March 2026 On Ambergris Caye: The Weather, The Sargassum, The Events and More

This is your guide to March on Ambergris Caye and some of the special events and activities around Ambergris Caye. But before diving into the calendar, let’s start with the big-picture questions.

If it’s your first time visiting the island, be sure to check out Your Guide to Ambergris Caye.

March is still very much high season here – especially with Spring Break visitors (think families and sunshine… not Cancun chaos).

There are no municipal or national elections this year. March is usually the time for it. March 2024 we had municipal elections. March 2025, national elections. March municipal elections again in 2027 – we will elect our Mayor and town council.

On the mainland, Belize’s biggest annual athletic event takes place in March: La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – a grueling but incredibly fun-to-watch three-day canoe race from San Ignacio in western Belize to Belize City.

There has been a ton of controversy around it for the past week or so. If you like Belize Buzz, here’s my summary: La Ruta Maya has been in the news this week after organizers announced a change to the race’s traditional downtown Belize City finish, moving it from the historic Belcan Bridge area to a new location – the brand new HUGE Grand Resort and Marina – outside the city proper. Tradition vs. corporate sponsorship.

Weather in March on Ambergris Caye

The dry season is firmly here and the Easter Winds have picked up;

Don’t be surprised if you see NO rain in March. Expect sun. Lots of sun. And a good chance of brisk winds.

March temperatures are typically in the low to mid-80s. February might technically win as “best weather of the year,” but March is close behind.

If it feels blustery on the east (reef) side, head west towards the Secret Beach area, where waters are often much calmer.

I check Windfinder regularly – keeping in mind that tropical weather is changeable, and forecasts are only truly reliable a day or two out.

Sargassum in March

Sargassum is a floating yellow-brown seaweed that plays an important role in the marine ecosystem. Huge mats of it provide habitats in the deep ocean for young sea life and turtles.

But since around 2015 – warming seas, more pollutions, a mix of different reasons have been put forward – larger influxes have affected Belize, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Gulf/Caribbean coasts of the US.

Sargassum season here is loosely mid-Feb through August – though every year is ebbs and flows. Ocean currents, winds, and broader climate patterns all play a role.

In 2024, it didn’t begin arriving until late February. In early 2025, we saw some patches in late January, followed by intermittent arrivals – some heavier weeks in early and mid-March. In 2026, so far, it has started (end of January-ish), but strong north winds have been keeping the bulk of it offshore.

I do know that many resorts are ready for it…

Important to note:
Sargassum affects the east (reef) side of the island only. The west side – including Secret Beach – remains seaweed-free.

Seafood in March

Lobster season closes on February 28 and will reopen July 1.

The 2026 San Pedro Lobster Festival celebrations have not been announced officially but I’d be willing to be a few bucks that the Block Party is July 11th. And the official festival takes place July 1st to 11th.

Conch season remains OPEN and runs through June 30. It often ends EARLY…when the quotas have been met. Last year’s season ended May 25th…and the year before, June 9th. If you have never tried conch – I highly recommend it. I like it way more than Caribbean lobster…it’s also way more affordable and way more traditionally Belizean.

Try it fried and in ceviche. Sweet and tender…it’s SO good.

Looking Ahead to April

Easter is a BIG weekend AND WEEK in San Pedro. This year, Easter Sunday is April 5th.

Many Belizeans travel to the islands to spend time with family – and to party. Water taxis will be crowded beginning the Wednesday before Easter. Easter Sunday is followed by Easter Monday, which is also a public holiday.

Here’s what you can expect from Easter on Ambergris Caye.

But that is jumping ahead…

Let’s get into special events in March…

National Heroes & Benefactors Day (formerly Baron Bliss Day) – Monday, March 9, 2026
A Belize public holiday

Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – March 6 – 9, 2026
Belize’s iconic 175-mile four-day canoe marathon runs from San Ignacio to Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom to Belize City. Each landing spot is a party. It’s the Olympics of Belize. And one of the most fun parts is…anyone can enter.

My 2013 trip to BOOM for the big party

Tilapia & Bird Festival – March 28, 2026
Held in Crooked Tree Village, this community festival celebrates local culture, food, wildlife, and Kriol culture and rural life. (I went to Crooked Tree just before the pandemic and I love it there)

Here are the Ambergris events (if you have one to add, email me at sa***********@*****il.com)

Free Smile Clinic: 36 dental volunteers are coming in…including oral surgeons and expert dentists to run a Smile Clinic. Monday to Thursday at the San Pedro Polyclinic (for adults) and Holy Cross School – from 8 to 3pm each day. I wrote about the Smile Clinic for its 10th Anniversary – 2026 is the 20th Anniversary coming to the island!

Saturday, March 7 – The Cluckington Challenge IV: I am not 100% sure what this is but it is a pub crawl…and raises money for charity…and involves golf! Starts at 11am (though get there early to register) Here is the official invite.

11am to 2pm: The Truck Stop Farmers/Craft Market (a fun event)

Sunday, March 8 – Crocs Local Appreciate Night, everything 25% if you have a Belize address at Croc’s Sunset, 1 mile north, 4 to 10pm

Tuesday, March 17 – a big party at NautiCrab (14 years!!!!!) and perhaps your only chance to have Corned beef on the island. I’m sure you are not surprised – that it’s not a “real” holiday in Belize

Things to keep an eye on:

• Our San Pedro Sharks are back at it – after WINNING the 2025 Championships. They won their first game against their rivals the Cayo Ballaz, they are playing home games on March 21st and March 28th – for all the details: stay tuned. The games are alot of fun and they used to sell cute t-shirts…we shall see.