What March feels like in Saint Petersburg
Early spring arrives in Saint Petersburg with March. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. There is little difference between day and night: nights drop well below freezing, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Saint Petersburg in March
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 4 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Saint Petersburg averages about 4.9 mm per rainy day, so March is typical. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 7:18 am and sunset at about 6:58 pm (local time) — 11 h 40 min of daylight. Since mid-February the day has gained 2 h 32 min. Measured sunshine covers about 57% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Saint Petersburg. Afternoons run 5.1°C (9.2°F) warmer than in February, with about the same rain. The warm-up continues into April. April averages a high of 7.9°C (46.2°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Saint Petersburg in March
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Saint Petersburg in March?
It feels freezing: typical highs are 1.5°C (34.7°F), with lows near -4.6°C (23.7°F).
Does it rain a lot in Saint Petersburg in March?
Quite a lot — 36 mm spread over about 9 days.
What should I wear in Saint Petersburg in March?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is March or April better for visiting Saint Petersburg?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#6 of 12 vs #8), rated Fair against Poor. April is warmer and has more rainy days.