What is the Weather Like in Fiji in March?
Get ready for what is often the wettest month of the year in Fiji! Yes, March falls in the middle of the wet season in Fiji, meaning it’s hot, it’s humid and it’s probably going to rain most days. But don’t let the rain “dampen your spirits” too much, as showers come quick and heavy before being replaced by the hot sun again! March is a great time of the year to visit Fiji for the more savvy traveller looking for a great deal on flights, accommodation and activities. It’s likely that you’ll have the poolside almost to yourself and when it does rain, well, that’s the perfect time for a spa treatment. That’s what Fiji time is all about! If visiting Fiji in March sounds like a good idea, take a look at what weather to expect in our guide to the Fiji weather in March.
5 Tips for Travelling Fiji in March
- March falls in the tourist low season, so look out for great deals on flights and accommodation!
- Wear high-factor sunscreen to protect yourself from the high UV levels experienced in Fiji during March.
- Because it’s the wet season, there might be a few more mosquitoes about. Make sure you pack insect repellent and follow our tips in 12 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Fiji.
- Want to avoid the rain as much as possible during the wet season? Consider heading to the Yasawa Islands where the climate is drier.
- March 26 is a public holiday in Fiji known as National Youth Day, so expect some shops and services to be closed this day.
Typical Temperatures in March
March sits in the Fiji summer season meaning it’s hot and humid – a truly tropical experience! The maximum average temperature reaches 31°C / 89°F and the minimum average temperature is 23°C / 73°F usually at night.
Temperatures in Nadi and Suva
- Nadi: average max temperature – 31.1°C / 88°F, average minimum temperature – 23°C / 73.4°F
- Suva: average max temperature – 31°C / 87.8°F, average minimum temperature – 23.8°C / 74.8°F
Sea Temperature in March
Sea temperatures are at their highest during March but still offer a refreshing relief from the hot days. Expect sea temperatures to be around 29°C / 84°F.
Hours of Sun in March
You’ll still have plenty of time to soak up the sun in March with an average of 5 hours of bright sunshine each day. Daylight hours average of 12 daylight hours.
UV Levels During March
While UV levels are high throughout the year in Fiji, they are some of their highest during midday in March. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun, with UV levels reaching 11+ on the UV index.
Sunrise and Sunset During March
March brings daylight hours lasting about 12 hours a day.
- Sunrise: 6:05am at the beginning of March and 6:12am at the end of March
- Sunset: 6:32pm at the beginning of March and 6:09pm at the end of March.
Rainfall in March
As mentioned, March is in the middle of the wet season in Fiji. Expect short but intense showers on a regular basis – usually in the afternoons. The largest islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni receive the most rainfall, while the smaller outer island groups, like the Yasawas and Mamanucas, receive less rain.
Fiji receives an average of 356mm / 14″ of rainfall with around 22 days out of March experiencing rain.
Rainfall in Nadi and Suva
- Nadi: average rainfall in March – 324mm / 12.8″ and average rain days – 19
- Suva: average rainfall in March – 371mm / 14.6″ and average rain days – 23.
Tropical Storms in March
The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April. As March falls in the middle of the cyclone season, there is a greater chance of a cyclone affecting Fiji compared to some other months in the year.
In the 2017-18 South Pacific cyclone season, there were six tropical cyclones, three of which were classed as severe. Only the Lau Islands were affected significantly in that year, while other cyclones produced gale-force winds and rainfall in some parts of Fiji.
If you want to decrease the chance of experiencing the effects of a tropical storm in Fiji, then consider travelling in the dry season. Alternatively, take a look at How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji.
Best Places to Visit in March
Whether you’re seeking culture and events in the city, trying to escape the rain or embracing the elements in a stunning resort, you’ll find the perfect place to head to in Fiji in March. Here are some ideas…
Suva – Although having one of the wettest climates in Fiji, Suva has plenty to do under the rain. Visit the markets, go shopping, try some local cuisine – all indoors! Additionally, one day after the full moon in March is the Holi Festival of Colour which is not to be missed! Check out what else you can do with our 10 Super Things to Do in Suva.
Yasawa Islands – Want to try to escape the rain as much as possible? The Yasawa Islands have the driest climate out of the Fiji islands. Get inspired by our 15 Incredible Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands.
Coral Coast – The Coral Coast on the southern coast of Viti Levu is packed with resorts that have a perfect mix of dry day and rainy day activities. Check out 10 Cool Things to Do on the Coral Coast to see what you could be getting up to.
March Packing List for Fiji
When travelling to Fiji in March, there are a few essential items to add to the packing list:
- High-factor sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
- Light cotton layers
- Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
- Light pants/trousers
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Sarong (especially when leaving a resort)
For more inspiration on what to pack, check out our Packing List for Fiji.
More About the Fiji Weather in March
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
- What Does Fiji Time Mean? (& What You Need to Know About It)
- Fiji Weather in April
That’s it for the guide to the Fiji weather in March. If weather affects your decision on when to come to Fiji, you might also like to check out The Best Time to Visit Fiji.
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.