Things to Do in Port Louis in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Port Louis
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits right at the tail end of summer before the cooler season arrives - you'll catch warm ocean temperatures around 27°C (81°F) perfect for swimming without the oppressive heat of January-February. The water visibility is actually excellent this month.
- Tourist numbers drop significantly after the February school holiday rush from France and Reunion Island. Major attractions like Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and Le Morne beach see roughly 30-40% fewer visitors compared to peak months, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities.
- March marks the beginning of decent surf conditions on the southern coast around Le Morne and Tamarin. Swells start picking up from 1-2 meters (3-6 feet), attracting intermediate surfers but not yet the winter crowds that arrive May-September.
- Hotel rates drop by approximately 15-25% compared to the December-February peak season, while weather remains reliably good. You're getting shoulder season pricing with near-peak season conditions - the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers who still want beach weather.
Considerations
- Cyclone season officially runs until April 15, and March historically sees 1-2 tropical systems form in the southwest Indian Ocean. While direct hits are rare, you might experience 2-3 days of heavy rain and wind if a system passes nearby. Travel insurance with weather coverage is non-negotiable this month.
- Humidity averages 70% but regularly spikes to 80-85% during those 10 rainy days, creating that sticky, clothes-never-quite-dry feeling. The air conditioning in your accommodation becomes essential rather than optional, and you'll find yourself showering twice daily.
- Some dive operators reduce trips to outer islands like Coin de Mire and Flat Island due to occasionally choppy seas - you might see 3-4 cancellations per month. If diving remote sites is your priority, you'll have better luck from May onward when conditions stabilize.
Best Activities in March
Catamaran Cruises to Northern Islets
March offers surprisingly calm mornings in the northern lagoon before afternoon breezes pick up. Full-day catamaran trips to Gabriel Island and Flat Island typically depart 9am and return by 4pm, giving you glassy water for snorkeling the first half of the day. The 70% humidity actually feels refreshing once you're on the water with the breeze. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F) - warm enough you won't need a wetsuit but cool enough to stay in for hours. Visibility ranges 15-20 meters (50-65 feet) this month, better than the plankton-heavy summer months.
Hiking Le Pouce and Corps de Garde Mountains
The 812-meter (2,664-foot) Le Pouce summit hike is actually ideal in March despite the humidity - cloud cover on those 10 rainy days keeps temperatures manageable, and you'll often hike above the clouds for dramatic views. Start at 6:30am to finish the 2-3 hour ascent before midday heat. The trails are still relatively dry compared to April-May when they become slippery mud tracks. Corps de Garde at 720 meters (2,362 feet) offers similar conditions with slightly easier terrain. March gives you that perfect window where trails aren't yet waterlogged but temperatures have dropped from the brutal January-February highs.
Street Food Tours in Port Louis Central Market
March brings seasonal fruits that make the Central Market particularly interesting - you'll find the last of the summer litchis alongside early season mangoes. The market operates 5:30am-5pm Monday-Saturday, but the real action happens 11am-2pm when the dholl puri and gateaux piments vendors are in full swing. The humidity actually intensifies the aromatic spices - for better or worse depending on your tolerance. Locals crowd the market during lunch, which is exactly when you want to go for the freshest batches. The covered sections provide relief from that UV index of 8, though it traps heat and cooking smoke.
Kitesurfing at Le Morne Peninsula
March sits in that transitional period where wind conditions become more consistent than January-February but haven't yet reached the powerful winter trades. You'll typically see 15-20 knot winds, perfect for intermediate riders and beginners doing lessons in the shallow lagoon. The water stays warm at 27°C (81°F), and the famous Le Morne mountain backdrop creates stunning photo opportunities. Advanced riders might find conditions a bit light compared to June-August, but for learners, March offers forgiving winds without the intimidation factor. Most schools operate 9am-4pm with best conditions typically 11am-3pm.
Botanical Garden and Colonial Estate Visits
The 70% humidity might sound unpleasant, but it keeps the gardens at Pamplemousses absolutely lush - the giant water lilies are in full display, and the palm collection looks its best. March brings afternoon rain showers about 10 days of the month, but these typically last 20-30 minutes and actually provide welcome cooling. The estates like Eureka House and Domaine Les Pailles offer shaded colonial architecture tours that work perfectly on those variable weather days. You'll want to visit 9am-11am or after 3pm to avoid the midday UV index of 8. Tourist numbers are manageable - you won't be fighting crowds for photos of the Talipot palms.
Sunset Fishing and Seafood Experiences
March offers excellent conditions for evening fishing trips as the ocean starts its transition toward winter patterns. Yellowfin tuna, dorado, and marlin begin moving closer to shore, and the calmer mornings mean boats can venture further out. Half-day trips typically run 4pm-8pm, catching that golden hour light and avoiding the midday heat. Many operators now offer catch-and-cook experiences where your haul gets prepared beachside - the humidity actually enhances the smoky barbecue aromas. The 23°C (74°F) evening temperatures make outdoor dining comfortable without needing layers.
March Events & Festivals
Maha Shivaratri Preparations and Aftermath
While the main Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage to Grand Bassin typically falls in late February, early March sees the aftermath and smaller follow-up ceremonies at the sacred lake. You'll find the site decorated with colorful flags and offerings, and local Hindu communities continue prayers and rituals throughout the first week of March. It's actually a fascinating time to visit Grand Bassin - you get the spiritual atmosphere without the massive crowds of 400,000+ pilgrims that attend the main event. The 23-kilometer (14-mile) drive from Port Louis takes about 45 minutes and offers scenic highland views.
Independence Day Preparations
March 12 marks Mauritius Independence Day, and you'll see Port Louis transform in the week leading up to it. The Champ de Mars area and waterfront get decorated with national flags, and local shops run special promotions. The main celebrations happen on the 12th with official ceremonies at the Place d'Armes, but the energy builds throughout the week. Markets sell traditional snacks and patriotic merchandise, and you'll hear sega music performances in public squares. It's worth timing your visit to experience this genuine display of national pride rather than tourist-focused festivities.