Things to Do in Jerusalem in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Jerusalem
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring weather that's actually comfortable for walking - you'll cover 10-15 km (6-9 miles) daily exploring the Old City without the summer heat that makes July-August borderline unbearable. Temperatures of 17°C (63°F) mean you can climb the Mount of Olives or walk the Ramparts without overheating.
- Wildflower season transforms the Judean Hills - anemones, cyclamens, and poppies blanket areas like Sataf Nature Reserve and Ein Karem. March is genuinely the best month for hiking trails within 30 minutes of the city center, before everything dries out by May.
- Lower accommodation costs compared to Passover/Easter peak - if you're visiting early to mid-March 2026, hotel rates run 30-40% cheaper than late March when both holidays converge. A mid-range hotel in the German Colony that's 180 USD in late March drops to 110-130 USD in early March.
- Produce markets overflow with seasonal citrus and early spring vegetables - Mahane Yehuda Market has blood oranges, fresh almonds, artichokes, and fava beans that locals actually get excited about. The energy at the shuk on Thursday-Friday is worth experiencing, and March weather makes browsing the outdoor stalls pleasant rather than sweaty.
Considerations
- Rain disrupts outdoor plans about one-third of the time - those 10 rainy days aren't spread evenly, and you might hit a three-day wet spell that makes the Western Wall plaza slippery and archaeological sites muddy. The rain itself isn't the issue, it's that Jerusalem's stone streets become genuinely slick.
- Late March 2026 sees both Passover and Easter overlap - Passover begins March 22 and Easter falls March 29-April 1, creating the most intense crowds and pricing of the entire year. If your dates land March 20-31, expect packed holy sites, fully booked hotels, and restaurants either closed for Passover or completely overwhelmed.
- Unpredictable temperature swings require layering strategy - mornings at 9°C (49°F) feel legitimately cold in the Old City's stone alleyways, but by 2pm you're at 17°C (63°F) in full sun. You'll end up carrying a jacket all afternoon, which gets annoying when you're also managing a daypack and water.
Best Activities in March
Old City Walking Tours
March weather is ideal for the 4-6 hours you'll spend navigating the Old City's four quarters. The temperature stays comfortable for walking uphill through the Armenian Quarter or standing in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre queue. Early March sees moderate crowds, but avoid late March when Passover and Easter pilgrims pack the Via Dolorosa shoulder-to-shoulder. The stone pathways can get slippery after morning rain, so waterproof shoes matter more than you'd think.
Dead Sea Day Trips
March brings perfect Dead Sea conditions - air temperature around 23-25°C (73-77°F) and water at 19°C (66°F), warm enough to float comfortably but not the oppressive 40°C (104°F) heat of summer. The 45-minute drive from Jerusalem descends 1,200 m (3,937 ft) through the Judean Desert when wildflowers are actually blooming along the roadside. UV index of 8 means you'll burn faster than expected due to the below-sea-level altitude, so SPF 50+ is non-negotiable.
Mahane Yehuda Market Food Experiences
The shuk experience in March means comfortable browsing temperatures and peak seasonal produce - blood oranges, fresh almonds, and spring vegetables that aren't available other months. Thursday evenings and Friday mornings see the market at full energy as locals shop for Shabbat, though it gets legitimately crowded. The covered sections stay dry during those 10 rainy days, making this a solid backup plan when outdoor sites aren't appealing.
Judean Desert Hiking
March is genuinely the only comfortable month for desert hiking near Jerusalem - trails like Wadi Qelt to St. George's Monastery or Ein Prat Nature Reserve have flowing water from winter rains and moderate temperatures. Summer makes these hikes dangerous due to heat, winter brings flash flood risks, but March hits the sweet spot. Wildflowers bloom along canyon walls, and you'll actually see water in seasonal streams. Trails range from easy 5 km (3.1 mile) walks to challenging 12 km (7.5 mile) routes with 300 m (984 ft) elevation changes.
Bethlehem and West Bank Cultural Tours
March weather makes the 20-minute drive to Bethlehem and 1-2 hours of walking through sites like the Church of the Nativity comfortable. Early March sees moderate tourist numbers, but late March Easter crowds pack Manger Square intensely. The political and cultural context requires guided tours for most visitors - checkpoints and navigation are straightforward with a guide but confusing independently. Temperature swings mean you'll want layers, as churches stay cool while outdoor sites warm up by midday.
Yad Vashem and Museum Visits
Those 10 rainy days in March make indoor cultural sites essential backup plans. Yad Vashem requires 3-4 hours minimum and the outdoor memorial sections are actually more powerful in overcast weather. The Israel Museum's outdoor archaeology wing and Shrine of the Book work well in March's moderate temperatures - summer heat makes the garden exhibits exhausting. Museums stay open during Passover week when many restaurants close, making them valuable for late March visitors.
March Events & Festivals
Passover (Pesach)
Passover begins March 22, 2026 and runs through March 30, creating the single biggest impact on Jerusalem tourism. Hotels book solid, prices spike 40-60%, and many restaurants close or offer only Passover menus without bread. The Western Wall sees massive crowds for prayers, and the Old City becomes extremely packed. That said, experiencing the Seder atmosphere and seeing the city transform for the holiday offers genuine cultural insight. Plan meticulously if visiting during this week.
Easter Week
Easter Sunday falls March 29, 2026, with Holy Week beginning March 22 - the exact overlap with Passover creates unprecedented crowds. The Via Dolorosa processions, Church of the Holy Sepulchre services, and Garden Tomb events draw tens of thousands of pilgrims. If you want to witness the religious significance this is the time, but expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at holy sites and book accommodations 3+ months ahead. Different Christian denominations celebrate on different dates, extending the busy period.
Jerusalem Marathon
Typically held mid-March, the Jerusalem Marathon closes major roads and brings 30,000+ runners. The full marathon route passes Old City walls, First Station, and government areas, with half-marathon and 10K options. Road closures from 6am-2pm affect transportation and site access on race day. If you're a runner, the course offers unique views, but if you're not, plan to avoid affected areas that morning or embrace the festive atmosphere along the route.