Things to Do in Philippines in March

March Weather in Philippines

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with 30°C (86°F) highs and minimal rainfall - ideal for island hopping and beach activities before April's heat wave
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to December-February peak, while maintaining excellent weather conditions
Crystal clear diving visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) in places like Palawan and Bohol - the best underwater conditions of the year
Local summer vacation hasn't started yet, so popular spots like Boracay and El Nido have manageable crowds with shorter boat transfer waits

Considerations

Afternoon humidity can feel oppressive at 70% - outdoor activities after 2pm become uncomfortable without frequent shade breaks
Transitional weather means occasional surprise rain showers lasting 20-30 minutes, though only 10 rainy days total
Tourist infrastructure operates at reduced capacity in some remote areas as operators prepare for peak season starting April

Best Activities in March

Palawan Island Hopping and Lagoon Tours

March offers the calmest seas and clearest skies for exploring the limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28°C (82°F) with visibility extending 20+ m (66+ ft). The northeast monsoon has ended, creating perfect conditions for boat transfers between islands.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as March marks the start of peak booking season. Tours typically cost ₱3,500-5,500 per person including transfers and lunch. Look for operators with covered boats and life jackets - check current options in the booking section below.

Bohol Diving and Snorkeling Expeditions

Peak diving season continues through March with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm waters around Panglao Island. Water temperature remains at 27-28°C (81-82°F) - perfect for extended underwater exploration without thick wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range ₱2,800-4,200 for 2-tank dives including equipment. Book with PADI-certified operators offering small group sizes. March availability is good but reserve 10-14 days ahead - see current diving tours in booking section.

Northern Luzon Mountain Province Trekking

March provides ideal trekking weather with cool mornings at 15-18°C (59-64°F) and warm but not scorching afternoons. The rice terraces are at their greenest after February rains but trails have dried out, reducing mud and slippery conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost ₱4,500-7,500 including guide and meals. Book local guides through registered agencies 2-3 weeks ahead. Bring layers as elevation changes from 300-1,500 m (984-4,921 ft) create temperature swings.

Manila Food Market and Cultural Walking Tours

March's lower humidity makes walking through dense neighborhoods like Chinatown and Intramuros more comfortable. Street food vendors operate longer hours before April's intense heat arrives, and outdoor markets stay lively until 8-9pm.

Booking Tip: Food tours range ₱1,500-2,800 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Evening tours starting at 5pm capitalize on cooler temperatures and peak food vendor activity. Book through licensed cultural guides - check current food tour options below.

Siargao Surfing and Island Adventures

March delivers consistent 3-6 ft swells with offshore winds creating clean wave faces. Water temperature stays warm at 28°C (82°F) while air temperatures remain comfortable for all-day sessions. Dry season means reliable boat access to outer breaks.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons cost ₱1,800-2,500 including board rental. Island hopping tours range ₱2,200-3,800 per person. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as March popularity surges among surfers avoiding April's extreme heat.

Cebu Heritage Trail and Temple Visits

Comfortable morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make exploring Cebu City's historical sites pleasant before afternoon heat builds. March's lower rainfall means outdoor heritage sites and temples remain accessible with minimal weather disruptions.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours cost ₱1,200-2,100 including transportation. Start early at 8am to complete outdoor portions before 2pm heat. Book with accredited cultural guides - see current Cebu tour options in the booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Araw ng Dabaw Festival

Davao City's premier cultural celebration featuring street dancing, local produce exhibitions, and durian festivals. The week-long event showcases Mindanao's diverse ethnic traditions with nightly performances and food markets.

Late March

Parada ng Lechon

Balayan, Batangas hosts this unique roasted pig parade where whole lechon are decorated and paraded through streets before communal feasting. A distinctly Filipino celebration combining religious devotion with culinary tradition.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and breathable cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during day-long activities

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but arrive suddenly

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Filipino sun reflects intensely off water and white sand beaches

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - March's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near water and during evening hours

Closed-toe water shoes - coral, sea urchins, and sharp rocks are common around popular snorkeling and diving sites

Portable phone charger/power bank - High humidity drains batteries faster and charging stations are limited on remote islands

Cash in small denominations - Many island tours, local transportation, and food vendors only accept peso payments

Lightweight long pants and sleeves - Required for temple visits and useful for evening protection against insects

Waterproof bag for electronics - Even brief rain showers and boat spray can damage phones and cameras

Electrolyte tablets or powder - Easy dehydration in humid conditions, especially during active island hopping days

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights on Tuesday/Wednesday for 15-25% lower fares - Filipino travelers prefer weekend departures, creating midweek price drops

Eat at karinderya (local eateries) between 11:30am-1pm when food turnover is highest and freshest - avoid items that sit longer in March heat

Use Grab car instead of jeepneys during 2-4pm when afternoon heat makes crowded public transport unbearable - surge pricing is minimal off-peak

Bring photocopies of passport/visa - Many hotels and tour operators in remote areas still require physical copies despite digital alternatives

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities after 2pm when humidity peaks at 70% and afternoon heat becomes oppressive - schedule adventures for early morning

Underestimating boat transfer times between islands - March's increasing tourist traffic adds 30-45 minutes to published travel times

Packing only flip-flops for island activities - coral cuts and sea urchin injuries spike in March as more snorkelers venture into shallow reefs