March is a good time to travel to most of Southeast Asia with moderately hot and dry weather. As the start of the hot season (March to May), you could expect temperatures to range from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93°F). Dry weather prevails in most areas with the exception of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Weather for Southeast Asia's Major Cities in March
| City | Average Daily Low Temp. | Average Daily High Temp. | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok, Thailand | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Phuket, Thailand | 25°C (77°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 58 mm (2 in) |
| Hanoi, Vietnam | 18°C (64°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1 in) |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 25°C (77°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 10 mm (½ in) |
| Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 18 mm (½ in) |
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 28 mm (1 in) |
| Bagan, Myanmar | 22°C (72°F) | 38°C (100°F) | 2.5 mm (0 in) |
| Luang Prabang, Laos | 16°C (61°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 18 mm (½ in) |
| Singapore | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 132 mm (5 in) |
| Bali, Indonesia | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 150 mm (6 in) |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 24°C (75°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 180 mm (7 in) |
| Manila, the Philippines | 25°C (77°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 33 mm (1 in) |
Countries with Dry Weather: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines
Averaging three rainy days in a month, you could fully indulge in outdoor activities, such as jungle trekking in Thailand, cruising across Halong Bay in Vietnam, and enjoying hot-air balloon rides in Myanmar or Cambodia.
With sunny and hot weather, March is an ideal time to visit the beaches in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. If you prefer cooler weather, you could head to mountainous areas, such as Chiang Rai in Thailand and Sapa in Vietnam.
Get some ideas about how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia >>>
Countries in the Rainy Season: Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
March falls within the wet season for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Unlike the heavy rain in December and January, the rain eases in March with only about 10–12 rainy days for the month.
The rainfall is usually short-lived in the afternoon, so outdoor activities are still possible. Besides, Malaysia offers drier experiences in its Langkawi islands and Penang. Singapore is packed with indoor fun while Indonesia's world-class boutique hotels are great for staycations.
A flexible private tour (like the ones we offer) is helpful to minimize the inconveniences experienced due to rainfall or other unexpected issues and to create hassle-free experiences.
Unlock expert tips for your Singapore and Bali trip planning>>>
The 6 Best Places to Visit in March in Southeast Asia
In March, the best places to visit are undoubtedly the countries with dry weather: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Thailand and Vietnam are popular travel hubs in Southeast Asia, being perfect for short-time travelers. They showcase the best of Southeast Asia from natural wonders to historical gems and culinary delights.
If you're searching for off-the-beaten-path adventures and more cultural experiences, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos would be your best choices.
As the land of a thousand islands, the Philippines spoils beach lovers.
Check our hand-picked itinerary suggestions for 2 weeks...
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1. Thailand
Our clients are celebrating their family reunion in Thailand.Sunny days are guaranteed throughout the country in March. Hot weather arrives in southern islands and central cities. If you'd like to escape the heat, visit Thailand in early March or head to northern mountain areas, such as Chiang Rai.
With favorable weather, Thailand won't disappoint you wherever you go. Bangkok blends modernity and tradition while Chiang Mai is the cultural capital with an elephant sanctuary. If you seek a serene vibe, don't miss Chiang Rai and Kanchanaburi. For an island getaway, Phuket and Koh Samui should be top of your bucket list.
Read more about how to plan a trip to Thailand>>>
2. Vietnam
To fully discover Vietnam, March is one of the best times to go. The northern and central parts have mild weather and the scorching heat hasn't hit the south yet.
Therefore, you could explore Hanoi's ancient streets or cruise on the breathtaking Halong Bay. The historic town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets, could add a touch of magic to your journey. Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to learn about the Mekong Delta and the tragedy of the war.
Not sure where to start? See how to plan your first Vietnam trip or go straight to our family version.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia experiences a transition from the cool season to the hot season in March. The temperatures heat up, but its bright skies are uplifting.
Siem Reap, home to iconic Angkor Wat, is a must in Cambodia tours. You could also discover the vibrant culture of Phnom Penh, the capital, or unwind on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville.
4. The Philippines
In March, the Philippines experiences the tail end of the cool dry season. Islands like Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan are the best places to go in the Philippines.
With a calm sea and great visibility, you could dive into the waters around Bohol to see vibrant marine life. To add a thrilling feel to your trip, Siargao is a paradise for surf enthusiasts. For a laid-back trip, you could choose to idly lie on the white sandy beaches and watch mesmerizing and romantic sunsets in Boracay.
5. Myanmar
March is the shoulder season in Myanmar due to the heat. The daily highs hover at 38°C (100°F), which keeps attractions less crowded and brings better deals.
With careful planning, you could still enjoy a hot-air balloon ride in Bagan, browse Yangon's bustling markets, and sail into the serenity of Inle Lake with its floating gardens.
6. Laos
Hot weather arrives in Laos in March. Despite average high temperatures of about 33°C (91°F), the humidity maintains a comfortable level in March, so it doesn't feel much hotter.
The capital, Vientiane, showcases a blend of tradition and modernity, and Luang Prabang adds a serene touch to your experience. Don't miss the Plain of Jars, where mysterious ancient artifacts await.
Costs and Crowding in March
Unlike January and December, March offers great travel deals with reduced crowds for both hotels and flights in Southeast Asia.
The popular countries in the dry season, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are still crowded. So early booking is necessary to avoid last-minute troubles.
For budget-conscious travelers, consider countries in their wet season, such as Malaysia and Singapore. You could enjoy 30–40% off and have the beaches and attractions to yourself.
What to Pack in March
For a March trip to Southeast Asia, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the warm weather. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves for the intense sunshine. When visiting countries in the wet season, such as Singapore and Malaysia, don't forget to take some rain gear.
If you're heading to temples, carry modest clothing. Keep it light, versatile, and culturally respectful for an enjoyable and hassle-free journey through Southeast Asia.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Southeast Asia
Learn about the weather in Southeast Asia for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
Tour Southeast Asia Your Way with Us
At Highlights Travel, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We will be happy to personalize your private Southeast Asia tour that offers you an unforgettable memory!
You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your own trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.
You can get inspiration from our handpicked tours below:
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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