Khartoum in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Khartoum

37°C (98°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Nile viewing season - water levels are optimal at 15.2m (50ft) with crystal clear visibility from Blue and Juba confluence viewpoints
Haboob dust storm season creates dramatic photography opportunities - storms typically occur 3-4 times weekly lasting 2-3 hours each
Traditional harvest festivals in surrounding villages - sorghum and millet celebrations with authentic Sudanese music and dance performances
Optimal archaeological site conditions - minimal rainfall means Sudan pyramids and royal cemetery sites are fully accessible with firm ground conditions

Considerations

Extreme daytime heat reaches 37°C (98°F) regularly - outdoor activities must be limited to 6-9 AM and after 5 PM only
Frequent dust storms reduce visibility to less than 100m (328ft) and can ground flights for 4-6 hours - pack respiratory protection
Water shortages affect some neighborhoods - hotels may have intermittent supply during peak afternoon hours 1-4 PM

Best Activities in March

Blue and White Nile Confluence Boat Tours

March offers the clearest water visibility of the year with Nile levels at optimal viewing height. Early morning departures at 6 AM avoid the intense heat while providing perfect lighting for photography of the distinct blue and muddy water meeting point. Traditional felucca sailing conditions are ideal with consistent northern winds.

Booking Tip: Book felucca tours 5-7 days ahead through registered river operators. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 SDG for 3-hour morning excursions. Always confirm life jacket availability and choose operators with radio communication equipment. See current tour options in booking section below.

Souq al-Arabi Market Photography Tours

The covered market sections provide essential shade during March heat while offering authentic cultural immersion. Peak activity occurs 7-10 AM when vendors display fresh goods and morning light filters through traditional architecture. Spice merchants are most active during harvest season with premium frankincense and hibiscus displays.

Booking Tip: Join guided cultural tours departing at 7 AM to avoid midday crowds and heat. Photography permits typically cost 5,000-8,000 SDG. Local guide services range 20,000-35,000 SDG for 4-hour experiences. Book through certified cultural tour operators only.

National Museum Climate-Controlled Tours

March heat makes air-conditioned museum visits essential during midday hours 10 AM-4 PM. The Nubian gold collection and Kerma pottery exhibits are perfectly preserved in controlled environments. Special March exhibitions often feature recent archaeological discoveries from ongoing Sudan excavations.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 days ahead for guided English tours at 10 AM and 2 PM. Entry fees range 8,000-12,000 SDG with audio guides available for additional 5,000 SDG. Group discounts apply for 4+ visitors. Private tours cost 40,000-60,000 SDG.

Republican Palace Architecture Walking Tours

Early morning tours capture the British colonial and Sudanese architectural fusion before temperatures become unbearable. March provides optimal lighting conditions for photographing the distinctive blue and white facades. Security protocols are streamlined during low tourist season.

Booking Tip: Book architectural tours 7-10 days ahead due to security clearance requirements. Tours operate only 6:30-8:30 AM during March heat. Costs typically 30,000-45,000 SDG including security permits. Valid passport required 48 hours before tour date.

Traditional Coffee House Cultural Experiences

Air-conditioned or shaded traditional coffee houses provide authentic cultural immersion during peak heat hours. March features special coffee ceremonies using freshly harvested beans from southern regions. Local musicians perform traditional oud and tabla concerts during afternoon heat refuge periods.

Booking Tip: Reserve seats at established coffee houses for 2-4 PM sessions when locals gather to escape heat. Cultural experiences cost 10,000-18,000 SDG including coffee ceremony and snacks. Evening sessions 6-8 PM feature traditional music performances.

Meroe Pyramids Early Morning Expeditions

March offers the driest ground conditions for accessing all pyramid sites with firm sand and minimal equipment needs. Sunrise tours starting at 5 AM provide comfortable temperatures and golden lighting on ancient structures. Archaeological guides are most active during cooler morning conditions.

Booking Tip: Book pyramid expeditions 10-14 days ahead through licensed archaeological tour operators. Full-day trips cost 80,000-120,000 SDG including transportation, permits, and professional guide. Confirm 4WD vehicle and sunrise departure timing. Water and shade provisions essential.

March Events & Festivals

Early to Mid March

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Traditional sorghum and millet harvest celebrations in surrounding villages feature authentic Sudanese music, dance, and communal feast preparations. Local families welcome visitors to participate in grain processing demonstrations and traditional cooking methods.

Throughout March

Nile Confluence Photography Festival

Local photography enthusiasts organize informal meetups at optimal Blue and Juba viewing points during golden hour periods. Shared equipment, technique workshops, and cultural exchange opportunities with Sudanese photographers documenting traditional river life.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 during midday hours

N95 or KN95 masks for dust storm protection - haboobs reduce visibility to under 100m (328ft) and last 2-3 hours

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants in light colors - provides essential sun protection while allowing air circulation in 25% humidity

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 37°C (98°F) temperatures and frequent wind gusts during dust storms

Closed-toe walking shoes with dust protection - sandals allow painful sand infiltration during haboob conditions

Electrolyte powder packets - dehydration occurs rapidly in extreme heat with low humidity conditions

Portable water bottles with 3-4 liter daily capacity - carry extra due to limited refill opportunities during extended outdoor activities

Eye drops and saline nasal spray - dry air and dust irritation requires regular moisture replacement

Power bank for devices - extreme heat drains battery life 40-50% faster than normal operating conditions

Light scarf or shawl for mosque visits and dust protection - required for religious sites and practical for covering nose/mouth during storms

Insider Knowledge

Hotel air conditioning systems struggle during peak afternoon heat - book accommodations with backup generators and request rooms away from afternoon sun exposure

Local businesses operate split schedules during March - shops close 11 AM-4 PM for heat break, then reopen until 8 PM when temperatures become tolerable

Taxi drivers charge 50-75% premium during midday hours 12-3 PM due to fuel consumption from maximum AC usage - negotiate morning or evening rates

Pharmacies stock extra rehydration salts and dust masks during March - purchase these items locally rather than importing as locals know most effective brands for regional conditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 10 AM-5 PM heat peak - locals completely avoid outdoor exposure during these hours and tourists should follow this pattern

Underestimating water needs - many tourists pack for normal climates but require 4-5 liters daily in March conditions with minimal humidity

Wearing synthetic fabrics that trap heat and prevent evaporation - cotton and linen are essential for surviving 37°C (98°F) temperatures with comfort