Tbilisi - Things to Do in Tbilisi in March

Things to Do in Tbilisi in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Tbilisi

13°C (55°F) High Temp
4°C (39°F) Low Temp
28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect weather for walking city tours - cool temperatures of 4-13°C (39-55°F) mean you can explore cobblestone Old Town for hours without overheating or exhaustion
  • Wine harvest season brings fresh churchkhela (Georgian grape candy) and new wine tastings at traditional marani cellars throughout the city
  • Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations March 20-21 create vibrant street festivals in Tbilisi's diverse neighborhoods, especially around Sioni Cathedral
  • Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peak, with luxury guesthouses averaging ₾80-120 ($30-45) per night

Considerations

  • Unpredictable weather requires layering - mornings start at 4°C (39°F) but afternoons reach 13°C (55°F), and sudden rain showers occur 10 days of the month
  • Sulfur baths district can feel uncomfortably cool for outdoor soaking when temperatures drop below 8°C (46°F) in early morning or evening
  • Some mountain day trips to Kazbegi or Svaneti may be cancelled due to snow at higher elevations above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Best Activities in March

Old Town Walking and Narikala Fortress Tours

March's cool 4-13°C (39-55°F) temperatures make climbing the steep cobblestone streets to Narikala Fortress comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. The fortress offers clear mountain views before spring haze sets in, and you can explore for 3-4 hours without fatigue. Rain showers are brief (15-20 minutes) and the stone architecture looks dramatic when wet.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 5-7 days ahead for ₾40-60 ($15-22) per person. Look for tours that include sulfur bath history and wine cellar stops. Reference booking widget for current tour availability and weather-flexible cancellation policies.

Traditional Georgian Cooking Classes

March is khachapuri season when locals crave hearty comfort foods as weather transitions from winter. Cooking classes focus on warming dishes like kharcho soup and khinkali dumplings. Indoor activity perfect for rainy days (10 expected in March), and you'll learn seasonal ingredients like early spring herbs and preserved winter vegetables.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for classes ranging ₾120-180 ($45-65) for 4-hour sessions including market visits. Choose classes in local homes rather than commercial kitchens for authentic experience. See current options in booking section below.

Wine Cellar Tours in Kakheti Region

March offers unique access to traditional qvevri wine aging processes as winter's fermentation completes. Cool weather means comfortable cellar visits, and you'll taste last year's harvest alongside aged reserves. The 2-hour drive east to Sighnaghi is pleasant in mild temperatures without summer's heat making the journey uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 10-14 days ahead, typically ₾200-300 ($75-110) including transport and 4-5 winery visits. Choose tours with traditional marani (wine cellars) visits rather than commercial wineries. Check current tours in booking widget below.

Sulfur Bath House Experiences

March's cool air makes the contrast with hot sulfur water (37°C/98°F) especially therapeutic. Locals traditionally visit baths during weather transitions to prevent spring colds. The historic Abanotubani district is less crowded than summer months, and you can enjoy 1-2 hour sessions without feeling rushed by tourist queues.

Booking Tip: Private bath sessions cost ₾80-150 ($30-55) for 2 hours. Book same-day for availability, or 2-3 days ahead for specific time preferences. Choose morning sessions (9-11am) when temperatures are coolest for maximum contrast effect.

Mtskheta Historical Site Tours

The former Georgian capital 20km (12.4 miles) from Tbilisi is ideal in March's mild weather for exploring UNESCO sites like Jvari Monastery. Cool temperatures make the uphill walks comfortable, and pre-spring timing means clear views of Aragvi and Mtkvari river confluence without summer's heat haze.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ₾100-150 ($35-55) including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead, combining with Gori or Uplistsikhe for full-day options. Weather-dependent outdoor walking required, so choose flexible cancellation policies.

Contemporary Art Gallery and Studio Tours

March gallery openings feature local artists preparing for spring exhibition season. Fabrika creative space and Tbilisi History Museum host special exhibitions, perfect indoor activities for the month's 10 rainy days. The cool weather makes walking between galleries in Vera and Sololaki districts comfortable.

Booking Tip: Most galleries are free, but guided art tours cost ₾60-100 ($22-37) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book cultural tours 3-5 days ahead. Many galleries close Mondays, so plan for Tuesday-Sunday visits.

March Events & Festivals

March 20-21

Nowruz Persian New Year Celebration

Tbilisi's significant Persian and Azerbaijani communities celebrate with traditional music, dance, and food around Sioni Cathedral area. Street vendors sell traditional sweets and locals perform fire-jumping rituals. Free public celebration with authentic cultural immersion opportunity.

Early March

Georgian Wine Festival Opening Events

Early March marks the beginning of spring wine events as cellars open their winter-aged qvevri wines for first tastings. Local wine bars host special tasting events featuring previous year's harvest alongside aged varieties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and rain occurs 10 days in March
Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 4°C (39°F) morning to 13°C (55°F) afternoon require easy adjustment options
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - March showers are brief but frequent, lasting 15-30 minutes typically
Warm socks for sulfur bath visits - tile floors in historic bath houses stay cold even when ambient temperature is mild
Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours and indoor activities mean more navigation and translation app usage
Cash in Georgian Lari - many traditional wine cellars and local restaurants don't accept cards, budget ₾200-300 daily
Lip balm and moisturizer - 70% humidity combined with cool air can cause chapping, especially during wine tours
Scarf or light neck covering - churches require modest dress, and cool morning temperatures make scarves practical
Comfortable day pack - wine tours and walking tours require carrying water, snacks, and extra layers for weather changes
Sunglasses despite cool weather - UV index of 4 and bright spring sun reflecting off cobblestones can cause eye strain

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat khachapuri for breakfast during March weather transitions - join them at corner bakeries opening at 8am for fresh, warm cheese bread that costs ₾3-5
Wine cellars offer best tastings between 11am-2pm when natural light illuminates the qvevri vessels and temperatures are optimal for tasting
Take marshrutkas (shared minivans) instead of taxis for authentic transport experience - routes to Mtskheta cost ₾1 versus ₾40-60 for taxis
March is when locals prune grapevines - many vineyards offer hands-on pruning experiences not available in tourist seasons, ask at family-owned wineries

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing only light spring clothes without layers - March mornings at 4°C (39°F) require warm clothing even though afternoons reach 13°C (55°F)
Planning outdoor mountain trips without weather backup plans - elevations above 1,500m (4,921 ft) can have snow and closed roads in March
Expecting consistent weather patterns - March is transition month with unpredictable daily changes requiring flexible daily planning

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