Beirut in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Beirut
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with comfortable 19°C (67°F) highs - ideal for exploring the city on foot without summer heat exhaustion
- Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer months, with excellent availability
- Wildflowers bloom across Mount Lebanon and Barouk Cedar Reserve, creating impressive hiking conditions just 1 hour from the city
- Outdoor dining season begins - rooftop bars and street-side cafes reopen terraces after winter closure
Considerations
- Rain occurs on 10 days throughout the month, often as sudden afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes that can disrupt walking tours
- Evenings can drop to 12°C (54°F), requiring layers for nighttime activities in areas like Mar Mikhael
- Some beach clubs in Lebanon remain closed until April, limiting coastal day trip options
Best Activities in March
Baalbek Temple Complex Day Tours
March offers ideal conditions for exploring Lebanon's most spectacular Roman ruins. Cool morning temperatures make the 2-hour walking tour comfortable, while clear spring air provides perfect visibility of the Temple of Jupiter's massive columns. Almond trees bloom around the site, creating exceptional photography opportunities unavailable in summer.
Jeita Grotto and Harissa Cable Car Tours
March weather is perfect for this combination tour - cool enough for comfortable cave exploration and clear enough for spectacular mountain views from the cable car. The grotto's underground boat ride remains 16°C (61°F) year-round, making layered clothing essential for temperature transitions.
Downtown Beirut Walking Food Tours
March marks the return of comfortable street food exploration temperatures. Vendors reopen outdoor stalls in Souk el Gharb, while the famous Gemmayzeh street food scene operates without summer crowds. Cool evenings are perfect for the traditional mezze crawl through historic neighborhoods.
Cedars of God and Qadisha Valley Hiking
March provides the last opportunity for accessible hiking before spring snow melts create muddy trail conditions in April. The ancient cedar trees are at their most photogenic against occasional snow patches, while monastery ruins in Qadisha Valley offer spiritual hiking experiences in crisp mountain air.
Byblos Archaeological Site and Harbor Tours
Cool March temperatures make exploring this 7,000-year-old city comfortable for extended periods. The ancient harbor offers calm conditions for traditional fishing boat trips, while the Crusader castle provides panoramic Mediterranean views without summer haze. Local artisan workshops reopen after winter closure.
Chouf Mountains Biosphere Reserve Tours
March wildlife viewing is exceptional as migratory birds pass through Lebanon's mountain corridors. Wild iris and cyclamen bloom throughout the reserve, while clear weather provides impressive views to the Mediterranean 40 km (25 miles) below. Traditional mountain village visits showcase spring agricultural preparations.
March Events & Festivals
Beirut Art Fair
Lebanon's premier contemporary art event showcases Middle Eastern and international artists across downtown galleries and cultural centers. Features emerging Lebanese artists alongside established regional names, with special exhibitions in renovated Ottoman-era buildings.
Spring Equinox at Baalbek
Ancient astronomical alignments become visible during the spring equinox, when sunrise perfectly frames the Temple of Jupiter's entrance. Local archaeological societies organize sunrise viewing sessions with historical context about Roman engineering and celestial observations.