Ah, Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, offers a truly authentic Arabian experience that often gets overshadowed by its glitzier neighbour, so naturally, a trip in March presents a prime opportunity to explore its rich heritage, superb museums, and beautiful corniche in near-perfect, mild weather before the intense heat of the summer months descends upon the region.
The Ideal Climate: Sunny Days Without the Scorching Heat
March in Sharjah, and indeed across the UAE, is widely considered one of the most delightful times for visitors, as it marks the sweet spot just before the spring heat truly begins to bake the emirate. You are going to find daytime temperatures that are wonderfully warm and entirely conducive to long strolls and outdoor activities, with average high temperatures usually hovering around $25^\circ \text{C}$ to $30^\circ \text{C}$. The nights remain pleasantly cool, dropping to around $15^\circ \text{C}$ to $20^\circ \text{C}$, meaning you might even want a light jacket or shawl for evening excursions near the waterfront. Crucially, the punishing humidity of the peak summer is a distant worry, allowing you to breathe easily and explore comfortably, which is a huge bonus when traversing the large courtyards of the historic areas. This weather condition is why many experts consider the period from November to March as the absolute best time to visit the UAE for sightseeing.
Navigating Local Culture and Ramadan’s Influence
Sharjah is the most conservative of the UAE’s seven emirates, holding the title of the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, which means a few local rules are very important to remember, especially regarding attire and public conduct. While you are generally free to dress in a comfortable fashion, you should always aim for modest clothing, meaning shoulders and knees covered, particularly when visiting historical sites, museums, and souks. Public displays of affection are deeply frowned upon, so it’s best to keep things strictly professional and respectful when in public spaces. A key detail for a March visit is the potential overlap with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which follows the lunar calendar and changes its date each year. If your trip coincides with Ramadan, you must remember the core rule: refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours, which is out of respect for those fasting, though many major hotels and designated private areas provide services.
Events and Cultural Immersion in the Spring
The spring shoulder season is a fantastic time for culture lovers in Sharjah because of the vibrant calendar of events that often occurs to take advantage of the milder weather. Historically, March has been a particularly lively month, frequently hosting significant cultural gatherings, such as the Sharjah Heritage Days or the Sharjah Biennial, which is a major contemporary art exhibition. You really need to check the exact dates for the year you are travelling to see what special exhibitions are on offer. For example, the Sharjah Art Foundation’s March Meeting is a notable event that brings international art professionals to the city, transforming the cultural landscape for a few days. Even if there isn’t a major festival, the cultural heartbeat of the city is always strong, offering everything from poetry forums to theatrical performances, mostly in Arabic but increasingly with international appeal, so you will want to check the local listings.
Exploring Sharjah’s World-Class Museums
Sharjah truly comes into its own as a cultural hub with its magnificent array of world-class museums, which are an absolute must-see during your March visit. The pleasant weather makes walking between the key cultural nodes much easier. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, housed in a beautiful, former traditional souk on the corniche, is arguably the crown jewel, displaying thousands of priceless Islamic artifacts and documents. Then there is the sprawling Heart of Sharjah area, which is the emirate’s largest historical preservation project, where you can wander through restored old homes and traditional souks like Souq Al Arsah. Make sure you don’t miss the Sharjah Heritage Museum and the fascinating Bait Al Naboodah, a traditional pearl merchant’s house, which offer a window into the simple yet rich life of the early Emiratis.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Trails
The superb March climate is perfect for exploring Sharjah’s natural beauty and engaging in outdoor adventure sports, which would be unthinkable just two months later in the summer. You can easily spend an entire morning exploring the Al Majaz Waterfront with its beautiful musical fountain and numerous cafes, or the serene Al Noor Island, which features a gorgeous Butterfly House and unique art sculptures. For the more adventurous, a desert safari or a trip to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is highly recommended. At Mleiha, you can go on a guided archaeological tour, try dune bashing in a 4×4, or even go quad biking over the stunning sand dunes in a cool desert setting, which is an unforgettable experience. The coastal areas, particularly on the East Coast near Khorfakkan, also offer fantastic, mild weather for beach walks.
Practical Tips for the Savvy Traveller
When considering the budget, Sharjah is generally known to be more budget-friendly than neighbouring Dubai, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the UAE experience without breaking the bank. For transport, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are the most convenient ways to travel, especially since public transport is not as extensive as in Dubai. When looking at accommodation, a mid-range hotel might cost you somewhere in the range of approximately 250 AED to 400 AED per night, but luxury options are also available. Always remember to negotiate firmly but politely when shopping in the souks like the iconic Central Souq, also known as the Blue Souk, which is a treasure trove of carpets, gold, and local crafts. This is an accepted custom and part of the fun of the souk experience.
Sharjah’s Educational and Artistic Venues
The city’s dedication to education and the arts is visible in its numerous impressive buildings and cultural hubs. Take some time to visit the modern architectural marvel that is the House of Wisdom, a futuristic library and cultural centre that redefines the concept of a community learning space. It is a stunning blend of traditional calligraphy and contemporary design. Art enthusiasts should certainly stop by the Sharjah Art Museum, which features both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions focused on Arab art and artists from the region and beyond. These indoor spaces are particularly appealing during the midday heat when you might want a break from the sun, offering a perfect mix of cultural enrichment and air-conditioned comfort.
Coastal Relaxation and Waterside Living
Sharjah is the only emirate that has coasts on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, offering a variety of beach and waterfront experiences. The city’s central lagoon areas, such as Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba, are lively hubs where you can take a boat ride, enjoy a meal with a view, or simply watch the city lights at dusk. If you venture to the East Coast to places like Khorfakkan or Kalba, you will be rewarded with stunning, dramatic mountain landscapes meeting the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. A day trip to these coastal enclaves is a fantastic way to escape the city bustle, and the March weather is ideal for a gentle swim or simply relaxing on the sand, perhaps at Al Khan Beach.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavours
Exploring the local food scene is an integral part of any travel experience, and Sharjah offers a wonderful range of authentic Emirati and broader Arabian cuisine. Because Sharjah is a ‘dry’ emirate, with the sale and consumption of alcohol strictly prohibited, the focus is entirely on the superb non-alcoholic offerings. You should definitely seek out traditional eateries in the Heart of Sharjah area where you can sample delicious Emirati dishes such as Thareed, a hearty bread and vegetable stew, or the famous Luqaimat sweet dumplings. The food stalls and casual restaurants, particularly around the Al Majaz Waterfront, offer fantastic value and a variety of international cuisine, which is perfect for a relaxed evening meal with a view of the musical fountain show.
**Recommendations from the editor of www.few.ae
My final advice to anyone contemplating a March visit to the Cultural Capital is to definitely pack your bags. The moderate weather alone makes it one of the most opportune times of the year for exploring. To fully immerse yourself, make sure to plan your day with a morning of historical exploration at the Heart of Sharjah, an afternoon spent in a cool museum like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and then an evening enjoying the cool air by the Al Qasba canal. Also, always carry a refillable water bottle and a scarf or shawl, not just for modesty, but because the contrast between the air-conditioned indoors and the warm outdoors can sometimes catch you off guard. You will find that Sharjah is an emirate that rewards the curious traveller who is ready to look beyond the towering skyscrapers and appreciate the cultural depth and authentic charm that it offers in spades.
then "Add to Home Screen"