Eritrea in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Eritrea

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with daily temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and minimal rainfall - ideal for highland trekking and archaeological site exploration
Post-harvest season means fresh produce in markets, traditional coffee ceremonies with new-season beans, and locals celebrating with increased social gatherings
Excellent visibility for photography at Dankalia Depression and coastal areas due to low humidity and clear skies
Comfortable evening temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make outdoor dining and walking tours in Asmara's Art Deco district particularly pleasant

Considerations

Intense UV radiation at high altitude (Asmara sits at 2,325m/7,628ft) can cause severe sunburn within 30 minutes without proper protection
Strong afternoon winds in highland areas can create dusty conditions and make outdoor activities uncomfortable between 2-5pm
March marks the end of optimal weather - temperatures begin rising significantly by month's end, making it less comfortable for extensive walking tours

Best Activities in March

Dankalia Depression Geological Tours

March offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Daytime temperatures in the depression are more manageable (around 35°C/95°F vs 50°C+/122°F+ in summer), and clear skies provide perfect conditions for photographing the colorful salt formations and volcanic landscapes. The dry conditions mean better road access to remote areas.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours typically cost $200-400 per person and require 4WD vehicles. Book through licensed operators in Asmara at least 2 weeks ahead as permits are required. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Asmara Art Deco Walking Tours

The capital's UNESCO World Heritage modernist architecture is best explored in March's mild weather. Morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) are perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours covering the Cinema Impero, Fiat Tagliero Service Station, and Catholic Cathedral. Clear skies provide excellent lighting for architectural photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, guided tours cost $15-25 per person for half-day experiences. Book morning slots (8am-noon) to avoid afternoon winds. Current guided tour options available in booking section.

Highland Coffee Farm Experiences

March coincides with post-harvest coffee processing season. Temperatures in coffee-growing regions around Mendefera are ideal (22-26°C/72-79°F) for farm visits and traditional coffee ceremonies. You'll see beans being dried and processed, participate in authentic ceremonies, and learn about Eritrea's ancient coffee culture.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $40-80 per person including transport from Asmara. Book with local guides who have farm connections. Full coffee ceremony experiences take 2-3 hours. Check booking options below for current availability.

Red Sea Coast Diving and Snorkeling

March offers optimal Red Sea conditions with water temperatures around 26°C (79°F), 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility, and minimal wind. The coral reefs near Massawa are less crowded, and marine life is active. Perfect for both beginners and experienced divers exploring pristine coral gardens and WWII shipwrecks.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range $60-120 per day including equipment. Snorkeling trips cost $25-45. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators in Massawa. Current diving tours available in booking section.

Ancient Archaeological Site Tours

March's dry conditions and moderate temperatures make it ideal for exploring Adulis (ancient port city) and Kohaito (pre-Aksumite ruins). Sites are more accessible due to dry roads, and comfortable walking temperatures allow for extensive exploration of petroglyphs and ancient structures without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Archaeological tours cost $50-100 per day including transport and guide. Permits required for some sites - book through licensed operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day tours typically cover multiple sites. See current archaeological tours in booking section.

Traditional Market and Cultural Immersion

March brings fresh produce from highland farms to markets in Asmara and regional towns. Perfect weather for spending hours exploring spice markets, traditional crafts, and interacting with locals. Post-harvest celebrations mean more cultural activities and traditional music performances in villages.

Booking Tip: Market tours with cultural guides cost $20-40 per half-day. Village homestays available for $15-30 per night including meals. Book cultural experiences through community-based tourism operators. Current cultural tours in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

March 8th and surrounding weekend

International Women's Day Celebrations

Eritrea celebrates with parades, cultural performances, and traditional coffee ceremonies throughout major cities. Particularly busy celebrations in Asmara with traditional dress displays and women's cooperatives showcasing handicrafts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at Asmara's 2,325m (7,628ft) elevation, causing burns in under 20 minutes

Layered clothing for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - lightweight long sleeves for 28°C (82°F) days, warm jacket for 18°C (64°F) evenings

Dust mask or bandana for afternoon winds - highland areas get dusty between 2-5pm, especially around archaeological sites

Sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip - volcanic terrain at Dankalia and rocky paths at ancient sites require proper footwear

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial at high altitude and in desert areas, water stays cool longer

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent outside Asmara, charging opportunities are limited

Cash in small denominations (USD and local Nakfa) - ATMs are rare outside the capital, small vendors don't make change for large bills

Lightweight rain jacket - while March has only 2 rainy days, highland weather can change quickly

Polarized sunglasses - essential for Red Sea activities and reducing glare from salt flats in Dankalia

First aid kit with altitude sickness medication - some visitors experience mild symptoms at Asmara's elevation

Insider Knowledge

Visit markets early morning (6-8am) when vendors display the best produce and temperatures are coolest - locals shop before 9am to avoid afternoon heat and winds

Book domestic flights to Assab or Massawa 3-4 weeks ahead through local travel agents in Asmara - international booking sites don't show Eritrean domestic routes

Carry small gifts like coffee or chocolates when visiting villages - Eritrean hospitality culture expects reciprocal gestures, and refusal of offered coffee is considered rude

Change money at official banks in Asmara before traveling to rural areas - black market exchanges are heavily penalized, and exchange rates outside the capital are poor

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Asmara - many visitors don't realize the capital sits at 2,325m (7,628ft) and experience fatigue, headaches, or mild altitude sickness

Planning outdoor activities for afternoon hours - March winds pick up 2-5pm making photography difficult and creating uncomfortable dusty conditions

Bringing insufficient cash - credit cards aren't widely accepted, ATMs are limited to Asmara, and rural areas operate entirely on cash basis