Sierraleone in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Sierraleone

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

150mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days means consistent beach weather and reliable transport to remote areas like Banana Islands
Perfect temperatures of 24-32°C (75-90°F) for outdoor activities without the scorching heat of April/May or December's dusty harmattan winds
Sea conditions are calmest for boat transfers to offshore islands - waves under 1m (3.3ft) make trips to Turtle Islands comfortable even for those prone to seasickness
Cultural calendar is active with local festivals and community events as communities prepare for the upcoming rainy season with celebrations and traditional ceremonies

Considerations

Peak dry season means dust levels are highest, particularly in Freetown where laterite roads create red dust clouds that coat everything and can irritate respiratory systems
Water shortages are most severe in March as reservoirs hit annual lows - expect intermittent tap water in budget accommodations and higher bottled water prices
Accommodation prices peak as both international tourists and diaspora visitors converge, with beachfront lodges charging 40-60% more than off-season rates

Best Activities in March

Banana Islands Beach Hopping

March offers the calmest sea conditions of the year for the 45-minute boat ride to these pristine islands 15km (9.3 miles) off Freetown. Crystal clear waters with visibility up to 20m (66ft) make this perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The dry weather means you can explore all three islands comfortably, with Dublin Island's colonial ruins particularly photogenic without rain damage.

Booking Tip: Book boat transfers 7-10 days ahead through your accommodation or waterfront operators. Trips typically cost 400,000-600,000 Leones ($20-30 USD) per person. Look for operators with life jackets and covered boats. Morning departures (8-9am) return by 4pm to avoid afternoon sea breezes.

Freetown Peninsula Hiking

The dry season makes mountain trails accessible that become impassable during rains. Leicester Peak at 549m (1,801ft) offers spectacular views over Freetown and the Atlantic. March's lower humidity (70% vs 90+ in rainy season) makes the steep climbs bearable, and clear skies provide the best photography conditions of the year.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through community tourism initiatives for 80,000-120,000 Leones ($4-6 USD) per day. Start early (6am) to avoid midday heat. Bring 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) of water per person. Most trails take 4-6 hours round trip.

Turtle Islands Wildlife Tours

March marks the end of sea turtle nesting season, offering final opportunities to see hawksbill and green turtle tracks on beaches. Calm seas make the 2-3 hour boat journey comfortable, and dry weather means you can camp overnight on the islands. Bird watching is excellent as migratory species stop over before heading north.

Booking Tip: Multi-day camping trips cost 800,000-1,200,000 Leones ($40-60 USD) including boat, guide, and basic meals. Book through environmental organizations for real feels. Bring camping gear or rent locally for an additional 200,000 Leones ($10 USD).

River No. 2 Beach Day Trips

The country's most famous beach is at its pristine best in March - no muddy runoff from rains, and the 45km (28 mile) road from Freetown is in optimal condition. White sand beaches stretch for 8km (5 miles) with minimal crowds on weekdays. Perfect for swimming, beach football, and sampling fresh seafood from local fishermen.

Booking Tip: Organized day trips cost 300,000-500,000 Leones ($15-25 USD) including transport and lunch. Shared taxis are cheaper at 40,000 Leones ($2 USD) each way but require negotiation. Weekdays offer better prices and fewer crowds than weekends.

Bunce Island Historical Tours

The former slave trading post is most accessible in March when low tides expose more of the ruins and calm waters make the boat journey from Pepel comfortable. The dry season preserves the stone foundations better, and clear weather provides haunting photography opportunities of this UNESCO-nominated site.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 250,000-400,000 Leones ($12-20 USD) including boat transport from Tagrin Bay. Book through Freetown-based cultural organizations for historically accurate guides. Tours run Tuesday-Sunday, departing 9am and returning by 3pm.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park Wildlife Safari

March is prime wildlife viewing season as animals congregate around remaining water sources. The park's 1,109 sq km (428 sq miles) is accessible via dry season roads, and you'll spot hippos, chimpanzees, and over 135 bird species. Early morning game drives offer the best wildlife encounters before midday heat.

Booking Tip: 3-day packages cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 Leones ($75-125 USD) including park fees, guide, and basic accommodation. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as only a few operators have park permits. Bring binoculars and long-lens cameras for wildlife photography.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Freetown Music Festival

Local and diaspora musicians return for this celebration of Krio culture and Sierra Leonean music traditions. Features traditional bubu music, Afrobeat, and contemporary Sierra Leonean artists. Held at various venues across Freetown with main stage events at National Stadium.

Late March

Traditional Wrestling Championships

Communities across the country hold wrestling competitions before the farming season begins. Freetown hosts the national finals with traditional ceremonies, drumming, and cultural displays. These events offer authentic insight into Sierra Leonean traditions rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure significantly

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity

Quick-dry shorts and pants - essential for boat trips and beach activities with occasional spray

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - for mountain trails and protection from rocky terrain on island hikes

Light rain jacket or poncho - March still has 10 rainy days with sudden 30-minute downpours

Dust mask or bandana - red laterite dust is thick in March, especially when traveling inland

Electrolyte tablets - dehydration risk is high in 32°C (90°F) heat during outdoor activities

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and beach photography

Cash in small denominations - ATMs are limited outside Freetown and card payments rarely accepted

Water purification tablets - as backup when bottled water is unavailable during remote excursions

Insider Knowledge

Local 'poda poda' shared taxis increase fares by 50% in March due to fuel costs and peak season demand - negotiate prices before entering

Freetown's Kissy Ferry runs every 30 minutes in dry season vs hourly in rains, making eastern peninsula beaches more accessible for day trips

Beach vendors offer better prices on fresh coconuts and grilled fish in early morning (7-9am) before tourist crowds arrive at popular beaches

Internet cafes in Freetown charge lower rates (2,000 vs 5,000 Leones per hour) than hotel wifi, and connections are more reliable in dry season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs - tourists often bring only 1 liter for full-day activities, but 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) per person is essential in March heat

Booking accommodation without confirming backup power supply - electricity outages increase in March due to high demand for cooling systems

Wearing dark colors that show red dust stains prominently - light khaki or beige clothing hides the inevitable dust accumulation better