Uae in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Uae

91°F (33°C) High Temp

62°F (17°C) Low Temp

2.0 inches (51mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Optimal outdoor exploration weather - mornings start cool at 62°F (17°C) before warming to comfortable 91°F (33°C), perfect for desert adventures and city walking tours
Low tourist season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to winter peak, and flight deals are most competitive until mid-month
Cultural calendar peaks with Ramadan beginning late March, offering unique opportunities to experience traditional iftar meals and evening markets
Perfect diving and water sports conditions in eastern emirates - water temperature hits ideal 75°F (24°C) with minimal wind and excellent visibility

Considerations

Increasing humidity levels at 70% make afternoon activities uncomfortable, requiring indoor breaks between 1-4pm
Unpredictable rainfall pattern with 10 rainy days creating potential disruptions to desert camping and outdoor dining plans
Ramadan restrictions may limit daytime dining options and alcohol service hours, requiring meal timing adjustments

Best Activities in March

Desert Safari and Overnight Camping

March offers ideal desert conditions with comfortable nighttime temperatures dropping to 62°F (17°C) - perfect for outdoor sleeping and early morning activities. Daytime heat hasn't reached summer extremes, making dune bashing and camel rides enjoyable. Sand is firm from winter cooling, ideal for 4WD access.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better camp selection. Prices range AED 300-600 for day trips, AED 500-1200 for overnight experiences. Look for operators offering sunrise hot air balloon add-ons. Check current options in the booking section below.

Fujairah Diving and Snorkeling Expeditions

East coast water reaches perfect 75°F (24°C) in March with 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility before summer algae blooms. Minimal wind creates calm surface conditions ideal for beginners. Whale shark season peaks, and coral spawning begins creating spectacular underwater photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Reserve 5-7 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Full day trips typically cost AED 250-450 including equipment. Advanced open water dives range AED 350-550. Book morning departures for calmest conditions.

Abu Dhabi Cultural District Walking Tours

Morning temperatures of 62-75°F (17-24°C) create perfect conditions for exploring Saadiyat Island museums and Al Fahidi Historic District. Outdoor exhibitions and installations are comfortable to view before afternoon heat builds. Traditional architecture tours showcase natural cooling techniques best appreciated in moderate weather.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots starting 8-10am to avoid afternoon heat. Group tours cost AED 150-300, private guides AED 400-800 for half-day. Museum combination tickets offer 20% savings when booked 14 days ahead.

Hatta Mountain Hiking and Biking Trails

Elevation of 1,100m (3,608ft) keeps temperatures 10-15°F (6-8°C) cooler than coast, making March ideal for challenging mountain trails. Wadi pools reach comfortable swimming temperature, and desert wildflowers bloom creating impressive photo opportunities. Rock climbing conditions are optimal with dry surfaces.

Booking Tip: Book guided mountain biking AED 200-400 or hiking tours AED 150-350. Equipment rental adds AED 100-200. Reserve 3-5 days ahead for weekend trips. Check weather updates as mountain conditions change rapidly.

Dubai Marina and Creek Heritage Dhow Cruises

March evenings provide perfect 75-82°F (24-28°C) temperatures for outdoor deck dining without winter jacket requirements or summer heat exhaustion. Minimal wind creates smooth sailing conditions, and extended daylight allows for sunset timing flexibility. Traditional fishing dhow availability peaks before Ramadan restrictions.

Booking Tip: Evening dinner cruises range AED 120-350 per person. Book sunset timing 6:30-8pm departures for optimal weather. Heritage creek tours cost AED 80-180. Reserve minimum 48 hours ahead for weekend sailing.

Al Ain Oasis and Archaeological Site Exploration

UNESCO World Heritage sites become extremely comfortable to explore with March's moderate heat. Palm groves provide natural cooling, and ancient falaj irrigation systems demonstrate traditional climate adaptation. Desert archaeological sites avoid summer's dangerous temperatures while maintaining clear access roads.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Dubai/Abu Dhabi cost AED 300-500 including transport and guide. Self-drive visitors save 40-60% on costs. Book heritage site tours 3-7 days ahead. Entry fees are AED 30-50 per site.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Dubai Art Season

March marks the peak of Dubai's contemporary art calendar with gallery openings, Art Dubai fair, and outdoor installations across DIFC and Alserkal Avenue. International collectors arrive for the cooler weather, creating busy networking events and exclusive previews.

Late March

Ramadan Beginning

Late March 2025 sees Ramadan commencement, transforming evening culture with iftar tents, extended shopping hours until 2am, and traditional music performances. Hotels offer elaborate iftar buffets, and mosques welcome respectful visitors for cultural education.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo fiber clothing - breathes better than cotton in 70% humidity and dries quickly during 20-30 minute rain showers

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with intense desert reflection requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Packable rain jacket with ventilation - March rains are brief but intense, and air conditioning makes wet clothes uncomfortable

Closed-toe walking shoes with breathable mesh - desert sand reaches 110°F (43°C) by afternoon, and mosque visits require covered feet

Portable phone charger - heat drains batteries 40% faster, and GPS navigation is essential for desert excursions

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - protect against sun exposure during extended outdoor activities and meet modest dress requirements

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - desert winds can reach 25 mph (40 kmh) during afternoon weather changes

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dehydration occurs rapidly with temperature swings from 62-91°F (17-33°C)

Quick-dry towel - hotel pools and beach clubs get crowded, and changing facilities may be limited

Modest swimwear cover-ups - required at all public beaches and pools, and useful during mosque or traditional market visits

Insider Knowledge

March is prime negotiation season for hotel upgrades - occupancy drops to 60% mid-month, making managers flexible with room categories and late checkout requests

Ramadan iftar reservations open exactly 30 days before the holy month begins - set calendar alerts for premium hotel bookings that sell out in hours

Desert camping equipment rental costs 70% less in March compared to winter months, and availability is abundant for last-minute bookings

UAE National Day preparation begins in March with rehearsals and venue setup - access to certain government buildings and downtown areas becomes restricted on specific dates

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon desert activities after 2pm - heat combined with 70% humidity creates dangerous conditions even in March

Packing only summer clothes - 62°F (17°C) morning temperatures require layers, especially for mountain excursions or early morning flights

Ignoring Ramadan preparation requirements - failing to research cultural sensitivities and restaurant hour changes ruins dining plans and cultural experiences