Are you planning a sailing holiday in March? Is march a good time to sail? As winter fades and spring arrives, March opens up exciting sailing opportunities around the world. The Caribbean remains a top choice with calm seas and perfect climate before hurricane season. The Canary Islands and parts of the Mediterranean, such as southern Spain and Greece, are starting to warm up, providing great conditions for early season sailing. For those seeking tropical adventures, Southeast Asia, the Maldives and the Seychelles offer stunning waters and ideal sailing weather. In this article, we highlight the best places to sail in March and what makes them perfect for an unforgettable sailing experience.

In this article you can read about the following:

• The Caribbean
• Central America
• Seychelles
• French Polynesia
• Canary Islands (Spain)
• Sailing in March: itineraries

The Caribbean

Sailing in the Caribbean in March is ideal due to warm temperatures, steady winds and calm seas. This combination creates excellent conditions for an enjoyable trip. With little rainfall and plenty of sunshine, this time of year is a great time to explore the region’s stunning islands.

Bahamas

Sailing in the Bahamas in March is ideal for those looking for warm, sunny days, calm waters and steady winds. The dry season provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, and the mild weather makes it comfortable to dock in secluded coves or bustling beach towns. With fewer crowds than the peak winter months, March is the perfect time to enjoy the natural beauty and atmosphere of the Bahamas. Tip:From February 19 to March 4, the Exuma Islands host the George Town Cruising Regatta, a ten-day event that includes sailing races, a conch shelling contest, and family-friendly activities. yacht rental Bahamas

Weather:Temperatures: 25-28°C during the day, with evenings at a balmy 20-22°C. Precipitation is very low, averaging 3-5 rainy days per month. Humidity is moderate (around 70%). The number of hours of sunshine is 8-9 hours, perfect for sailing and outdoor activities. The wind is constant from the east/northeast at a speed of 10-20 knots, providing excellent sailing conditions. This makes navigation between the islands easy.

Martinique

In March, sailing in Martinique is everyone’s dream; warm, sunny days, gentle trade winds and French-Caribbean culture. The dry season provides calm seas and perfect sailing conditions, while the island’s lush vegetation and vibrant festivals add a unique atmosphere to the trip. Whether you want to explore hidden coves, sample local cuisine or dance to zouk music, Martinique in March offers an unforgettable mix of relaxation and adventure. Tip:If your visit coincides with the beginning of March, you can take part in the Martinique Carnival. It is a lively festival with colorful parades, music and dance. It is one of the best and most unique cultural events in the Caribbean. yacht charter Martinique

Weather:The temperature is 26-29°C during the day, 20-22°C at night. There is a low chance of rain, March is one of the driest months. On average, you can expect minimal rainfall. Moderate humidity is 70-75%, but the cool breeze blowing from the ocean makes it more pleasant. With 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and clear skies, all conditions are in place for sailing and outdoor activities. Winds are 15-20 knots (E-NE), with a steady breeze providing ideal sailing conditions.

Grenada

Warm sunny days and a laid-back Caribbean vibe make this Grenada sailing trip in March. Part of the dry season, March offers calm seas and perfect sailing conditions. With stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs and the famous Grenada Chocolate Festival, March is the ideal time to explore the “Spice Island” by yacht. Tip: The Grenada Chocolate Festival is a must-see for chocolate lovers and culture lovers alike! This annual festival celebrates Grenada’s rich cocoa heritage and artisanal chocolate production. Visitors can enjoy chocolate tastings and plantation tours, where they can learn how cocoa is transformed into delicious treats. The festival also offers lively cultural events, including music, dance and local cuisine, making for a sweet and immersive experience. Grenada boat rental

Weather: Temperatures are 28-30°C during the day, 22-24°C at night – cool and pleasant. Low rainfall, March is part of the dry season, so you can expect mostly sunny, clear days. Moderate humidity of 70-75%, making the weather pleasant with the cooling effect of the trade winds. Grenada has 8-9 hours of sunshine per day in March, giving you plenty of time to explore and sail the island. Constant trade winds blow from the east-northeast at around 15-20 knots, providing great sailing conditions all day long.

St. Lucia

The clear skies and calm seas of March provide excellent conditions for exploring St. Lucia’s stunning coastline, lush landscapes and vibrant marine life. March is also outside of hurricane season, ensuring a carefree sailing experience. With the iconic Pitons, vibrant coral reefs and vibrant cultural events, St. Lucia is a wonderful destination for sailors looking for relaxation and adventure. Tip: The St. Lucia Jazz Festival is held in early May, but preparations and events often begin in March, offering live music performances and cultural events. St.Lucia yacht charter

Weather: Daytime temperatures: 28-30°C – warm and tropical, perfect for sailing and outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures: 22-24°C – pleasant and cool evenings can be expected. There is little rainfall, as March is part of the dry season, so the chance of rain is minimal, and we can expect mostly sunny days. Moderate humidity around 70-75%, which is a pleasant feeling due to the constant trade winds. Steady winds from the east-northeast at a speed of around 15-20 knots provide great sailing opportunities.

