7 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in March for Perfect Weather

While March signifies the beginning of spring, depending on where you live, warm weather and beach days may still be a bit far off. Fortunately, the Caribbean offers an immediate antidote to the lingering winter chill. March also marks a sweet spot to travel to the Caribbean: the frantic holiday crowds have thinned, temperatures hover around 80 degrees, and the rainy season is months away. Whether you are seeking the excitement of a local fish fry or the quiet escape to a secluded cay, here are 7 Caribbean islands you should visit in March. 

Visiting Puerto Rico in March is great for those who want to experience the island’s outdoor attractions. With the rainy season running from April through November, it’s the ideal time to hike the lush trails of El Yunque National Forest without getting caught in a rainstorm. Depending on traffic, the rainforest is just under an hour’s drive from the capital, San Juan, and you can sign up for a guided tour or rent a car and follow the marked trails to La Mina Falls, which has a swimming pool at its base. 

There are a few annual events to look forward to as well. If you’re staying near San Juan, you can look forward to Circo Fest, an annual March event featuring music, juggling, comedy acts, and street art. Another event to look forward to is the Puerto Rico Open, the only PGA Tour event held in the Caribbean. The tournament takes place in Rio Grande on the island’s northeastern shore, where you can watch your favorite golfers tee off on a beachfront course. 

The Bahamas is a sprawling archipelago that offers a different experience on every island, and March is the best time to see them all. The weather is spectacular: warm enough for swimming in the famous clear waters of Bimini, but cool enough to enjoy a midday walking tour of Nassau’s colonial architecture. March is also the prime month for diving enthusiasts, as the lack of rainfall ensures great visibility and calm, turquoise seas. There are several fantastic diving sites throughout the islands, especially Cat Island, which boasts colorful reefs, a sunken ship, and a Blue Hole. 

The Bahamas has some great events off the water, too. The annual Nassau Paradise Island Food & Wine Festival in March is one of the biggest food and wine festivals in the Caribbean and takes place at the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort. The five-day food festival features international chefs and food personalities, chef tastings, and musical performances. 

St. Lucia is a visual masterpiece, and March provides the crisp air and clear skies needed to appreciate its dramatic topography. This is the month for the active traveler; the cooler morning temperatures make it the perfect time to tackle the challenging Gros Piton hike or soak in the healing waters of the Sulphur Springs without the afternoon sun becoming too intense. 

Since many of St. Lucia’s island-wide festivals start in the late spring and summer, visitors in March can lean into the island’s local street parties and nightlife. The most famous is the Gros Islet fish fry, a lively Friday-night event featuring food vendors and DJs who play late into the night. For other nightlife options, head to the Rodney Bay Marina, where you’ll find a lineup of restaurants and clubs with live music and karaoke. 

Visiting Jamaica in March is another great option. The weather is consistently dry and breezy, which is the perfect excuse to leave the beach behind for a day and head into the lush Blue Mountains to tour historic coffee plantations and taste what many consider the best brew in the world. If you’re craving adventure, in Ocho Rios you can take a refreshing dip in the turquoise depths of the Blue Hole or conquer the iconic, climbable cascades of Dunn’s River Falls.

On the west coast, Negril is the definition of laid-back luxury. You could spend days wandering the powdery sands of Seven Mile Beach or head to the rugged cliffs to catch a legendary sunset. For a sophisticated view, grab a table on the balcony at Rockhouse; for something a bit more high-octane, head to Rick’s Cafe to watch the local divers perform breathtaking, gravity-defying leaps. 

Antigua is famous for having “a beach for every day of the year,” and in March, you’ll want to visit as many of those 365 stretches of sand as possible. From the popular Dickenson Bay and the remote Half Moon Bay to the rugged Darkwood Beach, you could spend your whole vacation scouting (and enjoying) Antigua’s beaches. For a change of perspective, hike up to the Shirley Heights Lookout at sunset for panoramic views of the coastline. With very little rainfall and a landscape that remains beautifully green, Antigua in March is ideal for those who love the beaches. 

Beyond the sand, the steady trade winds make this the perfect month to set sail, whether you’re chartering a catamaran to explore hidden coves or watching world-class yachts gather in English Harbour. Even if you aren’t a seasoned pro, you can join the fun by booking a sunset cruise or a private charter to snorkel the vibrant reefs. 

If your ideal vacation involves world-class dining and dazzling beaches, Barbados in March is unmatched. This is the heart of the dry season, meaning long, sunny days perfect for exploring Crane Bay, a rugged pink sand beach on the Atlantic coastline, or Paynes Bay or Carlisle Bay on the West Coast. For an authentic local experience, don’t miss the Friday night Oistins Fish Fry, a high-energy street party featuring local seafood. 

March is also a busy time for horse enthusiasts. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup typically takes place in March. This prestigious event is one of the biggest social highlights on the Bajan calendar and one of the island’s most stylish sporting events.

Grenada is one of the most underrated gems of the Caribbean, and March is one of the best months to discover its secrets. The island is known as the “Spice Isle” because of the nutmeg and cinnamon harvested across the island’s mountainous interior, and this high-altitude terrain also doubles as a hiker’s paradise. In March, the hiking trails through Grand Etang National Park are dry and accessible, leading you to hidden waterfalls and volcanic crater lakes. 

The world-famous Grand Anse Beach is relatively calm this month, with waters that are perfect for paddleboarding or long swims.  In March, the crystal-clear visibility makes it prime time to dive or snorkel at Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park, home to beautiful life-sized statues. If you prefer to stay above the surface, you can hop on a clear-bottom kayak to see the art from a unique perspective without ever getting your hair wet.