Funafuti in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Funafuti

31°C (88°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

353 mm (13.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak season for flying fish watching - March marks spawning season when hundreds of fish leap around the lagoon in early morning hours (6:30-7:30am)
Optimal rainfall pattern with short, intense afternoon showers (2-4pm) that cool temperatures and clear quickly, leaving evenings perfect for outdoor activities
Trade winds strengthen in March, providing natural air conditioning and making snorkeling conditions crystal clear with 15-20m (49-66ft) visibility
Lower tourist volume means easier access to Te Ava Tepuka Vili channel for swimming and better availability at Funafuti Conservation Area without advance booking

Considerations

Higher humidity at 70% makes midday activities (11am-3pm) uncomfortable without frequent water breaks and shade
Afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable and can strand you on outer motus if boat transfers are cancelled for 2-3 hours
UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection - locals avoid direct sun exposure between 10am-4pm, limiting sightseeing windows

Best Activities in March

Funafuti Lagoon Snorkeling and Swimming

March offers the clearest water conditions with trade winds settling sediment and minimal rainfall runoff. The lagoon's shallow areas (1-3m/3-10ft deep) warm to perfect temperatures by 9am. Flying fish activity peaks in early March, creating unique underwater viewing opportunities during spawning season.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required - rent equipment from village shops for AU$10-15 per day. Best times are 7-10am and 5-7pm when UV is manageable. Local boat operators charge AU$30-50 for lagoon tours, book same-day through your accommodation.

Conservation Area Nature Walks

March's afternoon rain pattern creates ideal morning conditions (7-10am) when temperatures are coolest and wildlife is most active. The 2km (1.2-mile) boardwalk trail through Funafuti Conservation Area showcases native vegetation without the intense heat of dry season months.

Booking Tip: Entry fee AU$5 per person, no advance booking needed. Bring water and start early - trail offers no shade after 10am. Guide services available for AU$20-30 per group through conservation office.

Traditional Fishing with Locals

March's calm morning waters (pre-trade wind pickup at 10am) create perfect conditions for traditional canoe fishing. Local fishermen target skipjack tuna and mahi-mahi during early morning runs, and visitors can join these authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your accommodation 1-2 days ahead. Costs AU$40-60 per person including basic equipment and fish preparation lesson. Trips depart 5:30am, return by 9am before afternoon weather changes.

WWII Historical Site Exploration

March's variable weather provides natural cooling breaks between sites. The American WWII airstrip remains and aircraft wreckage are best visited during morning hours when temperatures are manageable for the 3km (1.9-mile) walking tour across the atoll.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits free, local guide services AU$25-35 per group. Start by 8am to avoid midday heat. Rain provides welcome cooling but makes coral runway surfaces slippery - wear sturdy shoes with grip.

Inter-Atoll Cultural Exchanges

March marks traditional sailing season when weather patterns favor inter-atoll travel. Some outer island day trips become possible with local boat operators, offering glimpses of traditional Polynesian life on less developed atolls.

Booking Tip: Highly weather dependent - book through Funafuti Town Council office 3-5 days ahead for AU$80-120 per person. Trips cancelled if winds exceed 25 knots or storms predicted. Alternative cultural programs available at community center.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Te Aso Fiafia Community Celebration

Monthly community gathering featuring traditional Tuvaluan dancing, local food preparation demonstrations, and handicraft displays. March events often coincide with school term activities, creating larger celebrations with student performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon storms dump 20-40mm (0.8-1.6 inches) in 30-60 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 plus lagoon reflection creates intense exposure, reapply every 90 minutes

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes 6-8 hours to dry after rain or swimming

Sturdy water shoes with grip - coral surfaces are sharp and slippery when wet from frequent rain

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain mosquito activity peaks in early evening hours

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms last 1-3 hours, backup power essential

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and heat create rapid dehydration, locals mix these with rainwater

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds reach 15-25 knots, regular hats blow off constantly

Waterproof bag for electronics - sudden rain and boat spray from choppy lagoon conditions

Light long sleeves for evenings - post-storm temperatures drop to comfortable levels but require coverage

Insider Knowledge

Locals collect rainwater during March storms - join this cultural practice by positioning containers during afternoon downpours for the freshest drinking water on the atoll

March flying fish peak at 6:45am precisely - local fishermen know this 15-minute window produces the best catches and most spectacular jumping displays

Village shop prices drop 10-15% in March as supply ship arrives mid-month - stock up on snacks and supplies after March 15th for better deals

Morning lagoon temperatures vary by location - eastern side warms 2-3°C (4-5°F) faster due to sunrise exposure, perfect for early swimming before trade winds pick up

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities for 11am-3pm when locals take mandatory shade breaks - heat index reaches dangerous levels despite moderate air temperatures

Wearing cotton clothing that stays damp for hours in 70% humidity, creating discomfort and chafing during walks

Booking same-day boat trips during afternoon hours when thunderstorms can strand you on outer motus for 3-4 hours until weather clears