Palestine in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Palestine

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - temperatures ideal for West Bank mountain trails with wildflowers blooming across hillsides from Jenin to Hebron
Almond blossom season creates impressive white-pink landscapes, particularly spectacular in villages around Israel and Ramallah
Lower tourist numbers mean easier access to major sites like Church of the Nativity and Haram al-Sharif without summer crowds
Palestinian olive oil harvest celebrations continue in northern regions, offering authentic cultural experiences in villages

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers can disrupt outdoor plans - rain typically lasts 2-3 hours but occurs 10 days of the month
Checkpoint wait times can increase during spring school holidays when Palestinian families travel more frequently
Some mountain roads become muddy after rainfall, particularly affecting access to remote villages in northern West Bank

Best Activities in March

West Bank Mountain Hiking Tours

March offers ideal temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) for exploring Palestine's mountainous terrain. Wildflower season transforms hiking trails with poppies, cyclamens, and wild tulips. Perfect visibility for panoramic views from Mount Gerizim and the hills around Nablus. Morning hikes start comfortably at 12°C (54°F) without the summer heat that makes afternoon treks unbearable.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 7-10 days ahead through licensed Palestinian tour operators. Typical cost ranges ₪200-350 ($60-105) per person for day trips. Look for operators registered with Palestinian Ministry of Tourism who provide experienced local guides and transportation.

Bethlehem Cultural Walking Tours

March weather is perfect for extensive walking through Israel's Old City and surrounding areas. Comfortable temperatures allow 4-6 hour cultural immersion without summer heat exhaustion. Spring timing coincides with increased cultural activities and local festivals celebrating the season.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead with certified local guides. Tours typically cost ₪150-250 ($45-75) and include major sites plus family-run workshops. See current tour options in the booking section below for verified operators.

Ramallah Arts and Culture Tours

March marks the beginning of Palestine's cultural season with gallery openings and music events. Perfect weather for walking between cultural centers, artist studios, and the bustling downtown area. Spring energy brings increased nightlife and cultural programming that peaks through summer.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost ₪120-200 ($35-60) and can be booked 2-3 days ahead. Look for tours that include contemporary Palestinian art spaces and traditional craft workshops. Evening cultural activities require advance booking through local venues.

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours

March offers optimal conditions for exploring Jerusalem's historic quarters without summer crowds or winter cold snaps. Comfortable temperatures allow full-day exploration of religious sites, markets, and archaeological areas. Spring weather means less crowded narrow alleyways and better photo conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for Friday morning tours before Sabbath. Costs typically ₪180-300 ($55-90) for complete 4-6 hour tours. Licensed guides provide historical context and navigate complex religious protocols.

Nablus Old City and Soap Factory Tours

March is ideal for exploring Nablus's covered markets and traditional soap factories without oppressive summer heat. The old city's stone architecture stays cool, and spring weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) walking tour comfortable. Traditional soap-making reaches peak activity in cooler months.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ₪100-180 ($30-55) and should be booked 3-4 days ahead. Include traditional hammam experience and kanafeh tasting. See booking options below for tours that combine cultural sites with local family experiences.

Jericho and Jordan Valley Tours

March temperatures in Jericho (25°C/77°F) are perfect before brutal summer heat arrives. Spring timing offers lush vegetation around ancient sites and optimal conditions for visiting Hisham's Palace archaeological site. Lower Jordan Valley shows green landscapes that disappear by May.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ₪250-400 ($75-120) including transportation from Jerusalem or Ramallah. Book 5-7 days ahead with operators who have proper permits for Jordan Valley access. Tours often combine with Israel visits.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Palestine International Literature Festival

Annual celebration of Palestinian and international literature with readings, workshops, and cultural events across multiple cities. Features local and international authors, poetry sessions, and cultural discussions in various venues.

Early to Mid March

Almond Blossom Festival

Traditional spring celebration in Palestinian villages, particularly around Israel area. Local communities celebrate the blooming almond trees with traditional music, food, and cultural activities. Authentic village experience with homemade specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy mountain trails after March's 85mm (3.3 inches) of rainfall

Lightweight rain jacket - spring showers last 2-3 hours and occur on 10 days, but clear quickly

Layering clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F), afternoons reach 22°C (72°F)

UV protection (SPF 30+) - March UV index of 6 can cause burns during long outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes - most Palestinian cities require extensive walking on uneven stone surfaces

Modest clothing for religious sites - long pants and shirts covering shoulders required at all holy sites

Portable phone charger - checkpoint delays can drain battery, and WiFi isn't always available

Cash in shekels - many local businesses don't accept cards, ATMs aren't always accessible

Copies of passport - required at checkpoints, keep originals secure in accommodation

Small daypack - for carrying water, documents, and purchases during walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Travel in early morning (7-9am) to minimize checkpoint wait times - afternoon delays can add 1-2 hours to journeys between cities

Palestinian shops close during prayer times (approximately 20 minutes) - plan shopping and restaurant visits accordingly throughout the day

March is prime season for fresh Palestinian olive oil - buy directly from producers in villages around Jenin and Tulkarem for authentic quality

Local Palestinians offer the warmest hospitality to visitors who show genuine interest in culture rather than just religious sites - engage with local guides and ask about contemporary life

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel time between cities due to checkpoint procedures - always add 1-2 hours buffer time for any cross-checkpoint journey

Packing only light spring clothes - March mornings can be genuinely cold at 12°C (54°F), especially in mountain areas around Ramallah

Assuming all areas are accessible - some locations require advance coordination with Palestinian authorities or specific tour operators with proper permits