Poland in March: tips for making the most of your spring in Poland
- Jump to why it’s worth visiting the city of Lublin in eastern Poland
- Jump to ideas for spring weekend getaways in Poland
- Jump to thermal baths in Poland
- Jump to the weather in Poland in March
- Jump to the time change in Poland in March 2025
- Jump to trade ban Sundays in Poland in March 2025
- Jump to dates to remember in Poland in March 2025
- Jump to things you can’t miss in Poland in March (crocuses blooming in the Tatra Mountains, the first fresh spring vegetables in Poland, the first signs of spring to enjoy)
- Jump to Easter traditions in Poland
Why it’s worth visiting the city of Lublin
Lublin is a city in eastern Poland with a rich history, unique monuments, and excellent regional cuisine. It is the capital of the voivodeship and the eighth-largest city in Poland in terms of population. In recent years, Lublin has been increasingly mentioned on the list of the most essential attractions in Poland. It has the advantage over the largest cities in Poland that there are fewer tourists there, and a calmer atmosphere reigns on the city streets.
Our post covers:
- How to get to Lublin by train, by car, by bus, by plane
- Lublin Castle
- The Underground Tourist Route in the Old Town
- The Lublin Open Air Village Museum
- Live Museum (interactive show) of Cebularz (local snack)
- Carnaval Sztukmistrzów – Festival of Modern Circus Street Art and Urban Highline
- Things to do outdoors in Lublin
- Things to do indoors in Lublin
- