Dagestan in March 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air temperature in Derbent and Makhachkala, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions. What to do in Dagestan at the beginning of March or, better yet, at the end, during the school holidays, what to see first and second, says Eurotraveler.
Quite unexpectedly and even seemingly imperceptibly, Dagestan, once one of the most little-known regions of Russia for mass tourists, has turned into popular and sought after destination. Moreover, it is growing rapidly – in 2024, the republic was visited by 1.85 million tourists – kavkaz.rbc.ru/kavkaz/freenews/678a4d989a7947103b35cda5. Which is almost 6% more than in 2023, and more than 2 times more than in 2021!
There are no statistics for 2025 yet. Judging by conservative estimates, the rapid growth in attendance has stopped. But interest has not dropped – the republic should be visited by plus or minus the same number of tourists.
At first glance, such a noticeable increase in demand was ensured by the coronavirus pandemic, which significantly limited travel abroad. Having given an incredible impetus to domestic tourism and opening up new really interesting places in Russia.
And in the second, the driver was the imposed and increasingly tightened Western sanctions. Turning foreign travel into an overly expensive pleasure.
Of course, the southern Russian region on the shores of the warm Caspian Sea would sooner or later become popular tourist destination. Although perhaps not so quickly.
One way or another
but in March Dagestan even today sees absolutely few travelers. But those of them who dare to go to the still mysterious and very beautiful area in the eastern part of the Caucasus Range in early spring will receive a lot of bright impressions.
Because they will be able to feel almost like pioneers!
The few (so far) reviews available on the Internet on the topic of visiting Dagestan in early spring are full of satisfaction and even admiration. In particular, by the way, and the goodwill, purely Caucasian hospitality, of the local residents.
Weather? She will be cool but allowing do not deny yourself active movements — you can see all the interesting places in Dagestan you want.
Well, now – more details!
Weather in Dagestan in March
It is unlikely that anyone could call it hot. However, one cannot always call her cold.
This is quite “working” well suited for walks and sightseeing trips, weather! Cool at first and even warm – closer to April.
Therefore, citizens who chose to celebrate March 8 in Dagestan will almost certainly later be able to say that they will be the first We welcomed spring in Russia. There will be a reason praise yourself for saving — the costs of this kind of trip will not break even a modest tourist budget.
In early March, the air temperature in Dagestan – for example, in Derbent, (the southernmost city in Russia) – usually not higher than +8-12 degrees Celsius. At night, the atmosphere cools down to +2-6 °C.
By mid-March it could come to Dagestan as significant warming (up to +15-18 degrees Celsius), and… not come. And the air temperature during the day, even on the coast, will not exceed +8-10 °C.
At the end of March, the weather in Dagestan seems to remember that “it’s time” already – on the threshold of the second month of spring. So during the day the air on the Caspian Sea coast begins
warm up steadily up to +15 and above degrees Celsius, sometimes +20-22 °C
It is noteworthy that in Makhachkala in March no colderthan in the more southern Derbent. Despite the fact that these two cities are separated by a decent 130 km distance.
It rarely rains in early spring in Dagestan – 20 or 30 average millimeters of precipitation unlikely to be destroyed someone’s excursion plans. And this is another one incentive to organize a trip to the mountainous republic at the very beginning of spring.
Year after year
The picture changes a little, but you shouldn’t expect any fundamental differences. That is, for most of the month, one should be sensitive to very moderate and not too “southern” air temperatures.
And – if it’s warm for you – it’s fundamental point — go to Dagestan in early April. When comes to the republic real spring. And nature is blooming vigorously, painting the mountain slopes in breathtakingly bright colors.
Duration
Daylight hours in Makhachkala on March 1 exceed 11 hours. And a month later it’s getting very close to 13!
It dawns early: first half past seven, and on the threshold of April – at half past five in the morning. And it gets dark – about 6 o’clock (18) pm.
- Prices for daily rental apartments in Makhachkala
How to dress
You will almost certainly arrive in winter clothes – March in Russia is not a particularly warm month, generous with frost and snow. Even in the subtropics, somewhere in Sochi, no one would think of relaxing too much.
