What's the Weather like in Helsinki in March
Temperature
While parts of the world are warming up for spring, Helsinki still spends most of March in below-freezing temperatures. The average daily temperature throughout the month is -2°C, with highs reaching just above freezing at 2°C and lows dipping down to -6°C. The days will begin to warm up towards the end of the month as the area heads into a warmer April.
Rain
A fairly dry month for Helsinki, March sees an average of only 40mm of rain and approximately 12 rainy days throughout the month. Mostly cloudy throughout the month, this coastal city is kept cool by sea temperatures of 0°C.
Wind
Cool winds will be blowing at around 14.5km/hour. Despite the clouds and coolness, humidity will be low during the winter and the chances of snow are dropping in March.
Sunshine Hours
The days will be lengthening throughout the month, starting at about 10.5 hours long with a 7:15 sunrise and a 17:45 sunset. By the end of March the sun rises at 6:45 and sets at 20:00, providing more than 13 hours of sunlight.
Because the weather is still cool, tourism tends to be low during this time of year. Travelers willing to bundle up will find less crowds, lower costs, and mostly dry days with plenty of sunlight. Because March is still wintery though, travelers are advised to check conditions before heading out for the day.
Helsinki Hotels in March
Scandic Paasi
Scandic Paasi offers plenty of amenities to make travelers feel at home, from the business traveler to the family with children. Several meeting rooms, an indoor playroom, a sauna, a fitness room and included breakfast are just some of the many amenities at Scandic Paasi. Located just north of the Central Station in the Siltasaari district, the quirky destination features colorful designs throughout the building and rooms. Guests can borrow walking poles or bicycles to tour Helsinki. Three restaurants are adjacent to the hotel, making it easy for tourists to find a spot for dinner after a long day of exploring. The Restaurant Meripavilijonki is a particularly unique option, floating on the sea with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hotel Indigo
Another unique experience, international chain Hotel Indigo is a perfect stay for art lovers. Local in Helsinki's stylish Design District, the boutique hotel offers a central location and 120 modern rooms decorated with murals designed by local artists. The hotel restaurant Bröd is an urban bistro serving both European and local foods, with a specialty in fresh bread. Guests are welcome to use the hotel's bicycles, locally made, to explore the city. After a busy day of touring, relax in the dry sauna or steam room, or at the BLVD 26 Lounge Bar. Complimentary WiFi, fitness studio and garage parking (with electric car charging) is available. The property says it is both eco-friendly and pet-friendly. Hotel Indigo is a great choice for travelers who want to spend a little more for a local experience.
Hotel F6
For a more homey feel, visitors will enjoy a stay at Hotel F6. Family-owned, most things at the hotel are local, organic and handmade. A courtyard holds a greenhouse in which herbs for the restaurant and bar are grown. A Finnish home-style breakfast is served daily with local ingredients. The hotel's bar Runar is named after architect Runar Finnilä and the hotel dog, Runar. The hotel's 66 stylish rooms are decorated using sustainable materials and the hotel runs on wind and water power. Hotel amenities include a central location, a gym, bicycles for rent, and a partnership with a local food delivery company in case guests want to order in. The hotel receives excellent 5-star reviews, making it one of the most highly rated boutique hotels in Helsinki.
Clarion Hotel at Helsinki Airport
Business travelers or those with an early morning flight may prefer to stay closer to the airport. The Clarion Hotel at Helsinki Airport is a mid-range option and offers 258 rooms, 12 conference rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a gym and sauna. Just two minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from Helsinki Central Station, the Clarion is a convenient option outside of the city center. The Kitchen & Table restaurant combines the flavors of Manhattan and Finland in a tasty twist so that travelers don't have to go into the city center to find excellent cuisine. Rooms range from an affordable standard double to a more luxurious suite.
Bars and Restaurants
Old Market Hall
Foodies will enjoy a stop at the historic Old Market Hall, which first opened its doors in 1889. Located next to Market Square, this Helsinki cornerstone hosts a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors will find coffees, breads, soups, wines, a deli, specialty cheeses, smoked sausages, and more. There are shops catering to special diets, such as gluten-free or vegetarian. There is a butcher shop for the visitor who prefers to cook their own meal, and plenty of restaurants for guests who prefer a quick meal. The international market hall features local and foreign cuisines; homesick travelers can find options including an American café and a Vietnamese restaurant. There is truly something for everyone, even the pickiest eater.
Ekberg Cafe
Another historical stop: Ekberg Café, Finland's oldest bakery, patisserie and café. In the city center, the newly renovated café offers a leisurely spot to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee. All of the food in the cafe is made in house, some are new and seasonal offerings, while other delicacies have been on the menu since it first opened 160 years ago. With perfectly refined recipes, fresh ingredients and organic coffees, Ekberg's goal is to pamper its customers' taste buds. Open daily, a buffet lunch includes warm options like soups, hot meals and breads, making it a great mid-day stop on a chilly day of touring the city.
Veggie
Vegetarians may tire of the traditionally fish and meat rich Scandinavian diet. Traveling a bit north of Helsinki will help, as tourists visit Veggie, a café and restaurant that caters to vegetarians and vegans. Menu options extend beyond basic salads, with options including veggie burgers, lasagnas, and calzones. A wood-paneled wall and bright decorations make the place feel comfortable and airy. Whether stopping in for a quick snack or a full dinner, Veggie is a popular option for locals and travelers alike.
Base Bar
Open late into the night all year, Base Bar offers a "rock 'n' roll" atmosphere with a large selection of beers to choose from. Centrally located and in a beautiful stone building, it's hard to miss the bar. Events are held throughout the year including live music and comedy clubs. This active spot also has a terrace for the occasional slightly warmer day in March (though you'll still want to bundle up). Boasting undoubtedly full pints, it's an easy to reach destination for travelers who like to relax and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Things to do in Helsinki in March
Esplanadi Park
To fully appreciate the Finnish architecture in Helsinki, travelers should bundle up warmly and head outdoors. A walk along Esplanadi park in the center of the city is a great place to start. Lined with classic cafes and restaurants, visitors will find a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and people watch during the day, while enjoying the city lights in the evening. Historic buildings line the park, such as Hotel Kämp, predating Finland's independence. A stage hosts performances throughout the year. The tourist information center is just across the street from the park, making it a great place to start exploring the city.
Sibelius Academy
Music lovers should check the Sibelius Academy calendar of events before their visit. The academy is the only music university in Finland, and one of the largest in Europe. Established in 1882, the institution is founded on classical music but also teaches jazz, folk music and music technology. Offering Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Music, the academy regularly hosts public concerts to showcase student and guest talents. With approximately 600 annual events, travelers can almost always find a concert to attend.
Casino Helsinki
With the weather still cold in March, travelers will want to look for indoor entertainment. Casino Helsinki offers a fun indoor evening for travelers. Open daily for guests 18 and older, there is no entrance fee so guests are welcome to stop in for a quick drink at the bar or an entire evening of poker, slot machines, table games, and a meal at the restaurant. Shows and other events are regularly hosted as well, for those looking for more than gambling. Fun for a cause, the casino donates its profits to local health and welfare programs.
Ateneum Art Museum
Located near the central railway station, the Ateneum Art Museum is an easy stop for art aficionados traveling through the area. Dedicated to the history of Finnish art, exhibits include paintings, sculptures, and short films. Housed in a 19th century building, the museum itself is a piece of Finnish history. Housing artwork up through the 1960s, newer pieces are available for viewing in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Those looking to learn more about art in a personal way will enjoy the adult workshops offered throughout the year, coffering topics such as learning how to draw or paint.
