Things to Do in Sudan in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Sudan
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Nile River levels are still decent from winter rains - boat trips to Soleb Temple and the archaeological sites around Kerma are actually navigable, though you'll want to go early morning before the heat peaks around noon
- Dust storms haven't fully kicked in yet - March sits in that sweet spot before April's haboobs turn visibility to near-zero. You can still get those incredible pyramid photos at Meroe without the orange haze that dominates later spring
- Nubian hospitality season is in full swing - locals in Karima and Old Dongola have more time for visitors before the brutal summer heat drives everyone indoors. You'll find tea invitations and genuine conversations happen more naturally
- Archaeological sites are essentially empty - Western tourism to Sudan remains minimal in 2026, and March sees even fewer visitors than winter months. You'll have 2,000-year-old pyramids completely to yourself, which is increasingly rare anywhere in the world
Considerations
- The heat is legitimately punishing between 11am-4pm - we're talking 38-42°C (100-108°F) in the shade, and there isn't much shade. Outdoor exploration gets physically exhausting, and you'll need to structure your entire day around avoiding midday sun
- Infrastructure challenges intensify with heat - power cuts affect Khartoum hotels more frequently as AC demand spikes, and fuel shortages can disrupt transportation schedules. That 4-hour drive to Meroe might stretch to 6 hours if your driver needs to queue for diesel
- Dust affects everything - even without full storms, fine Saharan dust coats camera equipment, gets into luggage, and makes breathing uncomfortable during windy afternoons. Anyone with respiratory sensitivities should think carefully about March timing
Best Activities in March
Meroe Pyramids sunrise visits
March mornings at Meroe are actually perfect - temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) at dawn, with that golden light hitting the pyramids before the heat becomes oppressive. The site opens at 6am, and you'll want to be there right when gates open. By 10am, the temperature climbs past comfortable and the light gets harsh. This is Sudan's most accessible archaeological site, about 200 km (124 miles) north of Khartoum, and March's dry conditions mean the desert track is in decent shape. You'll likely have the entire necropolis to yourself - maybe one other vehicle if you're unlucky.
Nile felucca sailing in Karima
The Nile around Karima and Jebel Barkal stays navigable in March, unlike the low-water months of May-June. Late afternoon felucca trips (4-6pm) catch cooler temperatures dropping to 30-32°C (86-90°F) and you'll sail past Jebel Barkal's distinctive flat-topped mountain with decent light for photos. The wind typically picks up around 3pm, which actually helps with both sailing and cooling. Local captains know the currents well and can position you for sunset views of the mountain and ancient temples along the shore.
Old Dongola monastery exploration
The medieval Makurian capital sits empty and haunting in March's heat, but early morning visits (6-9am) are genuinely magical. The Throne Hall and monastery complexes are remarkably well-preserved, and March's dry air means you can explore the mud-brick structures without worrying about rain damage or slippery conditions. The site sprawls across several square kilometers, so focus on the main monastery and throne hall in the cooler hours. Located about 80 km (50 miles) south of Karima, the dirt road is passable in March before summer rains (which are minimal but do occasionally hit).
Khartoum souq morning walks
Omdurman Souq and Khartoum's various markets are best tackled between 7-10am in March before the heat becomes stifling. The souq culture here is genuinely different from North African markets - less tourist-focused, more functional, with sections for traditional Sudanese goods like woven baskets, incense, and locally-made textiles. March mornings see good activity as locals shop before midday heat, and you'll find fresh produce, spices, and that distinctive Sudanese coffee setup. The silver and gold souqs near Khartoum's main market area are worth exploring for traditional jewelry designs.
Nubian village homestays near Abri
March is actually ideal for experiencing Nubian village life because locals haven't yet retreated into full summer shutdown mode. Villages around Abri and along the Nile between the Third and Fourth Cataracts offer genuine homestay experiences - sleeping on rooftops under stars (comfortable in March's mild nights around 20-23°C or 68-73°F), sharing meals, and participating in daily life. You'll see date palm harvesting preparations, traditional bread-making in outdoor ovens during cooler morning hours, and experience hospitality that's increasingly rare. The dry weather means outdoor sleeping is reliable without rain concerns.
Jebel Barkal temple complex visits
This UNESCO site combines temples, pyramids, and that iconic flat-topped holy mountain in one location near Karima. March's clear skies mean excellent visibility for appreciating the landscape context - understanding why ancient Kushites considered this mountain sacred becomes obvious when you see it rising from the desert. The temple of Amun at the mountain's base is best visited 6-8am or 4-6pm when temperatures drop below 35°C (95°F). The small pyramid field nearby is walkable in early morning. March's dry conditions mean the sandy paths are firm and easy to navigate.
March Events & Festivals
Khartoum International Book Fair
Typically held in late March at the Friendship Hall, this is Sudan's largest annual book event and offers an interesting window into contemporary Sudanese intellectual and cultural life. You'll find Arabic literature, academic publications, and occasionally English-language books about Sudan that are impossible to find elsewhere. It's not a tourist event - it's genuinely for locals - which makes it more interesting. The air-conditioned venue is also a welcome respite from March heat.