Things to Do in Papeete in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Papeete
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits right at the tail end of the wet season, which means you get fewer tourists than the peak July-August window but still catch decent weather most days. Hotel prices drop 20-30% compared to high season, and you'll actually have space to breathe at the Marché de Papeete without getting elbowed by cruise ship groups.
- The humidity starts dropping as March progresses, making it genuinely more comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities than January or February. Mornings are typically clear and beautiful - perfect for lagoon activities before the afternoon clouds roll in.
- March is mango season in Tahiti, and the local markets overflow with varieties you won't find anywhere else. The Marché de Papeete becomes a fruit lover's dream, and locals are in better moods because, well, mangoes. You'll also catch the tail end of lychee season if you're lucky.
- Cruise ship schedules are lighter in March compared to the May-October rush, which means attractions like the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands and waterfront areas are actually manageable. When ships do dock, you can easily time your visits around them since there are typically only 2-3 per week rather than daily arrivals.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly distributed - you might get three gorgeous days followed by two days of on-and-off downpours. The rain typically hits in the afternoon (around 2-5pm), but it's unpredictable enough that you need backup plans. When it rains here, it RAINS - we're talking 25-50 mm (1-2 inches) in a single afternoon sometimes.
- March weather is genuinely variable, which makes packing annoying. You'll have days that feel like 35°C (95°F) with the humidity, then suddenly a rainy spell drops things to 21°C (70°F) at night. The 70% humidity is the kind that makes your clothes feel damp even when they're technically dry.
- Some tour operators reduce their schedules in March or don't run daily departures because it's shoulder season. Island day trips to Moorea or Tetiaroa might only go out 3-4 days per week instead of daily, so you need more flexibility in your itinerary. Worth noting that a few smaller restaurants in Punaauia take their annual break in March.
Best Activities in March
Lagoon Snorkeling and Swimming
March mornings offer some of the clearest water visibility you'll get outside of peak dry season - typically 15-20 m (50-65 ft) before afternoon rains stir things up. The water temperature sits at a comfortable 27-28°C (81-82°F), warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit but cool enough to actually be refreshing. Crowds at popular spots like Plage de Toaroto are minimal compared to winter months. The key is getting out early - aim for 8-10am before the tour groups arrive and while the water is glassiest.
Marché de Papeete Morning Visits
The central market is at its absolute best in March when mango season peaks and the humidity hasn't yet reached its summer intensity. Go between 5:30-7:30am when locals are shopping and vendors are setting up their most impressive displays. The second floor has the best pareo fabric selection, and prices are more negotiable in shoulder season. March is when you'll find the sweetest pamplemousse (Tahitian grapefruit) and the most variety of tropical fruits. The ground floor food stalls serve poisson cru that's actually made for locals, not tourists - typically 1,200-1,500 XPF for a generous portion.
Coastal Hiking and Viewpoint Trails
March offers a sweet spot for hiking - trails are lush and green from recent rains, waterfalls are actually flowing (unlike dry season), but the worst of the wet season mud has passed. The Fautaua Valley trail and Mount Aorai lower sections are accessible, though you'll want to start by 7am to finish before afternoon rain chances increase. Temperatures in the valleys reach 28-30°C (82-86°F) by midday, but morning hikes are genuinely pleasant at 23-25°C (73-77°F). The reduced tourist numbers mean you might have trails to yourself.
Cultural Center and Museum Visits
March's variable weather makes it smart to have solid indoor options, and Papeete delivers. The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Punaauia is criminally undervisited and gives you the cultural context that makes everything else make sense. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum in downtown is small but fascinating and completely free. These spots are perfect for afternoon visits when rain is more likely, and they're blissfully air-conditioned. March sees fewer tour groups, so you can actually read the exhibits without being rushed through.
Sunset and Evening Waterfront Activities
March sunsets happen around 6:30-6:45pm, and the variable cloud cover actually creates more dramatic skies than clear dry season evenings. The waterfront promenade from Place Vaiete to the cruise terminal becomes the social hub after work hours. Food trucks (les roulottes) set up around 5:30pm at Place Vaiete, serving everything from poisson cru to steak frites for 1,200-2,000 XPF per meal. The evening air cools to a comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F), and locals actually come out to eat and socialize. This is where you see real Papeete life, not tourist Papeete.
Day Trips to Moorea
March is actually ideal for Moorea day trips because the ferry crossing is calmer than peak trade wind season (June-August), and Moorea sees slightly less rain than Tahiti due to its position. The ferry takes 30 minutes, and morning crossings are typically smooth. Moorea's lagoons, hiking trails, and lookout points are less crowded in March, and you can rent a car or scooter to explore independently. The island's pineapple plantations are particularly lush this time of year. Water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding work well in March mornings before afternoon weather builds.
March Events & Festivals
Tahiti Pearl Regatta
This multi-day sailing race typically happens in late March or early April, with boats racing between Tahiti and nearby islands. Even if you're not into sailing, the pre-race atmosphere in Papeete's marina is worth experiencing, with yacht crews from around the world gathering at waterfront bars. The exact dates shift annually, so check locally when you arrive. You'll see increased activity at Marina Taina and hear more French being spoken as metropolitan French sailors arrive.