Lahore in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Lahore

27°C (81°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - daytime temperatures hit comfortable 24-27°C (75-81°F) without the brutal summer heat that arrives in April
Basant season brings kite flying festivals and spring celebrations throughout the month, with locals gathering on rooftops citywide
Clear morning visibility before afternoon dust - ideal for photography at Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort between 7-11am
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak winter months while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Afternoon dust storms 3-4 times per week reduce visibility and air quality between 2-6pm, requiring indoor activities
Temperature swings of 11°C (20°F) daily mean packing for both warm afternoons and genuinely cool evenings
Wedding season peaks in March - major venues book solid and traffic increases around event locations on weekends

Best Activities in March

Walled City Heritage Walking Tours

March mornings offer perfect conditions for exploring the dense Walled City before afternoon dust settles in narrow streets. Cool morning temperatures make the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walk comfortable, and spring light provides excellent photography conditions at Delhi Gate and Shahi Hammam.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8-11am) to avoid afternoon dust. Local heritage guides charge PKR 2,000-4,000 for 3-hour tours. Book 5-7 days ahead during wedding season peak. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Rooftop Kite Flying Experiences

March is Basant season when Lahoris take to rooftops for traditional kite flying. Morning winds are perfect, and you'll join locals in this centuries-old spring tradition. The weather provides ideal conditions - steady breezes without the harsh summer winds.

Booking Tip: Cultural centers and guesthouses arrange rooftop sessions for PKR 1,500-3,000 including kite materials. Best winds occur 10am-2pm. Book through local cultural organizations or see current experiences in booking section below.

Shalimar Gardens Photography Sessions

Spring blooms peak in March while morning mist creates ethereal lighting through the Mughal terraces. The 16°C (60°F) morning temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) garden walk comfortable, and flowering trees provide colors unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Arrive at 7am opening for best light and fewer crowds. Photography permits cost PKR 500 extra. Professional photo tour services run PKR 5,000-8,000 for sunrise sessions. Check current photography tour options in booking section below.

Sufi Shrine Evening Visits

March evenings provide perfect 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures for experiencing qawwali performances at Data Darbar and other Sufi shrines. Cool air makes the spiritual experiences more comfortable than hot summer nights.

Booking Tip: Thursday evening qawwali sessions are most authentic. Cultural guides charge PKR 2,500-4,500 for shrine tours with etiquette explanation. Dress conservatively. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Food Street Evening Crawls

March weather is ideal for outdoor dining at Gawalmandi Food Street and MM Alam Road. Cool evenings make sitting at roadside stalls comfortable, and spring vegetables appear in seasonal dishes like sarson ka saag.

Booking Tip: Food tours run PKR 3,000-5,500 for 4-hour evening experiences. Start after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Book with stomach medication included. Check current food tour options in booking section below.

Ravi River Picnic Excursions

March brings the last pleasant weather before summer heat makes riverside activities unbearable. Local families flock to Ravi riverbanks for picnics, and the 11 km (6.8 mile) drive to scenic spots becomes worthwhile in comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages cost PKR 4,000-7,000 including transport and traditional picnic setup. Avoid weekends during wedding season for less crowding. Book vehicles with AC for return journey. See current day trip options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March (weather dependent)

Basant Kite Flying Festival

The traditional spring celebration where entire neighborhoods gather on rooftops to fly colorful kites. Rooftops across Old City come alive with families competing in friendly kite battles, accompanied by traditional music and food.

Mid to Late March

Sham-e-Qalandar Literary Festival

Annual literary festival featuring Urdu and Punjabi poetry sessions, often held in Alhamra Cultural Center. Local poets and writers gather to celebrate regional literature in the pleasant March weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton scarves - essential for afternoon dust protection and visiting religious sites

Layered clothing for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - light sweater for 16°C (60°F) mornings, cotton shirts for 27°C (81°F) afternoons

Closed-toe walking shoes - Old City streets are uneven and dusty, sandals inadequate for heritage site exploration

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 during midday, and rooftop activities provide no shade

Light rain jacket - 10 rainy days means 1 in 3 chances of brief afternoon showers

Air purification masks - afternoon dust storms reduce air quality significantly, especially in Walled City

Portable phone charger - cool weather means more outdoor time and higher battery drain from photography

Conservative clothing for shrine visits - long pants and covered shoulders required at religious sites

Cash in small bills - PKR 50-100 notes essential for street food and small vendor purchases

Moisturizing lotion - 70% humidity combined with dust creates skin irritation for visitors

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule outdoor activities 7am-11am and after 6pm to avoid afternoon dust storms - follow this pattern for best experience

March is prime wedding photography season - iconic locations like Badshahi Mosque often have wedding shoots blocking access 2-5pm

Spring vegetables like fresh peas and mustard greens appear in March dishes - try seasonal sarson ka saag unavailable other months

Morning fog in early March creates magical photography conditions but burns off by 10am - plan sunrise shoots accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing during 2-6pm dust storm hours - visibility drops dramatically and breathing becomes difficult

Under-packing for cool evenings - 16°C (60°F) nights require actual warmth, not just light clothing

Booking rooftop restaurants without checking wind forecasts - March gusts can make outdoor dining unpleasant during weather changes