Togo in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Togo

37°C (98°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Harmattan winds begin to fade, making outdoor activities more comfortable with reduced dust and improved visibility for photography at Mount Agou and Kpalimé waterfalls
Dry season peak means reliable road conditions for reaching remote villages in the Plateaux Region - critical since many roads become impassable during rainy season
Perfect timing for wildlife viewing at Fazao-Malfakassa National Park as animals gather around water sources before rains return in April
Festival season culminates with Evala wrestling competitions in Kara region, offering authentic cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds of peak tourist months

Considerations

Highest temperatures of the year with midday heat index reaching 40°C (104°F) - outdoor activities become uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
Water levels at waterfalls like Aklowa Falls are at their lowest, reducing the dramatic effect compared to wet season visits
Dust from departing Harmattan can still affect air quality in northern regions, particularly challenging for visitors with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in March

Mount Agou Highland Hiking

March offers the clearest skies for Togo's highest peak at 986m (3,235 ft). Early morning ascents (5am start) avoid peak heat and provide impressive views across the Ghana border. The cooler highland temperatures make this the ideal month before April rains create muddy, slippery trails.

Booking Tip: Book through certified mountain guides in Kpalimé town center 3-5 days ahead. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-40) including guide and transport. Start before 6am to avoid afternoon heat. See current hiking tour options in the booking section below.

Kara Region Cultural Immersion

March is peak season for Evala wrestling festivals among the Kabyé people. This coming-of-age ceremony happens only once yearly and offers unfiltered insight into northern Togolese culture. The dry conditions make rural village access possible via motorcycle taxi.

Booking Tip: Contact local cultural centers in Kara town 2 weeks ahead as wrestling dates vary by village. Budget 20,000-35,000 CFA ($35-60) for guided village visits including motorcycle transport. Check current cultural tour availability in the booking widget below.

Fazao-Malfakassa Wildlife Safari

March marks the end of dry season when elephants, antelopes, and hippos concentrate around remaining water sources, increasing wildlife viewing success rates to 70-80%. Morning game drives start at 5:30am before animals retreat from rising heat.

Booking Tip: Book through park headquarters in Fazao village at least 1 week ahead. Safari packages cost 40,000-60,000 CFA ($70-100) including guide, vehicle, and park fees. Afternoon slots fill quickly due to limited cool hours. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Lomé Beach and Fishing Village Tours

Coastal temperatures remain manageable in March with ocean breezes, while inland areas become oppressive. Traditional fishing demonstrations at Bè Beach happen during cooler morning hours (6-9am) when fishermen return with night catches. Perfect timing before tourist influx begins.

Booking Tip: Join fishing village tours through beachside operators for 8,000-15,000 CFA ($15-25). Book evening departure tours to avoid midday sun. Traditional pirogue boat rides work best in calmer March seas before April storms. Current coastal tour options available in booking widget below.

Aneho Historical Town Exploration

March's dry conditions make Aneho's colonial architecture photography ideal with clear skies and minimal rain interference. The former German colonial capital offers authentic Afro-Brazilian architecture without crowds, as most visitors haven't discovered this UNESCO consideration site.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours work well with local historian guides available for 10,000-18,000 CFA ($18-30) full day. Book accommodation in Aneho 1-2 weeks ahead as options are limited. Check current historical tour availability in the booking section below.

Artisan Workshop Visits in Kloto Prefecture

March's optimal weather conditions allow full-day artisan workshop tours in Kloto's mountainous villages. Pottery, weaving, and wood carving demonstrations happen in covered outdoor spaces that become unbearable during hot season peaks in April-May.

Booking Tip: Arrange through artisan cooperatives in Kpalimé for 12,000-22,000 CFA ($20-35) including transport between villages. Book 1 week ahead to ensure artisan availability. Workshop participation requires advance notice. See current artisan tour options in booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Evala Wrestling Festivals

Traditional coming-of-age wrestling ceremonies in Kabyé villages across Kara region. Young men demonstrate strength and courage in elaborate multi-day festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and ceremonial scarification. Authentic cultural experience with minimal tourist presence.

Throughout March

Yam Festival Preparations

Northern villages begin ritual preparations for upcoming yam harvest festivals. While main celebrations occur later, March features ceremonial field blessings, traditional drum-making workshops, and community gatherings that offer cultural insight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV protection clothing with UPF 50+ rating - March's UV index of 8 combined with reflected sun off dry savanna requires serious protection

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - essential for 11am-3pm when temperatures reach 37°C (98°F) and shade is minimal

Quality hiking boots waterproofed for morning dew - trails at Mount Agou and Kpalimé waterfalls remain slippery from overnight moisture despite dry days

Portable electrolyte packets - dehydration happens rapidly in 70% humidity combined with high temperatures, especially during cultural festivals

Dust mask or bandana - departing Harmattan winds still carry Saharan dust, particularly noticeable in northern regions around Kara

Quick-dry rain jacket - March averages 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours that catch visitors unprepared

Insect repellent with DEET 25%+ - malaria-carrying mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially around remaining water sources

Portable fan or cooling towels - essential for midday cultural events and market visits when temperatures become oppressive

Sturdy water bottles (2+ liters capacity) - remote areas like Fazao National Park require significant hydration backup

Cash in small CFA denominations - rural artisan workshops and village guides rarely have change for large bills

Insider Knowledge

March mornings (5-9am) offer the only comfortable window for serious hiking or wildlife viewing - locals schedule all outdoor work during these hours and rest midday

Village festivals like Evala wrestling operate on flexible timing - what locals call 'March' might extend into early April depending on moon phases and elder decisions

Motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) become the preferred transport method in March as car travel during peak heat (37°C/98°F) becomes unbearable without reliable AC

Water rationing begins in rural areas during March as communities prepare for the final dry months - always carry backup water and avoid water-intensive activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 10am - March heat becomes dangerous quickly, yet tourists consistently underestimate African sun intensity at this latitude

Assuming waterfalls will be impressive - March represents the lowest water levels of the year, making cascade visits disappointing compared to wet season expectations

Packing only summer clothes - highland areas like Mount Agou drop to 15°C (59°F) at dawn, requiring layers most visitors don't anticipate in West Africa