Things to Do in Ivory Coast in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Ivory Coast
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means manageable rain - you'll get maybe 10 days with showers, but they're typically brief afternoon bursts that cool things down rather than washing out your plans. The humidity sits around 70% which is actually comfortable by coastal West African standards.
- Festival season hits its stride in March with multiple cultural celebrations across the country. The Fêtes des Masques in Man typically happens mid-to-late March, and you'll catch pre-Easter celebrations in Abidjan and Grand-Bassam that blend Catholic traditions with local customs in ways you won't see anywhere else.
- Beach conditions along the Atlantic coast are excellent - water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), waves are moderate for both swimming and surfing, and the haze that blankets the coast during harmattan season has usually cleared by March, giving you those postcard-blue skies.
- Wildlife viewing in parks like Comoé and Taï National Park is prime because animals congregate around remaining water sources as the dry season winds down. Visibility through vegetation is still good before the heavy rains trigger new growth, and morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make early game drives genuinely pleasant.
Considerations
- Heat builds throughout the day - by 2pm you're looking at 32°C (90°F) with that 70% humidity, which translates to a feels-like temperature closer to 38°C (100°F). Outdoor activities between noon and 4pm become genuinely uncomfortable unless you're near water or have serious heat tolerance.
- March sits in shoulder season transitioning toward the wet months, so you'll find some beach resorts and tour operators running reduced schedules or closing for maintenance before the April-June low season. Worth confirming operating hours before you commit to specific coastal destinations.
- UV index of 8 means you're getting serious sun exposure - 15 minutes unprotected at midday is enough for sunburn on lighter skin. The sun feels more intense near the equator than many visitors expect, even on partly cloudy days.
Best Activities in March
Abidjan neighborhood exploration and street food circuits
March weather is actually ideal for wandering Abidjan's distinct neighborhoods - mornings are cool enough for comfortable walking, and the occasional afternoon shower gives you a perfect excuse to duck into a maquis for grilled fish and attieke. The Plateau business district empties out on weekends, making it easier to appreciate the modernist architecture, while Cocody and Marcory markets hit their rhythm mid-morning. Street food stalls operate year-round but March sits in that sweet spot before the heavy rains make outdoor eating less appealing.
Grand-Bassam colonial architecture and beach day combinations
The former colonial capital sits 40 km (25 miles) east of Abidjan and March gives you the best beach conditions of the year. Water is warm, waves are manageable, and the historic quarter with its crumbling French colonial buildings is walkable in morning hours before the heat peaks. UNESCO World Heritage status means ongoing restoration work, but that actually adds to the atmosphere. Weekends get busier with Abidjan residents, so Tuesday through Thursday offers a quieter experience.
Yamoussoukro Basilica and political capital exploration
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace - larger than St. Peter's in Rome - is genuinely extraordinary, and March weather makes the 240 km (149 mile) journey from Abidjan manageable. The structure looks surreal rising from the countryside, and interior tours run throughout the day with air conditioning providing relief. The city itself offers insight into Ivorian political history as Houphouët-Boigny's planned capital. Plan for a full day or overnight trip - the drive takes 3-4 hours each way depending on road conditions.
Man region mountain hiking and cultural village visits
Western mountains around Man offer the country's best hiking with waterfalls, liana bridges, and Yacouba villages built into hillsides. March sits at the tail end of dry season so trails are accessible and water levels at falls like Mont Tonkoui are still decent. Morning temperatures in the mountains run 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than the coast. The Fêtes des Masques typically happens late March, featuring stilt dancers and sacred mask ceremonies - if your dates align, this becomes the highlight of any Ivory Coast trip.
Assinie coastal resort area and water sports
This beach zone 100 km (62 miles) east of Abidjan offers the country's most developed resort infrastructure with calm lagoon waters on one side and Atlantic surf on the other. March conditions are ideal for kitesurfing, kayaking, and boat trips to nearby islands. The area attracts wealthy Abidjan residents on weekends but stays relatively quiet midweek. Water temperature around 27°C (81°F) means no wetsuit needed.
Taï National Park rainforest and chimpanzee tracking
One of West Africa's last primary rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Taï offers serious jungle experience with habituated chimpanzee groups. March sits in optimal viewing season - trails are passable, chimp activity is high, and morning temperatures make the humid forest hiking tolerable. The park requires commitment - it's remote, facilities are basic, and you need 3-4 days minimum to make the journey worthwhile. But if you want genuine wilderness in West Africa, this delivers.
March Events & Festivals
Fêtes des Masques in Man
This celebration of Dan and Yacouba culture features sacred mask ceremonies, stilt dancing competitions, and traditional music that draws participants from mountain villages across the western region. The masks themselves represent spirits and ancestors, and watching dancers on 2-3 m (6-10 ft) stilts navigate rough terrain is genuinely impressive. Timing varies year to year but typically falls in the last two weeks of March. Not a tourist show - this is living cultural practice with deep spiritual significance.
FEMUA Music Festival preparation in Abidjan
While the main Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo happens in late April, March sees pre-festival concerts and events pop up across Abidjan neighborhoods. Urban music venues host warm-up shows featuring coupé-décalé, zouglou, and Afrobeats artists. The energy builds throughout March as the city gears up for the main event.