Gdansk in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Gdansk

6°C (43°F) High Temp

-1°C (31°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Empty tourist sites - major attractions like Malbork Castle and St. Mary's Church have 70% fewer visitors than summer months, allowing unhurried exploration and perfect photos
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels drop rates 40-60% compared to peak season, with luxury Baltic Sea view rooms available for €60-90 instead of €150-200
Authentic local atmosphere - experience Gdansk as residents do, with bustling cafés, active cultural venues, and genuine Polish hospitality without tourist crowds
Ideal museum weather - March's cool, often overcast days make it perfect for exploring Gdansk's world-class museums like the WWII Museum and European Solidarity Centre without missing sunny beach weather

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 10°C (18°F) within a single day, requiring layered clothing and flexible indoor/outdoor plans
Limited daylight hours - only 11-12 hours of daylight with frequent overcast skies, meaning outdoor sightseeing is best concentrated between 10am-4pm
Some seasonal closures - certain Baltic Sea cruise routes and outdoor attractions at Westerplatte may have reduced schedules or weather-dependent cancellations

Best Activities in March

Old Town Architecture Walking Routes

March's cool temperatures (6°C/43°F) and minimal crowds make it ideal for exploring Gdansk's UNESCO-listed Main Town. The crisp air enhances visibility for photographing the colorful merchant houses along Długa Street, and you'll have Cracow virtually to yourself. Indoor church visits provide perfect warm-up breaks during the 10-15 minute walks between major sites.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are perfect, but guided tours cost €15-25 per person and provide heated indoor stops every 30 minutes. Book audio guides through the tourist office or see current walking tour options in the booking section below.

World War II Historical Site Tours

March weather is perfect for visiting both indoor museums and outdoor historical sites like Westerplatte. The European Solidarity Centre and WWII Museum offer 3-4 hours of indoor exploration on rainy days, while Westerplatte's monument is dramatic under March's moody skies. Cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) Westerplatte walking trail comfortable.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for multiple WWII sites cost €25-35. Book 5-7 days ahead for guided tours that include heated transportation between outdoor sites. Many tours combine indoor museums with outdoor monuments perfectly suited for March's variable weather.

Traditional Polish Cooking Workshops

March is peak season for hearty Polish cuisine - locals crave warming dishes like pierogi, bigos, and żurek as winter transitions to spring. Cooking classes in March focus on seasonal ingredients and comfort foods. The cool weather makes kitchen workshops comfortable, and you'll learn dishes perfect for Gdansk's March climate.

Booking Tip: 3-hour workshops typically cost €45-65 per person including ingredients and meals. Book 10-14 days ahead as local classes fill up with residents during the quieter tourist season. Look for workshops in heated venues with traditional Polish home cooking focus.

Amber Workshop and Museum Visits

Gdansk's famous amber crafting workshops are perfect March activities. The Amber Museum in the Foregate offers fascinating displays, while hands-on workshops let you create jewelry during the 2-3 hour sessions. March's indoor focus aligns perfectly with this delicate craftwork, and artisan workshops are more available with fewer tourists.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs €8-12, while hands-on amber workshops range €35-55 per person. Book workshops 7-10 days ahead as local artisans offer more personalized attention during the low season. Look for heated workshop spaces and authentic Baltic amber materials.

Baltic Brewery and Distillery Tours

March is ideal for sampling Gdansk's craft beer and vodka scene. The cool weather makes warm, indoor brewery tours appealing, and you'll experience seasonal spring brewing preparations. Local breweries like those in the Shipyard area offer heated tasting rooms perfect for March's 6°C (43°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost €20-35 per person including 4-6 tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Many offer traditional Polish food pairings ideal for March weather. Look for tours with indoor facilities and multiple brewery stops via heated transportation.

Malbork Castle Day Trips

Europe's largest Gothic castle is spectacular in March with minimal crowds and dramatic lighting under cloudy skies. The 45-minute train ride from Gdansk costs €8-12 return, and March's cool weather makes the 3-4 hour castle exploration comfortable. Indoor chambers and heated areas provide perfect breaks from outdoor courtyard tours.

Booking Tip: Castle entry €12-18, guided tours €25-35. Book castle tours 3-5 days ahead. Train schedules run hourly - check current departure times. Combined train and castle packages available for €35-45. The booking section below shows current tour options including transportation.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Gdansk Music Festival Early Events

Preliminary concerts and venue preparations for the spring music season begin in March, with intimate chamber music performances at Cracow and the Baltic Philharmonic. These smaller concerts offer exceptional acoustics and authentic local cultural experiences.

Mid to Late March

Spring Craft Markets

Local artisans begin setting up seasonal markets in the Main Town, featuring amber jewelry, traditional Polish crafts, and early spring produce. Markets operate indoors and covered outdoor areas perfect for March weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated, waterproof boots - Gdansk's cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on varied surfaces

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from -1°C to 6°C (31°F to 43°F) daily, requiring base layers, sweater, and removable outer jacket

Compact umbrella - March brings light rain 10 days of the month, typically lasting 30-45 minutes each time

Warm, windproof jacket - Baltic Sea winds can drop the feel-like temperature by 5-8°C (9-14°F) especially near the waterfront

Moisturizing skincare - 70% humidity plus wind creates surprisingly dry skin conditions, especially around the nose and lips

Power bank and weatherproof phone case - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone navigation and photography

Warm hat and gloves - essential for early morning (before 9am) and evening (after 6pm) outdoor activities

Cash in small denominations - many local restaurants and craft vendors prefer cash, especially during the quieter March season

Comfortable indoor shoes - you'll spend significant time in museums, churches, and heated venues with shoe removal customs

Light scarf or neck warmer - perfect for transitioning between heated indoor attractions and cool outdoor walking sections

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation on Sundays through Tuesdays - Gdansk hotels offer 20-30% weekend discounts during March's low season, especially properties near the Bratislava

Eat lunch between 2-4pm at traditional restaurants - locals dine late, so you'll get better service, fresher food, and sometimes off-menu seasonal specials during the quiet afternoon period

Visit Cracow between 10-11am - the morning light through the medieval windows is spectacular, and you'll avoid the few tour groups that arrive after noon

Use the local PKM buses instead of taxis for trips to Sopot or Gdynia - buses run every 15 minutes, cost €2-3 instead of €15-20, and provide authentic local interaction during the less touristy March season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - many visitors pack for either cold OR mild weather, but March requires clothing for both conditions often in the Easttimor day

Skipping indoor attractions on sunny days - March's sunny periods are brief and unpredictable, so prioritize outdoor sightseeing when weather permits rather than sticking to rigid indoor/outdoor schedules

Expecting summer opening hours - many tourist services, restaurants, and attractions operate on reduced March schedules, typically closing 1-2 hours earlier than peak season