Murmansk in March 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices for air tickets and hotels, on excursions. What to do and what to see in Murmansk and Kirovsk in March, where to go on the Kola Peninsula – says Eurotraveler.
There is an opinion that early spring is not the best time to visit Murmansk. At least for tourism purposes.
Like, it’s cold and snowy there at this time. And therefore, you will have to concentrate not on sightseeing and trips around the Kola Peninsula, not on hunting for the polar lights, but on don’t freeze and not get stuck in a snowdrift.
Most potential travelers think so! Due to “non-flying weather”, people are postponing a trip to the Murmansk region until brighter and warmer weather arrives.
But active citizens will be able to discover much more positive qualities the “Capital of the Arctic” waking up after a harsh winter.
And, in particular, the fact that March in Murmansk is the best month for skiing. Both in the vicinity of the city and on the slopes near Kirovsk.
You can also count on a little more sunny days. On not too high prices. And a very small number of competitors.
After all, even high probability Meetings with the Northern Lights have not yet been able to lure numerous tourists to Murmansk in March.
So if you are ready to close your eyes to the disadvantages and are able to use the outstanding advantages –
think about a trip to the Kola Peninsula in early spring!
For our part, we will try to provide you with up-to-date information. Both for planning a trip to Murmansk by car and by plane (train).
By the way, here’s your first piece of advice: be carefulwalking in the evenings in desert areas. Including in urban areas!
After all, bears in search of food in the spring sometimes even wander into residential areas “Capitals of the Russian Arctic”.
Weather in Murmansk in March
On the one hand, it’s so-so, the air temperature rarely rises above 0 °C. On the other hand, it’s interesting!
Because while in most Russian cities the pressing spring is finishing off the last signs of winter, in the Arctic you can find dazzling white snow and even bitter frosts. The latter mostly (fortunately) crackle at night – during the day you are more likely to hear drops and the murmur of streams…
For example, at the beginning of March the weather in Murmansk is not too cold, and the air temperature fluctuates uncertainly in the range of -3-+2 °C. At night it can be down to -4-10 °C, and this is still at best!
All this creates almost ideal weather conditions for skiing and snowboarding
And also for walks and excursion trips throughout literally the Kola Peninsula.
Naturally, such mild weather conditions will be appreciated by those who would like to get there without any problems and then take a walk (for example, on March 8) around Teriberka. And also travelers who intend to visit such harsh places in early spring as the Lovozero tundra or, for example, the Rybachy Peninsula (there, however, it’s guaranteed to be colder).
It is curious that the relatively warm start of the month is not a promise of early spring. Since the middle and end of March in Murmansk can easily be colder than its first ten days.
And then the daytime temperatures will move to the range -4-8 °C. At night, even on the threshold of April, the local atmosphere can cool down to -20-25 °C.
There are usually no sunny days at all (the probability of a clear day does not exceed 5-10%). But snowfalls rarely create serious problems, such as getting stuck on a completely swept road to Teriberka.
During the entire first month of spring, an average of 40-50 mm of snow falls in the region
The length of daylight in Murmansk reaches almost 10 hours already on March 1: the sun rises at 8 am and sets a little earlier than 6 pm. By the end of the first month of spring, daylight hours increase to almost 14 hours – ru.365.wiki/world/russia/murmansk/sun/calendar/march/.
That’s how she is! “Payback” for the 40-day total polar winter!
- Inexpensive apartments in Murmansk for daily rent
How to dress
Based on the above, we – as well as the authors of most reviews – recommend don’t get euphoric. And stock up on exclusively warm and windproof clothing.
As if you are going on an Antarctic expedition or intend to conquer the North Pole
Why? It’s all about high humidity and sometimes knife-cut winds.
Because of which unprotected areas of the skin, even in mild frost, can feel as if… that is completely lose sensitivity.
Of course, those who travel to Murmansk in March and further – to Kirovsk – to ski, can limit themselves to multi-layered, but light and not restricting clothing. Tourists who are mainly interested in excursions around the region should insulate much more thoroughly.
