Things to Do in Vilnius in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Vilnius
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Kaziuko mugė (St. Casimir's Fair) transforms the Old Town into Lithuania's largest folk art market with 2,000+ vendors selling handcrafted items and traditional foods on March 8-9
- Hotel rates drop 35-40% compared to summer peak season, with boutique hotels in Old Town averaging €60-80/night versus €120-150 in July
- March marks the transition from winter to spring - you'll experience the city's dramatic transformation with snow-covered medieval streets giving way to budding trees by month's end
- Minimal tourist crowds mean authentic experiences at restaurants and attractions - locals outnumber visitors 10:1, and you can explore Užupis Republic and Trakai Castle without queues
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) in a single day, and you might experience snow, rain, and sunshine within hours
- Daylight is limited to 11.5 hours early March, extending to 13 hours by month's end, with overcast skies 60% of the time reducing outdoor photography opportunities
- Some seasonal attractions like outdoor terraces and rooftop bars remain closed, and Trakai Island Castle boat tours don't resume until April
Best Activities in March
Old Town Medieval Architecture Walking Routes
March's crisp air and lower humidity make extended walking comfortable, while sparse crowds allow unobstructed photos of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. The contrast of late snow against red-tiled roofs creates stunning photography opportunities not available in other seasons.
Traditional Lithuanian Sauna and Wellness Experiences
March's cold, damp weather makes authentic banya (bathhouse) experiences particularly appealing. Local saunas operate at full capacity during transition months, offering traditional birch branch treatments and cold plunge pools that feel invigorating rather than shocking.
Trakai Castle and Lake Region Tours
While boat tours aren't operating, March offers dramatic winter landscapes with the castle reflected in partially frozen lake waters. The 28 km (17.4 mile) drive through Aukštaitija National Park showcases Lithuania's transition from winter to spring across pristine forests.
Lithuanian Craft Brewery and Distillery Tours
March is peak season for Lithuanian craft breweries showcasing winter seasonal brews and early spring releases. Indoor tastings provide warmth while discovering unique Baltic ingredients like sea buckthorn and birch syrup in locally-produced spirits.
Užupis Art District Gallery Crawls
March gallery openings coincide with the art season's restart after winter. The self-declared republic's cobblestone streets are atmospheric under March's variable lighting, and indoor galleries provide perfect refuge during sudden weather changes.
Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Classes
March features seasonal ingredients like preserved mushrooms, root vegetables, and early spring greens. Cooking classes move indoors during unpredictable weather, creating intimate learning environments for traditional dishes like cepelinai and beetroot soup.
March Events & Festivals
Kaziuko mugė (St. Casimir's Fair)
Lithuania's largest folk art festival transforms Old Town streets with 2,000+ artisan vendors selling handcrafted amber jewelry, linen textiles, wooden crafts, and traditional foods. This 400-year-old tradition offers authentic Lithuanian culture without tourist markup pricing.
Lithuanian Independence Restoration Day
March 11th commemorates Lithuania's 1990 independence declaration from Soviet Union. Expect flag ceremonies at Cathedral Square, free museum admissions, and patriotic concerts. Government buildings display historical exhibitions accessible to visitors.