Things to Do in Phuket in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Phuket

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

125 mm (4.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% from February peak, with luxury resorts averaging ฿4,000-6,000 instead of ฿8,000+ during Chinese New Year
Perfect diving conditions at Similan Islands - visibility reaches 20-25 m (65-82 ft) before monsoons arrive, and tour operators run full schedules until March 31st closure
Comfortable evening temperatures of 25-27°C (77-81°F) make night markets, beach dining, and sunset activities extremely pleasant without February's oppressive heat
Mango season peaks - local varieties like Nam Dok Mai and Ok Rong cost ฿40-60 per kg at markets, and fresh mango sticky rice appears at every street stall

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - 60% chance of 20-45 minute downpours between 2-5pm, which can disrupt boat transfers and outdoor lunch plans
High humidity at 70-75% makes midday activities feel exhausting - locals avoid outdoor exertion between 11am-3pm, and air conditioning becomes essential
Tourist infrastructure starts shutting down - some island tour operators reduce schedules preparing for April monsoon season, limiting last-minute booking options

Best Activities in March

Similan Islands Diving and Snorkeling Tours

March offers the final month of pristine conditions before monsoon closure on March 31st. Water visibility peaks at 20-25 m (65-82 ft), sea temperatures hold steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F), and afternoon storms rarely affect morning departures. This is your last chance until November to experience Thailand's premier diving destination.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as operators limit trips preparing for seasonal closure. Full-day tours typically cost ฿3,200-4,500 including transfers and lunch. Choose operators with covered boats for potential afternoon weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Temple and Cultural Walking Tours

Early morning temple visits (7-10am) before humidity peaks work perfectly in March's 25-27°C (77-81°F) dawn temperatures. Wat Chalong's grounds are less crowded during shoulder season, and the Big Buddha offers clear views before afternoon haze builds. Local merit-making ceremonies happen frequently as Thai New Year approaches.

Booking Tip: Join guided walks starting 7-8am to avoid midday heat and crowds. Cultural tours typically cost ฿800-1,500 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for licensed guides with cultural knowledge certifications. Current options available in booking widget below.

Cooking Classes and Market Tours

March's mango season brings incredible variety to cooking classes - you'll work with 4-5 local mango varieties unavailable other months. Morning market tours (6-8am) avoid afternoon storms while showcasing peak seasonal produce. Indoor cooking activities provide perfect shelter during unpredictable afternoon weather.

Booking Tip: Book morning sessions (9am-1pm) that include market visits before heat builds. Classes typically cost ฿2,000-3,000 including ingredients and recipes to take home. Choose venues with air conditioning for comfort. See current cooking experiences in booking section.

Sunset Boat Tours and Island Hopping

March evenings offer spectacular sunsets with dramatic cloud formations from afternoon storms clearing. Phi Phi islands and Phang Nga Bay tours benefit from calmer evening conditions after daytime weather passes. Temperatures drop to comfortable 26-28°C (79-82°F) for golden hour photography.

Booking Tip: Afternoon departure tours (2-7pm) work best as weather typically clears by 5pm for stunning sunsets. Half-day tours cost ฿1,800-2,800 per person. Choose boats with covered areas for weather protection. Current island hopping options in booking widget below.

Spa Treatments and Wellness Experiences

March's high humidity makes traditional Thai massage and spa treatments especially refreshing. Many resorts offer outdoor sala treatments during morning hours (8-11am) before heat peaks. Afternoon storms create perfect ambiance for 2-3 hour wellness sessions with natural sound accompaniment.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8-11am) for outdoor treatments or afternoon indoor sessions (2-6pm) during typical storm periods. Traditional 2-hour packages cost ฿2,500-4,500 at resort spas. Independent spa houses charge ฿800-1,500 for similar treatments.

Food Tours and Night Market Exploration

March brings peak mango season specialties to street food scene - som tam mamuang (green mango salad) and fresh mango sticky rice cost just ฿40-80 at night markets. Evening temperatures of 25-27°C (77-81°F) make 3-4 hour food walks comfortable, and reduced tourist crowds mean authentic local interactions.

Booking Tip: Join evening tours starting 6-7pm when temperatures cool and markets activate. Food tours typically cost ฿1,200-2,000 including 8-10 tastings. Look for small group tours (6-8 people maximum) for better market access. Current food experiences available below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Phuket Gay Pride Festival

One of Southeast Asia's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations features beach parties, cultural shows, and parade events throughout Patong. The festival attracts international visitors while maintaining strong local community support, offering both party atmosphere and cultural exchange opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon storms last 20-45 minutes but can be intense, and you'll want protection during boat transfers

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester and heavy fabrics in 70-75% humidity, which trap moisture and become uncomfortable quickly

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-9 during clear periods, and reflection off water intensifies exposure during boat trips

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat tours and sudden afternoon downpours, costs ฿200-400 locally but quality varies

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - temple visits require shoe removal, and wet surfaces during storms can be slippery

Lightweight long pants and modest top - required for temple visits, and provides mosquito protection during evening outdoor dining

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - humidity increases mosquito activity, especially around outdoor restaurants and markets after rain

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - humidity causes faster dehydration than expected, available at all 7-Elevens for ฿15-25

Portable power bank - air conditioning and GPS usage drains phone batteries faster, and charging opportunities during long tours are limited

Anti-chafe cream or powder - high humidity and walking in swimwear can cause unexpected discomfort during island tours

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on higher floors - ground floor rooms feel much more humid in March, and upper floors catch better breezes during power outages

Eat mango sticky rice for breakfast at local markets (฿30-50) instead of hotel versions (฿150-300) - March mangoes are perfectly ripe and markets offer 4-5 varieties tourists never see

Use afternoon storm time (2-5pm) for indoor activities like shopping at Central Festival or spa treatments - locals plan their day around this weather pattern

Bargain harder at markets during shoulder season - vendors have less tourist traffic and more negotiating flexibility, especially for multiple items or repeat visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2-5pm when afternoon storms are most likely - locals avoid this timing and you should too

Booking last-minute island tours - March is transition month and boat schedules become limited as operators prepare for monsoon season closure

Wearing synthetic fabrics - cotton and linen breathe much better in March's 70-75% humidity, while polyester becomes unbearably sticky