Long coats and sheepskin coats, ugg boots and other fur-lined shoes have every chance of coming in handy. Equally, they will probably be used for their intended purpose: thermal underwear, various sweaters and sweatshirts, thick woolen socks.
Are you planning to walk around Murmansk or visit Lovozero? You will go to the Tersky coast of the White Sea, which is slightly warmer in terms of climate. Or go see the northern hills on the edge of the Barents Sea.
Prices 2026
Flights from Moscow to Murmansk and back in early March will cost at least 15-17 thousand rubles for an adult passenger and his (not the most microscopic, by the way) luggage. The journey will take from 2.5 to almost 3 hours in each direction.
Traveling to and from the airport will take up some more time. By the way, it’s cheap to get from the Murmansk air hub to the city center possible by regular bus.
It doesn’t go very often, the schedule is posted here – airport-murmansk.ru/transport/how/bus/.
A trip to Murmansk from the capital on the branded train “Arctic” will cost ~8.2 thousand rubles per person one way (reserved seat, compartment costs from 12 thousand). And with this method of moving in space you will have to spend not 5-6 hours, but about 35.
There are also cheaper trains (from 5.5 thousand one way). But you will also spend about 40 hours on the road.
The cost of accommodation in Murmansk hotels in March, that is, in the off-season, is not too high. So, after a little searching, you will find good offers for 2.5-4 thousand rubles for two per day.
It will help connoisseurs of home comfort and pronounced individualists Murmansk private sector. It’s also very inexpensive – you can rent a renovated 1-room apartment for 3-3.5 thousand rubles.
Things to do
The list of opportunities available to tourists arriving in Murmansk at the beginning of spring and not primarily intending to ski, not particularly extensive. But it allows you to fully get acquainted with the area and enjoy active entertainment on a fresh holiday!
In the city itself, you should pay attention to the nuclear icebreaker “Lenin”, a real monument to Russian engineers and Arctic explorers. Pay tribute to the memory of the heroes by mourning at the foot of the Alyosha monument.
And perhaps take a look at the city local history museum – there are quite a few interesting exhibits collected there
A guided sightseeing tour of Murmansk will allow you to learn much more about its history, which dates back just over 100 years. And visit main observation siteswhich offers wonderful views of the Kola Bay.
Where to go
Next you can for a day go to Teriberka. “Fly” on a swing overlooking the Barents Sea, wander along the beaches.
Look into the distance and inside yourself, immerse yourself in the appropriate mood in the cemetery of abandoned ships.
Fans of leisurely travel can go to the famous Pomeranian village for a few days. Because in Teriberka there are hotels and even apartments for daily rent – only they are more expensive than in Murmansk itself.
In recent years, along with the growth of the tourist flow, they opened in the village and good restaurants with “sea” cuisine.
By the way, those who are determined to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory most often get stuck in Teriberka. And I studied enough Internet advice to understand – the farther you will find yourself away from civilization and its lights,
the higher the chances of becoming an eyewitness to a unique natural phenomenon
City of Kirovsk
and in March attracts ski lovers (it is located 210 km south of Murmansk). Moreover, prices here are low in comparison with Krasnaya Polyana and Dombay. And there are plenty of opportunities for skiing both on prepared trails and freeride.
One has only to remember that the danger of avalanches in the Murmansk region in March will increase greatly. And so much snow accumulates here during the winter that there are even two-meter snowdrifts.
Kirovsk also has an excellent modern museum center, the highlight of which is its rich collection of minerals. There is another tourist magnet near the city – “Snow Village”. The exhibition of this museum consists of snow and ice sculptures and structures.
What else
Overrated – so it is considered – regional attraction, Sami villageis located very close to Murmansk. Here you can get acquainted with the peculiarities of life of the indigenous people, the Sami. You can also ride a reindeer or dog sled.
Much more extreme, especially in winter, is an excursion to Lovozero tundra. The region is wild and mysterious, even today difficult to access.
But at the same time incredibly beautiful and extremely atmospheric! Allowing you, without any difficulty, to feel a complete separation… from civilization!
© Eurotraveler
