March marks the tail end of El Nido’s peak dry season — and it’s still an excellent time to visit. The weather remains reliably dry and sunny, sea conditions are good for island hopping, and the water clarity is exceptional. As the month progresses, temperatures begin to climb toward their annual peak, and the first hints of the coming transition season appear. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting El Nido in March.
| Factor | March in El Nido |
|---|---|
| Weather | Very good — late dry season |
| Average temperature | 27–32°C (81–90°F) |
| Rainfall | Low (30–60mm average) |
| Sea conditions | Calm — excellent for island hopping |
| Crowds | High, especially Easter period |
| Hotel prices | Peak to high — Easter premium applies |
March Weather in El Nido
March is warm and predominantly dry. The northeast monsoon (Amihan) begins to weaken through March, and temperatures climb — daytime highs of 30–32°C are common by late March. Humidity starts to increase compared to January and February, but conditions remain comfortable for outdoor activities.
Rainfall is still low in March (30–60mm average), though occasional afternoon showers become slightly more frequent toward the end of the month as the transition season approaches. Sea conditions remain excellent for island hopping throughout March.
Easter in El Nido
Easter (Semana Santa) is the Philippines’ most important holiday period, and El Nido sees a significant surge in domestic Filipino tourists during Holy Week. If Easter falls in March (it varies year to year), expect:
- Accommodation fully booked weeks in advance — book early
- Island-hopping tours at maximum capacity
- Festive atmosphere in El Nido town with local celebrations
- Some businesses closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
The Easter crowd is predominantly Filipino domestic tourists — a different demographic from the international backpacker crowd of January/February, and a great opportunity to experience El Nido alongside local visitors.
What to Do in El Nido in March
- Island hopping: All four tours operate reliably in March. The water clarity is still excellent — Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon) and Tour C (Secret Beach) are both excellent.
- Cliff jumping: March’s calm seas make cliff jumping at Shimizu Island reliably accessible.
- Nacpan Beach: March is still a great month for Nacpan — arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
- Motorbike exploration: March’s dry roads make it ideal for a motorbike day to Nacpan and Duli Beach.
- Sunset watching: March sunsets at Las Cabanas are spectacular — the slightly hazier late-dry-season atmosphere creates vivid orange and pink skies.
March vs February: Which is Better?
February edges out March slightly for weather (cooler, less humid, marginally drier). However, March offers:
- Slightly warmer water temperatures — ideal for snorkeling and swimming
- Longer daylight hours as the equinox approaches
- Potentially lower prices than Valentine’s-week February (outside Easter)
Both months are excellent. If you have flexibility, February is marginally better for weather; March is better for value outside Easter.
Booking Tips for March
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance for non-Easter March dates
- Book 8–12 weeks in advance if your dates overlap with Holy Week/Easter
- Check Philippine public holiday calendar for your specific travel dates
Plan Your March El Nido Trip
Use our 3-day El Nido itinerary as your planning base. Browse our hotel rankings for accommodation options, and check our best time to visit El Nido guide for the full seasonal comparison.
