Moscow Weather in March

March weather: thaw and slush

March feels more like winter than spring. Days reach around -1°C, while nights can fall to -8°C. Rain and melting snow leave pavements wet, icy or slushy, and the sky is often grey. With limited sunshine, long outdoor walks can feel tiring.

The season suits indoor stops such as the Tretyakov Gallery, with short walks between sights. Save long park strolls or countryside hikes for later; paths can be slippery and muddy. If you're set on Red Square, allow extra time to cross its open, exposed spaces.

Holidays and events

International Women's Day on March 8 is a public holiday in Russia. You may see flowers being sold across Moscow, and some shops or services may change their hours.

Maslenitsa, a week of pre-Lenten festivities with pancakes called blini, sometimes falls in March. Its timing shifts each year, so don't count on it without checking the calendar. If it does fall during your visit, look for celebrations around central parks and city squares.

Crowds, costs and a local tip

March is quieter than Moscow's busy summer months, when longer, sunnier days draw more visitors. You'll generally find fewer tourists at major sights, and accommodation can cost less than in peak season, though exact prices vary. The trade-off is weather that's poor for lingering outdoors.

Travelling with kids? The Metro makes it easier to get between indoor sights without long, cold walks.

For a practical local move, use the Metro's underground passages near central stations to cross busy roads without stepping into slush. After a chilly visit to the Kremlin, stop for blini in a café nearby; they're a fitting Maslenitsa treat even when the festival isn't on.