Things to Do in Nauru in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Nauru
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits squarely in Nauru's wet season, which actually means the island looks its greenest and most vibrant. The phosphate mining landscapes that dominate the interior show surprising bursts of vegetation, and the coastal areas around Anibare Bay are particularly lush. If you're into photography, this is when the island has the most color contrast.
- Crowd levels are essentially nonexistent. Nauru receives fewer than 200 tourists annually, and March sees even fewer visitors than usual. You'll have beaches, historical sites, and cultural experiences entirely to yourself. The handful of locals you'll encounter will be genuinely curious about your visit rather than tourist-fatigued.
- March weather creates ideal conditions for the island's limited but spectacular marine life viewing. The rainfall stirs up nutrients that attract manta rays and reef sharks to the coastal drop-offs. Water visibility ranges 15-25 m (49-82 ft), which is actually quite good considering the season, and water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F) making extended snorkeling comfortable.
- Accommodation pricing remains stable year-round since tourism isn't seasonal here, but March tends to have better availability at the two main hotels. You can typically book just 2-3 weeks out and still get your preferred room, whereas the handful of business travelers and aid workers who visit other months sometimes fill up the limited options.
Considerations
- Rain in March is unpredictable and can be intense. You might get three dry days followed by two days of heavy downpours. The island has minimal infrastructure for indoor activities, so extended rain periods mean you're stuck in your hotel room. The 10 rainy days average is misleading because when it rains, it really commits to the task.
- March heat combined with 70% humidity creates the kind of sticky, oppressive conditions that make even short walks feel exhausting. The island's limited tree cover outside coastal areas means there's little shade relief. If you're not comfortable with persistent sweatiness and the need to change shirts multiple times daily, this will test your patience.
- Nauru's already limited services become even more restricted during wet season. The island's single paved road can develop temporary flooding in low-lying sections near Buada Lagoon, and the handful of restaurants sometimes close early if business is slow. You need to be genuinely flexible and comfortable with isolation because there's no backup infrastructure.
Best Activities in March
Coastal reef snorkeling at Anibare Bay
March's rainfall actually improves nutrient flow along Nauru's eastern coast, attracting larger marine species to the shallow reef drop-offs. The bay offers easy shore access to depths of 3-8 m (10-26 ft) where you'll likely spot reef sharks, eagle rays, and schools of trevally. Morning sessions between 7-9am offer the calmest conditions before afternoon wind picks up. The water temperature of 28°C (82°F) means you can comfortably snorkel for 60-90 minutes without a wetsuit.
Historical phosphate mining landscape exploration
The interior's surreal moonscape of limestone pinnacles left from a century of phosphate mining is Nauru's most striking feature. March's occasional rain makes the coral pinnacles less dusty and more defined for photography. Early morning walks through the Topside area reveal how vegetation is slowly reclaiming the mined-out zones. The landscape is genuinely otherworldly and unlike anything else in the Pacific. Plan 2-3 hours for exploration.
World War II Japanese bunker and gun emplacement tours
Nauru's coastline holds dozens of concrete Japanese fortifications from WWII occupation, many overgrown but still accessible. March's greenery makes the contrast between military infrastructure and tropical vegetation particularly photogenic. The Command Ridge bunker complex offers 360-degree island views from 65 m (213 ft) elevation. Most tourists miss these entirely despite them being historically significant and free to explore.
Buada Lagoon freshwater swimming and birdwatching
This inland brackish lagoon is one of the Pacific's geological oddities and Nauru's only significant freshwater body. March water levels are highest, making swimming more pleasant. The surrounding coconut groves attract Nauru's endemic reed warbler and several migratory species. Locals swim here on weekends, giving you a genuine cultural interaction opportunity. The lagoon offers relief from saltwater and a completely different ecosystem experience.
Fishing from coastal limestone platforms
Nauru's raised coral platforms create natural fishing spots all around the island. March sees good catches of trevally, grouper, and occasional tuna near the drop-offs. This is what locals do for recreation and food, and joining fishermen in early morning or late afternoon provides authentic cultural exchange. The technique is simple bottom fishing or casting lures into the blue water just beyond the reef.
Cycling the coastal ring road
The 19 km (12 mile) paved coastal road circles the entire island and offers the best way to see Nauru's contrasts between coastal villages, government buildings, and remote beaches. March mornings before 9am provide the most comfortable temperatures for cycling. The route is flat except for a few gentle rises, taking 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace with photo stops. You'll pass all the major landmarks and get a genuine sense of daily island life.
March Events & Festivals
Nauru Independence Day preparations
While Independence Day itself falls on January 31st, March sees various community sporting events and cultural preparations as part of the extended national celebration period. You might catch informal volleyball tournaments, traditional dancing practice sessions, or community gatherings. These aren't tourist events but rather genuine local life that visitors can respectfully observe or participate in if invited.