Dhaka in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Dhaka

32°C (90°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-monsoon sweet spot with manageable heat - temperatures peak at 32°C (90°F) instead of April's brutal 38°C (100°F), making outdoor exploration comfortable until 2pm
Mango season reaches its peak with 40+ varieties flooding local markets at ৳80-150 per kg - street vendors offer fresh cuts for ৳30-50, and it's culturally significant as Pohela Boishakh preparations begin
Clearest skies of the year for photography - March has 21 sunny days on average with excellent visibility for capturing Old Dhaka's architecture and Buriganga River views before monsoon haze arrives
Festival season momentum builds toward Bengali New Year with cultural events, traditional music performances at Shilpakala Academy, and locals in celebratory moods making interactions more engaging

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms strike without warning - 60% of days see sudden 20-30 minute downpours between 3-6pm that can trap you indoors and flood streets temporarily
Air quality deteriorates as construction dust increases and pre-monsoon atmospheric pressure traps pollutants - AQI often exceeds 150, requiring masks for sensitive individuals
Peak wedding season drives up accommodation prices by 30-40% and creates traffic chaos on weekends as venues book solid across the city

Best Activities in March

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

March's moderate morning temperatures make exploring Lalbagh Fort, this destination, and Armenian Church ideal between 8am-1pm before afternoon heat peaks. The pre-monsoon light creates perfect conditions for photographing Mughal architecture, and vendors in Shankhari Bazaar are most active during wedding season with traditional crafts on full display.

Booking Tip: Join morning heritage walks starting 8am through licensed cultural guides. Tours typically cost ৳1,500-2,500 per person and last 4-5 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierges or check current tour options in the booking section below to avoid wedding weekend crowds.

Buriganga River Sunset Cruises

March offers the year's clearest river views with minimal monsoon sediment. Evening cruises from 5:30-7:30pm avoid peak afternoon heat while showcasing riverside life as temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F). The golden hour light is exceptional for photography, and you'll see traditional boat building at its most active season.

Booking Tip: Book traditional wooden boat cruises through registered operators at Sadarghat Terminal. Expect to pay ৳800-1,200 per person for 2-hour sunset trips. Reserve 3-4 days ahead, especially on weekends when local families also cruise. Check booking options below for current availability.

Sonargaon Day Trips

The ancient capital is perfect for March visits as the 30 km (18.6 mile) journey from Dhaka takes you past mustard flower fields in full yellow bloom. Folk Art and Crafts Museum and Panam City ruins are best explored in March's dry conditions before monsoon damage begins. Local artisans are most active pre-festival season.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ৳2,000-3,500 including transport and guide. The journey takes 90 minutes each way by private car. Book through established tour operators 1 week ahead to ensure vehicle availability during wedding season peak. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Dhaka Food Market Tours

March is peak season for seasonal fruits and vegetables - you'll find the year's best mangoes, jackfruit, and lychees at Kawran Bazar and Kolkata. Early morning tours (6-9am) avoid the heat while markets are freshest. Street food vendors serve special pre-Pohela Boishakh treats like panta bhat and hilsa fish preparations.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ৳1,200-2,000 per person including tastings at 8-10 stalls. Start by 6:30am to beat crowds and heat. Book with guides who know vendor hygiene standards. Most tours last 3-4 hours. Check current food tour options in booking section below for March availability.

Lalbagh Fort and Botanical Garden Visits

March timing is crucial - visit Lalbagh Fort by 10am when temperatures are still comfortable at 26°C (79°F) and morning light illuminates the Mughal architecture beautifully. The adjacent botanical garden showcases spring blooms, and peacocks are most active in cooler morning hours before seeking shade.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are ৳20 for locals, ৳100 for foreigners. Guided tours available on-site for ৳500-800. Allow 3-4 hours total for both fort and gardens. Bring water as facilities inside are limited. No advance booking needed, but arrive early during March's peak visiting conditions.

Savar Archaeological Site Excursions

The Buddhist ruins at Mainamati are 40 km (24.8 miles) from Dhaka and perfect for March exploration when roads are dry and temperatures manageable for the 2-3 hours of walking required. Ancient stupas and monastery remains are best photographed in March's clear light conditions before monsoon clouds arrive.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ৳2,500-4,000 including private transport and archaeological guide. Journey time is 1.5 hours each way. Book 1 week ahead through licensed tour operators as site access requires permits. March is ideal before monsoon road conditions deteriorate. Check booking section for current archaeological tours.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Holi Festival

While primarily Hindu, Dhaka's diverse communities celebrate with color throwing at Ramna Park and this destination. Local participation creates busy street photography opportunities and cultural exchange moments not found in guidebooks.

Throughout March

Pohela Boishakh Preparation Period

The month leading to Bengali New Year sees traditional craft preparation, cultural rehearsals at universities, and special market stalls. While the main celebration is April 14th, March offers insight into authentic preparation rituals without tourist crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - March thunderstorms dump 48mm (1.9 inches) in sudden bursts that flood streets for 30-45 minutes

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index hits 8 daily with intense tropical sun reflection off concrete and water

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable by midday

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - monsoon preparation means wet streets and construction zones throughout the city

Lightweight scarf or shawl - essential for mosque visits and provides sun protection during 32°C (90°F) peak temperatures

Portable phone charger - power cuts increase in March heat, and you'll need GPS navigation for rickshaw rides in traffic

Hand sanitizer and tissues - dust levels peak pre-monsoon, and street food exploration requires extra hygiene precautions

Light cotton socks - synthetic materials become unbearable in March humidity, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring

Wide-brimmed hat - March sun is direct and intense from 11am-3pm when exploring outdoor sites like Lalbagh Fort

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - sudden rain and dusty conditions require protection for electronics and documents

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities between 8am-1pm only - after 2pm, locals retreat indoors as heat index soars to 35°C (95°F) and afternoon storms threaten

Book accommodations in Gulshan or Banani rather than Old Dhaka - these areas have reliable power backup during March's increased outages and better drainage for storm runoff

Carry exact change in small notes - March wedding season creates cash flow issues for small vendors and rickshaw drivers who can't break ৳500 notes easily

Download offline maps before arrival - March construction projects for monsoon preparation often disrupt mobile data coverage, and traffic diversions change daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor tours - March heat makes 2-6pm exploration miserable, and sudden thunderstorms cancel 40% of late-day activities

Ignoring air quality alerts - March AQI frequently exceeds 150, but tourists skip masks and suffer respiratory issues that ruin trip enjoyment

Overpacking formal clothes - March humidity ruins heavy fabrics quickly, and most activities require casual, washable clothing due to dust and sudden rain