We also recommend taking with you:
Moreover, it is better if these are not ordinary sneakers, but something capable of more securely fix the ankle on mountain paths. Because, for example, climbing to the abandoned village of Gamsutl will require not only skill, but also the “correct” shoes.
It wouldn’t hurt to take children and gentle ladies along on a trip scarves and gloves, hats. In principle, everything indicated can be useful for men.
Especially if they intend to get the most out of the trip.
Prices 2026
A flight from Moscow to Makhachkala and back at the beginning of March will cost 14-25 thousand rubles per person (only hand luggage or with luggage weighing up to 20 kg). And it’s not particularly expensive!
Likewise, tourists will not be ruined by spending money on accommodation in Dagestan hotels and guest houses. Even despite the fact that prices have been accelerating inflation all the time in recent years!
For 4-5 thousand rubles per day in March you can even rent a 2-room apartment in Makhachkala. For family or company of 4 people!
A double room in a hotel costs approximately the same. It’s possible that it counts breakfast will be included.
Accommodation in Derbent is a little cheaper. Even if you stay in a hotel right on the shores of the Caspian Sea, you will sometimes pay about 4 thousand rubles per day – for two.
For a comparable amount, a couple of travelers will be sheltered in some guest house in early March near the city center
Prices for excursions around Dagestan also look quite democratic. In any case, they are in the Caucasian republic no higherthan in any of the cities of central Russia.
For 3,500 – 4,000 rubles, for example, you will take you to see the Sulak Canyon and perhaps even take a boat ride along it. The indicated amount often also includes an inspection of the Chirkey reservoir, lunch and a walk along the largest dune in Europe, Sarykum.
For 4-5 thousand rubles you will get to take part in a tour, the decoration of which will be ascent to the mountain ghost village of Gamsutl. Around 5 thousand rubles, but for an excursion, not a person, you will have to pay for a 3-4-hour walk through ancient Derbent.
- Inexpensive excursions in Dagestan
Things to do
Any tourist arriving in Dagestan, “railroad” wants to do two things. Will it be in March, or in some other month of the year!
- get to the Sulak Canyon
To look at the turquoise ribbon of the river sandwiched by rocks from a dizzying height. After all, this is one of the most impressive landscapes on planet Earth!
Along the way you take a ride along the riverto see all this splendor from a different angle. Admire the mountain eagles soaring above the landscape…
Usually, a visit to the Sulak Canyon includes at least a cursory inspection of the Chirkey Reservoir. And also the hydroelectric power station of the same name, which has the second largest dam in Russia.
Which, remarkably, looks like a smaller version of the famous Hoover Dam in Nevada, which has starred in so many Hollywood action films (for example, in “Transformers”)
The second mandatory point of the program – and sometimes the first, it all depends on preferences –
- includes a trip and inspection of Derbent
Cities with a thousand-year history are still like baklava soaked in syrup oriental flavor. Read about why you should definitely come here, for example, in this review – otzovik.com/review_8389158.html.
Near Derbent, the Lun ekranoplane is aging on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The brainchild of Soviet engineering, at one time received big names like “Caspian Monster” or “Aircraft Carrier Killer”.
From Makhachkala to Derbent only about 130 km by highway. So many people visit the ancient city in 1 day. Although more inquisitive citizens linger for a few!
Moreover, from Derbent in March you can go on an excursion to
Treasures of mountainous Dagestan
For example, visit the village of Kubachifamous for its master jewelers. Or go to Gunib, where the drama of the fifty-year Caucasian War officially ended.
See underground Saltinsky waterfall and the Chokh terraces, as if transported here from Vietnam or Indonesia. Visit the Tobot waterfall in Khunzakh and admire the picturesque Tzolotl Canyon!
- What to take with you on a trip to Dagestan
- How to get to Dagestan by car from Moscow
- Is it worth going to Kislovodsk in March?
- Where to go and where it’s warmer in Russia in March
© Eurotraveler
