March in Palm Beach sits right in the sweet spot of Aruba's dry season, and the island knows it. Expect daytime highs around 29.3°C (85°F) with a steady trade wind off the Caribbean that makes 73% humidity feel more bearable than the number suggests. This is peak season, full stop. The high-rise hotels along J.E. Irausquin Boulevard fill weeks in advance, and rack rates run 40-60% above what you'd pay in September or October. You'll share the white sand with a lot of North Americans escaping the last cold snap of winter.
That said, there's a reason people pay the premium. Rainfall drops to roughly 31mm for the entire month, spread across maybe 10 brief showers that tend to blow through in under 15 minutes. The water temperature hovers near 27°C (81°F), warm enough that you stop noticing it after a few minutes. Dia di Himno y Bandera falls on March 18, Aruba's most patriotic public holiday, which means you'll likely catch a parade or public celebration in Oranjestad even if you didn't plan for one.
If you're looking for a discount Caribbean trip, March isn't your month. But if predictable weather, swimmable seas, and a beach that rarely disappoints are worth the premium, Palm Beach in March delivers on that specific promise without much qualification.
Why visit in March
- Rainfall averages only 31mm for the month, making beach days nearly guaranteed with brief showers that pass in minutes
- Consistent 15-25 km/h trade winds from the east keep temperatures comfortable and make Palm Beach one of the better kitesurfing spots in the southern Caribbean
- Water visibility off Malmok and Palm Beach tends to reach 20-30 metres in March, ideal for snorkeling the Antilla shipwreck without a boat
- Dia di Himno y Bandera on March 18 brings free public events, parades, and cultural performances in Oranjestad that tourists rarely know about in advance
- The Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a 5-minute walk from the hotel strip, sees migratory shorebirds passing through in late February and March, a genuinely unusual thing to find next to a resort zone
Worth knowing
- Peak-season pricing hits hard. A beachfront room on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard can run 40-60% above the September rate, and some properties enforce 5-night minimums
- The beach between the Riu Palace and the Marriott gets congested by mid-morning. Finding an open palapa before 9:00 AM requires setting an alarm
- Restaurant wait times at popular spots along the strip, particularly the dinner window between 18:30 and 20:00, can reach 45 minutes without a reservation
- Rental cars book out weeks ahead in March. The island has limited inventory, and agencies near the airport frequently sell out by early February for March travel
Best for
Think twice if
March on Palm Beach feels warm and dry with a near-constant easterly breeze. Mornings start around 25.3°C (78°F) with a light humidity that you'll notice on your skin before the wind picks up around 10:00 AM. By early afternoon the high reaches 29.3°C (85°F), though the trade wind shaves a few degrees off the perceived temperature. Rain arrives in short, passing showers, typically in the late afternoon, and the monthly total of 31mm means most days stay dry. Humidity sits around 73%, lower than the October-November wet season when it climbs past 80%. The sun sets near 18:40 and rises around 06:30, giving you a solid 12 hours of daylight.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 25 | 40 |
| Feb | 29 | 25 | 35 |
| Mar | 29 | 25 | 31 |
| Apr | 30 | 26 | 22 |
| May | 31 | 27 | 32 |
| Jun | 31 | 27 | 35 |
| Jul | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| Aug | 31 | 27 | 41 |
| Sep | 32 | 28 | 33 |
| Oct | 32 | 27 | 56 |
| Nov | 30 | 26 | 83 |
| Dec | 29 | 26 | 53 |
Headline events
Dia di Himno y Bandera (National Anthem and Flag Day)
March 18
Aruba's most patriotic holiday celebrates the island's national anthem and flag with a parade through Oranjestad, live music stages in Plaza Betico Croes, cultural performances, and food stalls serving traditional dishes. Government buildings close, and many Arubans wear blue, yellow, and red. The celebration spills into the evening with fireworks over the harbor.
Best things to do in March
Snorkeling the Antilla Shipwreck
water_sportsThe Antilla is a 120-metre German freighter scuttled in 1940, sitting in 18 metres of water off Malmok Beach on Aruba's northwest coast. The wreck is close enough to shore that strong swimmers can reach it without a boat, though most visitors take a short water taxi from the beach. Coral growth covers much of the hull, and you'll see parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle circling the superstructure.
March visibility off Malmok typically reaches 20-30 metres, among the best conditions of the year for seeing the full length of the wreck.Booking tipWater taxi operators at Malmok Beach fill up by mid-morning on weekends. Arrive before 09:00 or go on a weekday.
