on the powdery white beaches before cooling off in the warm turquoise waters.

Spa Treatments

Rejuvenate mind and body with soothing massages, facials and body scrubs at overwater spas using all-natural ingredients and traditional techniques.

Local Island Visits

Escape the resorts for a day to experience local culture, cuisine and shopping at lively inhabited islands like Maafushi, Himmafushi and Fulidhoo.

What to Pack for Your Maldives Holiday in March

When packing for the Maldives in March, here are some essentials to include:

• Sun protection – Hats, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and rashguards
• Lightweight, breathable clothes – Shorts, skirts, dresses, linen shirts and sarongs
• Swimwear – Bikinis, swim trunks, cover ups and rash guards
• Reef-safe sunscreen – To protect marine ecosystems while snorkeling
• Beach necessities – Towel, flip flops, umbrella, daypack
• Water shoes – For snorkeling, reef walking and water activities
• After sun lotion – To soothe skin after sun exposure
• Light sweater – For air-conditioned spaces
• Rain jacket – In case of the occasional shower
• Motion sickness tablets – If prone to nausea on boat trips
• Mosquito spray – Insect repellent with DEET
• Camera – To capture those picture-perfect moments
• Cash – US Dollars are widely accepted
• Copy of passport – For checking into hotels
• Power adapter – Maldives uses Type D, G and M plugs

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Maldives in March

Here are answers to common queries about travelling to the Maldives in March:

Is March a good time to visit the Maldives?

Yes, March is a popular month with hot, sunny weather ideal for beaches and water activities. As the end of high season, resort rates also start decreasing.

What is the weather like?

March has hot and sunny days with temps around 29°C. Rainfall is minimal and winds are moderate. The ocean is 29°C making swimming and snorkeling enjoyable.

How much does it rain?

Not much. March falls during the dry season with hardly any rainfall. The odd short shower may occur but most days are blue skies.

Is March busy for travel?

March is still considered high season but crowds dissipate after spring break. You’ll enjoy warm weather without excessive crowds or high rates.

What clothes should I pack?

Pack light breezy clothes like shorts, skirts, lightweight shirts along with swimwear, hats and sunscreen. Bring a light sweater for evenings.

Are all Maldives resorts open in March?

Yes, March falls in peak tourism season so all resorts, hotels, cruises and guesthouses are fully operational. Advance reservations are still recommended.

Is the sea rough?

No, seas are relatively calm in March with moderate breezes. Conditions are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving and other water activities.

Is March rainy season?

No, March is part of the dry season with very little chance of rain. Showers are rare and the skies are generally clear.

Plan an Unforgettable Maldives Escape in March

With minimal crowds, fantastic weather and lowered rates, March is an exceptional time to book a rejuvenating sunny getaway to the Maldives. Spend your days snorkeling dazzling reefs, unwinding on powdery beaches and enjoying oceanfront dining. With hassle-free climate and easier availability, start planning your Maldives trip now to make the most of this tropical island paradise next March.