Gaborone in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Gaborone

30°C (87°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

74 mm (2.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Clear skies most days - March sits at the end of Botswana's rainy season with only 10 rainy days and plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities and game viewing
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - animals gather around permanent water sources as seasonal pools dry up, making them easier to spot in nearby reserves
Comfortable temperatures for city exploration - daily highs of 30°C (87°F) and pleasant evenings at 17°C (63°F) are ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining
Lower accommodation prices - March falls in shoulder season before the peak winter months, offering 15-25% savings on hotels and guesthouses

Considerations

Occasional afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans for 1-2 hours, though they're brief and usually end by early evening
Higher humidity at 70% makes midday temperatures feel hotter than actual readings, requiring more frequent shade breaks
Some dirt roads to cultural villages may be muddy from recent rains, limiting access to certain attractions until they dry out

Best Activities in March

Gaborone Game Reserve Wildlife Drives

March offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Morning drives (6-10am) provide the best sightings when temperatures are cooler at 20-25°C (68-77°F). You'll spot kudu, zebra, and various antelope species more easily than in wetter months when animals are dispersed.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay P200-400 ($15-30 USD) for half-day drives. Choose operators with covered vehicles for occasional afternoon showers.

Three Dikgosi Monument Cultural Tours

Perfect weather for exploring Gaborone's cultural sites on foot. March's moderate temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk from the monument through Government Enclave comfortable. Morning tours avoid afternoon humidity peaks and potential rain showers.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost P150-300 ($11-22 USD) for 3-4 hours. Book through certified cultural guides - look for current options in the booking section below. Tours run daily except Sundays.

Kgale Hill Hiking Adventures

March provides ideal hiking conditions before winter's harsh dry winds. The 1,287m (4,222 ft) summit offers panoramic city views, and cooler morning temperatures at 17-20°C (63-68°F) make the 4 km (2.5 mile) round trip manageable. Afternoon clouds often provide dramatic photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost P100-250 ($7-18 USD) per person. Start by 7am to avoid midday heat and potential afternoon storms. Independent hikers should inform someone of their plans and carry rain protection.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve Day Trips

Located 12 km (7.5 miles) from Gaborone, March offers excellent rhino tracking and bird watching as migratory species are still present from the rainy season. The reserve's varied habitats are most accessible now before winter's extreme dryness.

Booking Tip: Full day packages range P400-800 ($30-60 USD) including transport and meals. Book 10-14 days ahead for rhino tracking experiences. Choose tours with flexible timing to work around brief afternoon showers.

Traditional Village Cultural Experiences

March is harvest celebration time in surrounding Tswana villages. Temperatures are comfortable for full-day cultural immersions, and many communities host traditional music and dance performances celebrating the end of growing season.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost P200-500 ($15-37 USD) for half to full days. Book through community-based operators who share profits with villages. Check road conditions after heavy rains - some villages may require 4WD access.

Gaborone Dam Recreation Activities

Water levels are typically highest in March from recent rains, perfect for boat trips and water sports. The 18 km (11 mile) shoreline offers excellent bird watching, and cooler evenings are ideal for sunset cruises and fishing.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals start at P300-600 ($22-45 USD) for half-day periods. Water sport operators charge P150-400 ($11-30 USD) for activities. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon weather uncertainty.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Traditional communities around Gaborone celebrate successful harvests with music, dancing, and traditional food. Villages host weekend gatherings featuring mokoro boat rides, traditional crafts demonstrations, and ceremonial performances.

Late March

Maitisong Festival

If scheduled for 2025, this cultural festival showcases Botswana's performing arts with theater, music, and dance performances at venues across Gaborone. Features both traditional Tswana culture and contemporary African arts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms are brief but intense, lasting 30-60 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps heat and moisture

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with little cloud cover most days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - some surfaces can be slippery during and after rain showers

Light layers for evening - temperatures drop 13°C (23°F) from day to night, making restaurants and venues feel cool

Insect repellent with DEET - higher humidity and standing water from rains increase mosquito activity

Quick-dry clothing for outdoor activities - if caught in afternoon showers, synthetic fabrics dry within 2-3 hours

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - protect electronics during sudden downpours and water activities at the dam

Closed-toe shoes for game drives - protect feet from insects and provide better grip entering/exiting vehicles

Small daypack with waterproof cover - essential for hiking Kgale Hill and carrying rain protection during city walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Book morning activities between 6-10am when temperatures are 15°C (27°F) cooler and wildlife is most active - locals call this 'the golden hours' before heat sets in

Avoid scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4pm when afternoon storms are most likely - use this time for shopping at Riverwalk Mall or visiting the National Museum's air-conditioned exhibits

Eat at hotel restaurants during dinner hours (7-9pm) for significant savings - many offer local residents discounts that they'll extend to international visitors, reducing costs by 20-30%

Take advantage of March's shoulder season pricing by booking accommodations the week you arrive rather than months ahead - many hotels offer walk-in rates 25-40% below online prices to fill rooms before peak season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - tourists often get caught without rain protection and end up soaked and cold when temperatures drop during storms

Scheduling too many outdoor activities in one day - the combination of humidity and variable weather requires more rest breaks and flexible timing than visitors expect

Bringing only summer clothes - evenings at 17°C (63°F) feel surprisingly cool after hot days, and restaurants often have strong air conditioning