Cayenne in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Cayenne
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March marks the start of the long dry season - after mid-March, rainfall drops dramatically from 315mm to under 100mm monthly, giving you the transition period with lush green landscapes before the dry months
- Tourist crowds are at their lowest since European winter holidays have ended and American spring break focuses on Caribbean destinations - major attractions like the Salvation Islands see 40% fewer visitors than peak season
- March is mango season in French Guiana - local markets overflow with over 12 varieties of tropical mangoes at rock-bottom prices (€2-3/kg vs €8-12/kg in other months), plus seasonal fruits like corossol and fruit de la passion
- The Maroni River is at optimal levels for pirogue excursions to Amerindian villages - not too high from rainy season flooding, not too low from dry season drops, making remote communities like Awala-Yalimapo easily accessible
Considerations
- High humidity at 70% combined with 29°C (85°F) temperatures creates an oppressive feeling for first 3-4 days until acclimatization - many visitors underestimate the physical impact of equatorial climate
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur on 10 out of 31 days and when they hit, they're intense - expect 30-50mm (1.2-2 inches) of rain in 60-90 minutes, flooding streets temporarily and halting all outdoor activities
- March is peak mosquito season due to recent rainy months creating breeding pools - dengue and chikungunya risks are highest, requiring constant vigilance with repellent and protective clothing especially at dawn and dusk
Best Activities in March
Salvation Islands Historical Tours
March offers the perfect combination of fewer crowds and optimal weather for exploring Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph, and Île du Diable. The infamous Devil's Island penal colony sites are accessible with comfortable morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) before afternoon heat peaks. March visitors avoid the July-August European holiday rush while still having reliable boat schedules. Early morning departures at 8:30am return by 2pm, beating both crowds and afternoon storms.
Amazon Rainforest Canopy Expeditions
March delivers the rainforest at its most spectacular - still lush from recent rains but with increasingly reliable weather windows. The forest floor is rich with seasonal fungi and the canopy alive with howler monkeys and over 300 bird species. Rivers are navigable but not flood-stage, perfect for combining hiking with pirogue travel. Early morning starts at 6am take advantage of cooler temperatures and peak wildlife activity.
Space Center Technical Tours
March offers exclusive access to areas typically closed during launch seasons. The Centre Spatial Guyanais provides behind-the-scenes technical tours unavailable during busy launch periods (April-December). March's stable weather means no weather delays for outdoor portions of tours, and the UV index of 8 is manageable with morning scheduling. Launch pad visits and satellite assembly facility access are March specialties.
Hmong Market Cultural Immersion
March brings the peak of tropical fruit season, making Cayenne's markets extraordinary. The Hmong refugee community's weekend market showcases 20+ varieties of exotic fruits alongside traditional Laotian-Vietnamese fusion cuisine. March mangoes, rambutans, and dragon fruit are at peak ripeness and minimum prices. Morning visits 7-10am offer coolest temperatures and best selection before midday heat.
Maroni River Indigenous Village Visits
March water levels make remote Amerindian villages most accessible while avoiding the mosquito explosion of full rainy season. Traditional pirogue journeys to villages like Antecume-Pata showcase authentic Wayana and Emerillon cultures. March is ideal for experiencing traditional fishing techniques and sampling seasonal river fish. The 2-3 hour journey each way requires early 6am starts to complete before afternoon storms.
Coastal Wetland Wildlife Photography
March marks peak wading bird season in the coastal wetlands near Sinnamary and Iracoubo. Scarlet ibis, roseate spoonbills, and jabiru storks congregate in massive numbers during late dry season transition. Early morning light combined with March's relatively stable weather creates optimal photography conditions. The 6am-10am window provides dramatic lighting and peak bird activity before daily thermal winds start.
March Events & Festivals
Carnaval de Guyane
French Guiana's carnival extends into early March with weekend parades featuring elaborate costumes blending French, Brazilian, Amerindian, and Hmong influences. The unique 'touloulou' tradition allows masked women to invite men to dance at formal balls. Street parties in Cayenne's old town run Friday-Sunday nights with live zouk, kompa, and Brazilian music.