Laos Vientiane Weather in March — Climate Guide
March in Vientiane is moderate
March is moderate for Vientiane.
WARNING: March is the start of Vientiane's slash-and-burn haze season (Yaem in Lao). Lao, northern Thai, and Myanmar farmers burn fields before rainy season — visibility drops to 5-10km, Patuxai rooftop views disappear into haze, Mekong sunset photography is compromised, and the air becomes harsh on respiratory systems. Air quality drops to AQI 130-160 (unhealthy).
Days reach 33°C / 91°F — the year's hottest month start. Nights remain pleasant at 22°C / 72°F. Rainfall stays low at 30mm but the air quality is the worst of the year. This is the month most international travelers regret most — Western spring break + Easter holidays all coincide with the haze.
Travel score
WARNING: slash-and-burn haze season — skip if outdoor-focused
March Weather at a Glance
March averages 91°F / 33°C highs and 72°F / 22°C lows with 2 rainy days and 30mm of rain. Humidity 60%, UV 11 (extreme), sunshine 8.5 hours. Year's hottest month start. Slash-and-burn haze drops visibility to 5-10km — AQI averages 150 (unhealthy).
March Travel Advice
If your trip is locked to March: stay on-property at Crowne Plaza or Settha Palace (pool + spa + indoor dining). Pack N95 masks. Schedule indoor activities (COPE Visitor Centre, Wat Si Saket interior, Lao cooking class, hotel dining). Skip Patuxai rooftop (haze blocks views) and Buddha Park (outdoor sun + haze double hit). Hotel rates 25-35% off peak — silver lining for stay-on-property travelers.
Flying In from Overseas
Spring break demand from US + Europe + Korea + Japan converges. Flight pricing $300-550 from regional hubs. Direct flights via Bangkok or Hanoi. Western travelers seeking shoulder pricing often book March without understanding the haze trade-off.
March Pricing Trends
25-35% off peak: boutique $50-100/night, Crowne Plaza $180-350, Settha Palace $130-280. Buddha Park tuk-tuk $7-9 round trip. Flights via Bangkok $300-550 (slight discount vs Feb peak).
Vientiane March Weather Stats
Avg High
33°C
Avg Low
22°C
Rainy Days
2
30mm total
Sunshine
8.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
60%
comfortable
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
5 km/h
Gusts 12
Sea Temp
26°C
swimming Mekong tributary
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
March Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
85 μg/m³
PM10
135 μg/m³
Status
unhealthy
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
37°C
Nighttime
22°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
5 km/h
Max gust 12 km/h
Activities Recommended for March
March Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- 25-35% hotel discount vs Jan-Feb peak
- Slightly fewer crowds
- Pi Mai Lao buildup atmosphere
Cons
- WARNING: slash-and-burn haze — visibility 5-10km
- Year's hottest month start
- Outdoor photography + Patuxai compromised
March Events & Festivals
- Slash-and-burn agricultural haze begins (Lao + northern Thai + Myanmar farmers)
- Year's hottest month start
- Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year, April 13-16) imminent
Vientiane in March — Full Picture
WARNING: March is the start of Vientiane's slash-and-burn haze season (Yaem in Lao). Lao, northern Thai, and Myanmar farmers burn fields before rainy season — visibility drops to 5-10km, Patuxai rooftop views disappear into haze, Mekong sunset photography is compromised, and the air becomes harsh on respiratory systems. Air quality drops to AQI 130-160 (unhealthy).
Days reach 33°C / 91°F — the year's hottest month start. Nights remain pleasant at 22°C / 72°F. Rainfall stays low at 30mm but the air quality is the worst of the year. This is the month most international travelers regret most — Western spring break + Easter holidays all coincide with the haze.
Pricing drops 25-35% from January-February peak (boutique $50-100/night) but the air quality trade-off is real. Honeymoon + luxury travelers who plan to stay on-property (Crowne Plaza pool + spa) can still have a great March visit. Photographers and outdoor-focused travelers should skip March entirely and visit November-February or May-June.
What to Wear & What to Pack
AVOID — slash-and-burn haze season begins. Visibility drops to 5-10km, harsh smoky air. Days 33°C / 91°F — year's hottest month start. Short sleeve + shorts + N95 mask for those with respiratory sensitivity. Skip photography-focused trips this month.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current33.7°C
23.3°C
7.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
31.3°C
24°C
18/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
30°C
21.3°C
11/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
29°C
17.7°C
1/mo
Vientiane Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 28° | 17° | 1d·7mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 19° | 1d·15mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Busy | Peak |
| 33° | 22° | 2d·30mm | 8.5h | 60% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 35° | 24° | 6d·90mm | 8h | 65% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 33° | 24° | 14d·200mm | 6.5h | 75% | 10 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 32° | 24° | 16d·240mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 19d·280mm | 5.5h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 24° | 19d·300mm | 5h | 83% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 19d·320mm | 5h | 83% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 22° | 11d·150mm | 7h | 78% | 9 | Moderate | Low season | |
| November (Best) | 29° | 19° | 3d·25mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 28° | 17° | 1d·7mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Vientiane March Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to visit Vientiane?
Vientiane in March is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Vientiane in March?
Vientiane March averages a high of 33°C and a low of 22°C.
Does it rain much in Vientiane in March?
Vientiane March averages 30mm of rainfall over about 2 rainy days.
What should I wear in Vientiane in March?
AVOID — slash-and-burn haze season begins. Visibility drops to 5-10km, harsh smoky air. Days 33°C / 91°F — year's hottest month start. Short sleeve + shorts + N95 mask for those with respiratory sensitivity. Skip photography-focused trips this month.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Vientiane in March?
Vientiane March sunrise is 06:15 and sunset is 18:10, with 11h 55min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Vientiane in March?
Vientiane March air quality (AQI) averages 150, rated Poor. PM2.5 averages 85μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Vientiane in March?
In March, Vientiane is great for Hotel pool + spa (haze avoidance), Wat Si Saket indoor temples, COPE Visitor Centre (indoor).
Is March peak season in Vientiane?
Vientiane March crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Vientiane
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.