Kitesurfing at Hadicurari Beach
water_sportsHadicurari Beach sits at the northern end of the Palm Beach strip, right where the Fisherman's Huts mark the transition from the hotel zone to the open coastline. The flat, shallow water extends about 200 metres offshore, making it forgiving for intermediate riders. Several kite schools operate from the beach and rent gear by the hour or half-day.
March trade winds blow consistently from the east-northeast at 15-25 km/h, strong enough for reliable sessions without the gustiness that picks up later in the summer months.Booking tipLessons book out fast during peak season. Reserve at least 2 weeks in advance if you want a specific time slot.
Arikok National Park Hiking
outdoorArikok covers roughly 20% of Aruba's land area on the island's rugged northeast side. The Cunucu Arikok trail runs about 3 km through cactus-studded terrain past old gold mine ruins and Arawak cave paintings at Fontein Cave. The landscape feels nothing like the resort strip. Dry, scrubby, and surprisingly hilly for such a flat island.
March's dry conditions and lower humidity (around 73%) make the exposed trails more comfortable than the wetter months from October through January.Booking tipThe park has a daily visitor cap. Arrive at the main entrance off Route 7A before 10:00 AM to avoid being turned away on busy weekends.
Sunset Sailing off Palm Beach
toursCatamaran sunset cruises depart from the pier near the Marriott most evenings around 17:00 and run about 2.5 hours. The route heads north past the lighthouse at California Point, then turns south along the hotel strip as the sun drops into the Caribbean. The water is calm enough in March that seasickness is rarely an issue.
March sunsets fall around 18:40, and the low cloud cover typical of the dry season means clear horizon lines on most evenings. The angle of light over the water is noticeably different from summer months.Booking tipBoats fill to capacity nearly every evening in March. Book at least 3-4 days ahead through your hotel concierge or directly with the operator.
Dia di Himno y Bandera Celebrations in Oranjestad
culturalThe March 18 holiday transforms downtown Oranjestad into an open-air festival. Plaza Betico Croes fills with food vendors, live tumba and calypso bands, and folk dance performances. The morning parade runs along L.G. Smith Boulevard from the cruise terminal to the parliament building. Arubans dress in the national colors of blue, yellow, red, and white.
Dia di Himno y Bandera is fixed to March 18. It's Aruba's most emotionally significant public holiday, marking the adoption of the national anthem and flag in 1976.Booking tipThe Arubus public bus from Palm Beach to Oranjestad runs every 15-20 minutes. It's the easiest way to avoid downtown parking on a holiday.
Bubali Bird Sanctuary Visit
natureBubali is a freshwater wetland squeezed between the hotel strip and the island's interior, with an observation tower overlooking the reed beds. The sanctuary sits at the southern end of the Palm Beach high-rise zone, about a 5-minute walk from most hotels. You'll spot great blue herons, cormorants, common gallinules, and in March, migratory shorebirds passing through on their northward route.
Late February and March mark the tail end of the southward migration return, bringing species like the semipalmated plover and spotted sandpiper through the sanctuary before they continue north.Booking tipNo booking needed. The tower is open during daylight hours. Early morning before 08:00 offers the best bird activity and fewer visitors.
De Palm Island Day Trip
familyDe Palm Island is a small private island off Aruba's southern coast, accessible by a 5-minute water taxi from the mainland pier near Pos Chiquito. The island has a waterslide park, snorkeling area, and a SNUBA setup for those who want to go deeper than a snorkel allows without a full scuba certification. It's geared toward families, and the all-inclusive format covers food and drinks for the day.
The calm March seas make the water taxi crossing smooth, and the snorkeling visibility around the island's reef tends to be at its clearest during the dry season.Booking tipThe island caps daily visitors. Book online at least a week ahead during March, especially for weekend visits.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Keshi Yena
This stuffed Edam cheese dish, filled with spiced chicken or beef, raisins, and olives, appears on nearly every local restaurant menu year-round, but March's holiday celebrations bring out family recipes at public food stalls in Oranjestad and Noord that you won't find in resort restaurants. The baked version has a crispy cheese crust that cracks when you cut into it.
Fresh Red Snapper
March falls in the peak fishing season for red snapper off Aruba's north coast. The catch comes in at the Oranjestad fish market most mornings before 08:00. Several Palm Beach restaurants, particularly those near the Fisherman's Huts area, run whole-grilled snapper specials through March and April.
