Things to Do in Guinea in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Guinea
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season conditions mean you can actually explore the Fouta Djallon highlands without turning every trail into a mud wrestling match - the waterfalls are still flowing from earlier rains but the paths are manageable, which is the sweet spot you're looking for
- March sits right at the end of the cool season before the real heat kicks in, so those 105°F (41°C) highs are typically mid-afternoon only - mornings start around 68°F (20°C) which is genuinely pleasant for hiking or walking around Conakry's markets
- Tourist numbers are minimal in March since Guinea isn't on most people's radar anyway, but the few who do come are usually here in December-February, so you'll have places like Îles de Los practically to yourself without the December crowds
- The harmattan winds have mostly died down by March, which means better visibility for photography and less dust coating everything you own - your camera gear and lungs will thank you compared to January or February
Considerations
- You're caught in an awkward transition period where it's too hot for comfortable midday activities but the rainy season hasn't started yet, so some waterfalls in the Fouta Djallon are running lower than their spectacular wet season flows
- March is when the heat really starts building before the rains break the temperature - that 105°F (41°C) with 70% humidity feels oppressive between noon and 4pm, and most locals just shut down during these hours for good reason
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable transition showers that can disrupt plans without the reliable afternoon pattern you get in full rainy season - you might get three dry weeks then sudden downpours, making multi-day trekking logistics trickier
Best Activities in March
Fouta Djallon Highland Trekking
March is actually ideal for exploring Guinea's most spectacular region - the trails are dry enough to be passable but waterfalls like Chutes de Kinkon and Chutes de la Soumba still have decent flow from the previous rainy season. The morning temperatures around 68-75°F (20-24°C) make for comfortable hiking before the afternoon heat builds. You'll want to start any trek by 6:30am latest and be done by 1pm. The landscape is still relatively green compared to the brown you get by April-May.
Îles de Los Island Exploration
The three islands off Conakry's coast are perfect in March because the sea is calmer than rainy season and visibility for snorkeling around Kassa Island is excellent. The heat actually works in your favor here - spending the day on beaches or in the water is exactly what you want when it hits 105°F (41°C) on the mainland. The colonial ruins on Roume Island are more interesting to explore when you're not being pelted by rain. Pirogue boats run regularly and the 20-minute crossing is usually smooth.
Conakry Market and Cultural Tours
The capital's markets like Marché Madina and Marché Niger are best visited in early morning March weather before 10am when temperatures are still manageable. You'll see the full range of Guinean life - fabric vendors, traditional medicine stalls, fresh produce from upcountry. March is mango season starting, so you'll find excellent local varieties. The National Museum and Palais du Peuple are indoor options for when afternoon heat makes outdoor exploration miserable. Worth noting that March is relatively quiet politically, making city exploration more relaxed than election periods.
Mount Nimba Reserve Wildlife Viewing
If you're serious about nature, March is decent for Mount Nimba in Guinea's southeast corner near the Côte d'Ivoire border. The trails are dry enough for the steep climbs to the 1,752 m (5,748 ft) summit, and you've got better chances of spotting the endemic viviparous toads before the rains really start. The heat is intense but the forest canopy provides relief. This is genuinely remote - you're looking at a full day's rough road travel from Conakry, so only worth it if you're spending at least 3-4 days in the region.
Boke Region Bauxite and Colonial History Tours
March is actually interesting timing for visiting Boke in Guinea's northwest - the mining operations that dominate the region are in full swing, and while that's not exactly eco-tourism, it's a fascinating look at modern Guinea's economic reality. The colonial architecture in Boke town is slowly crumbling but still photogenic. The Rio Nunez estuary has decent birdwatching in March before migration patterns shift. It's hot but the Atlantic breeze provides some relief compared to inland areas.
Traditional Music and Dance Performances
Guinea is the birthplace of West African djembe drumming, and March is a good time to catch authentic performances rather than tourist shows. The cooler evening temperatures make outdoor performances at venues around Conakry actually enjoyable. Look for ballet performances - not Western ballet but traditional Guinean dance troupes that are spectacular. The National Ballet sometimes performs in March, and smaller community groups perform at cultural centers. This is indoor-friendly for those inevitable hot afternoons.
March Events & Festivals
Mango Season Beginning
Not a formal event but March marks the start of mango season in Guinea, and if you've never had West African mangoes you're missing out - they're sweeter and less fibrous than most export varieties. Markets overflow with different varieties, and locals eat them constantly. It's a genuine cultural experience watching vendors expertly peel and slice them for customers. Prices drop to almost nothing - maybe 5,000-10,000 GNF gets you more mangoes than you can carry.