Things to Do in Koh Samui in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Koh Samui
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Transition month weather means you'll catch mostly sunny mornings with occasional afternoon showers that actually cool things down - typically 20-30 minute bursts around 3-4pm that clear quickly. Way better than the unpredictable storms of other months.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Chinese New Year crowds disperse - accommodations run 25-35% cheaper than February, and you'll actually get your choice of beachfront spots at popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai by 9am instead of fighting for sand space.
- Sea conditions are genuinely excellent for snorkeling and diving - visibility reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft) around nearby islands, and the water temperature sits at a comfortable 28°C (82°F). This is actually one of the best months for underwater activities before the southwest monsoon builds.
- Local life returns to normal rhythm after tourist peak season - markets are less crowded, restaurant staff have time to chat, and you'll see more authentic island routines. The weekly Walking Street markets feel more like community gatherings than tourist traps.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability means you can't bank on perfect beach days - March sits awkwardly between dry and wet seasons, so you might get three gorgeous days followed by two overcast ones. Not ideal if you've only got a 4-5 day window and need guaranteed sunshine.
- Some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants start closing for annual maintenance in late March, particularly smaller family-run places preparing for the quieter months ahead. The island doesn't shut down, but your dining options narrow slightly compared to peak season.
- Heat and humidity combination during midday hours (11am-3pm) is genuinely draining - that 70% humidity makes 32°C (90°F) feel closer to 38°C (100°F). Locals avoid outdoor activities during these hours for good reason, and you'll burn through energy faster than you expect.
Best Activities in March
Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping
March offers ideal conditions for exploring this 42-island archipelago - calm seas, excellent visibility, and fewer tour boats than peak season. The emerald lagoon viewpoint hike (430 m or 1,410 ft elevation) is actually manageable in March before the intense April-May heat sets in. Morning departures work best to avoid afternoon clouds that sometimes roll in. Water conditions are perfect for kayaking between islands, and you'll spot more marine life when visibility is this good.
Fisherman's Village and Night Market Experience
Friday nights in Bophut transform into the island's most authentic street market, and March weather is actually perfect for evening wandering - temperatures drop to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) by 7pm with occasional breezes off the water. The market runs less crowded than peak season, so you can actually browse the craft stalls without getting swept along in tourist currents. Local food vendors offer seasonal catches that vary week to week, and prices stay reasonable since this market still serves island residents.
Sunrise Viewpoint Hikes
March mornings offer the clearest views before humidity builds and afternoon clouds roll in. The Khao Hua Jook viewpoint and Buddha's Footprint trail are both manageable 45-60 minute climbs that reward you with panoramic island views and cooler temperatures. Starting at 5:30am means you'll finish before the sun gets brutal, and you'll encounter locals doing their morning exercise routines - it's a glimpse into island life tourists rarely see. The light in March is particularly good for photography, with less haze than later months.
Thai Cooking Classes with Market Tours
March brings seasonal ingredients you won't find other times of year - mango season is just beginning, and local markets overflow with produce. Morning classes that start with market tours (typically 9am) let you see how locals actually shop and bargain. The indoor cooking portion is a blessing during midday heat, and you'll learn dishes adapted to ingredients actually available right now rather than generic tourist curry courses. Most classes run 3-4 hours and you'll eat what you make.
Sunset Catamaran Sailing
March offers some of the year's best sailing conditions - steady breezes, calm seas, and spectacular sunset colors as humidity creates dramatic cloud formations. The 4-6pm departure window means you'll sail during the coolest part of afternoon and return after dark when temperatures are genuinely pleasant. Most tours include snorkeling stops at less-visited beaches on the west coast where you might actually have the water to yourselves. It's worth the splurge for the weather alone.
Wat Plai Laem and Temple Circuit by Scooter
March mornings provide ideal temple-visiting conditions before heat becomes oppressive. The colorful Wat Plai Laem with its 18-arm Guanyin statue is genuinely photogenic, and the complex is large enough to explore for 45-60 minutes. Combining it with Big Buddha and Wat Khunaram (the mummified monk temple) makes a solid half-day circuit covering 25 km (15.5 miles) of coastal roads. You'll see working temples where locals actually worship rather than pure tourist attractions, and morning light is perfect for photography.
March Events & Festivals
Local Muay Thai Stadium Fights
Weekly fights happen year-round at Chaweng Stadium (Tuesdays and Fridays) and Lamai Stadium (Sundays and Thursdays), but March offers a particularly good experience since crowds thin out after peak season. You'll sit alongside Thai locals who actually follow the fighters rather than pure tourist audiences. The atmosphere is genuinely electric, and ringside seats give you the full sensory experience - the traditional music, the pre-fight rituals, the smell of liniment. Fights typically feature 8-9 bouts ranging from young teenagers to professional matches.