Things to Do in Turku in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Turku
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-spring atmosphere with longer daylight hours (9 hours by late March vs 6 in December) creating a hopeful energy locals call 'kevätväsymys' recovery
- Significantly lower accommodation costs - March rates are 30-40% below summer pricing, with many hotels offering 'spring awakening' packages
- Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like Turku Castle and Cathedral - you'll often have spaces to yourself for photos and contemplation
- Prime time for authentic sauna culture - Finns embrace sauna most enthusiastically during late winter, and public saunas like Samppalinna are less crowded than summer
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from -10°C to +8°C (14°F to 46°F) within days - locals joke about 'four seasons in one week'
- Many archipelago tours and boat services remain closed until late March/early April, limiting access to Turku's famous island destinations
- Daylight is still limited to 9-11 hours, with overcast skies common, affecting mood and outdoor photography conditions
Best Activities in March
Indoor Cultural Heritage Tours
March is perfect for exploring Turku's medieval indoor attractions without summer crowds. Turku Castle offers intimate guided tours in English (departing 11am and 2pm) where you can actually hear the guide and examine artifacts closely. The cathedral's acoustics shine during March organ concerts. Temperature-controlled museums like Aboa Vetus showcase Roman ruins without the claustrophobic summer crowds.
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experiences
March represents peak sauna season in Finnish culture - locals use it to combat late winter blues and celebrate approaching spring. Public saunas like Samppalinna and Kupittaa operate with authentic wood-burning stoves, and March's cold temperatures make the contrast more invigorating. Many lakefront saunas offer 'ice dipping' experiences when lake ice begins breaking up.
Medieval Walking Discovery Tours
March weather allows for comfortable 2-3 hour walking explorations of medieval Turku without summer heat or winter's harsh conditions. The Old Great Square, medieval market streets, and riverside paths are ideal when temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F). Fresh snow often highlights the medieval architecture beautifully, and there's no summer construction disrupting historical areas.
Local Market and Food Hall Experiences
March showcases authentic Finnish winter cuisine at Kauppahalli (Market Hall) and Turku Market Square. Local vendors offer seasonal specialties like mustikkapiirakka (bilberry pie) and fresh winter fish preparations. The indoor market provides perfect shelter from March's variable weather while sampling local delicacies. Fewer tourists mean more interaction with local vendors.
Art Museum and Gallery Circuit
March is ideal for Turku's impressive art scene - Turku Art Museum and Wäinö Aaltonen Museum offer extensive collections in climate-controlled comfort. Many galleries schedule new exhibitions for March to capture pre-spring visitor interest. The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum demonstrates traditional crafts, particularly meaningful when viewed during Finland's craft-intensive winter season.
Archipelago Planning and Coastal Walks
While boat tours aren't operating, March is perfect for planning summer archipelago visits and exploring accessible coastal areas on foot. Ruissalo Island offers 8 km (5 miles) of winter walking paths with dramatic ice formations along the shoreline. The harbor area provides excellent views of the archipelago landscape, and ferry terminals offer information for planning future island visits.
March Events & Festivals
Turku Music Festival Spring Preview Events
Local music venues host preview concerts and chamber music performances building anticipation for summer's major festival. Features both classical and contemporary Finnish musicians in intimate venue settings.
Easter Market Preparations
Traditional Easter markets begin preparation in late March, with craft demonstrations and early vendor setups at Market Square. Local artisans showcase traditional Finnish Easter decorations and foods.