Street food peaks
Pan Bati
A slightly sweet cornmeal pancake cooked on a flat griddle. You'll smell the butter and toasted corn from the food trucks along Caya Betico Croes during the March 18 celebrations. Locals eat it with stoba (stew) or on its own as a snack.
Pastechi
Deep-fried turnovers filled with cheese, meat, or fish. The outer shell shatters on the first bite, and the fillings run hot. You'll find them at bakeries and snack stands throughout Noord starting around 06:00 AM. The cheese version, pastechi di keshi, is the local breakfast staple.
What to drink
Batido di Papaya
A thick papaya shake blended with condensed milk and ice. Papaya grows year-round on Aruba, but the March harvest tends to produce particularly sweet fruit. Street vendors near Paseo Herencia sell them for a few florin.
Regular events in March
Oranjestad Thursday Night Bon Bini FestivalFree
A weekly cultural showcase in the courtyard of Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad, running every Thursday evening from 18:30 to 20:30. Local musicians play tumba, waltz, and calypso, folk dancers perform in traditional dress, and vendors sell Aruban crafts and snacks. The fort itself dates to 1798 and houses the island's historical museum.
Every Thursday eveningPalm Beach Friday Night Craft MarketFree
A small open-air market near the Paseo Herencia mall on the Palm Beach strip, active on Friday evenings from around 18:00 to 22:00. Local artisans sell handmade jewelry, driftwood art, and aloe-based products. A few food stalls set up alongside the vendors.
Every Friday eveningFull Moon Party at Moomba BeachFree
Moomba Beach Bar on the Palm Beach strip hosts a monthly full moon gathering with a DJ, bonfire setup on the sand, and extended bar hours. The March full moon falls on the 14th. The crowd tends to skew younger, with a mix of hotel guests and local regulars.
Around March 14Best places this March
Malmok Beach
beachA rocky, coral-lined stretch north of the hotel zone, better for snorkeling than sunbathing. The Antilla wreck sits offshore. The lack of sand keeps crowds thinner than Palm Beach, and the shallow reef starts within wading distance.
MalmokCalifornia Lighthouse
landmarkA 30-metre lighthouse at Aruba's northwestern tip, built in 1910 and named after the S.S. California, which sank nearby. The surrounding dunes offer 360-degree views of the coastline. Worth the climb for the perspective on how narrow the island actually is.
HudishibanaArikok National Park
natureAruba's only national park covers the island's wild northeast coast, with marked trails through desert terrain, cave systems with Arawak petroglyphs, and the Natural Pool (Conchi), a sheltered ocean pool inside a volcanic rock formation.
Santa CruzPlaza Betico Croes, Oranjestad
culturalThe main public square in Aruba's capital, named after the independence leader Betico Croes. The March 18 holiday celebrations center here, but on regular days it's a pleasant spot surrounded by the pastel Dutch colonial buildings that line the pedestrian shopping street.
OranjestadEagle Beach
beachAbout 3 km south of Palm Beach, Eagle Beach is wider and less developed than its northern neighbor. The famous fofoti (divi-divi) trees lean southwest from decades of trade wind, and the sand is noticeably less crowded even in peak season. No high-rise hotels here, only low-rise properties set back from the shore.
Eagle BeachFisherman's Huts (Hadicurari)
beachThe informal name for the beach at the northern tip of the Palm Beach strip where local fishermen still keep small boats. It's become the island's primary kitesurfing and windsurfing launch point. The shallow, flat water runs a few hundred metres out before dropping off.
NoordOranjestad Fish Market
foodA small covered market near the harbor where local fishermen sell the morning catch. Red snapper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo are common in March. Open from around 06:30 most mornings, though the best selection goes early.
Oranjestad
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Insider tips
The palapas (thatched beach shelters) on Palm Beach are first-come, first-served and fill by 09:00 AM in March. If you want shade without renting chairs from a resort, walk to the stretch north of the Holiday Inn where the palapas are slightly more spaced out.
The Arubus public bus from the Palm Beach hotel strip to Oranjestad costs a few florin and runs every 15-20 minutes. It's cheaper and less stressful than renting a car for a day trip to the capital, especially on March 18 when downtown parking disappears.
