Guineabissau in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Guineabissau

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 120mm (4.7 inches) across 10 days, ideal for island exploration and outdoor activities
Cooler temperatures before peak heat arrives - daily highs of 32°C (90°F) make walking tours and cultural sites comfortable in morning hours
Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - March seas are calm with 15-20m (49-66 ft) underwater visibility around the Bijagós Archipelago
Cashew harvest season brings busy local markets and fresh cajú fruit everywhere - prices drop 40% compared to imported months

Considerations

Harmattan winds from the Sahara create dusty conditions 2-3 times per week, reducing photo quality and requiring extra hydration
Peak tourist pricing begins - accommodation costs increase 25-30% compared to January-February as European visitors arrive
Afternoon humidity reaches uncomfortable levels between 2-5pm, limiting outdoor activities during hottest parts of day

Best Activities in March

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

March offers perfect conditions for exploring Guinea-Bissau's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve islands. Calm seas, minimal rainfall, and 32°C (90°F) temperatures create ideal conditions for multi-day island adventures. The Bijagó people's traditional ceremonies are most active during dry season.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators in Bissau 7-10 days ahead. Multi-day packages typically cost $150-250 USD including boat transport and basic accommodation. Look for operators with emergency communication equipment - cell service is limited between islands.

Bissau Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

March's moderate temperatures make exploring Bissau's Portuguese colonial quarter comfortable during morning hours (8-11am). The dry weather means better preservation of historical sites and clearer photography. Local guides share stories of independence struggle during this historically significant month.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local cultural centers rather than hotels for real feels. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD for 3-4 hours. Start early morning to avoid 2-5pm heat and humidity peaks.

Cantanhez Forest Reserve Primate Tracking

Dry season brings wildlife to reliable water sources, making chimpanzee and colobus monkey sightings more predictable. March's reduced canopy density from dry conditions improves visibility for photography. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) allow comfortable 3-4 hour forest walks.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 5 days advance through reserve headquarters in Catió. Day trips cost $80-120 USD including guide and transport. Bring malaria prophylaxis - mosquito activity increases near water sources despite dry season.

Traditional Cashew Processing Village Visits

March is peak cashew harvest season - villages process fresh nuts using centuries-old techniques. Experience cajú fruit tasting, cashew wine production, and support local economies directly. Temperatures favor outdoor processing activities that are too hot later in dry season.

Booking Tip: Contact village chiefs through regional administrators 3-4 days ahead. Cultural visits with meal sharing typically cost $30-50 USD. Bring gifts like school supplies rather than money for community goodwill.

Rio Geba Mangrove Kayaking

March's stable weather patterns create perfect paddling conditions through extensive mangrove systems. Receding water levels expose more wildlife - manatees, crocodiles, and over 100 bird species. Moderate temperatures allow 4-5 hour excursions without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book through eco-lodges near Quinhamel or Biombo regions 5-7 days ahead. Full-day kayak tours cost $60-90 USD including equipment and guide. Choose outfitters with safety equipment - tides can be unpredictable.

Bolama Island Historical Exploration

Former colonial capital Bolama is most accessible in March due to calm seas and reliable boat schedules. Crumbling governor's palace, abandoned churches, and overgrown colonial mansions create haunting historical landscapes. Dry weather enables safe exploration of deteriorating structures.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with boat captains in Bissau port area 2-3 days before travel. Day trips including boat transport cost $70-100 USD. Overnight stays possible in basic guesthouses for extended exploration.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Cashew Harvest Festival

Local communities celebrate the peak cashew season with traditional music, dance, and cajú wine ceremonies. Each village has its own timing, but celebrations peak when trees reach maximum fruit production.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long-sleeves - protect against 70% humidity, mosquitoes, and occasional Harmattan dust while staying cool

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during island trips

Quick-dry pants - comfortable for forest walks and respectful for visiting traditional communities where shorts aren't appropriate

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected afternoon showers that occur 10 days per month

Anti-malaria medication - start 1-2 weeks before travel as March's water sources attract mosquitoes despite dry season

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds bring Saharan dust 2-3 times weekly, affecting breathing and photography

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mangrove and forest excursions have high mosquito activity near water sources

Portable water purification tablets - tap water isn't reliably safe and bottled water costs 3x normal price on remote islands

Cash in small CFA franc denominations - ATMs are unreliable outside Bissau and card payments aren't widely accepted

Backup battery pack - electricity is intermittent outside main cities and you'll need devices for navigation and emergency communication

Insider Knowledge

Change money with established Lebanese merchants in Bissau's this destination - they offer better rates than banks and hotels, typically 5-8% difference on euro exchanges

Afternoon rains in March last exactly 20-30 minutes and locals use this time for indoor socializing - join them in markets or cafés rather than waiting in hotels

Book domestic flights through Bissau airport rather than international booking sites - TAP Air Portugal's Bissau office offers 20-30% discounts on multi-leg domestic routes

Village chiefs appreciate being addressed in Kriol rather than Portuguese - learn basic greetings like 'Kuma ku sta?' (how are you?) for warmer receptions and better cultural exchange opportunities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon humidity levels - tourists often schedule too many outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 70% humidity makes exertion uncomfortable and potentially dangerous

Bringing only Portuguese phrasebooks - while Portuguese is official, most locals speak Kriol daily and appreciate visitors who learn basic Kriol greetings and phrases

Expecting reliable internet connectivity outside Bissau - even major towns have intermittent service, so download maps, translation apps, and important documents before leaving the capital