Damascus Weather in March

March feels mild

Damascus starts to feel like spring in March. Afternoons are mild, but evenings can still feel cold, so Old City walks are more comfortable by day. Rain falls on some days, though March is much drier than February. You can explore the Umayyad Mosque, wander the covered lanes of the souks and sit outside when the sun's out.

The weather also suits a trip to Mount Qasioun for views over the city. If rain comes, spend time in the National Museum of Damascus or take a long lunch in Bab Touma. Save exposed walks for a clearer spell; wet stone streets in the Old City can be slippery.

Local days and crowds

Mother's Day is marked in Syria on March 21, with families often celebrating together. Ramadan may also fall partly or wholly in March, depending on the year. If it does, daytime routines change, and many people gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, after sunset.

If you hate crowds, visit the Umayyad Mosque earlier in the day, before local visitors arrive.

March is a popular shoulder-season month, not the quietest time to visit. It's among Damascus's best months overall, so you may find more visitors than in winter. Prices can be firmer than in the colder months, but are generally less pressured than in peak travel periods.

A useful Old City tip

For a practical stop between sights, try the cafés around Straight Street, the Roman-era route through the Old City. They're handy when a shower passes, and you can warm up with tea before carrying on towards Bab Sharqi.

Don't plan every day around outdoor sightseeing. March has plenty of sunshine, but rain still interrupts some plans. Keep the Citadel and Mount Qasioun flexible, and use a rainy spell for the National Museum or a slow meal of Damascus-style fatteh.