Things to Do in Manama in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Manama
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect transition weather - March sits in that sweet spot between the cooler winter months and the brutal summer heat. Daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) mean you can actually walk around the souqs and heritage sites without melting, while evenings at 18°C (64°F) are comfortable enough for outdoor dining without needing layers.
- Minimal rainfall disruption - With only 15 mm (0.6 inches) of rain spread across 10 days, you're looking at brief, occasional showers rather than the sustained downpours other Gulf cities get. Most rain happens overnight or in short bursts, so it rarely cancels plans. Locals barely notice it.
- Shoulder season pricing without the crowds - March falls just after the Formula 1 frenzy and before the exodus when locals flee the approaching heat. Hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to February peaks, and you'll actually get tables at popular restaurants without booking weeks ahead. The Bahrain National Museum and Qal'at al-Bahrain feel almost empty on weekday mornings.
- Outdoor activities are actually enjoyable - The combination of moderate temperatures and low humidity (70% is comfortable by Gulf standards) means activities like kayaking through mangroves, cycling the Hawar Islands trails, or exploring the desert burial mounds don't feel like endurance tests. Early mornings around 7-8am are genuinely pleasant, with temperatures in the low 20s Celsius (around 68-72°F).
Considerations
- Unpredictable wind patterns - March brings shamal winds that can kick up without warning, sometimes reaching 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph). This affects water-based activities particularly around the northern coastline, and occasionally creates hazy conditions from desert dust. Tour operators sometimes cancel boat trips with less than 24 hours notice, which is frustrating if you've got a tight itinerary.
- Inconsistent daily weather - That 'variable' conditions label isn't marketing speak. You might start the day in shorts and end it wishing you'd brought a light jacket. The 7-degree temperature swing between day and night catches visitors off guard, especially those coming from consistently warm climates who assume Gulf equals hot 24/7.
- Limited cultural events - March is honestly a quiet month on Bahrain's cultural calendar. You've missed the Spring of Culture festival (typically February) and it's too early for Ramadan activities. The lack of major events means fewer special experiences that make a trip feel unique, though this does mean attractions are quieter.
Best Activities in March
Bahrain Fort and Archaeological Sites Exploration
March weather makes this the ideal time to properly explore Qal'at al-Bahrain and the ancient burial mounds scattered across the northern desert. The temperature stays comfortable enough for extended outdoor time, and the lower angle of March sunlight actually enhances photography of the limestone structures. The fort's exposed hilltop location catches nice breezes that keep things pleasant even midday. Weekday mornings see maybe 20-30 visitors total, so you can actually experience these UNESCO sites without crowds blocking your photos or rushing you along.
Manama Souq and Heritage District Walking
The Manama Souq and Muharraq heritage areas are genuinely walkable in March, which isn't true for about six months of the year. The covered sections of Bab al-Bahrain souq stay naturally cool, while the open-air sections benefit from March's moderate temperatures and occasional cloud cover. This is when you'll see the most local activity too - families actually stroll through the heritage houses in Muharraq on Friday afternoons, and the souq stays busy until 9-10pm when temperatures drop into the high teens Celsius (mid-60s Fahrenheit). The traditional architecture looks spectacular in the softer March light compared to the harsh summer glare.
Desert and Wildlife Reserve Visits
March is actually the last comfortable month for desert exploration before temperatures make it genuinely unpleasant. The Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve becomes particularly active in March as resident species take advantage of the moderate weather, and the desert landscape still shows hints of green from winter rains. Early morning visits around 7-8am offer the best wildlife viewing when animals are most active, and temperatures are still in the pleasant 18-20°C (64-68°F) range. The Tree of Life, Bahrain's iconic solitary mesquite tree, is best visited in March when you can actually stand outside your car for more than five minutes to appreciate it.
Coastal Activities and Beach Time
March offers what might be the best beach conditions of the year - water temperatures hover around 20-21°C (68-70°F), which is refreshing without being cold, and air temperatures make lounging on the sand actually pleasant rather than an endurance test. The beaches along Zallaq and the western coast are noticeably less crowded than winter months when regional tourists pack them. Wind can be a factor, particularly for water sports, but this actually makes it prime time for kitesurfing and windsurfing when conditions align. The calmer days are excellent for kayaking through the mangrove channels near the Hawar Islands.
Pearl Diving Heritage Experiences
Bahrain's pearl diving history comes alive through cultural centers and heritage experiences that work beautifully in March weather. The Bahrain Pearling Trail in Muharraq, another UNESCO site, involves walking between historical buildings and learning about the pearl trade that defined the island for centuries. March temperatures make the 3.5 km (2.2 miles) trail manageable, and you can combine it with visits to traditional pearl shops where craftspeople still work with Gulf pearls. Some cultural organizations offer seasonal pearl diving demonstrations in shallow waters, which are only comfortable for participants in March and April before water temperatures climb.
Bahrain International Circuit Experiences
While the Formula 1 Grand Prix happens in late February or early March (2026 dates typically fall in early March), the circuit offers track experiences and karting throughout the month. March weather is ideal for these activities - cool enough that you're not overheating in safety gear, but warm enough that early morning or evening sessions are comfortable. The circuit's drag strip and karting track see significantly fewer visitors after F1 weekend passes, meaning shorter wait times and better availability. For motorsport enthusiasts, visiting in March lets you see the circuit while it still has F1 infrastructure and atmosphere, before everything gets packed away.
March Events & Festivals
Bahrain Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix typically runs in early March, transforming the entire country into a motorsport celebration. Even if you don't attend the race itself, the atmosphere around Manama changes completely with international visitors, special restaurant menus, and evening entertainment at hotels and beach clubs. The circuit hosts concerts and family activities throughout race weekend. Worth noting that if you're NOT interested in F1, this is actually a week to avoid - prices spike, hotels book solid, and traffic around the circuit becomes nightmarish.