Things to Do in Brasov in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Brasov
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 25-40% compared to December-February peak ski season, with quality guesthouses available from 150-250 RON per night instead of 300-400 RON
- Snow conditions remain excellent in early March at Poiana Brasov ski resort (1,030-1,775 m / 3,379-5,823 ft elevation) with 50-100 cm (20-39 inches) base depth, but lift lines are significantly shorter after school holidays end
- The transition period creates unique photo opportunities - you'll catch the last proper snow in the mountains while the old town starts showing early spring colors, particularly stunning around the Black Church and Council Square
- March brings longer daylight hours (sunrise around 6:30am, sunset around 6pm by month's end) compared to winter, giving you more time for both mountain activities and city exploration without the summer tourist crowds that arrive in April
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability is genuinely challenging - you might experience proper winter one day (snowfall, -5°C/23°F) and early spring the next (sunny, 12°C/54°F), making it difficult to plan outdoor activities more than 2-3 days ahead
- The melting snow and spring thaw create muddy, slushy conditions on hiking trails below 1,000 m (3,281 ft), particularly on popular routes like the Warthe Defile and lower Postavaru trails, making them unpleasant and sometimes unsafe
- By late March, ski conditions deteriorate noticeably - afternoon temperatures can reach 10°C (50°F) at lower elevations, creating icy, patchy slopes that aren't ideal for beginners or those expecting pristine powder
Best Activities in March
Poiana Brasov Skiing and Snowboarding
Early to mid-March still offers solid skiing at Romania's premier winter resort, just 12 km (7.5 miles) from Brasov city center. The shoulder season means you'll actually get down the slopes without the February crowds, though you'll want to stick to morning sessions when the snow is firmest. The resort has 23 km (14 miles) of runs across all difficulty levels, with the upper slopes maintaining better conditions throughout March. What makes this month particularly good is the combination of decent snow coverage and significantly shorter lift queues - you might wait 5 minutes instead of 20-30 minutes during peak season.
Tampa Mountain Cable Car and Viewpoint Hikes
The cable car up Tampa Mountain (400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain) operates year-round and provides spectacular views over Brasov and the surrounding Carpathians, particularly dramatic in March when you'll see the contrast between snow-covered peaks and the greening valley. The summit area usually has patchy snow in early March but clears by month's end. The microclimate up here means temperatures drop 5-7°C (9-13°F) from the base, so what feels like pleasant 8°C (46°F) spring weather in town becomes proper winter conditions at the top. The Hollywood-style Brasov sign is accessible via a 20-minute walk from the upper station.
Old Town Walking Tours and Medieval Architecture
March is actually ideal for exploring Brasov's historic center on foot - cool temperatures (5-10°C / 41-50°F) make walking comfortable, and you'll avoid the summer crowds that pack Council Square and Rope Street from May onward. The Gothic Black Church, built 1385-1477, is particularly atmospheric when occasional March snow dusts its roof. The medieval fortifications, including the White Tower and Black Tower, remain accessible though the climb up can be icy in early March. The Council Square area hosts early spring markets toward month's end, with local vendors selling traditional crafts and early season produce.
Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Day Trips
The famous Dracula's Castle (Bran Castle) sits 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Brasov and sees 40-50% fewer visitors in March compared to summer peak, meaning you can actually explore the rooms and courtyards without being swept along in tour group traffic. The surrounding village and mountain backdrop look particularly striking with lingering snow. Rasnov Fortress, 15 km (9 miles) from Brasov, offers similar medieval atmosphere with better panoramic views and even smaller crowds. The combination of both sites makes a solid day trip, though the access road to Rasnov can be icy in early March.
Traditional Romanian Cuisine Experiences
March is prime season for hearty Romanian winter dishes before restaurants transition to spring menus. You'll find the best sarmale (cabbage rolls), tochitura (pork stew), and ciorba de burta (tripe soup) - the kind of substantial fare that makes sense when it's still freezing outside. The restaurant scene in Brasov's old town caters heavily to tourists, but locals actually eat in the neighborhoods around Strada Republicii and near the train station where prices drop 30-40%. March also brings the last of the winter preserves and pickles that accompany every proper Romanian meal.
Peles Castle and Sinaia Mountain Resort
Peles Castle, 45 km (28 miles) north of Brasov in Sinaia, ranks as Romania's most ornate royal palace and sees manageable visitor numbers in March. The Neo-Renaissance castle sits at 900 m (2,953 ft) elevation surrounded by forest, often with snow still visible on the grounds in early March. Sinaia itself offers additional skiing opportunities at a slightly lower price point than Poiana Brasov, plus the Sinaia Monastery and pleasant mountain town atmosphere. The drive from Brasov takes about an hour through scenic Prahova Valley, though the mountain road can be challenging in snowy conditions.
March Events & Festivals
Martisor Spring Celebration
March 1st marks Martisor, a traditional Romanian and Moldovan celebration welcoming spring. You'll see locals exchanging small red-and-white string tokens (also called martisor) that women wear pinned to clothing throughout the month. Markets in Council Square sell these tokens along with early spring flowers, particularly snowdrops. While not a major festival with parades, it's a genuine cultural tradition worth experiencing - locals take it seriously and you'll notice the red-white color scheme everywhere from shop windows to bakery decorations.