Baghdad Weather in March

March weather in Baghdad

March feels like a comfortable start to spring. Afternoons reach 25°C, while nights cool to around 10°C. Rain is possible on a handful of days, but sunshine is common.

You can spend pleasant hours exploring the Abbasid Palace, the National Museum of Iraq or the Tigris riverfront without summer's intense heat. A walk around Al-Mutanabbi Street also works well. If rain arrives, take shelter in one of its bookshops or cafés.

Avoid saving long, exposed walks for the warmest part of the afternoon. The sun can feel strong, even when the air is mild.

Holidays and city life

Mother's Day is marked on March 21 in Iraq, as in many Arab countries. Nowruz also falls around this time and is especially important to Kurdish communities; celebrations are strongest in Iraqi Kurdistan, rather than central Baghdad.

March is one of Baghdad's better months for a visit, alongside February and the cooler months late in the year. That makes it a more popular time than the hottest summer months, when outdoor sightseeing can be tough. You may find more visitors and higher hotel prices than in summer, though Baghdad's visitor numbers can vary.

If you hate crowds, visit the National Museum on a weekday rather than combining it with a busy weekend outing.

A local tip for your visit

Head to Al-Mutanabbi Street on a Friday, when its book market is at its liveliest. Browse the stalls, then stop at Shabandar Café for tea and a look at the old street life. The nearby Qishla building makes an easy next stop.

Travelling with kids? Keep this outing flexible: the street is enjoyable for a short wander, and you can duck into a café if the afternoon feels too warm. March brings about 7.7 hours of sun a day, but occasional rain can interrupt an outdoor plan. Check the sky before setting off for a long walk along the river.