Central America

Sailing in Central America in March offers a unique and unforgettable sailing experience. You can enjoy the full beauty of the dry season with calm seas, steady winds and long sunny days, perfect for exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica or the San Blas Islands in Panama, for example.

Belize

Sailing in Belize in March is a real experience, as the weather is pleasantly warm, there is little rain and the winds are ideal for sailing. The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea hide stunning coral reefs and rich marine life, creating perfect conditions for diving or spotting whale sharks. At this time, the hustle and bustle of the high season has subsided, allowing you to relax and unwind. Tip: This is also the time of year for the San Pedro Lobsterfest and Baron Bliss Day, where locals celebrate with colorful festivals, boat races, and traditional food. Whale shark season begins at the end of March, so if you’re lucky, you might even swim with these massive but peaceful giants! yacht charter Belize

Weather:The temperature is 27-30 °C during the day, 20-23 °C at night. Precipitation is minimal, as we are still in the dry season. Humidity is moderate, more pleasant than in the summer months. On average, you can expect 8-10 hours of sunshine per day. The wind direction is northeast, with a wind speed of usually 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h), which is ideal for sailing.

Panama

Sailing in Panama in March is an excellent opportunity to explore the world of endless possibilities. The dry season brings clear skies and light winds. Visit the San Blas Islands, where turquoise waters meet beautiful beaches, or experience the thrill of sailing through the Panama Canal. It’s time to dive into vibrant coral reefs, connect with indigenous cultures, and experience the raw beauty of Panama’s coastlines—all while enjoying the tranquility of the open sea. Tip: This is the time to experience the Panama City Carnival, which attracts visitors with spectacular street parades, music, and colorful festivals. Whale-watching season begins in March on the Pacific coast, so you might even spot dolphins and whales while sailing on the open water. yacht charter Panama

Weather: The temperature is 28-32°C during the day, 22-26°C at night. Precipitation is minimal, as the dry season is still ongoing. Humidity is lower than in the rainy months, but still tropical. On average, you can expect 8-10 hours of sunshine per day. The wind direction in the Caribbean is east-northeast trade winds (15-25 knots), variable winds in the Pacific Ocean, with an average wind speed of 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h), which is ideal for sailing.

Seychelles

A cruise to the Seychelles in March is an ideal trip. The weather is warm and tropical, with calm seas and gentle breezes, making it perfect for exploring the archipelago’s 115 stunning islands. March is also a great time for snorkeling and diving, as the water quality is excellent, and you can encounter vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles and breathtaking wildlife. It’s an idyllic getaway to a world of turquoise waters, lush landscapes and secluded beaches. Tip: Although the exact dates can vary, the Seychelles Carnival often takes place in March. This is one of the Seychelles’ biggest cultural events, featuring colorful parades, music, traditional dance and performances. The carnival is held on the island of Mahé, and if your sailing trip allows, you should definitely not miss this spectacular carnival. Seychelles boat rental

Weather:March is towards the end of the summer rainy season in the Seychelles, so the weather can be hot and changeable. Daytime temperatures range from 28-32°C, while nights are milder, around 24-26°C. The amount of rain varies, but is typically short showers that quickly pass. The wind is light, ranging from 10-20 knots (18-37 km/h), not too strong. which is ideal for comfortable sailing. The waters are relatively calm, although small waves can occur, especially in the open sea.

French Polynesia

Sailing in French Polynesia in March is an invitation to paradise, with warm tropical weather, calm seas and fascinating marine life. This end of the wet season, which means lush, green landscapes, is perfect for exploring iconic destinations like Bora Bora, Tahiti and the Tuamotu atolls. March offers excellent conditions for diving and spotting sharks and rays while sailing. Tip:Although the big ones are not held in March, you can still find smaller local events such as traditional dance performances, and many resorts and villages host cultural shows featuring Polynesian dance and music. Visit the local markets where you can buy handmade crafts, black beads and traditional Polynesian products as souvenirs. yacht charter French Polynesia
Weather:March in French Polynesia enjoys warm tropical weather, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This is the end of the rainy season, so while short showers are common, they are usually short-lived and often occur in the evening, leaving plenty of clear, sunny days for sailing. Humidity can be higher, but a pleasant breeze helps to create conditions for sailing. During this time, moderate winds of 10-20 knots prevail, making it ideal for inter-island cruising. Seas are generally calm, especially in the lagoons.

