Weather lowdown
As the dry season comes to its end, March offers guests and locals of Langkawi warm, mostly dry weather with the odd day or two of rain. Expect an average temperature of 29°C, with daily highs reaching an average of 34°C and lows dipping to a tolerable 23°C. The cooler evening temperatures are usually a result of calm, clear nights that will not only help you feel less overwhelmed by the heat but will also offer you some fine clear views of the night sky and stars.
No matter where you may be staying on the Langkawi, the small geographic size of the island and the close proximity of most areas to the ocean, results in very little temperature or weather differences between different parts of the island. Expect weather averages to apply to anywhere you may be staying.
Daily temperature averages for Langkawi follow a slight downwards trend as the month goes on. The temperature decrease is almost negligible and most people will not notice any change. Earlier on in the month, average daily temperatures fluctuate between 29°C and 30°C, there is a brief period mid-month where a relatively consistent daily temperature average of 30°C is present for several days, before dropping to 29°C for the latter half of March. If you were hoping to visit Langkawi during its coolest period of March, consider visiting during the latter half, however, bear in mind that March is part of the end of the annual dry season and therefore hot. Expect rain and cloud days (although still very scarce) to increase as the month draws on towards wetter April.
March sees an average rainfall of 91mm, and 9 rain days expected throughout the month. A small amount of rain and mostly fine days (as compared to the likes of October in Langkawi), will allow visitors to be outdoors most days, enjoying the sunshine and warmth. Sunshine hours average at 8 hours per day during March, allowing plenty of time to spend on the beach or relaxing pool side.
Because of Langkawi's close location to the Equator, average sea temperatures tend to remain relatively warm all year round. Ocean temperatures expected during March average at 29°C. The warmer temperatures allow most people to spend long periods of time in the sea without being overcome by cold temperatures. Alas beware; whilst the sea may offer a degree of relief from the warm air temperature, the sun is not so forgiving, and a lack of sunscreen will very quickly result in sunburn.
Where to stay
Exclusive Hotels
If you are looking to stay somewhere exclusive, consider either The Datai or the Adaman resorts in Datai Bay. These resorts both cater to a more luxurious experience, offering their guests 5-star services and access to a large beach front area. Both resorts also feature swimming pools, restaurants and bars, gift shops and spas. Each resort offers room options ranging from beach view, to rainforest surrounded villas. The rooms contain most amenities as is expected in resorts of this calibre, including air-conditioning, TVs, room service, complimentary water, mini bar and Wi-Fi internet to name a few.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort
The Berjaya Langkawi resort lies in the middle of the oldest rainforest area in Langkawi, whilst also having direct beach access. The hotel is located approximately 20 minutes' drive from the airport with shuttle and airport transport available. This resort boasts over 400 rooms and suites, some located in rainforest, whilst others are over the water. All rooms offer air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Room types include: Rainforest Chalet; Sea view Chalet; Rainforest suite/studio; Family Chalet (2 interconnecting rainforest chalets); premier chalet (at the very edge of the rainforest or water); Premier chalet on water; Premier suite on water; Executive Suite on water and the Presidential suite on water.
Hotel facilities include 5 restaurants and 4 bars, the Thai restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Breakfast is served as a buffet and is included in the accommodation cost. The Berjaya Langkawi resort's swimming pool is next to its own private beach and it access to a number of sporting activities and a gym. A large variety of water sports and activities are also readily available. The resort also has its own Spa, should you feel like being pampered. Tours and activities outside the hotel can be arranged through the resort.
Hit the beach
Datai Beach
If you choose to be away from the busy town area and main touristy beaches of Langkawi, consider visiting and staying at Datai Beach. Nestled between two exclusive resorts, the beach is easiest accessed by being a guest at one of the resorts. A café and bar is located on the beach and it is open to guests of The Datai Resort, or by prior approval for non-guests. The resorts along this stretch of beach cater to guests who are content with spending their day relaxing on the beach and are not planning on exploring further afield in Langkawi.
Pentai Cenang
If you are not a guest at either resort on Datai Beach, Pantai Cenang is still a popular beach spot. With the busy tourist season drawing to an end, the bars and restaurants along the Pantai Cenang beachfront will not be as busy as they were during the first two months of the year.
Eating and Drinking Out
Breakfast Bar Restaurant
For a breakfast, or perhaps brunch, be sure to check out Breakfast Bar Restaurant. Offering an assortment of simple breakfast and lunch options including Western style breakfasts and sandwiches, as well as a selection of fruit salad and yoghurt options. An outdoor setting will allow you to stay cool under thatched umbrellas whilst providing some rain protection in the event of a passing shower.
The Pizza Maker
For a taste of Italy in Langkawi, you cannot go past The Pizza Maker restaurant in Pantai Cenang. Specializing in (not surprisingly) pizzas, these 'pizza pros' regularly receive top reviews and it is a popular spot for tourists.
Things to do
Rice Garden Museum
For the finer days where the sun is shining and rain is not on the horizon, the Rice Garden Museum has an extensive outdoor area and offers its visitors the opportunity to experience the history of rice cultivation in Langkawi through a collection of photos and artefacts. The Museum is an ideal place to spend a spare afternoon.
Underwater World
If weather conditions are not ideal for outdoor activities, Underwater World provides a fun and interactive learning experience for the whole family. An aquarium and several micro-climate areas are setup to give visitors a first-hand look at different types of wildlife ranging from underwater to the Sub-Antarctic, complete with Penguins!
Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is an ideal attraction to visit in March because of the fine weather conditions. Claiming to be the longest free span and curved bridge in the world, the Sky Bridge can be accessed via the Langkawi Cable car and a short trek (15-20 minutes).
