Syria in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Syria

23°C (73°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures 12-23°C (54-73°F) make walking ancient sites comfortable for hours without overheating
Wildflowers bloom across countryside creating impressive photography opportunities, especially around Bosra and the Hauran Plain
Clear mountain air with excellent visibility - ideal for seeing snow-capped Mount Hermon from Damascus on clear days
Tourist numbers remain low after winter, giving you peaceful access to major sites like Palmyra and Aleppo's reconstructed areas

Considerations

Occasional spring rainstorms can flood unpaved roads to remote archaeological sites, requiring flexible itineraries
Nights are still cool at 12°C (54°F), requiring layers for evening activities in Damascus Old City
Some mountain villages remain inaccessible due to late snow, limiting access to certain Christian pilgrimage sites

Best Activities in March

Damascus Old City Walking Tours

March's mild temperatures make exploring the UNESCO World Heritage labyrinthine streets perfect. Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are ideal for the 3-4 hour walks through Straight Street, visiting the Umayyad Mosque, and navigating the covered souqs. Spring light creates beautiful photography in the courtyards.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed cultural heritage guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost $40-60 per person. Look for guides certified by Syrian Ministry of Tourism. See current tour options in booking section below.

Palmyra Archaeological Site Exploration

March weather is perfect for spending full days at Palmyra - comfortable walking temperatures without summer heat that makes afternoon exploration unbearable. Clear spring air offers excellent visibility of the restored colonnades and Temple of Bel. Wildflowers bloom around ruins creating striking contrasts.

Booking Tip: Book 2-day Palmyra packages 10-14 days ahead, typically $180-250 including transport from Damascus and local guide. Ensure operators have current site access permits. Check booking widget for available tours.

Bosra Roman Theatre Cultural Tours

The spring weather in southern Syria is ideal for exploring Bosra's remarkably preserved Roman theatre and ancient city. March temperatures allow comfortable full-day exploration, and the surrounding Hauran Plain displays beautiful wildflower carpets unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Damascus typically cost $90-120 per person including transport and guide. Book through operators with southern Syria permits 7-10 days ahead. Current tour availability in booking section below.

Aleppo Reconstruction Heritage Tours

March's pleasant temperatures are perfect for walking tours of Aleppo's restored areas, including the rebuilt sections of the Old City and the famous Citadel. The cooler weather makes climbing the Citadel's steep paths comfortable, and spring light enhances the limestone architecture.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Aleppo tours range $200-300 including accommodation and certified guides. Book 14-21 days ahead due to limited accommodation. Verify current access status through booking partners below.

Dead Cities Archaeological Circuit

March is ideal for exploring Syria's Byzantine ruins in the northern limestone massif. Comfortable hiking weather allows full exploration of sites like Qalb Lozeh and Saint Simeon. Spring wildflowers create impressive backdrops for the ancient churches and monasteries.

Booking Tip: Specialized archaeological tours cost $150-200 per day including 4WD transport to remote sites. Book through archaeology-focused operators 10-14 days ahead. Check current tour options in booking widget.

Maaloula Christian Village Pilgrimages

Spring weather makes the mountain drive to Maaloula comfortable, and March temperatures are perfect for exploring the cliff-face monasteries. This is when you can still hear Aramaic spoken daily and witness the revival of ancient Christian traditions in the restored churches.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $70-90 from Damascus including transport and monastery visits. Book through Christian heritage specialists 5-7 days ahead. See available pilgrimage tours in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

March 21

Nawruz Spring Festival

Kurdish communities in northeastern Syria celebrate the traditional New Year with music, dancing, and jumping over fires. Experience authentic cultural celebrations particularly busy in Qamishli and Hasaka regions.

Mid to Late March

Damascus Spring Cultural Festival

Local musicians and artists perform in the courtyards of Old City houses, showcasing traditional Syrian music and crafts. Events often held in restored khans and hammams throughout the ancient quarter.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperatures range 20°F between day (23°C/73°F) and night (12°C/54°F)

Waterproof hiking boots for archaeological sites - many have uneven ancient stones and spring rain makes surfaces slippery

Packable rain jacket for afternoon showers that last 30-45 minutes on 8 days during the month

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and reflection off limestone ruins intensifies exposure

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity infrastructure still rebuilding, charging opportunities limited at remote sites

Cash in small denominations (USD) - card payments very limited outside Damascus, archaeological site fees cash-only

Modest clothing covering arms/legs - required for mosque visits and shows cultural respect

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - will walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Small daypack for water and snacks - limited facilities at remote archaeological sites

Headscarf (all genders) - required for certain religious sites and useful for dust protection

Insider Knowledge

Archaeological sites open earliest at 8am - arrive then for best light and fewer people, plus morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are most comfortable for exploration

Restaurants in Old Damascus serve special spring dishes like fattoush with wild greens foraged from nearby mountains - ask for 'hindbe wa lou'yeh' (dandelion and wild chicory)

March is when locals take weekend trips to see almond blossoms in the Qalamoun Mountains - join shared taxis from Damascus for real feels

Many archaeological sites close between 1-3pm for prayers and lunch - plan indoor activities like museum visits or hammam experiences during these hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold evenings get - bring warm layers for 12°C (54°F) nights even though days feel warm

Not carrying cash for site entrance fees and tips - cards rarely accepted outside major Damascus hotels

Planning too many outdoor activities for afternoon when spring showers are most likely - schedule indoor cultural sites between 2-5pm