The Fisherman's Huts area at the north end of Palm Beach has calmer, shallower water than the main hotel beach, and it's where locals go. Fewer tourists, better wind conditions, and a more relaxed vibe than the stretch between the Marriott and the Riu.
Aruba's tap water comes from one of the world's largest desalination plants and is perfectly safe to drink. Most visitors don't realize this and spend money on bottled water all week.
If you're snorkeling the Antilla wreck independently (without a tour), enter the water at Malmok Beach and swim northwest. The wreck is visible from the surface on calm March days. Go before 10:00 AM when boat traffic picks up.
Restaurant reservations along the Palm Beach strip fill 3-4 days out during March. If you want a specific spot for dinner, book as soon as you arrive rather than waiting until the day of.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming you can rent a car on arrival. March inventory on Aruba sells out weeks in advance. Book before your flight, ideally 6-8 weeks ahead, or you'll be stuck with taxi fares that add up quickly.
- Skipping sunscreen because of the wind. The trade winds mask how strong the sun is at 12°N. March's UV index hits 11-12 by midday, and wind-cooled skin burns faster because you don't feel the heat building.
- Spending the entire trip on Palm Beach without visiting Eagle Beach or Malmok. Palm Beach has the resorts and the convenience, but Eagle Beach (3 km south) has more space, and Malmok (2 km north) has the best snorkeling on the island.
- Underestimating how early the beach fills. By 10:00 AM on a March weekday, the palapa shelters on the main strip are taken. If shade matters to you, set an alarm or plan mornings elsewhere.
- Not bringing cash for local food stalls. The food vendors at the March 18 celebrations in Oranjestad and the smaller stands in Noord are largely cash-only. ATMs near the event areas tend to have long lines on the holiday.
Practical tips for March
March is Aruba's peak season, and Palm Beach fills accordingly. Book accommodations and rental cars at least 8-12 weeks in advance, especially for beachfront properties on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard that enforce 5-7 night minimums. Restaurant reservations along the strip should be made 3-4 days ahead for the popular 18:30-20:00 dinner window. The Arubus public bus connects Palm Beach to Oranjestad every 15-20 minutes and is the most practical transport option if you skip the rental car. Aruba uses the Aruban florin, but US dollars are accepted nearly everywhere at a roughly 1.80 florin per dollar rate. Most hotel restaurants and shops take credit cards, but the food stalls at the March 18 holiday celebrations and local bakeries in Noord tend to be cash-only. The island runs on AST (UTC-4) year-round with no daylight saving changes.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Palm Beach, Aruba?
March is one of the 2 best months to visit Palm Beach. Rainfall averages only 31mm, the trade winds keep the 29°C daytime heat comfortable, and water visibility off the coast reaches 20-30 metres. The trade-off is peak-season pricing and crowded beaches, particularly on the stretch between the Riu Palace and the Marriott.
How warm is the ocean at Palm Beach in March?
The Caribbean water temperature off Palm Beach typically hovers around 27°C (81°F) in March. It's warm enough for long snorkeling sessions without a wetsuit, though a thin rashguard helps with sun protection during extended time in the water.
What is Dia di Himno y Bandera on March 18?
Dia di Himno y Bandera is Aruba's National Anthem and Flag Day, celebrated every March 18. It marks the 1976 adoption of the Aruban national anthem and flag. The main celebrations happen in Oranjestad at Plaza Betico Croes, with a morning parade along L.G. Smith Boulevard, live music, folk dancing, and traditional food stalls. Government offices and some businesses close for the day.
Do I need a rental car at Palm Beach in March?
Not necessarily. The Palm Beach hotel strip is walkable end to end, and the Arubus public bus runs to Oranjestad every 15-20 minutes. That said, if you want to visit Arikok National Park or the island's east coast, a car helps. Book 6-8 weeks ahead because March inventory is limited and sells out early.
How crowded is Palm Beach in March compared to other months?
March is peak season. The beach palapas fill by 09:00 AM, restaurants along J.E. Irausquin Boulevard require reservations 3-4 days out, and you'll notice more foot traffic than in the shoulder months of May or November. Cruise ships docking in Oranjestad on weekends add day-trippers who bus up to the beach.
What should I pack for Palm Beach in March?
Lightweight cotton or linen clothing, reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen (Aruba bans oxybenzone formulas), a UV rashguard for water activities, and closed-toe shoes if you plan to hike Arikok National Park. A light windbreaker is useful for breezy evenings when the trade winds pick up after sunset.
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