Tallinn in March: What to Expect

Tallinn in March is cold and still wintry, but the medieval Old Town looks genuinely extraordinary under the last of the winter conditions. Snow is still possible, the Christmas market is long finished but the city is not yet at peak tourist season, and prices are among the lowest of the year. Tallinn's compact, walkable old city is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centres and in March you get it largely to yourself.

Weather

March in Tallinn is cold. Temperatures range from -3°C to 0°C at night to 3°C to 6°C during the day. Snow and ice are realistic in early March. A warm winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, and a hat and gloves are essential. Daylight increases notably through the month, from around 11 hours to nearly 14 hours by the end of March, which makes late March noticeably more pleasant than early March. Late March can see temperatures rise to 8°C to 10°C, and the city starts to feel like spring might actually be coming.

Crowds and Prices

Tallinn in March is quiet. The Old Town, Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Estonian Open Air Museum are all accessible without waiting. The Christmas market crowds of December and the summer visitors of July are equally absent. Hotels in and around the Old Town are at some of their lowest prices of the year. Flights from Helsinki, Stockholm, and Riga are inexpensive, and the city's food and bar scene is very affordable by Western European standards.

What's On

Tallinn Music Week typically runs in late March or early April and is one of the Baltic region's most significant music showcases, combining international acts with Baltic emerging artists in venues across the city. Check exact dates as you plan. The Old Town Days festival is a summer event. The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival runs in November, not March. March's quietness is itself the draw: the city without the tourist layer is particularly good.

One Thing to Watch

Some outdoor terraces and rooftop bars in the Old Town are not operating in March. The city's indoor bar and restaurant scene is excellent, but if outdoor socialising is part of your plan, March does not deliver it. The famous Telliskivi Creative City in the Kalamaja neighbourhood is an excellent alternative to the Old Town for an evening out, with year-round venues and a less tourist-facing atmosphere.

Our Tallinn travel guide covers the Old Town, Kalamaja, the best restaurants, and the practical information for making the most of one of the Baltic's most interesting capitals.