Things to Do in Samui in March

March Weather in Samui

30°C (86°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

117mm (4.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect diving conditions - March offers the clearest water visibility (20-25m/66-82ft) before April's plankton bloom, with water temperatures at ideal 28°C (82°F)
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-40% compared to December-February peak, while weather remains excellent for most activities
Optimal festival timing - March coincides with several Buddhist temple celebrations and the end of cool season festivities, offering authentic cultural experiences without tourist crowds
Best hiking weather window - morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) with 70% humidity make early temple hikes and waterfall treks comfortable before afternoon heat peaks

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon storms - sudden 20-30 minute downpours occur 60% of days between 2-5pm, requiring flexible outdoor planning and indoor backup activities
Rising humidity levels - 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures can feel oppressive for travelers from temperate climates, especially during midday hours
Variable wind patterns - inconsistent breezes affect boat trips and water sports, with some days perfectly calm and others too choppy for smaller vessels

Best Activities in March

Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping

March offers optimal conditions for exploring this 42-island archipelago with calm seas and excellent visibility. Morning tours (8am-4pm) avoid afternoon storms while showcasing emerald lagoons and limestone karsts. Water temperature sits at perfect 28°C (82°F) for swimming and snorkeling. March's moderate crowds mean better photo opportunities at Emerald Lake viewpoint without long queues.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine park operators. Tours typically cost ฿2,200-2,800 including national park fees and lunch. Choose full-day tours with kayaking included for best value. Reference booking widget for current tour options departing from different beaches.

Temple Dawn Photography Tours

March's clear morning skies create perfect conditions for photographing Samui's hilltop temples during golden hour. Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples offer stunning sunrise views from 6:30-7:30am before heat and humidity intensify. Cool 25°C (77°F) morning temperatures make uphill walks comfortable, while fewer tourists ensure unobstructed shots of iconic landmarks.

Booking Tip: Join early morning cycling or scooter tours departing 5:30am, typically ฿800-1,200 including equipment and guide. Book through guesthouses or tour counters 2-3 days ahead. Independent visits cost ฿50-100 temple donations plus transport.

Fisherman's Village Night Market Exploration

March's pleasant evening temperatures of 26°C (79°F) create ideal conditions for exploring Bophut's Friday night walking street. Local vendors serve seasonal specialties like som tam (papaya salad) and grilled seafood under comfortable humidity levels. March falls during local fishing season, ensuring freshest catches and authentic atmosphere without peak season crowds.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration every Friday 6pm-11pm costs nothing beyond food purchases (dishes ฿40-150). Join food walking tours for ฿1,500-2,000 including tastings and cultural context. Book through local guides 3-5 days ahead during March's moderate season.

Namuang Waterfall Jungle Trekking

March's recent rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing strongly while morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make jungle hiking comfortable. The 1.2km (0.7 mile) trail to upper falls offers excellent swimming opportunities in natural pools. March timing avoids both dry season's reduced water flow and rainy season's dangerous currents, creating perfect conditions for photography and swimming.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost ฿200 entrance plus ฿300-500 songthaew transport. Guided trekking tours with lunch typically cost ฿1,800-2,400 and include multiple waterfalls. Book morning slots (8am-11am) to avoid afternoon storms. See current guided options in booking section below.

Koh Tao Day Trip Diving Expeditions

March delivers peak diving conditions to Koh Tao with 20-25m (66-82ft) visibility and calm seas perfect for boat transfers. Water temperature reaches ideal 28°C (82°F) while March's variable weather creates dramatic underwater lighting. Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock offer best macro life viewing before April's plankton increases reduce visibility.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips including 2 dives, equipment, and transfers typically cost ฿3,500-4,500. Book 10-14 days ahead through PADI certified operators for best boat selection. Snorkel-only options available for ฿2,200-2,800. Check current departure times and operators in booking widget.

Secret Buddha Garden Mountain Adventures

March's moderate humidity makes the challenging 12km (7.5 mile) mountain drive to Samui's highest viewpoint manageable. Located 635m (2,083ft) above sea level, this sculpture garden offers panoramic island views and cool 22°C (72°F) temperatures. March's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions while afternoon clouds create dramatic backdrops.

Booking Tip: 4WD tours including multiple viewpoints cost ฿2,800-3,500 for half-day excursions. Self-drive requires experienced mountain driving skills and costs ฿300 entrance plus vehicle rental ฿800-1,200/day. Book morning tours (8am-1pm) to avoid afternoon storms affecting visibility.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March (exact date varies by lunar calendar)

Makha Bucha Day Temple Ceremonies

This significant Buddhist holiday features candlelit temple processions and merit-making ceremonies at major temples island-wide. Locals dress in white and participate in evening circumambulations around temple buildings, creating ethereal photography opportunities and authentic cultural immersion.

Throughout March (varies by village and weather)

Local Fishing Season Celebrations

March marks peak fishing season for traditional long-tail boat operators, with informal celebrations at fishing villages featuring fresh seafood, local music, and boat blessing ceremonies. Best experienced at Hua Thanon and Bang Kao villages during evening hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts instead of cotton - March's 70% humidity means cotton stays damp all day while synthetic fabrics dry within 2 hours

Lightweight packable rain jacket - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but can soak through regular clothing, and umbrellas are useless in wind

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and regular SPF 30 isn't adequate for 6+ hours outdoors

Closed-toe water shoes - essential for rocky beach entries, temple visits, and waterfall swimming where flip-flops slip on wet surfaces

Portable phone charger/power bank - high humidity drains batteries 40% faster, and afternoon storms can cut power to remote areas

Anti-chafe balm or powder - 70% humidity plus walking creates friction issues even for experienced travelers

Waterproof phone case - not just for swimming but for sudden afternoon downpours and high humidity that fogs camera lenses

Light long-sleeve shirt for temples - required covering for religious sites, and afternoon shade provides cooling relief during hottest periods

Electrolyte packets or tablets - sweating in 70% humidity depletes minerals faster than expected, causing fatigue and headaches

Microfiber travel towel - hotel towels never fully dry in March humidity, and you'll need quick-dry options for beach and pool activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation with strong air conditioning and backup power - March's variable weather causes frequent brief power outages, and 70% humidity makes rooms uncomfortable without climate control

Time outdoor activities for 7am-11am window - this avoids both midday heat peaks and afternoon storm patterns while capturing best lighting for photography

Carry ฿500-1,000 cash daily in waterproof wallet - many local vendors don't accept cards, and ATMs sometimes run dry during March's moderate tourist influx

Download offline maps before arriving - March storms can disrupt cell towers, and GPS becomes unreliable in mountainous areas during weather events

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days for 2-5pm period when afternoon storms are most likely - schedule indoor activities like temple visits or shopping during this window instead

Bringing only flip-flops for footwear - March's variable conditions require closed shoes for hiking, temple visits, and protection from sudden downpours on rough surfaces

Assuming clear morning means clear afternoon - March weather changes rapidly, so always carry rain protection even when starting with perfect conditions