Canary Islands (Spain)

Sailing in the Canary Islands in March offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures and steady winds, making it an ideal time for sailing. The diverse landscapes of the islands, from volcanic peaks to golden beaches, provide a unique backdrop for your sailing adventures. March is a quieter month, allowing for a more relaxed and peaceful experience, away from the crowds of the high season. Tip: March coincides with the famous carnival season in the Canary Islands, especially in Tenerife. The Santa Cruz Carnival is one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in the world. The streets come alive with colorful parades, music, dancing and traditional costumes. boat rentals Canary islands
Weather: In March, the Canary Islands enjoy mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C ​​at night to 22°C during the day, with occasional warm spells on the southern coasts. Winds are consistent in March, providing consistent sailing conditions. Winds are generally moderate, ranging from 10 to 20 knots, which is ideal. March is part of the transition period between the wetter winter months and the drier summer, so light showers can occur from time to time, but these are usually short-lived and should not interfere with sailing.

Sailing in March: itineraries

Bahama Sailing Itinerary

Day 1. Harbour Island – Spanish Wells 18, 80 km (11, 68 nm), Day 2. Spanish Wells – Governor’s Harbour 77, 00 km (47, 85 nm), Day 3. Governor’s Harbour – Cape Eleuthera 40, 60 km (25, 22 nm), Day 4. Cape Eleuthera – Highbourne Cay 49, 70 km (30, 88 nm), Day 5. Highbourne Cay – Nassau 61, 30 km (38, 09 nm), Day 6. Nassau – Egg Island 62, 30 km (38, 71 nm), Day 7. Egg Island – Royal Island – Harbour Island 32, 60 km (20 nm)

Martinique Sailing Itinerary

Day 1. Le Marin – Grande Anse d’Arlet 30,10 km (18,70 nm), Day 2. Grande Anse d’Arlet – Saint-Pierre 29,22 km (18,15 nm), Day 3. Saint-Pierre – Roseau, Dominica 67,01 km (41,64 nm), Day 4. Roseau, Dominica – Portsmouth, Dominica 31,58 km (19,62 nm), Day 5. Portsmouth, Dominica – Wavine Cyrique Falls 56,07 km (34,84 nm), Day 6. Wavine Cyrique Falls – L’Œil Bleu 112,71 km (70,03 nm), Day 7. L’Œil Bleu – Plage des Salines – Le Marin 21,89 km (13,60 nm)

Belize Sailing Itinerary

Day 1. Placencia harbour – Whipray Caye 15,24 km (9,47 nm), Day 2. Whipray Caye – Hideaway Caye 15,23 km (9,46 nm), Day 3. Hideaway Caye – South Water Caye 18,68 km (11,61 nm), Day 4. South Water Caye – Thatch Caye 7,61 km (4,73 nm), Day 5. Thatch Caye – Lagoon Caye 28,21 km (17,53 nm), Day 6. Lagoon Caye – Hatchet Caye 15,26 km (9,48 nm), Day 7. Hatchet Caye – Lark Caye – Placencia harbour 21,85 km (13,58 nm)

Seychelles Sailing Itinerary

Day 1. Seychelles – Praslin Island 43,64 km (27,12 nm), Day 2. Praslin Island – La Digue Island 8,22 km (5,11 nm), Day 3. La Digue Island – Curieuse Island 13,26 km (8,24 nm), Day 4. Curieuse Island – Saint Pierre Island 3,81 km (2,37 nm), Day 5. Saint Pierre Island – Aride Island 12,80 km (7,95 nm), Day 6. Aride Island – Cousin Island 12,43 km (7,72 nm), Day 7. Cousin Island – Sainte Anne Island – Seychelles 41,80 km (25,97 nm)

French Polynesia Sailing Itinerary

Day 1. Tuamotu Rangiroa – Motu Tereia, Blue Lagoon 30,08 km (18,69 nm), Day 2. Motu Tereia, Blue Lagoon – Makatea 88,63 km (55,07 nm), Day 3. Makatea – Tikehau 77,89 km (48,40 nm), Day 4. Tikehau – Le Tikehau 4,11 km (2,55 nm), Day 5. Le Tikehau – Hakumanu Lodge 10,08 km (6,26 nm), Day 6. Hakumanu Lodge – Eden Point 9,07 km (5,64 nm), Day 7. Eden Point – Motu Mahuta – Tuamotu Rangiroa 39,54 km (24,57 nm)