Lombok in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Lombok

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

March marks the end of peak dry season - perfect beach weather with minimal rainfall of just 85mm (3.3 inches) across 8 days, meaning 23 sunny days for outdoor activities
Sea conditions are ideal for snorkeling and diving around the Gili Islands with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm waters before April winds arrive
Tourist crowds begin thinning after February peak, offering 20-30% lower accommodation rates while maintaining perfect weather conditions
Rice terraces around Tetebatu and Sembalun are at their most photogenic - bright green after harvest season but before dry season browning begins

Considerations

Temperatures peak at 31°C (88°F) with 75% humidity, making midday activities uncomfortably hot - plan indoor breaks between 11am-3pm
March is the last month before shoulder season discounts kick in April, so you'll pay near-peak prices for accommodations and tours
Afternoon thunderstorms, while brief (20-30 minutes), can disrupt outdoor plans around 2-4pm on 8 days throughout the month

Best Activities in March

Gili Islands Snorkeling and Diving Expeditions

March offers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) around the Gili Islands before seasonal winds arrive in April. Water temperature is a perfect 28°C (82°F), and you'll encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and pristine coral gardens. The calm seas make this ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon heat and potential storms.

Booking Tip: Book snorkeling trips 5-7 days ahead through certified PADI operators. Full-day tours typically cost 400,000-600,000 IDR ($25-38) including equipment and lunch. Choose boats with shade covers and book morning slots departing before 8am. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Treks

March offers the last month of ideal trekking conditions before April rains make trails muddy and dangerous. Temperatures at Senaru crater rim (2,641m/8,665ft) are a comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) at night. Clear morning views of the crater lake are virtually guaranteed, with 85% visibility rates. The dry trails and stable weather make this the preferred month for the challenging 2-day crater rim trek.

Booking Tip: Book trekking permits 10-14 days ahead through licensed Rinjani National Park operators. Two-day crater rim treks cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 IDR ($75-115) including guide, porter, camping gear, and meals. All treks must start from Senaru or Sembalun villages. Current trek options available in booking section below.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

March coincides with post-harvest celebrations in traditional villages like Sade and Sukarara, where you'll witness authentic Sasak life. The dry weather makes rural road access easy, and you'll see traditional weaving demonstrations, unique architecture, and participate in local customs. Villages are less touristy in March as crowds decrease, offering more authentic interactions with locals.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours cost 300,000-500,000 IDR ($19-32) per person through cultural tour operators. Book 2-3 days ahead and choose tours that include multiple villages plus weaving workshops. Best timing is 9am-12pm to avoid afternoon heat. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

South Coast Beach Hopping Adventures

March delivers perfect conditions for exploring Lombok's impressive south coast beaches like Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Kuta Lombok. The seas are calm for swimming, the beaches are less crowded than February, and the iconic white sand contrasts beautifully with March's brilliant blue skies. Surfing conditions are consistent with 3-4ft (1-1.2m) waves perfect for beginners to intermediates.

Booking Tip: Rent a scooter for 70,000-100,000 IDR ($4.50-6.50) daily to explore independently, or join guided beach-hopping tours for 500,000-700,000 IDR ($32-45) including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book accommodations in Kuta Lombok area 1-2 weeks ahead. Current beach tour options in booking section below.

Sekotong Peninsula Island Hopping

The lesser-known southwestern peninsula offers pristine islands like Gili Sudak, Gili Layar, and Gili Nanggu with crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches. March provides ideal boat conditions with minimal waves and excellent snorkeling visibility. These islands receive fewer visitors than the famous Gili Trawangan trio, offering a more secluded tropical experience.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping tours cost 450,000-650,000 IDR ($28-42) including boat transport, snorkeling gear, and local lunch. Book through operators in Lembar or Sekotong villages 3-5 days ahead. Morning departures (8am) recommended to maximize island time. Current island tour options available in booking section below.

Tetebatu Rice Terrace and Waterfall Exploration

March showcases Tetebatu's rice terraces at their most photogenic - lush green after harvest but before dry season browning. The cooler mountain climate at 500m (1,640ft) elevation provides relief from coastal heat, with temperatures 3-4°C (5-7°F) lower. Nearby Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls flow strongly from wet season runoff, perfect for photography and swimming.

Booking Tip: Combine rice terrace walks with waterfall visits in full-day tours costing 400,000-600,000 IDR ($25-38). Book local guides in Tetebatu village for 150,000-200,000 IDR ($9-13) daily. Bring proper hiking shoes for 2-3 hour walks through terraces. See current nature tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Nyale Festival (Sea Worm Harvest)

This unique Sasak traditional festival celebrates the annual sea worm spawning at beaches across southern Lombok. Locals gather at dawn to collect the nutritious worms, believed to bring good fortune and fertility. The exact date follows the lunar calendar but typically occurs in mid-March. Join locals at Seger Beach or Kuta Beach around 5-6am to witness this fascinating cultural tradition.

Throughout March

Gendang Beleq Performances

Traditional Sasak drum performances increase in frequency during March's post-harvest period. These powerful drumming displays feature enormous traditional drums and are performed to celebrate successful harvests and community gatherings. Villages around Lingsar and traditional areas host these spontaneous performances, especially on weekend evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Ultra-high SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 9 and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure

Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho for brief afternoon thunderstorms lasting 20-30 minutes on 8 days throughout March

Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics rather than cotton - 75% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen required for marine protected areas around Gili Islands - chemical sunscreens are banned

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for Mount Rinjani treks up to 2,641m (8,665ft) elevation with loose volcanic rock

Quick-dry towel essential as regular towels won't dry in 75% humidity conditions, especially with afternoon rain showers

Electrolyte replacement tablets or powder - you'll lose significant minerals sweating in 31°C (88°F) heat with high humidity

Waterproof phone case mandatory for boat trips to Gili Islands and snorkeling activities - saltwater damage is common

Long-sleeve UV protection shirt for snorkeling and extended sun exposure - March sun is intense even underwater

Insect repellent with DEET for rural village visits and rice terrace walks where mosquitoes are active in humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Gili Trawangan's quieter east side in March - you'll get the Easttimor beach access but pay 30-40% less than beachfront west side properties while still having perfect beach weather

Local warung meals cost 25,000-40,000 IDR ($1.60-2.50) compared to tourist restaurant prices of 80,000-120,000 IDR ($5-7.50) - look for places where locals eat lunch around noon

The best-value money changers are in Mataram city center offering rates 2-3% better than airport or Senggigi tourist areas - exchange money before heading to remote areas

March is harvest celebration time - accept invitations to village ceremonies if offered, but always bring a small gift like fruit or packaged cookies purchased from local shops

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - many tourists attempt long outdoor activities midday and experience heat exhaustion in 31°C (88°F) temperatures with 75% humidity

Booking expensive resort restaurants for every meal instead of exploring local warungs, missing authentic Sasak cuisine while paying 3-4 times more for mediocre international food

Attempting to pack too many islands into Gili hopping day trips - stick to 2-3 islands maximum to actually enjoy each location rather than rushing between boat transfers