Things to Do in Armenia in March

March Weather in Armenia

15°C (59°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

23mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - crisp 15°C (59°F) days ideal for Dilijan trails without summer heat exhaustion
Nowruz (March 21) celebrations create authentic cultural immersion with flower markets and traditional sweets citywide
Snow-capped Mount Ararat views at their clearest - winter pollution clears but summer haze hasn't started
Shoulder season pricing - accommodations 30-40% cheaper than peak summer rates, flights from Europe €200-400 less

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - can be 12°C (54°F) and sunny, then 4°C (39°F) with sleet the next day
Many mountain roads to Tatev and Khor Virap still have ice patches, requiring careful planning or postponed trips
Limited daylight hours (11 hours) mean outdoor sightseeing ends by 6pm, cramming activities into shorter windows

Best Activities in March

Yerevan Walking Tours and Museum Visits

March's cool 15°C (59°F) temperatures make walking Yerevan's volcanic tuff stone streets comfortable without summer's scorching heat. The Cascade complex and Republic Square are perfect for photography with clear mountain backdrops. Museums stay busy with locals during spring school holidays, creating authentic cultural atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators, typically 8,000-15,000 AMD ($20-38) for 3-4 hour tours. Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best weather conditions before afternoon temperature drops. See current options in booking section below.

Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple Excursions

March weather eliminates summer crowds but roads remain accessible. The 32km (20 mile) journey takes 45 minutes each way. Geghard's cave chambers stay naturally cool year-round, while Garni's Roman columns contrast beautifully against possible snow-dusted Azat River gorge.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 12,000-20,000 AMD ($30-50) including transport and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or licensed tour operators. Afternoon departures (1pm) allow morning Yerevan exploration. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Dilijan National Park Nature Walks

March marks ideal hiking season before summer heat and after winter snow melts. Trails around Dilijan town offer 2-6km (1.2-3.7 mile) walks through awakening forests. Lake Parz remains partially frozen, creating unique photo opportunities. Elevation 1,200m (3,937 ft) means layers essential for temperature changes.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Yerevan cost 15,000-25,000 AMD ($38-63) including lunch and transport. Independent travelers can take marshrutka (shared taxi) for 1,500 AMD ($4) each way. Book guided nature walks 1 week ahead during spring awakening season. Current tour options available below.

Armenian Brandy and Wine Tastings

March coincides with new vintage releases at Ararat Brandy Factory and local wineries. Indoor tastings perfect for variable weather days. Vayots Dzor wine region accessible by car but weather-dependent. Yerevan distilleries offer consistent indoor experiences with traditional tasting rooms.

Booking Tip: Factory tours range 4,000-8,000 AMD ($10-20) for basic tastings, 12,000-20,000 AMD ($30-50) for premium experiences. Book 3-4 days ahead, especially for weekend slots. Private winery tours to Areni region cost 25,000-40,000 AMD ($63-100) full day. See booking options below.

Vernissage Weekend Market Shopping

March weather perfect for browsing Yerevan's weekend arts and crafts market near Republic Square. Vendors begin selling spring items - traditional pottery, handwoven textiles, and Soviet-era antiques. Saturday-Sunday operation means planning around weekend schedule. Indoor sections available during rain.

Booking Tip: Free to browse, budget 5,000-15,000 AMD ($13-38) for quality handcrafts. Guided cultural shopping tours available through local operators for 8,000-12,000 AMD ($20-30) including historical context. Best visited 10am-2pm before afternoon weather changes. No advance booking needed for market access.

Khor Virap Monastery with Ararat Views

March offers clearest Mount Ararat visibility before summer haze. The 30-minute drive south from Yerevan crosses Ararat Plain. Monastery's underground chamber requires warm clothing - stays 8°C (46°F) year-round. Best photography between 11am-2pm when clouds typically clear from mountain peaks.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically 10,000-18,000 AMD ($25-45) including transport and monastery entrance. Road conditions variable in March - check weather reports day before. Combined tours with Noravank add 8,000-12,000 AMD ($20-30). Book through licensed operators 2-3 days ahead. Current tours available in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

March 21

Nowruz (Armenian New Year)

March 21st celebration marking spring equinox with traditional foods, flower markets, and family gatherings. Experience authentic apricot blossom viewing, traditional gata bread, and spring cleaning rituals. Streets filled with tulip and hyacinth vendors, creating colorful market atmosphere throughout Yerevan.

March 8

International Women's Day Celebrations

March 8th remains major celebration in Armenia with flower giving traditions, special restaurant menus, and cultural events. Museums and galleries often offer free admission for women. Streets filled with mimosa and tulip vendors from early morning.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start 2°C (36°F), afternoons reach 15°C (59°F), requiring thermal base + sweater + removable jacket

Waterproof hiking boots - snow patches remain on monastery paths, and spring melt creates muddy conditions at elevations above 1,000m (3,281 ft)

Light rain jacket with hood - March brings 10 rainy days averaging 20-minute afternoon showers with occasional sleet

Warm hat and gloves - morning monastery visits can feel like -2°C (28°F) with wind chill in mountain locations

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, essential for navigation and photography

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 4 intensified by snow reflection at altitude, especially around Lake Sevan

Cash in small denominations - many vendors and marshrutka drivers cannot change large bills, keep 1,000 AMD notes handy

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Yerevan's volcanic stone streets become slippery when wet from spring rains

Daypack for monastery visits - some sites require modest dress, pack scarf/shawl for covering shoulders and head

Reusable water bottle - indoor heating in hotels and restaurants causes dehydration in 70% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Locals start outdoor café season in mid-March when temperatures hit 12°C (54°F) - join them at Northern Avenue for people watching and strong Armenian coffee

March is grape pruning season in Areni wine region - some wineries offer hands-on pruning experiences not available other months, call directly for arrangements

Yerevan's thermal pools at Arzni (23km/14 miles away) become popular with locals in March - 38°C (100°F) natural springs perfect contrast to cool air

Book internal flights to Kapan or Gyumri 2+ weeks ahead - March weather makes these routes unreliable, airlines often oversell expecting cancellations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating mountain weather changes - Dilijan can be 10°C (18°F) colder than Yerevan forecast, always pack extra layers for day trips

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 11 hours daylight and variable weather, limit to 2-3 major sights per day maximum

Forgetting cash for small vendors - rural monasteries and roadside stops don't accept cards, carry 10,000-15,000 AMD ($25-38) daily