Somalia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Somalia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season conditions with minimal rainfall - only 3 rainy days and 45mm (1.8 inches) total precipitation means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled
Excellent visibility for coastal activities - clear skies and calm seas make this ideal for boat trips to Liido Beach and diving near Mogadishu's reefs
Cultural peak season - March coincides with post-harvest celebrations and increased business activity, giving visitors authentic glimpses of Somali commercial life
Optimal temperatures for exploring historical sites - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) are perfect for walking tours of Mogadishu's Old Town before afternoon heat peaks

Considerations

Extreme afternoon heat reaches 32°C (90°F) with UV index of 11 - outdoor activities between 11am-4pm become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper protection
Limited tourist infrastructure means advance planning is crucial - accommodation and reliable transport options are scarce and require booking through specialized operators weeks in advance
High dust levels during dry season can trigger respiratory issues - harmattan winds carry Saharan dust, making air quality poor for sensitive individuals

Best Activities in March

Early Morning Mogadishu Heritage Walking Tours

March's cool morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) make this the perfect time to explore Somalia's capital before the intense afternoon heat. The dry conditions mean excellent photography light and clear views of the Indian Ocean from historic mosques and Italian colonial architecture. Local guides are most active in March as business season picks up.

Booking Tip: Book through established cultural organizations 3-4 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost $40-60 USD including security escort (mandatory). Start no later than 8am to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides certified by local tourism boards.

Liido Beach and Coastal Activities

March offers the calmest sea conditions of the year with minimal wave action and crystal-clear water visibility up to 15m (49ft). The dry season means pristine white sand beaches without the debris that rainy months bring. Cooling ocean breezes offset the 32°C (90°F) afternoon temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $25-35 USD including transport from Mogadishu (45-minute drive). Book through licensed beach operators who provide security clearance. Best visited during mid-morning to mid-afternoon when breezes are strongest.

Traditional Somali Cuisine Experiences

March marks the beginning of fresh seafood season with optimal fishing conditions. The dry weather means outdoor cooking demonstrations are possible, and post-harvest celebrations feature traditional dishes like anjero with fresh camel meat. Market visits are most productive in cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Culinary experiences range $20-45 USD for half-day programs including market visits and cooking classes. Book through cultural centers that arrange home visits with local families. Morning sessions (7am-11am) are most comfortable in March heat.

Historical Architecture Photography Tours

The clear, dry conditions in March provide exceptional lighting for photographing Somalia's unique blend of Islamic, Italian, and traditional architecture. Low humidity (65%) means camera equipment faces minimal condensation issues. The intense UV creates dramatic shadows perfect for architectural photography.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost $30-50 USD including permits for historical sites. Book with operators who handle government photography permissions 2-3 weeks ahead. Bring high SPF lens protection - UV index of 11 can damage equipment.

Port and Maritime History Experiences

March's calm seas and clear skies make this the best time to explore Mogadishu's historic port district. The dry season means optimal conditions for boat trips to see dhows and traditional fishing methods still in use. Visibility extends 20+ km (12+ miles) on clear days.

Booking Tip: Maritime tours typically cost $35-55 USD including boat transfers and port access fees. Requires advance security coordination through registered operators. Book 2-4 weeks ahead as boat availability is limited during peak business season.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Post-Harvest Business Season Launch

March marks the traditional start of Somalia's major business season following the December-February harvest. Markets become most active with fresh goods, traditional celebrations, and increased cultural activities. This provides authentic insight into Somali commercial culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11, among the highest globally, making sun protection absolutely critical for any outdoor time

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts in light colors - protects from intense sun while allowing air circulation in 65% humidity

Closed-toe walking shoes with breathable mesh - essential for dusty conditions and hot pavement that can reach 45°C (113°F)

High-quality dust mask or N95 respirator - harmattan winds bring significant dust particles that affect air quality throughout March

Insulated water bottle holding at least 2L (68oz) - dehydration happens rapidly in 32°C (90°F) heat with high UV exposure

Portable electrolyte packets - crucial for replacing minerals lost through constant perspiration in dry heat conditions

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - for air-conditioned vehicles and occasional evening breezes, plus protection from dust storms

Power bank with solar charging capability - electricity can be intermittent, and devices drain faster in extreme heat

Cash in small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10) - credit cards rarely accepted, and exact change is often required for services

Modest clothing covering arms and legs - cultural requirement that also provides essential sun protection in intense UV

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities between 6am-10am or after 5pm - locals completely avoid midday sun during March, and you should too. Even 30 minutes of midday exposure can cause serious burns.

Carry cash in multiple hidden locations - banking infrastructure is limited, and having backup cash prevents being stranded if your primary money source is lost or stolen.

Book return flights with 48-hour buffer time - March dust storms can delay flights for days, and rebooking options from Somalia are extremely limited and expensive.

Connect with local business networks through hotels - March's business season means networking events and cultural exchanges are most active, providing authentic cultural experiences unavailable to typical tourists.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the intensity of UV exposure - many visitors assume African sun is similar to Mediterranean climates, but Somalia's UV index of 11 can cause severe burns in under 15 minutes

Bringing insufficient cash reserves - visitors often rely on cards that don't work, then find ATMs are rare and unreliable, leaving them unable to pay for basic services

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - tourist itineraries often schedule sightseeing during 11am-4pm when temperatures make outdoor activities dangerous and locals stay indoors