Chittagong in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Chittagong

30°C (87°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season transition with manageable rainfall - only 10 rainy days averaging 20-minute afternoon showers, making outdoor exploration highly reliable
Hilsa fish season at its absolute best - March brings premium hilsa to Chittagong's markets, with local restaurants serving traditional preparations that aren't available year-round
Comfortable morning temperatures of 21°C (69°F) perfect for exploring Patenga Beach and hiking the Chittagong Hill Tracts before afternoon heat peaks
Optimal visibility for ship spotting at Chittagong Port - March's clear skies and moderate humidity offer excellent views of international cargo operations from Fairy Hill viewpoint

Considerations

Rising afternoon humidity reaches 70% by midday, making 2-5pm outdoor activities uncomfortable without proper hydration and shade planning
Tourist infrastructure strain as March marks pre-monsoon travel peak - accommodation prices increase 15-25% and popular restaurants experience longer wait times
Dust from construction and port activities becomes more noticeable in drier March air, requiring masks for sensitive travelers near industrial areas

Best Activities in March

Chittagong Hill Tracts Trekking Tours

March offers ideal trekking conditions with morning temperatures of 21°C (69°F) and minimal rainfall. The post-winter landscape reveals clear mountain views extending 50+ km (31 miles) into Myanmar and India. Indigenous communities celebrate spring festivals during this period, offering authentic cultural interactions. Afternoon cloud cover provides natural cooling without the heavy monsoon risks of later months.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through registered Hill Tracts operators. Full-day treks typically cost ৳3,500-5,500 ($30-47). Start before 7am to maximize cool morning hours. Ensure operators have proper indigenous community permissions and insurance coverage.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

March hilsa fishing season brings Chittagong's coastal villages to life with traditional net-hauling ceremonies and fish market auctions starting at 4am. Villages like Kumira and Sitakunda offer real feels away from industrial zones. Morning sea breezes keep temperatures comfortable for 3-4 hour village walks, while afternoon humidity makes indoor cooking demonstrations ideal timing.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism groups 10-14 days ahead. Village experiences range ৳2,000-4,000 ($17-34) including traditional meals. Best timing: 5am-10am for fishing activities, 2pm-5pm for indoor cultural programs. Look for operators supporting local fishermen directly.

Patenga Beach Sunset Activities

March delivers Chittagong's most spectacular sunsets with minimal cloud interference and Bay of Bengal clarity at its peak. Beach temperatures remain comfortable until 8pm, perfect for evening cricket matches with locals and traditional kite flying. The 4 km (2.5 mile) beachfront offers optimal walking conditions without monsoon winds or excessive heat.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for beach access. Local activity rentals (cricket sets, kites) cost ৳200-500 ($2-4). Best timing: 4pm-7pm for activities, 6:15pm optimal sunset viewing. Bring reef-safe sunscreen - UV index peaks at 8 even in late afternoon.

Chittagong Port Industrial Heritage Tours

March's clear atmospheric conditions provide unobstructed views of one of Asia's busiest ports from multiple vantage points. The 15 km² (5.8 sq miles) port complex showcases Bangladesh's maritime economy with container ships visible up to 8 km (5 miles) offshore. Cool morning temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) Fairy Hill climb comfortable, while afternoon viewing from air-conditioned Maritime Museum offers respite from humidity.

Booking Tip: Port viewing tours cost ৳1,500-2,500 ($13-21) including transport to multiple viewpoints. Book through registered tour operators 7-10 days ahead for port authority permissions. Morning tours (6am-10am) offer best visibility and comfortable temperatures. Evening tours include dramatic sunset container ship silhouettes.

Ethnological Museum Cultural Immersion

March timing aligns perfectly with spring cultural programs featuring live demonstrations of Hill Tracts indigenous crafts and traditional music performances. The museum's air-conditioned environment provides ideal afternoon refuge from 70% humidity while offering deep cultural context for Hill Tracts visits. Interactive workshops run 2-3 hours during peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: Museum entry ৳100 ($0.85), workshop participation ৳800-1,200 ($7-10). Cultural programs typically run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in March. Advance registration recommended for hands-on craft workshops. Combine with morning outdoor activities for optimal daily scheduling.

Foy's Lake Recreational Complex

March offers perfect conditions for this hillside lake complex with comfortable morning boating temperatures and clear water visibility for the 2 km (1.2 mile) lake perimeter walk. The elevated location provides cooling breezes even during afternoon humidity peaks. Traditional paddle boats and modern facilities cater to families seeking respite from urban Chittagong.

Booking Tip: Entry fees ৳150-300 ($1.30-2.60) depending on activities. Boat rentals ৳400-800/hour ($3.40-6.80). Best timing: 8am-11am for walking activities, 3pm-6pm for shaded boat rides. Weekday visits avoid local family crowds. Food vendors available but bring water for hot afternoon periods.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Chittagong Spring Trade Fair

Annual showcase of regional handicrafts, Hill Tracts textiles, and local food specialties held at Zia Memorial Complex. Features live cultural performances and traditional craft demonstrations perfect for experiencing authentic Chittagong culture while supporting local artisans.

Early to Mid March

Hilsa Festival Season

Traditional fishing community celebrations marking peak hilsa season with ceremonial first catches, community feasts, and cultural performances in coastal villages. Not a single event but ongoing community celebrations throughout March in fishing areas like Kumira and Sitakunda.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long-sleeve shirts - essential for 70% humidity while protecting from UV index 8 sun exposure

Quick-dry synthetic pants - March's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-minute downpours that soak cotton completely

Waterproof phone case - crucial for hilsa market visits and fishing village experiences where water exposure is inevitable

High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 requires SPF 50+ reapplication every 2 hours, especially for beach and trekking activities

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Chittagong's hills and port areas have uneven surfaces, wet from morning dew until 9am

Portable electrolyte packets - 70% humidity causes rapid dehydration during 30°C (87°F) afternoon temperatures

Light rain jacket (not umbrella) - March showers come with wind that makes umbrellas useless, jacket allows continued activity

Insect repellent with DEET - Hill Tracts trekking requires protection from mosquitoes active during March's warm evenings

Power bank - high humidity drains phone batteries 30% faster, essential for navigation and photography

Bandana or lightweight scarf - doubles as sweat management and dust protection near port industrial areas

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near GEC Circle rather than port areas - you'll avoid industrial noise while staying central, with easy access to rickshaw transport to all major sites

Visit hilsa markets between 5am-7am when prices are lowest and selection best - afternoon prices increase 40-60% as supply diminishes and demand peaks

Use mobile banking (bKash) for small purchases - widely accepted and safer than carrying cash in crowded markets, plus many vendors offer small discounts for digital payments

Learn basic Chittagonian greetings beyond standard Bengali - locals appreciate 'Kemon lagteche' (how are things) and respond with significantly warmer hospitality and better prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 1pm-4pm when humidity peaks at 70% and temperatures reach 30°C (87°F) - plan indoor cultural sites or air-conditioned venues during this window

Wearing synthetic fabrics in high humidity - cotton and linen are essential as polyester becomes unbearably sticky and doesn't dry quickly after March's brief showers

Assuming all Hill Tracts areas are accessible - many require special permits that take 3-5 days to obtain, and some indigenous areas restrict tourist access entirely