Is March a Good Time To Visit St. Petersburg, Russia

Posted by CelebrateZone.com on Mon, Jun 10, 2024
  1. Fewer Tourists: March is considered the shoulder season in St. Petersburg, which means fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. This can make for a more enjoyable and less crowded experience, especially when visiting popular attractions like the Hermitage Museum and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

  2. Cultural Events: March marks the beginning of the theater season in St. Petersburg. The city’s renowned theaters, such as the Mariinsky Theater and the Alexandrinsky Theater, offer a wide range of performances, including ballet, opera, and drama. Attending a theater performance is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural scene.

  3. Celebrating Maslenitsa: Maslenitsa, also known as Butter Week, is a traditional Russian festival celebrated in the week leading up to Lent. During Maslenitsa, there are various festivities, including folk music and dance performances, traditional Russian food fairs, and the burning of a large effigy symbolizing winter. Participating in Maslenitsa celebrations provides an authentic cultural experience and a glimpse into Russian traditions.

  4. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Although St. Patrick’s Day is primarily an Irish holiday, it has gained popularity in St. Petersburg in recent years. Several bars and pubs in the city host special events, featuring live music, Irish food and drinks, and festive decorations. Participating in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in St. Petersburg is a fun way to experience a blend of Russian and Irish culture.

Weather In St. Petersburg During March

The weather in St. Petersburg, Russia during March is typically cold and cloudy, with occasional snowfall. The average temperature in March is around 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius). On average, St. Petersburg receives about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) of snow in March.

Here are some more details about the weather in St. Petersburg during March:

  • Temperature: The average high temperature in March is 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).
  • Precipitation: St. Petersburg receives an average of 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) of precipitation in March, most of which falls as snow.
  • Sunshine: St. Petersburg receives an average of 3 hours of sunshine per day in March.
  • Wind: The average wind speed in March is 10 miles per hour (16 kilometers per hour).

Overall, the weather in St. Petersburg during March is cold and cloudy, with occasional snowfall. It is important to pack warm clothing if you are planning to visit St. Petersburg during this time of year.

Things To Do In St. Petersburg In March

1. Maslenitsa Festival:

  • Celebrate the traditional Russian holiday marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
  • Participate in folk festivities, enjoy hearty pancakes, watch ice skating performances, and witness the burning of a giant effigy symbolizing winter.

2. Prokofiev Festival:

  • Immerse yourself in the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev at this annual festival.
  • Attend concerts, operas, and ballets featuring Prokofiev’s works performed by renowned artists.

3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

  • Celebrate the Irish holiday with a parade, live music, and festivities in St. Petersburg’s city center.

4. Women’s Day Celebrations:

  • Join the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th.
  • Attend special events, concerts, and exhibitions honoring women’s achievements and contributions.

5. Nevsky Prospekt International Film Festival:

  • Experience a diverse selection of independent films from around the world at this annual film festival.

6. St. Petersburg Fashion Week:

  • Witness the latest fashion trends and designs showcased by local and international designers.

7. Russian Food Festival:

  • Indulge in a variety of traditional Russian dishes and delicacies at this culinary event.
  • Sample local favorites, participate in cooking workshops, and learn about Russian food culture.

Tourism In St. Petersburg, Russia During March

During March, St. Petersburg offers an array of unique experiences for tourists to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage, artistic treasures, and architectural marvels.

  • Cultural Delights: Visitors can revel in the splendor of world-renowned cultural institutions such as the Mariinsky Theatre and the Hermitage Museum. The Hermitage boasts an extraordinary collection of art spanning various epochs, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

  • Architectural Wonders: St. Petersburg is renowned for its stunning architecture, which blends Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau styles. Embark on a leisurely stroll along the iconic Nevsky Prospect, marveling at the grandeur of the Kazan Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Peter and Paul Fortress. Take a boat trip along the Neva River to admire the city’s architectural panorama.

  • Cultural Events: March hosts several cultural events, including the St. Petersburg International Book Salon, a literary festival attracting authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts from around the globe. The city also comes alive with music during the St. Petersburg Music Fest, showcasing classical, jazz, and contemporary performances.

  • Unique Experiences: Indulge in a traditional Russian banya experience at one of the city’s historic bathhouses. Sample delectable Russian cuisine at authentic restaurants, relishing dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and blini. Take a guided tour to discover the hidden gems of St. Petersburg, including the secret courtyards and canals known as “courtyard wells.”