Bissau in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Bissau

35°C (96°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season at its peak - March is the driest month with virtually no rainfall, making it perfect for exploring Bissau's outdoor markets and walking the crumbling Portuguese colonial streets without muddy conditions
Cooler mornings and evenings - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at night, creating comfortable conditions for evening strolls along the Geba River waterfront and early morning visits to Bandim Market
Clear skies for Bijagós Islands access - March's stable weather patterns mean reliable boat connections to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve islands, with calm seas and excellent visibility for spotting hippos and crocodiles
Cashew harvest season begins - March marks the start of cashew season, Guinea-Bissau's main export, meaning fresh cashew fruit (castanha) available at markets and cultural celebrations around the harvest

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring dust - March experiences the tail end of the Harmattan, creating hazy conditions and dust that can irritate respiratory systems and reduce photography clarity
Peak dry season heat - midday temperatures reach 35°C (96°F) with 70% humidity, making outdoor activities between 11am-4pm extremely uncomfortable without proper preparation
Limited green landscapes - vegetation is at its driest and most brown after months without rain, so those expecting lush tropical scenery will be disappointed until the rains return in May

Best Activities in March

Bijagós Islands Wildlife Tours

March offers the best conditions for reaching the Guineabissau with calm seas and clear skies. The dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, making it prime time for spotting saltwater hippos, Nile crocodiles, and over 80 bird species. Water levels are low enough to navigate smaller channels safely but high enough for boat access.

Booking Tip: Book through operators in Bissau port area 5-7 days ahead. Multi-day trips typically cost $200-400 USD including meals and basic accommodation. Ensure operators have life jackets and GPS - many local boats lack safety equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Portuguese Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

March's dry conditions make it ideal for exploring Bissau's decaying colonial quarter on foot. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and no risk of sudden downpours allow for comfortable 3-4 hour walks through the Fortaleza de Amura, abandoned this destination, and Portuguese-era churches. The clear light is excellent for photography.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $15-25 USD per person through cultural centers. Book 2-3 days ahead during March as it's peak season for this activity. Tours typically start at 8am to avoid midday heat. Local guides often speak Portuguese and French better than English.

Geba River Sunset Boat Trips

March evenings provide perfect conditions for Geba River excursions with calm waters and minimal rain risk. The river is at optimal levels - not too high from rains, not too low for navigation. Birdwatching is excellent as migrant species are still present before April departures. Hippos are commonly spotted near Quinhamel, 15 km (9.3 miles) upriver.

Booking Tip: Evening trips (4pm-7pm) cost $30-50 USD per person including drinks. Book Easttimor-day at Bissau port or through hotel concierges. Ensure boats have covered areas as March sun remains intense until 6pm. See current options in the booking section below.

Traditional Market and Cooking Experiences

March brings fresh cashew fruits and the season's best selection of dried fish at Bandim Market. The dry weather means better food hygiene conditions and comfortable browsing. This is peak season for learning traditional Bissau-Guinean cooking techniques with ingredients at their freshest. Morning market visits (7am-10am) avoid the day's heat.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes with market tours cost $40-60 USD per person. Book through cultural associations 3-5 days ahead. Classes typically last 4-5 hours including market shopping and cooking. Vegetarian options are limited - Guinea-Bissau cuisine is heavily meat and fish-based.

Cantanhez Forest Reserve Day Trips

March's dry season makes forest paths accessible that are muddy and impassable during rains. It's the last month to see some migratory birds before they depart, and wildlife is concentrated around permanent water sources. The 105 km (65 mile) journey from Bissau is comfortable on dry roads. Chimpanzee viewing chances are highest in early morning.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $80-120 USD per person including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead as vehicle availability is limited. Trips start at 6am and return by 7pm. 4WD vehicles are essential even in dry season - confirm vehicle type when booking.

Cacheu River Historical Tours

March's low water levels reveal historical artifacts and old Portuguese trading post foundations normally submerged. The former slave trading center of Guineabissau, 100 km (62 miles) from Bissau, is most accessible during dry season with clear river conditions for boat exploration and comfortable temperatures for walking the historical sites.

Booking Tip: Full-day historical tours cost $70-100 USD including transport and local guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through Bissau tour operators. Tours combine river boats and walking - bring comfortable shoes for uneven terrain. Limited English-speaking guides available.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Cashew Harvest Festival Preparations

March marks the beginning of cashew harvest season with local communities preparing for harvest celebrations. While major festivals occur in April-May, March offers real feels watching harvest preparation, cashew fruit processing demonstrations, and traditional blessing ceremonies in rural areas around Guineabissau and Guineabissau regions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts in natural fabrics - essential for 35°C (96°F) heat with 70% humidity, plus protection from harmattan dust and UV index of 8

Quality dust mask or bandana - March harmattan winds carry significant dust that can trigger respiratory issues and make breathing uncomfortable

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and there's minimal cloud cover during March's dry conditions

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - despite being dry season, March still has 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - many colonial-era streets have broken pavement and loose stones that are ankle hazards

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated is critical in 35°C (96°F) heat, and bottled water isn't always available outside Bissau

Cash in euros or CFA francs - ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely accepted; bring 20% more cash than planned

Battery pack and offline maps - electricity is irregular and cell service weak outside Bissau, especially when traveling to islands or forests

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active year-round and March conditions are ideal for breeding in standing water

Basic first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication - medical facilities outside Bissau are extremely limited

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation immediately after confirming flights - Bissau has fewer than 10 decent hotels and March is peak tourist season, with many European NGO workers and researchers visiting during optimal weather

Plan major activities for 7am-10am and 5pm-7pm - locals adapt their schedules around March heat, with businesses often closing 11am-4pm and reopening for evening hours

Bring gifts of soap, pens, or children's books - Guinea-Bissau has limited consumer goods and small gifts open doors with local families and boat operators, especially useful when arranging island transportation

Learn basic Portuguese or Crioulo phrases - English is rarely spoken outside expensive hotels, and showing effort with local languages dramatically improves experiences and pricing for activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cash needs - travelers frequently run out of money as ATMs are unreliable and only euros/CFA francs are accepted, with no credit card infrastructure outside top hotels

Not booking island trips early enough - March's optimal weather makes Bijagós Islands extremely popular with the limited number of operators, often booking solid 1-2 weeks ahead

Ignoring afternoon heat warnings - many visitors attempt midday activities in 35°C (96°F) temperatures and 70% humidity, leading to heat exhaustion and ruined itineraries