March is one of the best months to visit El Nido. Sitting in the heart of the dry season, March offers near-perfect weather, excellent sea conditions for island hopping, and the tail end of peak tourist crowds before the heat of April and May sets in. Whether you are planning a snorkeling trip, a lagoon kayak, or simply beach relaxation, March delivers consistently outstanding conditions.
El Nido in March: Quick Overview
| Factor | March Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Excellent | Dry, sunny, 29–32°C; minimal rain |
| Sea conditions | Excellent | Calm, clear water; visibility 15–25m |
| Crowd level | Moderate–Busy | Quieter than Dec–Jan peak but still popular |
| Accommodation prices | Mid–High | Still peak season pricing; book ahead |
| Island hopping | Excellent | All tours running daily |
| Snorkeling/diving | Excellent | Best visibility of the year |
| Overall verdict | ★★★★★ | One of the top months to visit |
March Weather in El Nido
March falls firmly in El Nido’s dry season (November–May), and it is one of the sunniest months of the year. Daytime temperatures reach 29–32°C, with cooling sea breezes making it comfortable on the water. Humidity is moderate — noticeably lower than the wet season months. Rain is rare, with March averaging only 2–4 rainy days. When rain does fall, it is typically a brief afternoon shower that clears quickly.
Sea temperatures in March hover around 28–29°C — perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The northeast monsoon (Amihan) that brings dry conditions to Palawan is still active in March, meaning winds are generally light and seas remain calm. This makes March one of the best months for boat tours to the outlying islands.
Crowd Levels in March
March sits between the peak Christmas/New Year rush (December–January) and the Easter holiday surge (late March–April). The first three weeks of March are typically moderate — busy but not overwhelming, with shorter queues for tours and more availability at restaurants. The last week of March can be significantly busier if Easter falls in late March, as Filipino domestic tourism peaks during Holy Week.
Tip: Check when Easter falls in your travel year. If Holy Week (Semana Santa) falls in late March, expect resort prices to spike and boats to be fully booked. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead if traveling during this period.
Best Activities in March
Island Hopping
March is arguably the best month for island hopping in El Nido. All four tours — Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D — run daily with excellent sea conditions. The Big and Small Lagoons are at their most photogenic in March’s clear light, and the reduced rainfall means the water stays its most vivid turquoise-green.
Snorkeling and Freediving
Water visibility in March reaches 20–25 meters at the best snorkeling spots — the clearest of the year. Shimizu Island, Helicopter Island, and Matinloc Shrine are all exceptional in March. Freedivers will find March ideal for depth work at Matinloc Wall with calm surface conditions and excellent visibility below.
Nacpan Beach Day Trip
March is perfect for a Nacpan Beach day trip. The 4km stretch of golden sand is at its most beautiful in the dry season, with calm waters ideal for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is less crowded on weekdays in March than during the Christmas peak, giving you more space to enjoy this stunning stretch of coast.
Kayaking and SUP
The calm March conditions are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Paddling into the Small Lagoon through the cave entrance is a highlight experience best done in the morning before group tours arrive. Rent a kayak or SUP board from town beach or arrange through your accommodation.
March vs Other Months: How Does It Compare?
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | Excellent | Very busy | High | Great but crowded |
| January | Excellent | Busy | High | Very good |
| February | Excellent | Moderate | Mid-High | Excellent |
| March | Excellent | Moderate | Mid-High | Excellent |
| April | Hot, dry | Busy (Easter) | High | Good, very hot |
| May | Hot, transition | Quieter | Medium | Good value |
| June–Oct | Wet season | Quiet | Low | Risky weather |
Accommodation Tips for March
March is still peak season in El Nido, so hotels book up quickly. Budget guesthouses in town are the first to sell out — book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for mid-March, and 6–8 weeks ahead if Holy Week falls in late March. Mid-range and luxury properties have more availability but prices remain elevated compared to wet season. The Corong-Corong and Las Cabanas areas tend to have slightly better availability than the main town strip.
What to Pack for El Nido in March
- High-SPF mineral sunscreen (reef-safe) — the March sun is intense
- Light cotton or linen clothing for daytime
- A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and evening breezes
- Water shoes for rocky beach entries
- Dry bag for boat tours
- Reusable water bottle — hydration is important in the heat
- Insect repellent for evenings
