Kingston in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Kingston

30°C (87°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - street vendors sell perfectly ripe Julie and East Indian mangoes for J$200-400 (US$1.30-2.60) per dozen, and locals know the best trees in each parish
Dry season tail-end means Blue Mountain hiking trails are accessible without muddy conditions - perfect 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation
Spring break timing brings energy to Kingston's nightlife scene - sound system parties happen 3-4 nights per week in March versus 1-2 in other months
Cricket season overlap with football creates electric atmosphere at Sabina Park - locals gather for both West Indies matches and Manning Cup school games

Considerations

University of the West Indies graduation period (mid-March) books up accommodations in New Kingston - hotel rates increase 40-60% during graduation week
Afternoon heat peaks around 2-4pm daily, making walking downtown uncomfortable - locals avoid street-level activities during these hours
Dry conditions create dust storms in Spanish Town Road area - affects visibility and air quality on windy days

Best Activities in March

Blue Mountain Coffee Farm Tours

March is peak coffee processing season in the Blue Mountains. Farms at 900-1,200m (2,953-3,937 ft) elevation operate full processing facilities, and morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make hiking comfortable. Tours run 6am-2pm to avoid afternoon heat buildup in lower elevations.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead directly with certified farms. Tours cost J$3,500-5,500 (US$23-36) including transport from Kingston. Look for farms that include wet-processing demonstrations during March harvest season.

Port Royal Fishing Village Tours

Dry season means calm Caribbean waters and clearest visibility for snorkeling around the sunken city ruins. Local fishermen offer boat trips during optimal morning hours (7am-11am) before afternoon wind picks up. Water temperature stays comfortable at 27°C (81°F).

Booking Tip: Arrange through fishing cooperatives at Port Royal dock. Half-day trips cost J$4,000-6,000 (US$26-39) per person. March has best weather conditions with minimal rainfall affecting sea clarity.

Downtown Kingston Walking Tours

March's lower humidity makes walking through Kingston's historic core more comfortable than summer months. Start early (8am) to explore Spanish Town Road, Orange Street markets, and National Heroes Park before midday heat peaks. Locals are more active in streets during cooler March mornings.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours through certified heritage guides. Cost typically J$2,500-4,000 (US$16-26) for 3-4 hour tours. Early morning departures essential - avoid 2-4pm heat peak.

Hellshire Beach Day Trips

March brings consistent offshore breezes that keep beach temperatures comfortable while maintaining calm swimming conditions. Famous for fried fish vendors who set up earlier in March due to cooler mornings. Water temperature perfect for swimming at 27-28°C (81-82°F).

Booking Tip: Combine with Portmore transport - shared taxis cost J$300-500 (US$2-3.25) each way. Budget J$1,500-2,500 (US$10-16) for fresh fish meals. Weekday visits less crowded than weekends.

Hope Botanical Gardens Nature Walks

March blooming season brings frangipani, bougainvillea, and royal palm flowering. Morning walks (6-9am) offer bird watching when temperature sits comfortably at 22-24°C (72-75°F). Zoo section less crowded during school hours on weekdays.

Booking Tip: Entrance J$500 (US$3.25) for adults. Guided nature walks available for J$1,200-1,800 (US$8-12). Bring water - limited shade during midday heat. Best visited early morning or late afternoon.

Devon House Heritage Tours

March's moderate temperatures make exploring Jamaica's first black millionaire's mansion more pleasant. Indoor tours provide air-conditioned relief from afternoon heat, while famous I Scream ice cream tastes better in warm weather. Popular with both tourists and local school groups.

Booking Tip: House tours J$1,000 (US$6.50) adults, grounds free. Ice cream J$350-600 (US$2.25-4) per scoop. Visit 10am-4pm, avoid weekend crowds. Parking available on-site.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

University of West Indies Graduation Ceremonies

Major celebration period transforms New Kingston with families from across Caribbean. Creates busy atmosphere but increases accommodation demand significantly. Multiple ceremonies throughout month affect traffic patterns.

Late March

ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships

Caribbean's premier high school track meet at National Stadium. Five days of competition featuring future Olympic athletes. Local families attend religiously - tickets sell fast for popular events like 100m finals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton shirts and linen pants - synthetic fabrics trap heat in 70% humidity and 30°C (87°F) afternoon temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index reaches 8 daily, stronger at Blue Mountain elevations above 900m (2,953 ft)

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days typically bring short afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - downtown Kingston sidewalks can be uneven, and mountain trails require traction

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquito activity increases after March rainfall in areas near Hope River and Spanish Town Road

Light sweater for Blue Mountain excursions - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at higher elevations

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated essential during 2-4pm heat peak when temperatures feel like 35°C (95°F)

Cash in small bills - J$500-1000 notes preferred for markets, street food, and transport. Many vendors don't accept US$20+ bills

Portable phone charger - exploring markets and attractions drains battery faster in heat, and power outages occasionally affect charging stations

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat mangoes with salt and pepper in March - street vendors near Parade Gardens sell the best Julie mangoes between 10am-2pm when they're perfectly ripe

Take Route Taxi (shared minibus) during rush hours 7-9am and 4-6pm - cheaper than private taxis and faster than buses stuck in Cross Roads traffic

Wednesday nights at Kingston Harbour offer best sound system parties - locals know which crews set up where through WhatsApp groups and word-of-mouth

Shop at Coronation Market early morning (6-8am) in March - vendors offer best prices before heat makes produce wilt, and selection is freshest

Avoid These Mistakes

Walking downtown between 2-4pm when heat peaks - locals stay indoors or in shade during this period, visitors should schedule indoor activities

Wearing dark colors in March heat - locals wear light colors and natural fabrics to stay cool in 30°C (87°F) temperatures

Booking accommodation during UWI graduation week without checking dates - prices increase 40-60% and availability disappears quickly