Burundi in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Burundi

35°F (2°C) High Temp

68°F (20°C) Low Temp

2.0 inches (51 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures starting at 35°F (2°C) in early morning, warming to comfortable 68°F (20°C) - ideal for trekking the Kibira National Forest trails
March marks the end of the long dry season, meaning fewer crowds at popular spots like Gitega's Royal Drum Sanctuary before April tourism picks up
this destination water temperatures reach their annual peak at 79-82°F (26-28°C), perfect for swimming and water activities without wet season rainfall interference
Cultural calendar is rich - the Umuganura harvest festival preparation period means busy local markets and traditional brewing activities you can observe

Considerations

Late dry season means dusty conditions on unpaved roads, making travel to remote areas like Ruvubu National Park challenging and requiring 4WD vehicles
Afternoon temperatures can spike unexpectedly with humidity reaching 70%, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable without proper hydration planning
Some remote lodges and campsites may have limited water availability as reservoirs are at their lowest before April rains begin

Best Activities in March

Kibira National Forest Primate Tracking

March offers the clearest forest visibility with minimal undergrowth before April rains. Morning temperatures of 35°F (2°C) are perfect for 4-6 hour treks to spot colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. Dry conditions mean better trail access to remote areas typically flooded during wet season.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through park rangers in Muramvya. Costs typically FBu 25,000-35,000 ($12-17 USD). Start before 7am to avoid afternoon heat. Reference booking widget for current guided trek options.

Lake Tanganyika Beach Activities

Peak water temperatures at 79-82°F (26-28°C) make March ideal for swimming, kayaking, and beach relaxation. Clear skies and low rainfall (only 10 days) mean reliable water conditions. Local fishermen are most active in early morning, offering authentic cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Local boat operators charge FBu 15,000-30,000 ($7-15 USD) for half-day lake excursions. Book day-of at beaches near Bujumbura. Best times: 8am-11am and 4pm-6pm to avoid peak UV index of 8.

Bujumbura Cultural Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures make extended walking comfortable through neighborhoods like Rohero and Ngagara. March is preparation time for harvest festivals, so local markets showcase traditional crafts, brewing, and food preparation you won't see other times of year.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, or arrange local guides for FBu 10,000-20,000 ($5-10 USD) through hotels. Start by 9am, finish before 1pm when temperatures peak. Markets are most active Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

Gitega Historical Sites Exploration

Dry weather provides excellent access to the Banjul and Royal Drum Sanctuary. March timing means you'll witness traditional drum maintenance and preparation for upcoming ceremonies - drummers practice daily in preparation for April celebrations.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is FBu 3,000 ($1.50 USD). Drum sanctuary visits FBu 5,000 ($2.50 USD). Best visited 10am-3pm when demonstrations occur. Combine with local pottery workshops for full cultural experience.

Ruvubu National Park Wildlife Viewing

Animals concentrate around remaining water sources during late dry season, making wildlife spotting optimal. Hippos and crocodiles are easily visible in reduced river levels. Morning game drives benefit from cool 35°F (2°C) start temperatures.

Booking Tip: Requires 4WD vehicle rental (FBu 50,000-80,000/$25-40 USD daily) due to dusty conditions. Park fees FBu 10,000 ($5 USD). Book through park headquarters in Gitega. Bring extra water - facilities are basic.

Traditional Brewing Tours

March is banana beer (urwarwa) and sorghum beer brewing season as communities prepare for harvest celebrations. Local families offer authentic brewing demonstrations that aren't available during other months when brewing is less intensive.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community cooperatives for FBu 8,000-15,000 ($4-7 USD) including tasting. Best experienced in rural areas like Kayanza province. Morning sessions 9am-12pm are most active. Ask hotels to connect you with local families.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Umuganura Harvest Festival Preparations

Traditional brewing intensifies, drum maintenance reaches peak activity, and communities prepare ceremonial foods. While the main festival is in August, March preparation activities offer authentic cultural immersion with traditional craft workshops and community gatherings

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layering system - temperatures swing 33°F (18°C) from morning 35°F (2°C) to afternoon 68°F (20°C)

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at altitude requires serious protection, reapply every 2 hours

Dust mask or bandana - late dry season creates dusty conditions on unpaved roads to national parks

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew and occasional light rain on 10 days requires fast-drying materials

Insulated water bottle - stay hydrated in 70% humidity, local water refill stations charge FBu 500 ($0.25 USD)

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers are brief but intense when they occur

Sturdy hiking boots - dry season hardens trails but rocky terrain in Kibira requires ankle support

Power bank 10,000+ mAh - rural areas have limited electricity, especially in parks and remote regions

Cash in small bills - FBu 1,000 and 2,000 notes for market purchases and local guide payments

Headlamp with red filter - early morning wildlife viewing and evening cultural activities in areas with limited lighting

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (hiace) run most frequently 7am-10am and 3pm-5pm - avoid midday travel when temperatures peak and service reduces

Negotiate moto-taxi rates before riding - standard rates are FBu 1,000-2,000 ($0.50-1 USD) for short distances in towns

ATMs in rural areas often run out of cash by Friday - withdraw sufficient FBu in Bujumbura before heading to parks or remote regions

March is ideal for learning basic Kirundi phrases as locals have more time for conversation during the slower agricultural period before April planting

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold at 35°F (2°C) - many visitors pack only warm weather clothes and suffer during early morning activities

Not bringing enough cash - credit cards only work in major Bujumbura hotels, everywhere else requires Burundian francs in small denominations

Planning outdoor activities during 1pm-4pm peak heat and humidity - locals rest during these hours for good reason