Liberia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Liberia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - March is the driest month with only 51mm (2.0 inches) of rainfall, making it ideal for exploring Liberia's challenging road networks and remote destinations
Perfect wildlife viewing - Animals congregate around remaining water sources in Sapo National Park, making March the best month for spotting forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and rare primates
Cultural festival season - March marks the end of traditional ceremonies and celebrations before farming season begins, with active community gatherings in rural areas
Optimal surf conditions - Atlantic swells are consistent but manageable at Robertsport, with 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves and minimal wind interference during morning sessions

Considerations

Dust and heat intensify - Harmattan winds bring Sahara dust that reduces visibility and air quality, with temperatures feeling like 30-32°C (86-90°F) during midday
Peak pricing on limited accommodations - March's popularity means the few quality hotels charge 40-60% premium, and advance booking is essential as occupancy hits 90%
Infrastructure strain - Dry season means frequent power outages lasting 6-12 hours daily, and water shortages affect even upscale accommodations outside Monrovia

Best Activities in March

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

March offers the year's best wildlife viewing as the dry season forces animals to gather at predictable water sources. Forest elephants, western chimpanzees, and the elusive pygmy hippo are most active during early morning hours (6-9am) when temperatures are coolest. The park's 1,800 sq km (695 sq miles) of primary rainforest is most accessible now with minimal mud on trails.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through eco-lodges that include mandatory park guides. Expect costs of $150-250 per day including guide, permits, and basic meals. Morning departures are essential - afternoon heat makes wildlife inactive.

Robertsport Surfing and Beach Culture

March delivers consistent 1-2m (3-6 ft) Atlantic swells without the intense storms of other months. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F), and morning offshore winds create clean wave faces. The fishing village atmosphere is authentic, with local surfers teaching visitors and fresh catch available daily from 6am beach landings.

Booking Tip: Rent boards locally for $15-25/day or book surf lessons through beachfront guesthouses for $40-60. Best sessions are 6-10am before winds pick up. Book accommodation 2 weeks ahead as options are limited to 3-4 properties.

Providence Island Historical Tours

March's dry conditions make the 30-minute boat ride to this destination comfortable and reliable. This is where freed American slaves first landed in 1822, and the ruins tell Liberia's founding story. Low humidity makes the 2km (1.2 mile) walking tour through settler ruins and indigenous Bassa sites more comfortable than rainy season visits.

Booking Tip: Coordinate through Monrovia hotels or Banjul contacts for $80-120 including boat transport and local historian guide. Bring water - no facilities on island. Morning trips (8-11am) avoid afternoon heat.

Kpatawee Waterfall Hiking

Located in Bong County, this 30m (98 ft) waterfall is most spectacular in March when dry season reveals the full rock face structure. The 3km (1.9 mile) hike through rubber plantations and secondary forest is manageable with minimal mud. Local communities offer traditional meals and explain the spiritual significance of the falls.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Gbarnga-based guides for $60-100 including transport from town, guide fees, and community contributions. Start early (7am) to complete the round-trip before peak heat. Bring sturdy shoes and 2 liters of water per person.

Monrovia Market and Street Food Tours

March is ideal for exploring this destination and Red Light Market when produce is abundant and vendors are most active. Dry weather means better food safety conditions for street food sampling. Local specialties like fufu, cassava leaf soup, and fresh palm wine are readily available, and cooking demonstrations happen in morning hours.

Booking Tip: Connect with local cultural guides through guesthouses for $30-50 for 4-hour market tours. Best timing is 8am-12pm when produce is fresh and before afternoon heat. Budget $10-15 for food sampling.

Firestone Plantation Tours

March tapping season means active rubber collection demonstrations and the massive plantation operations are at peak activity. The 480 sq km (185 sq mile) plantation offers insight into Liberia's economic history and current agricultural practices. Morning tours show workers collecting latex and processing operations.

Booking Tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead through Firestone visitor services for $25-40 per person. Tours run Tuesday-Thursday mornings only. Transportation from Monrovia costs additional $60-80 for private vehicle or join group tours.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

National Prayer and Fast Day

Second Friday of March brings this national holiday when Liberians gather for interfaith prayers and community service. Churches, mosques, and traditional communities hold special services, and many communities organize communal meals and cultural performances afterward.

Late March

Traditional Poro and Sande Society Celebrations

Rural communities in Lofa and Nimba counties hold end-of-dry-season ceremonies featuring traditional masked dances, storytelling, and community feasts. These authentic cultural experiences welcome respectful visitors when properly introduced through local contacts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 and Harmattan dust provides no shade protection

Dust masks or bandanas - Sahara dust reduces air quality and visibility, especially during midday hours

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - Protection from sun and dust while maintaining coolness in 70% humidity

Sturdy hiking boots - Dry season hardens trails but rocky surfaces and potential snake encounters require protection

Portable water purification tablets - Water shortages mean unreliable quality even in hotels

Power bank (20,000+ mAh capacity) - Daily 6-12 hour power outages make backup power essential for communication

Quick-dry towels - High humidity at 70% means regular towels won't dry between uses

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially near water sources

Cotton clothing only - Synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in humid heat that feels like 30-32°C (86-90°F)

Headlamp with extra batteries - Frequent power outages and limited street lighting require reliable light source

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to Robertsport on Tuesday-Thursday only - weekend services are unreliable and often cancelled without notice

Carry small denominations of US dollars ($1, $5 bills) - Change shortages are common and markets rarely accept $20+ bills

Plan activities for 6-10am window - this avoids both peak heat and afternoon dust storms that reduce visibility to 100m (328 ft)

Connect with Lebanese-Liberian business community in Monrovia - they often arrange the most reliable transportation and accommodation bookings for tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting Western-standard internet and communication - even upscale hotels have intermittent connectivity, download offline maps and inform contacts of communication delays

Not bringing cash reserves - ATMs frequently run empty and credit cards are accepted nowhere outside two Monrovia hotels

Scheduling back-to-back activities - transportation delays of 2-4 hours are normal due to road conditions and vehicle breakdowns