Iran in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across Iran in March.
City Weather in March
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tehran | 15° | 6° | 43 mm | high | Cool |
| Mashhad | 13° | 2° | 58 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Isfahan | 15° | 4° | 29 mm | high | Cold |
| Karaj | 13° | 3° | 50 mm | high | Cold |
| Tabriz | 10° | 0° | 37 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Shiraz | 17° | 4° | 39 mm | very high | Cool |
| Qom | 16° | 6° | 37 mm | high | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northwest (East & West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Tabriz)
March brings pronounced thaw and the countryside around Urmia and Tabriz smells of damp earth as snowmelt swells rivers. Nowruz (Persian New Year) at the spring equinox draws families to travel - trains and highways are very busy and hotels book up fast, so plan ahead. Early wildflowers appear on lower slopes and city parks begin to green; pack waterproof footwear for muddy trails and lighter layers for daytime warmth.
Caspian Coast & Alborz Foothills (Gilan, Mazandaran, Rasht, Chalus)
By March the rain eases and the Caspian coast starts to green rapidly; teahouses fill with locals celebrating the approach of Nowruz and seaside promenades thaw from winter. Migratory birds return to Anzali Lagoon, making this a good month for birdwatching if trails are passable. Bring layered clothing for cool mornings and mild afternoons; weekend traffic increases around Nowruz, so book transport early.
Alborz Mountains, Tehran & the Central Plateau (Tehran, Mount Damavand, Dizin, Kashan)
March awakens the plateau: as snow melts in lower altitudes, Tehran’s parks green quickly and the city fills with Nowruz travelers heading to ancestral towns like Kashan. Road congestion and full hotels are common during the Nowruz holiday, so reserve early. Daytime warmth is comfortable, but nights are chilly; include layers and waterproofs for variable spring weather in the mountains.
Zagros Mountains & Western Highlands (Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Hamedan)
March ushers in thaw and early spring flowers along Zagros valleys; waterfalls in Lorestan swell and attract photographers and local picnickers. Nowruz travel surges can make roads busy as families move between cities and villages; plan accommodation and be patient with transport delays. Lower-elevation routes become passable for scenic drives, but higher paths remain muddy and require caution.
Central Plateau Deserts & Historic Cities (Isfahan, Yazd, Kashan, Kerman, the Dasht-e Kavir and Lut margins)
March awakens the desert: daytime temperatures rise quickly and gardens in Kashan become riotous with spring blossoms, driving a spike of visitors at the time of Nowruz. Outdoor sightseeing is comfortable in the morning and late afternoon, but book ahead as domestic travel peaks. The contrast between warm days and cool nights is pronounced; pack layers and sun protection for extended time outdoors.
Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman Coast (Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Kish, Hormuz, Bushehr)
March sees a steady rise in temperatures toward spring highs, and the south becomes increasingly popular for domestic travelers seeking warm weather. Coastal winds moderate the heat, and festivals and Nowruz-related travel can swell visitor numbers; book ferry tickets early. Expect clear skies for island photography and warm, pleasant evenings that are great for outdoor dining.
Southeast & Sistan-Baluchestan (Zahedan, Chabahar, Zabol)
March sees warming toward spring and stronger sun along the coast, while inland plains begin to warm more steadily - this is a transitional month for agriculture and local markets. Sistan’s famous 120-day winds are not yet at full strength but travelers should anticipate gusts increasing in late spring. Pack layered clothing and secure loose items if you plan to visit open plain areas.