Qatar in March: a detailed travel guide

March in Qatar marks the transition from mild winter to warm spring. Days feel summery, evenings are pleasant and the sea is noticeably warmer than in January–February, though not yet hot. It is still high season, but after the absolute winter peak it can be a bit easier to find deals and availability.

A March trip works well for a short stopover via Doha or for a full holiday based in Doha with side trips to the sea, the desert and coastal towns.

Key takeaways

• In Doha in March, daytime temperatures are usually around 24–28 °C, with nights about 16–19 °C.
• Sea temperatures off the coast rise to roughly 21–22 °C, which feels much more comfortable than in mid-winter.
• Rain is rare, with the occasional short shower; most days are sunny and dry.
• March sits at the end of the winter high season: still busy and not cheap, but sometimes slightly better value than December–February.
• Best bases: Doha for urban stays and Lusail, Al Wakrah, Al Khor for quieter seaside settings.
• Ideal month for walks along Doha Corniche, visiting Souq Waqif and museums, desert safaris and kayaking among the mangroves at Al Thakira Mangroves.
• Expect around 4–17 $ for a simple meal and about 0.6–1.4 $ per ride on metro or bus, with taxis remaining relatively affordable.

Weather in Qatar in March

Air temperature

In Doha in March:

• average daytime highs are around 26–27 °C;
• average night-time lows are about 16–17 °C.

Days are warm enough to feel summery, and light clothing is fine. Direct midday sun can already feel strong, so sun protection is important. Evenings by the waterfront are pleasant; a light layer is useful only on windier days.

Sea temperature

The Arabian Gulf warms up noticeably in March compared with January–February:

• average sea temperature near Doha is about 21 °C;
• a typical range is roughly 20–22 °C.

Most visitors find this comfortable for swimming, especially at midday. Sheltered hotel beaches and lagoons often feel even more pleasant.

Rain, wind and sunshine

• Rainfall is low – usually just one or two showery days in the whole month.
• Coastal and desert areas can be breezy at times, but the wind feels milder than in mid-winter.
• There are around 11–12 hours of daylight and 8 or more hours of sunshine most days, making it easy to plan full, outdoor-heavy itineraries.

When to go: pros and cons of March

Pros

• One of the most comfortable temperature ranges of the year for being outdoors all day.
• Sea significantly warmer than in winter, but not yet overheated.
• Still high season, but with a bit more scope for good hotel and flight deals than in December–February.
• Excellent conditions for desert activities, kayaking, walking and city sightseeing.

Cons

• Travellers who prefer cool weather may already find daytime temperatures a little hot.
• Prices for accommodation and flights are higher than in summer or early autumn.
• Occasional windy or dusty days can make beaches and the desert less pleasant.

Who March is best for

• Travellers seeking warmth without extreme heat.
• Families with children and anyone who struggles with 35 °C+ summer temperatures.
• Culture and food lovers who enjoy museums, souqs and long waterfront walks.
• Visitors wanting to combine city, sea and desert experiences in a single trip.

Areas and where to stay

Doha

The main base for most visitors:

• close to Doha;
• waterfront promenade Doha Corniche with views of the bay and skyline;
• atmospheric Souq Waqif and modern Msheireb Downtown;
• major museums – Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.

For places to stay, see Accommodation in Qatar and topic-based guides:

• budget options – Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying;
• central and stylish – Rhythm of the City: Stylish Hotels in the Heart of Doha;
• resorts and luxury – Top Luxury Hotels in Qatar, Qatar Resorts for Rest and Rejuvenation;
• family hotels – Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Qatar;
• apartments and villas – Apartments and Villas in Doha – A Great Alternative to Hotels.

Lusail

A new, modern city just north of Doha:

• scenic Lusail Marina Corniche with restaurants and yachts;
• large Place Vendôme Mall;
• close to Lusail Stadium and other venues.

A good choice if you enjoy futuristic skylines and marina promenades.

Al Wakrah

A quieter seaside town south of Doha:

• Al Wakrah Beach, already very pleasant for walks and sunbathing in March;
• traditional-style Souq Al Wakrah with waterfront cafes and restaurants.

Convenient if you want a calmer base by the sea with quick taxi or car access to Doha.

Al Khor

A relaxed town to the north:

• Al Khor Corniche along the waterfront;
• nature trips to Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island, which feel especially nice in March weather.

Ideal for a “quiet base + day trips to Doha” setup.

Things to do in March

City and culture

• Walk Doha Corniche during the day and at sunset.
• Explore Souq Waqif for coffee, food, spices and souvenirs.
• Visit Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar.
• Spend time at Katara Cultural Village with its galleries, performances and public beach.
• Discover Msheireb Downtown and The Pearl Island for modern architecture, cafes and marinas.

Desert and active experiences

• Desert safaris with dune bashing, sandboarding and BBQ dinners in Bedouin-style camps.
• Trips to the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid).
• Kayaking and stand-up paddling around Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island.

Organised tours are easy to arrange via Tours in Qatar and operators Get Your Guide / Viator.

Sea and beaches

• Swimming in the sea during the day, especially later in the month when the water has warmed further.
• Relaxing at hotel beaches and beach clubs around Doha and Lusail.
• Strolling along Lusail Marina Corniche and around The Pearl Island.

