Sapa Weather in March: Temperature & Things to Do

Sapa temperature in March is excellent for hiking. However, it might be foggy and there is a lot of rain. So make sure you bring enough belongings for the trip.

Sapa weather in March

Capital and the frontier town of Sapa district, Sapa has increased in popularity over the years. Thousands of visitors flock to the region to enjoy its beautiful scenery and fascinating local culture. Boasting some of the world's best natural landscapes, its geographical location at 1650m above sea level happens to be one of the best in terms of climatic advantages. March sees temperatures settling between 11°C and 18 °C with around 5 hours of sunshine per day.

The daily temperature for Sapa in March is approximately 15°C. Tourists can expect rainfalls with an average of 100mm precipitation during the month. The weather in the area is often erratic with tourists experiencing four different seasons in one day.

Humidity for the town can reach 81% but due to the milder temperatures, visitors shouldn't experience any discomfort. The climate at this time of year makes it a great time to explore the outdoors. Walking, cycling, and viewing the local scenery are all popular activities to do in Sapa.

Things to do in Sapa during March 

There are various activities for tourists to do in March, Hoang Lien Son mountain is the perfect place for tourists to trek. If you are looking for a real challenge, you might like to tackle the Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in the whole of Indochina. Also, hiring a guide is extremely recommended. You can contact BestPrice Travel for the Sapa tours or you can visit the tourist guide center for the tour information.

There are several routes to hike up to the top yet normally people choose two paths depending on their time and physical ability. One, you will start from Tram Ton Pass and get to the top of Fansipan Mountain the next morning, the total time for this track is 2 days and 1 night, this is the quickest and easiest way to discover the Fansipan Mountain. The second route is trekking through Cat Cat Village to Tram Ton Pass and reach the top in the morning, making the duration to 3 days 2 nights. In this way, the time will be longer but you will have a chance to see scenic landscapes of the villages, rice terraces, and mountains.

Fansipan mountain 

However, if you don’t feel like climbing a high mountain, there is now an option of the cable car that takes you up to the top of Fansipan mountain. It is best to check the weather before you hop on a taxi to the cable car. Otherwise, you might be left disappointed in a rather misty view from the top. 

Events and Festival 

There are a lot of festivities to enjoy during the month of March. Marking the end of a busy festival schedule, the perfume pagoda festival runs from the 6th day of the month in the lunar calendar and runs until the end of March. This is a major attraction and one tourist should definitely attend if possible. Another major event includes the worshipping Forest Festival of the Nung ethnic people usually held in Muong Khuong District, which takes place twice a year on the first day of the second and seventh lunar month. Nung people worship two ancient trees (Father and Mother Trees) and worship people who sacrifice their life for reclaiming the village.

Forest Worshipping Nung People

According to Nung ethnic people, the forest genie is considered a sacred god who protects the villagers in their daily lives. The forest worshipping tradition of Nung people contributes to the respect of the forest life. On the next day after the worshipping ceremony, local villages must follow strict rules, including not cutting and deforestation for cultivation. This festival is not only for respecting the forest but also raising the protection awareness of the forest and environment. 

Pros and cons of traveling in Sapa in March

Pros: Making the start of season changing, Sapa’s weather in March means slightly warmer weather but it is still low season without masses of domestic tourists. So that you don’t have to wait in line or feel packed for some attractions as the tourist flow isn’t so strong. The major weather perk is that Sapa sees an increase in humidity and sunshine hours during this time. It makes exploring outdoor activities more enjoyable. As the rice fields start to show their real beauty later in June, now is the perfect time to explore the area, interact with local people and get to understand the culture of ethnic minorities.

Cons: As the weather is shifting to change so the weather sometimes is unpredictable, expecting some slight rainfall. It is still cold when the sun’s down and in the early morning when the fog is still covering the town. In March, you can experience the blooming flowers but not the amazing lush green rice terraces. As the rice fields start to show their real beauty later in June, now is the perfect time to explore the area, interact with local people and get to understand the culture of ethnic minorities.

Sapa weather in March 

Tips for traveling to Sapa in March 

• March is the start of beautiful weather in Sapa so there will be a large number of tourists traveling to this area so it is essential to have your accommodations booked in advance. 
• In case you would like to go hiking, remember to bring only essential items with you such as warm clothes, new socks, a scarf, and a flashlight that can be tightened on your forehead in case you have to go in the dark. It is not easy to climb up the hill with a heavy backpack behind. The best time to do trekking in March is by the end of the month as there is less rain, less cold and you will have a clear view of the mountains and flowers blooming. 
• At this time the weather in Sapa is quite foggy and the humidity is high so in case you do bring your camera, just remember to keep it dry and safe.
• In your trekking route, you may meet a couple of ethnic women who are trying to sell you stuff (like bracelets, souvenirs, tapestries,....), they are so friendly that they will join you for a part of your trip. Don’t worry, just be consistent and politely say no to them. Also, you will see many children selling the same things yet you shouldn’t buy anything from them since that will encourage them to drop out of school.

What to pack

• Bring some warm clothes. Plan on layering your clothes. Some days or parts of the day it will be nice and warm and some moments it can be a bit chilly.
• Bring some spare socks and underwear.
• A poncho or raincoat is highly recommended for unexpected rainfall; in the end, the goal is to keep you dry and warm. A hat or small umbrella also will do.
• Consider bringing along some snacks and food as it can give you more energy on the way to trekking.
• Don’t forget to bring good comfortable hiking/ walking shoes with a good grip. If possible, a water-resistant pair of shoes is more ideal.
• A travel camera to capture the magical beauty of Sapa in this season.

In summary, Sapa’s weather in March feels like shifting into spring so the temperature is warmer, the sun is out more so you will have more days with clear views. If you are thinking about traveling to Sapa in March, visit BestPrice Travel and follow our guide in order to have the best Sapa tour that you have dreamt of.

Minah Trinh

Image source: Internet