Things to Do in Nicaragua in March

March Weather in Nicaragua

32°C (90°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

35mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 35mm (1.4 inches) across 3 days means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled
Optimal wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources, making them easier to spot on reserves and volcano hikes
Perfect surf conditions on Pacific coast - consistent offshore winds and 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) swells at beaches like Popoyo and Playa Maderas
Shoulder season pricing still applies - accommodation costs 20-30% less than April-May peak season while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Extremely high UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor activities to early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm)
Dust season in full swing - harmattan winds carry Sahara dust creating hazy conditions that reduce visibility for volcano photography
Water levels at some crater lakes and waterfalls are at yearly lows, making swimming spots less impressive than rainy season months

Best Activities in March

Ometepe Island Volcano Hiking

March's dry conditions make volcano trails accessible while wildlife is concentrated around remaining water sources. Concepción and Maderas volcanoes offer clear summit views before April's peak tourist influx. Early morning starts (5am) essential to avoid 32°C (90°F) midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified local guides. Expect to pay $35-55 USD per person including boat transport from San Jorge. Start climbs before 6am to avoid afternoon heat - see current tour options in booking section below.

Pacific Coast Surfing Sessions

March delivers Nicaragua's most consistent surf with offshore winds and 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) swells. Water temperature stays warm at 27°C (81°F) while crowds remain manageable before Easter week. San Juan del Sur and northern beaches offer perfect learning conditions.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons run $25-40 USD for 2-hour sessions. Book accommodations near breaks 2-3 weeks ahead as surfer-friendly hostels fill up. Best sessions are dawn patrol (6-8am) and sunset (5-7pm) - check current surf packages in booking widget below.

Granada Colonial Walking Tours

Dry weather perfect for exploring cobblestone streets and colonial architecture without rain interruptions. March's lower humidity makes afternoon walking more comfortable than wet season. Local festivals and evening cultural events increase as weather stabilizes.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours available daily at 10am and 4pm from central plaza. Private tours cost $15-25 USD per person for 2-3 hours. Book evening cultural performances 3-5 days ahead - see current Granada tours in booking section below.

Masaya Volcano Night Tours

Clear skies in March provide optimal conditions for viewing active lava in Santiago crater. Dry season reduces crater rim fog that often obscures views during wetter months. Cooler evening temperatures make the experience more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Night tours typically cost $45-65 USD including transport from Granada or Managua. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators with proper safety equipment. Tours run 5-9pm - current Masaya volcano tours available in booking widget below.

Rio San Juan Wildlife Expeditions

March's low water levels concentrate wildlife along riverbanks, increasing bird and animal sightings. Dry season reduces mosquito populations while maintaining navigable water levels for boat access to remote areas and El Castillo fortress.

Booking Tip: Multi-day river expeditions cost $120-180 USD per person per day including meals and basic accommodation. Book 2-3 weeks ahead from San Carlos. Day trips run $55-85 USD - see current Rio San Juan tours in booking section below.

Leon Cathedral and Colonial Heritage Tours

Perfect weather for climbing Leon Cathedral's roof and exploring UNESCO sites without rain delays. March's clear skies offer excellent views from cathedral rooftop over volcanic landscape. Cultural activities increase as local universities return from summer break.

Booking Tip: Cathedral roof access costs $2 USD, guided city tours run $12-20 USD per person for 3 hours. Revolution museums and art galleries have extended hours in March. Book cultural tours 2-3 days ahead - current Leon tours in booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Semana Santa Preparations

Throughout March, communities begin elaborate preparations for Easter week with alfombra (sawdust carpet) practice sessions and procession planning. Witness authentic cultural traditions before tourist-heavy Holy Week begins in April.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 during midday hours

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses essential for any outdoor activity between 9am-4pm

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton or linen shirts to prevent sunburn during extended outdoor exposure

Dust mask or bandana for volcano hikes and rural areas - March dust levels can trigger respiratory irritation

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for volcano trails - dry season makes rocky terrain more stable but harder on feet

Water bottles with 3L (0.8 gallon) minimum capacity - dehydration happens quickly in 32°C (90°F) heat with low humidity

Electrolyte tablets or powder to replace salts lost through heavy sweating during outdoor activities

Light rain jacket for occasional brief showers and wind protection at higher altitudes like volcano summits

Headlamp with red filter for early morning hikes and Masaya volcano night tours

Cooling towel and portable fan for afternoon rest periods when outdoor activities become unsafe

Insider Knowledge

Local buses run most efficiently in March due to dry roads - chicken bus rides to remote areas cost under $2 USD and become reliable transport option

March is mango season across Nicaragua - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for $0.25 USD, providing natural electrolyte replacement

Book accommodations with air conditioning or strong fans - many budget places lack proper cooling and March heat makes rooms uncomfortable by 2pm

Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro operates daily in March with perfect sand conditions - dry season creates optimal sliding surface that's slower in wet months

Avoid These Mistakes

Starting outdoor activities after 9am - March heat becomes dangerous for hiking and extensive walking by mid-morning

Underestimating water needs - travelers frequently become dehydrated requiring medical attention, especially on volcano hikes

Not booking Easter week accommodation in advance - March visitors often get caught without lodging when Semana Santa bookings surge