Things to Do in Saint Petersburg in March

March Weather in Saint Petersburg

2°C (36°F) High Temp

-4°C (24°F) Low Temp

35 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Last month of authentic winter atmosphere - frozen canals, snow-covered palace courtyards, and locals still bundled in traditional fur coats create the cinematic St. Petersburg experience
Hermitage Museum crowds drop by 60% compared to summer - you'll have the Da Vinci and Rembrandt halls nearly to yourself, especially weekday mornings 10-11am
White Nights season preparation begins - theaters debut spring premieres, Mariinsky schedules increase, and locals emerge from winter hibernation creating vibrant cultural energy
Hotel rates remain 40-50% lower than peak season (May-September) with luxury properties like Grand Hotel Europe offering winter packages ₽8,000-12,000 ($85-130) per night

Considerations

Daylight limited to 9.5 hours (8:30am-6pm) with overcast skies 70% of days - outdoor photography requires planning around brief sunny windows
Wet snow and slush create challenging walking conditions - Nevsky Prospekt becomes slippery, and many courtyards remain inaccessible without proper footwear
Several palace gardens and Peterhof fountains remain closed until May - you'll miss the full grandeur of the imperial estates that define St. Petersburg

Best Activities in March

Hermitage Museum Extended Tours

March offers the year's best museum experience with minimal crowds and full access to winter-closed storage rooms. Temperatures stay constant at 20°C (68°F) inside, making it perfect refuge from variable outdoor weather. Local guides are most available for private tours during this shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for specialized storage tours typically ₽3,500-5,500 ($38-60) per person. Skip-the-line tickets essential even in low season. Reference booking widget for current guided tour options.

Imperial Palace Indoor Tours

Catherine Palace, Yusupov Palace, and Pavlovsk interiors showcase opulent heating systems and winter court life. March timing avoids summer restoration closures while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The Amber Room receives special lighting during shorter daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Combined palace passes typically ₽4,000-6,500 ($43-70) offer best value. Book 5-7 days ahead as March begins pre-season preparation. Check current palace combinations in booking section below.

Mariinsky Theatre Winter Season

March captures the finale of Mariinsky's prestigious winter season with world-class ballet and opera before spring break. Theater heating creates perfect 22°C (72°F) environment while outside temperatures fluctuate. This month traditionally features Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky premieres.

Booking Tip: Premium seats typically ₽5,000-15,000 ($54-162) for ballet, ₽3,000-8,000 ($32-86) for opera. Book 14-21 days ahead as locals buy subscriptions. See current performance schedule in booking section.

Neva River Architecture Walking Tours

March offers dramatic contrast between baroque facades and late winter atmosphere. Variable weather creates stunning photography with snow-dusted gold domes against grey skies. Walking tours limited to 90-minute segments due to cold, allowing deeper focus on architectural details.

Booking Tip: Small group tours typically ₽2,500-4,000 ($27-43) include indoor warm-up stops. Book guides familiar with winter navigation. Tours run 11am-2pm for maximum daylight. Current walking tour options available in booking widget.

Russian Banya and Traditional Spa Experiences

March weather makes traditional banya (Russian sauna) culture essential for locals and perfect for visitors. Historic banyas like Yamskie maintain authentic 90°C (194°F) steam rooms followed by 2°C (36°F) plunge pools - quintessential Russian winter experience before spring arrives.

Booking Tip: Authentic banya experiences typically ₽1,500-3,500 ($16-38) for 2-3 hour sessions. Book afternoon slots when locals visit after work. Private group options available. See traditional spa experiences in booking section.

Metro Station Art and Underground Culture Tours

St. Petersburg metro provides warm 18°C (64°F) environment for exploring Soviet-era architecture and art. March allows unhurried exploration of stations like Avtovo and Komsomolskaya without summer tourist crowds. Local commuters more willing to share stories during slower winter pace.

Booking Tip: Metro tours typically ₽2,000-3,500 ($21-38) including transportation. Combine with above-ground palace visits for weather flexibility. Underground tours run regardless of weather conditions. Current metro tour options in booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Early March (week before Orthodox Lent)

Maslenitsa Festival

Traditional butter week celebration marking winter's end with pancake festivals, folk performances, and burning of winter effigy. Local communities gather in parks despite cold weather for authentic cultural immersion rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with grip soles - essential for navigating 2-5 cm (1-2 inch) slush on cobblestones and marble palace steps

Layered thermal system: merino wool base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell for -4°C to 2°C (24°F to 36°F) temperature range

Warm waterproof gloves that allow phone/camera operation - you'll photograph constantly but lose dexterity quickly in cold

Wool or fleece hat covering ears - 70% humidity makes wind feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than actual temperature

Compact umbrella resistant to wet snow - March precipitation alternates between rain and snow requiring dual protection

High-capacity power banks - phone batteries drain 40% faster in cold weather during long museum days

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - low UV index (2) still reflects strongly off snow and pale baroque facades

Cash in small denominations (₽100-500 notes) - many traditional venues and transport still prefer cash in shoulder season

Silk scarf or lightweight neck warmer - essential for transitioning between 20°C (68°F) heated interiors and outdoor walking

Quick-dry socks (2-3 pairs) - feet stay damp from snow melt, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily on tours

Insider Knowledge

Visit palace complexes 10-11am weekdays when heating systems reach peak efficiency and tour groups haven't arrived - you'll have gold-leafed halls practically private

Purchase Hermitage online tickets for Wednesday evenings (6-9pm) when locals visit after work - experience authentic St. Petersburg cultural life rather than tourist atmosphere

Carry small thermos with tea or coffee - many palace courtyards have 15-20 minute outdoor segments, and warm drinks prevent rushed photography

Learn basic Russian greetings and 'spasibo' (thank you) - March represents shoulder season when locals appreciate visitor efforts more than peak tourist months

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming museums will be empty - Hermitage and major palaces maintain steady local attendance, especially weekends and school holidays in March

Packing only for cold weather - indoor venues maintain 20-22°C (68-72°F), so you'll overheat without removable layers during 6-8 hour palace tours

Planning full outdoor days - March weather changes rapidly from snow to rain to brief sun, requiring flexible indoor backup plans every 2-3 hours