Damascus in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Damascus

20°C (68°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - warm 20°C (68°F) days ideal for walking Old City cobblestone streets without summer's exhausting 40°C+ (104°F+) heat that forces midday breaks
Minimal rainfall with only 13mm (0.5 inches) and light 10-minute showers means outdoor activities like Straight Street archaeological walks and Mount Qassioun sunset viewing rarely get disrupted
Tourism infrastructure fully operational after winter closures - all museums, hammams, and rooftop restaurants open with extended spring hours but without peak season crowds that arrive in April
Ideal conditions for multi-hour Old City exploration - comfortable temperature range allows 4-6 hour walking tours through Umayyad Mosque, Christian Quarter, and souks without overheating or rain delays

Considerations

Unpredictable 16°C (29°F) temperature swings between day and night require layered clothing - morning starts at 4°C (40°F) but afternoons reach 20°C (68°F) making packing challenging
Occasional dust storms from desert winds can reduce visibility and make outdoor photography disappointing, especially affecting Mount Qassioun panoramic views
Some traditional restaurants reduce hours or close randomly due to lower tourist numbers, requiring backup dining plans especially in Christian Quarter

Best Activities in March

Old City Damascus Walking Tours

March's 20°C (68°F) temperatures make multi-hour explorations of UNESCO World Heritage sites comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Lower humidity means less fatigue walking narrow alleyways and climbing minaret stairs. Reduced crowds allow better photography and genuine interactions with craftspeople in traditional workshops.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides. Tours typically cost $25-45 USD per person for 3-4 hours. Look for guides certified by Syrian Ministry of Tourism. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Hammam Experiences

Cool March mornings make hammam steam rooms more enjoyable than sweltering summer visits. Traditional bathhouses like Hammam Nur al-Din operate at full capacity with skilled attendants available. Post-hammam relaxation on rooftop terraces perfect in mild 20°C (68°F) afternoon temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book hammam sessions 2-3 days ahead, typically $15-30 USD including massage and tea service. Morning slots (9-11am) most comfortable in March weather. Reserve through hotel concierge or licensed wellness operators listed in booking widget below.

Mount Qassioun Sunset Viewing

March's clear skies and minimal rainfall provide optimal visibility for Damascus panoramic views. Comfortable evening temperatures around 15°C (59°F) allow extended sunset sessions without winter's freezing winds or summer's oppressive heat. Less atmospheric haze than warmer months creates sharper photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Arrange transport 1-2 days ahead through licensed drivers, typically $20-35 USD for round trip including waiting time. Evening tours (5-7pm) capture best lighting. Check current transportation options in booking section below.

Straight Street Archaeological Walks

Cool March weather ideal for exploring Roman-era archaeological sites without heat stress. Lower tourist numbers mean better access to ancient Roman arch and Byzantine church ruins. Comfortable temperatures allow thorough exploration of underground archaeological sections typically too stuffy in summer.

Booking Tip: Book archaeological tours 3-5 days ahead, typically $20-40 USD for 2-3 hours with certified archaeological guides. Morning departures (9-11am) offer best lighting for ancient site photography. Find specialized archaeological guides through booking widget below.

Umayyad Mosque Extended Visits

March's moderate temperatures perfect for lengthy mosque exploration including courtyard meditation and architectural study. Reduced humidity makes indoor prayer hall visits more comfortable. Ideal lighting conditions for viewing famous mosaics without harsh summer sun glare through windows.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for individual visits, but guided tours ($15-25 USD) should be reserved 2-3 days ahead. Best visiting hours 10am-3pm for optimal natural lighting. Respectful dress required - lightweight long pants and sleeves perfect for March weather.

Traditional Souk Shopping Tours

Comfortable March temperatures make extended souk browsing pleasant without summer's stifling covered market heat. Artisans more available for demonstrations and conversations during slower tourist season. Cool weather means better preservation of textiles, spices, and crafts you might purchase.

Booking Tip: Guided souk tours typically $20-35 USD for 2-3 hours, book 2-4 days ahead through cultural tour operators. Afternoon timing (2-5pm) catches best artisan workshop activity. Current specialized shopping tours available in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Spring Equinox Celebrations

Local communities celebrate Nowruz and spring renewal with traditional music and food gatherings in various neighborhoods. Family-oriented celebrations offer authentic cultural immersion opportunities, particularly in areas with Persian and Kurdish communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layers - handle 16°C (29°F) temperature swings from 4°C (40°F) mornings to 20°C (68°F) afternoons without synthetic fabric discomfort

Packable down jacket rated to 0°C (32°F) - essential for early morning Mount Qassioun visits and evening rooftop dining when temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Comfortable walking boots with ankle support - Old City cobblestones become slippery during brief rain showers, plus cushioning needed for 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily walking on uneven surfaces

UV-protection sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen - March UV index reaches 8 with strong reflection off light-colored stone buildings and minimal shade in archaeological areas

Quick-dry pants in dark colors - practical for dusty conditions, appropriate for mosque visits, and hide inevitable Old City dirt from narrow alleyway exploration

Packable rain shell under 200g (7 oz) - brief March showers last 10-15 minutes but can soak through regular clothing on exposed archaeological sites

Moisture-wicking socks and foot powder - prevent blisters during extended walking tours in varied temperatures and occasional dampness from morning dew

Portable phone battery pack rated 10,000+ mAh - March weather perfect for photography but cold temperatures drain batteries faster, crucial for navigation in Old City maze

Lightweight scarf or shawl - versatile for mosque visits, dust storm protection, and warmth during temperature drops, plus cultural respect in traditional neighborhoods

Breathable cotton underwear - synthetic materials uncomfortable in 70% humidity, especially during hammam visits and physical activity in covered markets

Insider Knowledge

Local families use March's mild weather for weekly picnics in Ghouta gardens - join organized community meals for authentic cultural exchange opportunities typically unavailable to tourists during busier seasons

Traditional craftspeople in Khan As'ad Pasha work extended hours during March's comfortable temperatures - visit between 2-4pm for demonstrations and conversations when artisans are most available and tourist groups absent

Many restaurants offer special spring menus featuring seasonal ingredients like fresh herbs and early vegetables only available March through May - ask specifically for 'spring specialties' not listed on standard tourist menus

Damascus residents take advantage of March weather for evening social gatherings on rooftop terraces - respectful visitors can often join communal tea sessions by simply showing genuine interest in local customs rather than booking formal tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm layers - many tourists bring only light spring clothing and suffer during 4°C (40°F) morning starts, especially for early Mount Qassioun visits or dawn mosque photography

Overscheduling indoor activities - March's perfect weather makes it wasteful to spend prime afternoon hours in museums when outdoor exploration is finally comfortable after winter cold

Ignoring dust storm warnings - brief desert winds can ruin outdoor photography and make breathing difficult, but tourists often don't check local weather apps for dust advisories before planning day trips