Monrovia - Things to Do in Monrovia in March

Monrovia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Monrovia

89°C (192°F) High Temp
74°C (166°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season peak - March has the least rainfall of the year with only 0.0 mm (0.0 inches), making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach excursions without weather disruptions
  • Optimal visibility for photography and sightseeing - clear skies between morning fog burn-off (usually by 9am) and afternoon storms (typically after 3pm) provide perfect lighting conditions
  • Prime sea conditions - calm waters and excellent visibility up to 25 m (82 ft) make March perfect for diving, snorkeling, and boat transfers to offshore destinations
  • Cultural festival season - March aligns with several local celebrations including traditional farming ceremonies and community gatherings that showcase authentic Liberian culture

Considerations

  • Extreme heat stress - temperatures reaching 89°C (192°F) create dangerous conditions requiring constant hydration and limiting outdoor activities to early morning hours (6-9am) and late afternoon (5-7pm)
  • High accommodation demand - March is peak dry season, driving hotel rates up 40-60% compared to rainy season months and requiring bookings 6-8 weeks in advance
  • Infrastructure strain - power outages increase during peak heat hours (11am-4pm) as the electrical grid struggles, affecting air conditioning and internet connectivity in many areas

Best Activities in March

Providence Island Historical Tours

March's clear conditions provide perfect visibility for exploring Liberia's founding settlement. Low tide in March exposes additional shoreline ruins typically underwater. Early morning departures (7am) avoid peak heat while catching golden hour lighting on colonial architecture remnants. The 45-minute boat ride is smooth in March's calm seas.

Booking Tip: Book 2 weeks ahead through licensed boat operators at Mesurado River docks. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person including boat transport. Early morning slots (7-9am) fill fastest. Verify operator has life jackets and radio communication.

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

March's dry conditions mean animals congregate around remaining water sources, increasing wildlife sighting opportunities by 70% compared to wet season. Forest paths are accessible without mud, and reduced canopy from dry season improves visibility for spotting pygmy hippos and forest elephants. Temperatures are manageable under forest cover.

Booking Tip: Arrange through certified eco-guides 3-4 weeks ahead. Multi-day packages range $150-250 USD including park fees, guide, and camping equipment. Morning departures essential - afternoon heat makes hiking dangerous even under canopy.

Robertsport Surfing and Beach Activities

March delivers consistent 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft) swells with offshore winds creating clean wave faces. Water temperature reaches comfortable 26°C (79°F). Beach activities best before 10am and after 5pm when sand temperature drops below foot-burning levels. March has lowest chance of surf-disrupting storms.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons typically $20-35 USD for 2-hour sessions. Book accommodations 6 weeks ahead as Liberia fills with international surfers in March. Look for operators providing shade tents and hydration during lessons.

Monrovia City Market Cultural Immersion

March brings harvest season produce to markets, showcasing peak variety of local fruits and vegetables. Early morning market visits (5:30-8am) offer cooler temperatures and freshest selections. This is prime season for palm wine, fresh palm oil, and seasonal specialties not available year-round.

Booking Tip: Join guided market tours through local cultural centers, typically $15-25 USD for 3-hour experiences including tastings. Independent visits best before 8am when temperatures are manageable and vendors have full selections.

Firestone Plantation Historical Tours

March's clear conditions provide unobstructed views across the vast rubber plantation landscape. Dry roads allow access to remote sections usually impassable. Educational tours highlight both industrial heritage and labor history. Cooler early morning temperatures make the extensive walking portions manageable.

Booking Tip: Tours must be arranged 2-3 weeks ahead through official channels, typically $30-45 USD per person. Morning tours (7am start) essential due to heat. Transportation from Monrovia adds $40-60 USD for day trips.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

National Prayer and Fast Day

Second Friday of March features nationwide religious observance with special church services, community gatherings, and traditional prayers for the coming year. Markets close early, but evening celebration meals offer opportunities to experience local hospitality and traditional foods.

Late March

Planting Season Ceremonies

Rural communities hold traditional blessing ceremonies for the upcoming planting season in late March. These authentic cultural events feature traditional music, dance, and ritual practices rarely seen by visitors. Participation requires respectful observation and often involves sharing community meals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off sand/water intensifies exposure significantly
Electrolyte replacement tablets - 70% humidity combined with 89°C (192°F) temperatures causes rapid dehydration requiring constant mineral replacement
Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - better sun protection than tank tops while allowing airflow, essential for market visits and cultural sites
Quick-dry microfiber towels - daily shower frequency increases dramatically in March heat and humidity levels
Insulated water bottles (1.5L minimum) - need to maintain cool water temperature in extreme heat, plastic bottles become too hot to drink
Portable battery pack with solar charger - frequent power outages during peak heat hours drain devices faster than normal charging can replace
Antifungal powder - high humidity creates ideal conditions for foot fungus, especially with increased sandal wearing
Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief thunderstorms still occur on 10 days in March, typically lasting 15-20 minutes
Breathable mesh laundry bag - clothes require daily washing but take longer to dry in high humidity, organization essential
Cooling neck wraps or bandanas - soak in cold water for instant relief during unavoidable midday heat exposure

Insider Knowledge

Power goes out daily between 11am-4pm in many areas during March heat waves - plan indoor activities requiring electricity for early morning or evening hours
Local buses stop running midday routes during extreme heat - arrange private transport for afternoon travel or plan to stay put during peak hours
March is palm wine season - fresh tapped palm wine is available mornings at village markets but spoils rapidly in the heat, drink before 10am
Beach sand reaches skin-burning temperatures by 10am - bring closed shoes for midday beach walks, locals avoid barefoot beach time until 5pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 10am-5pm - tourists frequently underestimate the heat intensity and end up with heat exhaustion or severe sunburn
Packing only summer clothes without sun protection - tank tops and shorts provide insufficient coverage for the intense UV and lead to painful burns within 30 minutes
Not booking accommodations with backup power - many tourists arrive expecting consistent air conditioning but hotels without generators become unbearable during daily power outages

Activities in Monrovia