Tehran in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Tehran

16°C (61°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with clear, sunny days ideal for walking the extensive bazaars and outdoor sightseeing - temperatures reach comfortable 16°C (61°F) without summer's oppressive heat
Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebration from March 20-21 brings the city alive with street festivals, traditional music, and locals in festive spirits - shops stay open later and there's genuine cultural energy
Excellent air quality compared to winter months - March winds clear pollution, making photography at Milad Tower and Alborz Mountain views crystal clear on most days
Hotel prices drop 30-40% after winter peak season but before summer tourist surge - luxury accommodations in central Tehran cost ฿1,800-3,200 versus ฿4,000+ in peak months

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall with sudden afternoon downpours that can last 1-2 hours - 10 rainy days means outdoor plans need flexibility and covered backup options
Nowruz holiday period (March 19-22) sees most museums, government sites, and traditional businesses closed for 3-4 days - timing your visit requires careful planning around these dates
Cool mornings at 7°C (44°F) mean layered clothing essential - many tourists underestimate the 9°C (16°F) daily temperature swing and pack inadequately

Best Activities in March

Grand Bazaar and Traditional Market Walking Tours

March's cool temperatures make navigating Tehran's sprawling covered bazaars comfortable for hours of exploration. The pre-Nowruz shopping frenzy creates authentic energy as locals buy new clothes and decorations. Carpet merchants are eager to negotiate before the holiday closure, and traditional sweets for Persian New Year are at their freshest.

Booking Tip: Join morning walking tours starting 9am when vendors are setting up but crowds haven't peaked. Tours typically cost ฿800-1,500 and last 3-4 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed cultural guides who speak English and understand bazaar etiquette.

Alborz Mountains Day Hiking

March offers ideal conditions for hiking Tehran's northern mountain trails - snow has melted from lower elevations but temperatures remain cool enough for comfortable trekking. Clear spring air provides impressive city views from Tochal and Darband areas. Locals flock to teahouses along hiking routes during pleasant March weekends.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided hikes cost ฿1,200-2,000 including transport from city center. Book weekend trips 10-14 days ahead as they fill quickly with both tourists and locals. Weekday hikes offer better availability and smaller groups.

Persian Garden and Palace Complex Tours

Spring weather brings Tehran's Persian gardens to life with early blooms and comfortable walking temperatures. Golestan Palace, Sa'd Abad Complex, and Niavaran Palace are perfect for March exploration when gardens show green growth but haven't reached summer's wilting heat. Photography conditions are excellent with soft spring light.

Booking Tip: Palace complexes require 2-3 hours each and cost ฿600-1,200 entrance fees. Guided cultural tours run ฿1,500-2,500 and provide historical context most visitors miss. Book through certified heritage guides who understand royal history.

Traditional Persian Cooking Classes

March coincides with Nowruz preparation when traditional Persian New Year dishes are taught and prepared. Cooking schools focus on seasonal spring recipes using fresh herbs abundant in March markets. Indoor activity perfect for rainy days, and classes teach techniques for dishes like herb rice (polo ba sabzi) and Persian herb stew.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking experiences cost ฿1,800-3,200 including market visits and full meals. Book 7-10 days ahead as Nowruz-themed classes are popular. Look for classes that include bazaar ingredient shopping for cultural immersion.

Carpet Museum and Art Gallery Cultural Tours

March's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. Tehran's world-class museums offer climate-controlled environments perfect for rainy days. The Carpet Museum showcases pieces that tell Iran's cultural story, while contemporary art galleries reveal modern Persian creativity. Spring exhibitions often debut in March.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees range ฿200-600, with guided cultural tours costing ฿1,000-1,800. Purchase Tehran Museum Pass for multiple venues. Book private guides through licensed cultural operators for in-depth historical context.

Nowruz Festival Street Celebrations

March 20-21 transforms Tehran into a city-wide celebration with street performances, traditional music, fire jumping ceremonies, and public festivities. This authentic cultural experience shows Persian New Year traditions practiced for over 3,000 years. Locals welcome visitors to join public celebrations and explain customs.

Booking Tip: Festival events are mostly free public celebrations, though special cultural programs cost ฿500-1,500. No advance booking needed for street festivities, but organized cultural experiences should be reserved 10-14 days ahead for guaranteed English-speaking guides.

March Events & Festivals

March 20-21

Nowruz Persian New Year Festival

The most significant celebration in Iranian culture marks the spring equinox with two weeks of festivities. Street celebrations include traditional music, fire jumping ceremonies (Chaharshanbe Suri), and elaborate family gatherings. Visitors can witness authentic cultural traditions dating back 3,000 years.

Mid to Late March

Chaharshanbe Suri Fire Festival

The Tuesday night before Nowruz features public fire jumping ceremonies throughout Tehran neighborhoods. Locals leap over small bonfires while chanting traditional phrases to purify themselves for the new year. Street food vendors and impromptu celebrations create festive atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - March's 10 rainy days bring sudden 1-2 hour downpours that can soak through regular jackets

Layering system for 9°C (16°F) daily temperature swings - pack wool sweater for 7°C (44°F) mornings and breathable cotton for 16°C (61°F) afternoons

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven bazaar floors and mountain hiking trails

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even with spring temperatures, especially at higher elevations

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden March showers that catch tourists unprepared

Wool socks and warm sleepwear for cool evenings when accommodations may have minimal heating

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery faster, and you'll use GPS extensively in sprawling Tehran

Cash in small bills (Iranian Rials) - many traditional bazaar vendors don't accept cards, especially during busy pre-Nowruz shopping

Light scarf or shawl for mosque visits and as extra layer during cool mornings

Hand lotion and lip balm - March's variable humidity and mountain air can cause unexpected dryness

Insider Knowledge

Schedule major sightseeing for March 1-18 as most attractions close March 19-22 for Nowruz holidays - even popular museums and palaces shut down completely

Book accommodations in northern Tehran (Shemiran area) for easier access to mountain hiking and cleaner air, but expect 30-45 minute commutes to central bazaars

Visit traditional teahouses along Darband hiking trails between 2-4pm when locals take afternoon breaks - you'll get authentic cultural interaction and better photo opportunities

Download offline maps before arriving - Tehran's sprawling layout and occasional internet restrictions make navigation challenging without prepared offline access

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much time Grand Bazaar exploration takes - first-time visitors often allocate 2 hours but need 4-5 hours to properly experience the maze-like complex

Planning outdoor activities without rain backup plans - March's 10 rainy days with sudden downpours catch tourists off-guard and ruin photography schedules

Visiting during Nowruz weekend (March 19-22) expecting normal business hours - even restaurants and shops close, leaving tourists with very limited options