What March feels like

March sits between the two driest months. February averages 0.8 inch of rain and April only 0.4 inch, so March, at 0.6 inch, is part of the longest settled stretch of the year. The tourism board says rain is rarely all day, and in this stretch it is less of a factor than in October to December. Temperatures climb by one degree from the 82 °F of January and February, which is hardly noticeable at the beach, and the trade winds are almost always present.

The practical consequence is that the outdoor products of the island all run in good conditions. The Natural Pool inside Arikok National Park is a swim only when the sea is calm, so a dry month with the wind from the usual direction gives you more chances of a swim (see Aruba's Natural Pool). The same goes for boat days: a snorkel sail to the Antilla wreck is a three-hour trip, with the Red Sail Antilla sailing from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at $79 for adults and $63 for children aged 5 to 11 (VisitAruba, read 7 November 2026). See snorkeling tours and the Antilla shipwreck.

March 18: Flag and Anthem Day

Each year on March 18 Aruba celebrates its independence, which Arubans mark as their "Status Aparte", together with Flag and Anthem Day (aruba.com, read 7 November 2026). The tourism board lists cultural activities that show local gastronomy, sporting events and organized games for adults and children around the island, and the main folkloric production takes place at Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad.

For a visitor the holiday has two effects. First, you can join a celebration that is open to everyone. Second, the board says you should expect shops, gas stations and supermarkets to close early or stay closed the entire day. If you have a rental car, fill the tank the day before; if you rely on groceries for a villa or a kitchen suite, buy them on March 17. Taxis also charge $5 extra on holidays, on top of the fixed fares such as $16 between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach (Visit Aruba, read 6 November 2026).

After Carnival, before Easter crowds

March is a quiet bridge. The Carnival season ends on Shrove Tuesday with the burning of King Momo, and in 2027 the Grand Parades are on February 6 and 7, so March has no parades at all (see Aruba in February and Aruba Carnival). The tourism board lists an Easter-week tradition on Eagle Beach, where local families camp on the sand; Easter moves between March and April, so check the calendar for your year if you want the beach to yourself (see Aruba in April).

What to book

  • The island by jeep or ATV. Dry weather is the best match for the off-road trips. The ATV tours take about 4 hours and cost $130 to $135 for a single rider (see Aruba ATV tours), and the full-island jeep safari is about 8 hours (see Aruba island tours).
  • A sail. Choose between the snorkel sail and a sunset sail; see Aruba sunset cruises.
  • A walk in Oranjestad. The 2.5-hour historic walk runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 am, so do it before the heat, and not on a holiday morning (see Aruba walking tours).

Where to stay

Palm Beach is the lively high-rise strip, Eagle Beach the quiet low-rise one (see Palm Beach vs Eagle Beach). We publish no hotel prices; compare your own dates in the hotel box.

March compared with its neighbors

February has 0.8 inch of rain and 82 °F, March 0.6 inch and 83 °F, April 0.4 inch and 84 °F (aruba.com weather page, read 7 November 2026). If you can only choose between these three, the only real difference is rain by a fraction of an inch and Carnival, which you want in January or February. The month-by-month table is on the best time to visit Aruba.

Typical mistakes

  • Arriving on March 18 with an empty tank and no groceries.
  • Looking for Carnival parades in March: the 2027 season ends in early February.
  • Booking the Natural Pool on a rough-sea day: it is a swim only in calm conditions.
  • Assuming a taxi costs the same on a holiday: there is a $5 surcharge.

FAQ

Is March a good time to visit Aruba?

Yes. It is in the dry season, with about 0.6 inch (15 mm) of rain and 83 °F.

What happens on March 18 in Aruba?

It is National Anthem and Flag Day, an official holiday with cultural events and sports; shops, gas stations and supermarkets may close early or stay closed all day.

Is there Carnival in March?

No. The Carnival season ends on Shrove Tuesday, in February in 2027.

Does it rain in Aruba in March?

Rarely: about 0.6 inch on average, in short showers.

Aruba Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.