Tuvalu in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Tuvalu

30°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

325mm (12.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect lagoon temperatures of 28-29°C (82-84°F) for swimming and snorkeling - warmest water of the year without the intensity of dry season heat
Excellent visibility for traditional fishing and cultural activities - March marks the end of calm season before April's stronger winds arrive
Island vegetation is at its most lush from recent wet season, making walks around Funafuti and outer islands particularly scenic
Shoulder season pricing on the limited accommodations available - rooms at Vaiaku Lagi Hotel typically 15-20% less than peak dry season rates

Considerations

Only 2 flights per week from Suva (Tuesdays and Thursdays) with March being cyclone season backup - weather delays can extend stays by 3-4 days
High humidity of 70% combined with limited air conditioning outside main lodge makes midday activities uncomfortable for many visitors
Afternoon rain showers occur 10 out of 31 days, typically lasting 45-60 minutes but can disrupt outdoor cultural demonstrations and fishing trips

Best Activities in March

Traditional Fishing and Marine Conservation Tours

March offers optimal conditions for experiencing Tuvalu's traditional fishing methods with local families. Calm morning lagoons (wind speeds under 15 km/h or 9 mph until 11am) provide perfect conditions for te kalia (traditional net fishing) and learning about community-based marine conservation. Water clarity is excellent after February rains settle, making it ideal for observing coral restoration projects.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your accommodation 2-3 days ahead. Community fishing experiences typically cost AUD $40-60 per person and include traditional lunch. Best scheduled for 6-10am to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers.

Funafuti Lagoon Exploration and Cultural Immersion

The 18km (11-mile) long Funafuti lagoon is at its most accessible in March. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make cycling around the atoll comfortable, while afternoon lagoon swimming provides relief from humidity. March timing allows participation in traditional weaving demonstrations before the busier April school holiday period.

Booking Tip: Bicycle rental through community groups costs AUD $15-20 per day. Guided cultural tours including traditional crafts and history typically range AUD $50-80 per person. Book lagoon boat trips 1-2 days ahead for AUD $30-50 per person.

Outer Island Day Trips and Atoll Geology Tours

March weather provides optimal conditions for visiting uninhabited outer islands like Tepuka and Fualakau. Calm conditions make the 30-45 minute boat rides comfortable, while lower UV intensity in the morning allows for extended exploration of these pristine coral atolls. Perfect timing for understanding climate change impacts on low-lying islands.

Booking Tip: Outer island trips must be arranged through Funafuti community boat operators. Full-day excursions typically cost AUD $80-120 per person including transport and basic lunch. Weather dependent - book with 24-hour flexibility for potential delays.

Philatelic Bureau and Tuvalu History Center Visits

March's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The world-famous Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau offers insights into how this small nation uses stamp revenue for development. Combined with visits to the community maneapa (meeting houses), these provide deep cultural understanding during inevitable rain periods.

Booking Tip: Philatelic Bureau open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, free entry. Guided historical tours of traditional sites cost AUD $25-35 per person. Perfect rainy day backup - most sites have covered areas for weather protection.

Funafuti Airport Runway Walking and Aviation History

Unique to Tuvalu - the main runway doubles as a community recreation area when planes aren't scheduled. March's two weekly flights (Tuesdays/Thursdays) leave the runway available for walking, cycling, and learning about WWII Pacific theater history. Best done in early morning before 9am when temperatures are comfortable.

Booking Tip: Free activity but check flight schedules at accommodation. Guided historical tours including WWII sites typically cost AUD $20-35 per person. Bring sun protection - limited shade on the 1.5km (0.9 mile) runway.

Traditional Cooking Classes and Coconut Crab Spotting

March marks excellent timing for learning traditional Tuvaluan cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Morning cooking sessions avoid afternoon heat and humidity, while evening coconut crab spotting takes advantage of March's longer twilight periods. Experience authentic pulaka (taro) preparation and coconut-based dishes.

Booking Tip: Arrange cooking classes through families for AUD $45-65 per person including meal. Evening crab spotting tours cost AUD $25-40 per person. Book through accommodation - requires coordination with local families and tide schedules.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Funafuti Community School Term Break Activities

Local schools typically break in mid-March, leading to increased community activities and cultural demonstrations as families spend more time together. Excellent opportunity to observe traditional games, storytelling, and communal fishing practices that aren't regularly scheduled for tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 45-60 minutes and occur on 10 out of 31 March days

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with no natural shade on many parts of the atoll

Quick-dry clothing in natural fibers - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, especially during 30°C (87°F) afternoon temperatures

Reef-safe snorkeling shoes - essential for walking on coral rubble beaches and protecting the fragile lagoon ecosystem

Insect repellent with DEET - March humidity increases mosquito activity, particularly during evening hours

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - combination of rain, humidity, and lagoon activities requires electronics protection

Cash in Australian dollars - no ATMs on island and limited card acceptance, budget AUD $100-150 per day for activities and meals

Backup entertainment for flight delays - weather can extend stays by 3-4 days with only two weekly flights

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - essential for visits to traditional maneapa (meeting houses) and cultural sites

Portable fan or cooling towel - limited air conditioning outside main accommodations during 70% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

The Tuesday and Thursday Fiji Airways flights often run 30-60 minutes behind schedule in March due to weather - never book same-day international connections from Suva

March is when many Tuvaluan families return from overseas work, making it an excellent time to experience authentic family gatherings and traditional food preparation methods not typically shown to tourists

Funafuti's single fuel truck delivers on specific days - rental boat availability can be limited if fuel deliveries are delayed by weather, so always have backup activity plans

The community store (falekaupule) stocks limited imported goods that arrive with the flights - buy any special snacks or supplies on arrival day before stock runs out

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking return flights with less than 48-hour buffer - March weather delays can extend stays and there are only two weekly flight options

Arriving without sufficient cash - no banking facilities and most activities are cash-only, requiring AUD $100-150 daily budget

Planning only outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days in March, having indoor cultural alternatives prevents disappointment during afternoon showers