Baguio - Things to Do in Baguio in March

Things to Do in Baguio in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Baguio

26°C (79°F) High Temp
16°C (61°F) Low Temp
45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall
65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings 16-20°C (61-68°F) and comfortable afternoons that rarely exceed 26°C (79°F)
  • Strawberry harvest season peaks in March - local farms offer pick-your-own experiences at ₱200-300 per kilo compared to ₱500+ in Manila markets
  • Crystal clear mountain views due to low humidity and minimal haze - photographer's dream conditions for Session Road and Mines View Park shots
  • Flower festival aftermath means blooming gardens citywide without the massive crowds and inflated accommodation prices of February

Considerations

  • Morning fog can delay mountain activities until 9-10am and completely obscure scenic viewpoints on 40% of days
  • Extreme temperature swings require layered clothing - you'll need both shorts and fleece jackets in the same day
  • UV intensity at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude burns skin in 15 minutes even when it feels cool

Best Activities in March

Mountain Sunrise Hiking Tours

March offers the year's most reliable sunrise visibility with minimal cloud cover. Mt. Pulag trails are accessible but not overcrowded, with comfortable 8-12°C (46-54°F) pre-dawn temperatures. The dry season means stable trail conditions without February's festival tourist overflow.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through DENR-registered guides. Tours typically cost ₱3,500-5,000 including transport from Baguio. Look for operators who provide headlamps and breakfast. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Strawberry Farm Experiences

March is prime harvest season when berries are sweetest and most abundant. La Trinidad farms offer guided picking tours during cool morning hours 6-10am when fruits haven't been sun-stressed. Perfect weather for outdoor farm activities without rainy season mud.

Booking Tip: Visit independently via jeepney (₱15 from Session Road) or book half-day farm tours ₱1,200-1,800 including transport and picking baskets. Morning slots fill quickly during weekends. Reference booking widget for current farm tour packages.

Cool Climate Garden Tours

Post-Panagbenga blooms continue through March with perfect walking weather. Botanical Garden and Mines View Park showcase temperate flowers impossible to grow at sea level. Cool 22-25°C (72-77°F) afternoon temperatures make multi-hour garden exploration comfortable.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works best - entrance fees ₱30-50 per site. Organized garden tours cost ₱800-1,200 and include transport between scattered locations. Best photography light occurs 2-5pm when mountain haze clears.

Pine Forest Trekking

Dry season provides optimal conditions for Wright Park and Camp John Hay forest walks. March's low humidity prevents the exhausting stickiness of warmer months, while clear skies filter beautifully through pine canopies. Trail conditions are stable without rainy season erosion.

Booking Tip: Most trails are free and self-guided. Horseback riding in Wright Park costs ₱200-300 per hour. Organized nature walks through local eco-groups range ₱500-800 for 3-4 hours including guide and snacks.

Market Food Walking Tours

Cool March weather makes walking between markets comfortable, while seasonal produce like strawberries, lettuce, and mountain vegetables are at peak freshness. Session Road and City Market bustle without oppressive heat that affects food safety in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Join informal food walks organized by local hostels ₱600-1,000 including tastings, or explore independently. Bring ₱500-800 for market sampling. Morning tours 8-11am offer best selection before sellout of popular items.

Cultural Heritage Walks

Pleasant walking temperatures make covering Baguio's historical sites comfortable. Visit Mansion House, Baguio Cathedral, and Session Road without heat fatigue. March's clear weather provides excellent photography conditions for architecture and mountain backdrops.

Booking Tip: Most sites offer free entry. Guided historical tours through tourism office cost ₱300-500 per person for 2-3 hours. Best scheduling is 9am-12pm after morning fog clears but before afternoon UV peaks.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Summer Capital Arts Festival

Local artists showcase mountain-inspired works in galleries around Session Road and nearby cafes. Features traditional Cordillera crafts alongside contemporary mountain photography and paintings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Fleece jacket or hoodie - temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) at night and early morning fog adds wind chill
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 10 at altitude even when air feels cool, burns happen in 15 minutes
Layered clothing system - you'll experience 10°C (18°F) temperature swings from morning fog to afternoon sun
Waterproof light jacket - not for rain but for morning fog moisture that soaks through cotton
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestone streets around Session Road get slippery when damp
Warm sleepwear - budget accommodations often lack heating, nighttime temperatures drop significantly
Lip balm and moisturizer - mountain air is dry and causes chapping/cracking especially for lowland visitors
Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated at altitude is crucial, and you'll want warm drinks during cool mornings
Camera with spare batteries - cold drains battery life 30-40% faster, and photo opportunities are abundant
Light backpack for day trips - you'll constantly add/remove layers as temperatures change throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Session Road, not Mines View area - morning fog lasts 2-3 hours longer at higher elevations, limiting activities and views
Eat strawberries immediately after picking - La Trinidad varieties don't travel well and lose sweetness within hours, unlike commercial varieties
Shop for mountain vegetables at City Market before 8am - farmers sell out of the best highland lettuce, broccoli, and carrots by mid-morning
Take afternoon naps 2-4pm like locals do - the combination of altitude adjustment and temperature changes causes fatigue for first-time visitors from sea level

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm clothes because 'it's summer' - March nights regularly hit 16°C (61°F) and morning fog adds significant wind chill
Scheduling sunrise activities without checking fog forecasts - 40% of March mornings have zero visibility until 9-10am
Assuming it's too early for strawberries - March is actually peak harvest season when fruits are sweetest and cheapest

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