Vientiane Weather in March

March heat

March feels hot and mostly dry in Vientiane. Afternoons reach 35°C, and even nights stay warm, around 22°C. Rain falls on about seven days, but it's not usually the main thing shaping your plans.

Wat Sisaket and the old temples are easier to enjoy in the morning, before the heat builds. Save indoor stops, such as the COPE Visitor Centre, for the sticky middle of the day. The Mekong riverside is more comfortable later, when you can stroll along the promenade as the sun drops. Skip long walks at midday; the heat can make sightseeing tiring fast.

What's on

There isn't a major March holiday that reliably brings visitors to Vientiane. Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai, is in April, so don't expect its water celebrations or holiday crowds this month. March can still be a good time for temples, markets and a relaxed city break, without planning around a big event.

If you hate crowds, March is often calmer than the peak months of December and January. Tourist numbers tend to ease after the busy high season, and prices may be less pressured than in those months. You'll still find visitors around popular sights, but the city generally feels less packed.

Make the heat work

Travelling with kids? Keep the Wat Sisaket visit short, then take a cool break indoors before heading back out.

For a local food stop, try a bowl of khao piak sen, a comforting noodle soup, at a Vientiane restaurant. It's a better fit for a midday pause than lingering over a long outdoor lunch. If you're visiting Pha That Luang, go in the morning, when exploring the grounds is more comfortable. March is hotter than February and April gets hotter still, so this is a useful month to keep outdoor plans flexible.