Temperatures rise and the country moves into a milder season; rain remains possible early in the month. Kurdistan regions host major Newroz celebrations. This is a favorable time for visiting cultural sites with generally comfortable daytime weather.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 10-22°C (50-72°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in March
CityLow / highRain
Baghdad
Cool
10°23° 29 mm
Mosul
Cool
9°19° 88 mm
Erbil
Cool
8°18° 96 mm
Basra
Mild
12°25° 19 mm
Karbala
Cool
11°24° 14 mm
Kirkuk
Cool
10°20° 74 mm
Abu Ghraib
Cool
10°23° 26 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Iraq in March.
Where to Go in Iraq in March
Northern Kurdistan
Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, Zagros foothills
A hard freeze often holds into early March in the highest valleys, though the lowlands around Erbil begin a slow thaw. Melting snow feeds swollen rivers and waterfalls such as Gali Ali Beg, which starts to rumble back to life - a spectacular sight for spring photographers. Newroz (Kurdish New Year, around March 21) often coincides with lingering snow in the hills, so pack both a light jacket for daytime festivals and an insulated layer for colder nights.
Upper Mesopotamia & Mosul Plains
Nineveh, Mosul, Kirkuk
By mid-March the plains begin to warm quickly; spring brings strong northwesterly shamal winds and a burst of greenery across fields outside Mosul. Migratory birds pass up the river corridors, and the combination of thawing ground and wind can make dusty conditions at times. Pack a windproof jacket and be ready for brisk gusts during open-air visits to archaeological sites.
Central Tigris-Euphrates Plains
Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, Samarra
By March the plains enter a rapid warming phase and Newroz festivities across Kurdish areas influence the mood further north; in Baghdad, the light becomes crisp and floral scents appear in parks. Dusty gusts from the north can kick up at times, so sunglasses and a light scarf are handy. It’s a prime period for cultural travel before the intense heat of late spring.
Southern Marshes & Basra Gulf
Basra, Al-Ahwar marshes, Umm Qasr
Spring mornings feel warm and fragrant with marsh grasses in bloom while daytime temperatures rise steadily; the wetlands are lush and teeming with life. Boat routes are fully navigable and this is prime season for birdwatching and photographing reed architecture before summer heat sets in. Light clothing for daytime, a sun hat, and a light jacket for the evenings will keep you comfortable.
Western Desert & Anbar
Ramadi, Fallujah outskirts, Al-Qa’im, Rutbah
Late winter brings pleasantly warming days that make desert trekking and visits to oases comfortable, although nights remain cool. Windy spells are possible and can produce local dust that reduces visibility; travel plans should remain flexible. Carry sun protection and a light windproof layer for midday gusts, and be aware that services in remote western districts are limited.
Events & Festivals in March
Nowruz (Kurdistan)
Newroz (March 21) is widely celebrated in Iraqi Kurdistan with cultural events marking the Persian new year.
Planning a trip to Iraq?
See how March compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