Transport and getting there

Flights

Most international arrivals come through Doha near Doha. In March, demand remains high, so direct and weekend flights can still be expensive compared with the low-season summer months.

Getting around

• Public transport – Doha’s metro and buses cover the main districts, malls and some suburban areas.
• Taxis and ride-hailing – widely used and relatively affordable for city journeys.
• Car rental – useful if you plan frequent trips to Al Wakrah, Al Khor, beaches and desert areas; see Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know, and consider booking via Localrent or Economybookings.
• Private transfers – convenient for night-time arrivals/departures or when travelling with lots of luggage; see Transport in Qatar and providers Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups.

Connectivity, internet and VPN

• An eSIM from eSIM Qatar lets you get mobile data immediately after landing, without hunting for a local SIM. Providers include Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel.
• For more background on how eSIMs work and how they save on roaming, see What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work: A Simple Explanation, What Are the Advantages of eSIM Compared to a Regular SIM?, eSIM for Travel: How to Save on Roaming Charges, Why Use an eSIM in Qatar? and eSIM Providers for Travel: Which One Offers the Best Value?.
• Some services and VoIP apps are restricted in Qatar, so a VPN from VPN for Qatar improves privacy and access to your usual platforms. Helpful reading includes What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?, How to Choose a Reliable VPN Service: What to Look For, How to Use a VPN While Traveling: A Step-by-Step Guide, Why Do You Need a VPN in Qatar? and Why You Should Never Use Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN.
• Trusted VPN providers: NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark.

Prices (Updated: November 2025)

All amounts are approximate, in US dollars and Qatari riyals (QAR), based on typical ranges.

Food and drinks

• Simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant: about 4–17 $ (15–65 QAR).
• Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (without alcohol): roughly 30–95 $ (around 120–390 QAR).
• Fast-food combo meal: around 6.5–8.5 $ (25–33 QAR).
• Cappuccino: about 1.5–8 $ (10–30 QAR).
• Bottled water 0.33 L: about 0.3–0.6 $ (1–2 QAR).

Transport

• Single metro/bus ticket: about 0.6–1.4 $ (2–5 QAR).
• Monthly public transport pass: roughly 25–50 $.
• Taxi start: around 2–4 $ (7–15 QAR).
• Taxi per km: roughly 1.5–4 $ (5–15 QAR).
• Petrol: about 0.55–0.60 $ per litre.

Accommodation (Doha and surroundings)

March is still considered high season, so prices are elevated compared with summer.

• Budget hotels and basic apartments: roughly 40–70 $ per night with early booking.
• Mid-range (3–4*): typically 80–150 $ per night.
• Good 5* hotels and resorts: usually from 180–250 $ per night, with 300–400 $+ possible around major events and busy dates.

Leisure and activities

• Cinema ticket: about 10–16 $.
• Monthly gym membership: roughly 40–150 $, depending on the club.
• Group tours and desert safaris: commonly 50–150 $ per person.

Tips for travelling in March

• Pack light clothes plus one layer – T-shirts and light trousers for the day, a thin jacket or jumper for occasional cooler evenings.
• Plan outdoor time smartly – schedule intense walking and desert trips for mornings and late afternoons; avoid the strongest midday sun.
• Book key services early – March is still high season, so popular hotels and tours can sell out.
• Allow for wind and dust – some days can be breezy or hazy, especially along the coast and in the desert.
• Sort out connectivity in advance – setting up eSIM and VPN before or right on arrival saves time.
• Check event calendars – large events can affect hotel prices, availability and traffic.

FAQ

Is Qatar warm in March?
Yes. Daytime temperatures in Doha are typically around 24–28 °C, which feels comfortably warm without summer’s extreme heat.

Is the sea warm enough for swimming in March?
For most people, yes. Sea temperatures around 21–22 °C are generally considered pleasant, especially in the middle of the day.

Does it rain a lot in March?
No. March is mostly dry and sunny, with only the occasional short shower.

Is March a good month for families?
Very much so. Mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and strong family-hotel infrastructure make March an excellent time for family trips.

Will it be windy?
There can be breezy days along Doha Corniche, at hotel beaches and in the desert, but temperatures remain comfortable. A light windproof layer is useful.

Are eSIM and VPN worth it for a short visit?
Yes. Using eSIM Qatar for instant mobile data and a VPN from VPN for Qatar (for example NordVPN, Proton VPN or Surfshark) makes it much easier to get online and use your usual apps without interruption.

Recommended Services

Recommended Services

• eSIM & mobile internet → eSIM Qatar, Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly, Yesim, Saily, iRoamly, GoMoWorld, Voye, Esim4travel
• VPN & online security → VPN for Qatar, NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark
• Tours & excursions → Tours in Qatar, Get Your Guide, Viator
• Transfers with driver → Transport in Qatar, Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups
• Car rental → Transport in Qatar, Localrent, Economybookings
• Hotels & apartments → Accommodation in Qatar

Summary

March is one of the most convenient months to visit Qatar: days are warmly comfortable, evenings are mild and the sea is turning pleasantly swimmable while the full tourism infrastructure is in high gear. It is a great time to combine city life in Doha and Lusail with desert adventures and seaside relaxation, without facing the extreme heat of late spring and summer. The main thing is to remember that it is still high season, so advance booking and good sun protection are essential.