Things to Do in Israel in March

March Weather in Israel

22°C (72°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) are ideal for Masada, Ein Gedi, and Galilee trails without the brutal summer heat
Wildflower season transforms the Negev Desert and Golan Heights into colorful carpets - best blooms happen mid-March after winter rains
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than April peak season, meaning shorter lines at Western Wall, Church of Holy Sepulchre, and Yad Vashem
Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to Passover/Easter period in April - book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - 10 rainy days means outdoor plans need flexible backup options, especially for Dead Sea and desert excursions
Evening temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F) - you'll need layers for sunset visits to Mount of Olives or nighttime Old City walks
Beach weather is marginal - Mediterranean averages 18°C (64°F), too cool for comfortable swimming in Tel Aviv

Best Activities in March

Dead Sea Float and Spa Treatments

March offers perfect conditions for Dead Sea experiences - warm enough at 24°C (75°F) for comfortable floating, but not the scorching 40°C+ (104°F+) summer temperatures. The 10% lower tourist numbers mean easier access to prime mud application spots and shorter waits at Ein Bokek facilities. Salt concentration is at annual peak after winter evaporation.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing ₪200-350 ($60-105) from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon winds. Look for packages including Masada combination - see current options in booking section below.

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours

March weather is ideal for extensive Old City exploration - cool mornings at 11°C (52°F) warm to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by afternoon. Lower humidity makes the narrow stone passages more pleasant than summer months. Reduced crowds mean better photo opportunities at Western Wall and more intimate experiences in small chapels along Via Dolorosa.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily, but private guides cost ₪400-600 ($120-180) for 4 hours. Book certified guides through official tourism office. Start early at 9 AM to cover maximum ground before afternoon prayers. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Galilee Hiking and Biblical Sites

March is peak season for Galilee hiking - wildflowers bloom across Mount Tabor and Golan Heights, creating spectacular photography conditions. Comfortable temperatures allow full-day treks to Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum without heat exhaustion. Jesus Trail sections are accessible without summer's dangerous heat.

Booking Tip: Multi-day hiking packages range ₪800-1,200 ($240-360) including accommodations. Book through certified adventure operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Check current trail conditions after rain days. See available guided options in booking section below.

Negev Desert Wildflower Tours

March is the only month for Negev's famous wildflower phenomenon - after winter rains, the desert explodes in red anemones, yellow chrysanthemums, and purple lupines. This happens just 6-8 weeks annually, making March visits truly special. Daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) allow comfortable desert hiking impossible in summer.

Booking Tip: Wildflower tours book out quickly - reserve 3-4 weeks ahead. Day tours from Beer Sheva cost ₪300-500 ($90-150). Choose operators with botanical guides who know current bloom locations. Peak bloom timing varies 1-2 weeks yearly depending on rainfall patterns.

Tel Aviv Food Market Tours

March weather is perfect for outdoor market exploration in Carmel Market and Sarona Market. Comfortable temperatures mean vendors have full seasonal produce displays, and you can sample street food without wilting heat. Spring vegetables and fresh herbs create optimal tasting conditions for Israeli cuisine experiences.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ₪180-280 ($55-85) for 3-4 hours including 8-12 tastings. Book morning tours (9 AM start) when produce is freshest. Avoid Fridays when markets close early for Shabbat. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Masada Sunrise Hike

March offers optimal Masada conditions - cool pre-dawn temperatures of 8°C (46°F) make the Snake Path hike comfortable, while 7 AM sunrise provides dramatic lighting over Dead Sea. Reduced summer crowds mean better viewing positions at the fortress ruins. Post-hike descent happens before dangerous midday heat builds up.

Booking Tip: Sunrise tours from Jerusalem cost ₪250-400 ($75-120) including transport. Book 10-14 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 25 people. Bring headlamp for pre-dawn hike start. Alternative cable car operates from 8 AM if hiking isn't suitable.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March (varies by Hebrew calendar - March 13-14, 2025)

Purim Festival

Jewish carnival celebration with elaborate costumes, street parties, and traditional hamantaschen pastries. Experience authentic celebrations in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood or join Tel Aviv's secular festivities with parades and outdoor concerts. Children and adults dress in costumes throughout the country.

Throughout March

Israel Festival Season Opening

Cultural venues across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv begin their spring programming with classical concerts, modern dance performances, and art exhibitions. Many outdoor venues reopen after winter closures, taking advantage of pleasant March weather for evening performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 11°C (52°F), afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), requiring easy add/remove pieces

Waterproof day pack cover - 51mm (2 inches) of rain over 10 days means sudden downpours during sightseeing

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy conditions after rain, especially in Galilee and Golan Heights

Light rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be heavy, especially in northern regions

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7, and desert/Dead Sea reflection intensifies exposure significantly

Warm evening layer - temperatures drop 11°C (20°F) after sunset, essential for Western Wall or Mount of Olives visits

Quick-dry clothing - humidity at 65% plus occasional rain means cotton takes hours to dry completely

Sturdy sandals with grip - for Dead Sea mud walking and wet stone surfaces in Old City after rain

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlight and GPS navigation

Small umbrella - compact enough for day bags, useful for sudden showers during market visits or outdoor tours

Insider Knowledge

Wildflower bloom timing varies 1-2 weeks annually based on winter rainfall - call Negev visitor centers 3 days before your trip to confirm current conditions and best viewing locations

March rainfall creates temporary waterfalls in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve that don't exist in summer - these appear 2-3 days after heavy rain and last about a week

Local Israelis use March for their own domestic tourism before Passover season - book accommodations in Eilat, Tiberias, and Jerusalem 4 weeks ahead to avoid competing with local demand

Shabbat restrictions (Friday evening to Saturday evening) affect 25% of restaurants and all public transport - plan accordingly as tourists often underestimate the impact on weekend itineraries

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - many tourists arrive unprepared for 11°C (52°F) evenings and need to buy sweaters in overpriced tourist shops

Not checking religious holidays - Purim celebrations can affect museum hours and transportation schedules, disrupting planned itineraries

Assuming beach weather - Mediterranean temperatures of 18°C (64°F) disappoint visitors expecting Tel Aviv swimming conditions