Mashhad in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Mashhad

15°C (60°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Nowruz celebration transforms the city - from March 20-21, experience authentic Persian New Year festivities with special shrine decorations and traditional foods unavailable other months
Perfect weather for shrine visits - cool 15°C (60°F) daytime temperatures ideal for walking the expansive Imam Reza complex without summer's scorching 40°C+ (104°F+) heat
Spring crowds are manageable - 60% fewer pilgrims than peak Muharram season, meaning shorter prayer lines and easier accommodation booking
Saffron harvest season brings market specialties - fresh saffron from nearby Torbat-e Heydarieh arrives in bazaars, with prices 30-40% lower than summer tourist season

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - temperature swings from 4°C (39°F) at dawn to 15°C (60°F) afternoon, with sudden rain showers
Limited outdoor dining options - many rooftop restaurants and garden venues remain closed until April due to cool evenings
Dust storms possible - March brings occasional 'wind of 120 days' early arrivals, creating hazy conditions and requiring masks

Best Activities in March

Imam Reza Shrine Complex Exploration

March offers ideal conditions for extensive shrine touring - cool weather perfect for walking the 267,000 square meter (66 acre) complex without summer exhaustion. Spring light creates beautiful photography conditions in the seven courtyards. Nowruz preparations add special decorative elements not seen other months. Plan 4-5 hours minimum.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed but arrive early morning (7-8am) for fewer crowds. Free guided tours available in English twice daily. Dress code strictly enforced - full coverage required.

Traditional Persian Carpet Shopping

March coincides with new inventory arrivals before Nowruz celebrations. Cooler weather makes browsing the covered bazaars comfortable for hours. Dealers offer pre-holiday pricing before tourist season peaks. Reza Bazaar and Bala Khiyaban area best for authentic pieces.

Booking Tip: Allow full day for serious shopping. Prices range 2-50 million rials ($50-1,200) for quality pieces. Negotiate 20-30% off initial price. Arrange shipping through established dealers with export documentation.

Saffron Farm Tours and Tasting

March is prime saffron processing season in nearby Torbat-e Heydarieh, 95 km (59 miles) from Mashhad. Fresh harvest means peak quality and educational value. Day tours include transport, farm visit, processing demonstration, and tasting session with traditional sweets.

Booking Tip: Book through hotel concierge or licensed guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 1.5-2.5 million rials ($35-60) including transport and meals. Full day commitment 8am-6pm required.

Holy Shrine Night Photography Walks

March evenings provide perfect conditions - clear skies 70% of nights and comfortable 8-10°C (46-50°F) temperatures for extended outdoor photography. Golden hour lighting from 6-7pm ideal for shrine exterior shots. Less crowded than summer months.

Booking Tip: Photography permits required for professional equipment. Join informal photographer groups gathering at Imam Reza Street entrance around 5:30pm. Tripods permitted in designated areas only.

Traditional Hammam and Wellness Experiences

March's variable weather makes traditional bathhouses especially appealing. Historic hammams near shrine offer authentic Persian bathing rituals. Cool outdoor temperatures contrast perfectly with warm 40°C (104°F) United Kingdom chambers. Traditional massage and scrub treatments available.

Booking Tip: Reserve morning slots (9am-noon) for less crowded experience. Costs typically 800,000-1.5 million rials ($20-35) for full treatment. Bring swimwear and towels or rent on-site for additional fee.

Kooh Sangi Park Hiking and Nature Walks

March brings perfect hiking weather - cool mornings ideal for the 3 km (1.9 mile) main trail to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) elevation. Spring wildflowers begin appearing, and clear days offer excellent city views. Avoid summer's extreme heat and winter's occasional snow.

Booking Tip: Early morning starts (7-8am) recommended for best weather and lighting. No guided tours needed - well-marked trails. Entry typically 200,000 rials ($5) per person. Bring water and light snacks.

March Events & Festivals

March 20-21

Nowruz (Persian New Year) Celebrations

March 20-21 brings Iran's most important celebration to Mashhad. Special shrine ceremonies, traditional Haft-sin table displays throughout the city, street performances, and unique holiday foods like sabzi polo mahi. Markets stay open extended hours with festive decorations.

Mid to Late March

Spring Saffron Festival

Regional celebration of saffron harvest in Torbat-e Heydarieh featuring farm visits, cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and saffron product markets. Local specialties like saffron ice cream and tea blends available only during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - temperature swings from 4°C (39°F) mornings to 15°C (60°F) afternoons require adaptable outfits

Waterproof jacket and compact umbrella - March brings 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - shrine marble floors can be slippery when wet from rain or cleaning

Long pants and long-sleeve shirts mandatory - strict dress codes at religious sites, even in warmer weather

Headscarf for women (all times) and loose-fitting clothing - religious requirements strictly enforced throughout city

Warm layers for evening - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset, making evening activities chilly

Dust mask or scarf - occasional spring dust storms require face protection, especially for those with respiratory issues

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 even with cloud cover, and shrine courtyards offer limited shade

Portable phone charger - extended shrine visits and photography drain batteries faster in cool weather

Cash in small denominations - many vendors and traditional services don't accept cards, especially during Nowruz period

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for March - Nowruz brings domestic tourism surge even though international crowds remain moderate

Exchange money before Nowruz holiday (March 20-21) - banks close for 2-3 days and exchange rates fluctuate during holiday period

Visit shrine complex between 2-4pm for best photography light and fewer prayer crowds - locals avoid midday visits during cooler March weather

March brings fresh pomegranates and early spring herbs to local markets - try ash-e reshteh soup and kuku sabzi only available with seasonal ingredients

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm layers - tourists expect spring warmth but March evenings drop to 4°C (39°F) requiring winter jackets

Not checking Nowruz dates - many shops and restaurants close March 20-22, limiting dining and shopping options significantly

Wearing inadequate footwear for rain - March showers make streets slippery and shrine courtyards require non-slip soles for safety