North Africa in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across North Africa in March.
Country Weather in March
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 24° | 11° | 3 mm | high | Cool |
| Algeria | 19° | 8° | 78 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Morocco | 21° | 10° | 44 mm | high | Cool |
| Tunisia | 18° | 8° | 48 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Libya | 20° | 10° | 30 mm | high | Cool |
| Mauritania | 31° | 17° | 1 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Western Sahara | 24° | 14° | 1 mm | very high | Mild |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Mediterranean Coast (northern Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia, coastal Libya, northern Egypt)
By March the frequency of Atlantic lows diminishes in the far west, and days start to feel springlike in Tangier, Oran and Tunis with blossom on citrus trees and amphitheatre terraces. Rain still falls intermittently - a wet day in Algiers can be followed by warm sunshine - and the sirocco or chergui may push dust up from the interior for a few days. This is a smart shoulder month for cities: cooler crowds, lower prices and comfortable walking weather with a light windbreaker advised.
Atlas & Rif Highlands (Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia)
By March melting begins: mountain streams swell and lower slopes show early green with almond and cherry blossoms in the Rif and Atlas foothills. Higher trails may still be snowy or muddy, so guided treks and flexible itineraries are sensible. This is a beautiful transitional month for photographers - dramatic light, fewer tourists in Marrakech and accessible valleys at mid-elevation.
Sahara Desert & Oases (Western Sahara, Mauritania, southern Morocco, southern Algeria, southern Libya, Egyptian Western Desert)
Mid-spring warmth arrives in March with increasing chances of hot, dry winds that lift dust and reduce visibility; in Morocco and Algeria this is the start of chergui or khenifra episodes. Daytime temperatures climb and shade becomes precious in towns like Erfoud and Ouargla; evenings remain comfortable. For travellers this month, pack goggles and a face covering and plan flexible travel if a sandstorm forces delays.
Nile Valley & Delta (Egypt - Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan)
By March warmer air masses begin to push north and the first khamsin (hot, dusty gusts) can occur; Upper Egypt warms quickly so Luxor and Aswan see daytime temperatures climb into the high 20s. Cairo is mild and busy with international visitors until Ramadan and spring break periods, so book tours early. A light scarf helps with sudden dust in the air if a khamsin blows through.
Red Sea Coast & Eastern Desert (Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, eastern Libya/Cyrenaica coast)
March sees gradually warming water and increasingly stable weather along the Red Sea; Sharm and Hurghada blossom into full tourist operation with strong visibility and calm seas. Occasional spring winds in the Gulf of Suez can stir the surface but diving remains excellent. This is a smart shoulder-month choice for combining reef time with cooler nights and fewer crowds than later summer.