Things to Do in Ivorycoast in March

March Weather in Ivorycoast

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with minimal rainfall - March gets only 85mm (3.3 inches) compared to 160mm+ (6.3+ inches) in wet season months
Harmattan winds have subsided, making coastal areas comfortable without the dusty haze that affects January-February visibility
Sea turtle nesting season begins on western beaches - witness olive ridley and leatherback turtles laying eggs at dawn
Mango season peaks in March - street vendors sell tree-ripened mangoes for 100-200 CFA francs, and local markets overflow with 15+ varieties

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures can reach 35°C+ (95°F+) inland, making midday sightseeing in cities like Yamoussoukro uncomfortable without air conditioning
Hotel rates increase 20-30% as European winter refugees arrive before Easter holidays, particularly affecting Grand-Bassam and coastal areas
Road conditions deteriorate as pre-rainy season maintenance begins - expect construction delays on major routes like Abidjan-San Pedro highway

Best Activities in March

Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture Tours

March offers ideal conditions for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site - temperatures are warm but not scorching, and the 70% humidity isn't yet oppressive. Early morning tours (7-10am) provide perfect lighting for photography while avoiding peak heat. The contrast between French colonial buildings and traditional fishing villages is stunning when Atlantic breezes keep you cool.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Expect to pay 8,000-12,000 CFA francs for half-day tours. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Taï National Park Primate Trekking

March is optimal for chimpanzee and monkey viewing - animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, and reduced rainfall means clearer forest trails. The 1,200mm+ (47+ inches) annual rainfall hasn't yet turned paths muddy, making 5-8km (3-5 mile) treks manageable. Colobus monkeys and Diana monkeys are frequently spotted during the 6-8 hour guided walks.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead through park-certified guides. Full-day treks cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs including transportation from nearby villages. Ensure guides carry emergency communication devices for remote areas. Current trekking options available in booking section below.

Abidjan Lagoon Boat Tours

March's stable weather makes lagoon exploration ideal - minimal risk of afternoon storms canceling tours, and the 24-32°C (75-90°F) temperature range is perfect for being on water. Traditional pirogue tours through Ébrié Lagoon offer views of stilt villages, mangrove forests, and local fishing communities. Evening tours catch spectacular sunsets without wet season cloud cover.

Booking Tip: Book morning or late afternoon slots to avoid midday heat. Half-day tours range 15,000-20,000 CFA francs through licensed boat operators at Port Bouët Marina. Verify life jackets and insurance coverage. See available lagoon tours in booking widget below.

Sassandra Beach and Fishing Village Experiences

March offers perfect beach conditions with minimal rainfall and strong Atlantic breezes cooling the 32°C (90°F) afternoons. Traditional fishing communities are most active during March's favorable weather - witness 5am pirogue launches and afternoon fish market auctions. The colonial fort provides historical context while beaches offer swimming in relatively calm seas.

Booking Tip: Combine beach time with cultural experiences through local community guides. Day trips from Abidjan cost 20,000-30,000 CFA francs including transport. Book accommodations 2 weeks ahead as March is popular with domestic tourists. Current Sassandra tours in booking section below.

Yamoussoukro Basilica and Presidential Palace Tours

March's lower humidity makes exploring the world's largest basilica more comfortable than wet season months. The political capital sees fewer crowds in March, allowing better access to the massive basilica interior and grounds. Morning visits (8-11am) avoid the intense midday heat that can reach 35°C+ (95°F) in the inland location.

Booking Tip: Arrange official tours through the basilica visitor center 3-5 days ahead. Tours cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs and run Tuesday-Sunday. Photography permits for interior cost additional 3,000 CFA francs. Transportation from Abidjan adds 15,000-25,000 CFA francs. Check current tour availability in booking section.

Comoe National Park Safari Drives

March marks the end of optimal wildlife viewing as animals begin dispersing before rains return. Early morning game drives (6-9am) in 32°C+ (90°F) temperatures offer last chances to see elephants, antelopes, and buffalo concentrated around remaining water sources. The 11,500 sq km (4,440 sq mile) park's dirt roads are still accessible before wet season deterioration.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through park-certified tour operators in Kakpin village. Two-day safaris with camping cost 45,000-65,000 CFA francs per person including meals and guides. Ensure 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers for remote areas. Safari options available in booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Festival des Masques (Dan Region Mask Festival)

Traditional mask ceremonies in the Dan region celebrate the transition from dry to rainy season. Sacred masks representing forest spirits perform elaborate dances in villages around Man. This is one of the few times outsiders can witness authentic traditional ceremonies rather than tourist performances.

Late March

Fête du Dipri (Gomon Village)

Annual purification ceremony in Gomon village near Grand-Lahou where participants enter trance states and perform traditional cleansing rituals. The ceremony marks community renewal before the agricultural season begins with the rains.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - protect from UV index 8 sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity

Quick-dry pants for forest trekking - March trails can be muddy from overnight dew even without rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - equatorial sun is intense year-round, especially on beaches and lagoons

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes peak before rains but remain active in humid conditions

Comfortable walking shoes and sandals - temperatures of 32°C (90°F) make feet swell, so pack half-size larger

Light rain jacket or poncho - while March is dry, sudden 20-30 minute showers occur on 10+ days

Portable fan or cooling towel - indoor air conditioning isn't universal, and 70% humidity feels oppressive

Electrolyte supplements - sweating in heat and humidity requires mineral replacement, especially during activities

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics from humidity and unexpected splashes during boat tours

Cash in small CFA franc notes - rural areas and markets don't accept cards, and change is often scarce

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities at 6am when temperatures are 24°C (75°F) - by 10am it's already 30°C+ (86°F+) and climbing

Mango vendors appear on every street corner in March - buy from vendors who cut fruit fresh rather than pre-cut displays sitting in heat

Book domestic flights between regions in March - road travel becomes increasingly difficult as rains approach and maintenance begins

Many Ivorians travel to villages for family visits in March before rainy season farming begins - expect crowded transport on weekends

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling midday outdoor activities - temperatures between 11am-3pm regularly exceed 33°C (91°F) with high humidity making it feel like 38°C+ (100°F+)

Assuming dry season means no rain gear needed - March still sees 10+ rainy days with sudden intense downpours

Not booking accommodations early enough - March is when European visitors arrive before Easter, driving up coastal hotel prices 20-30%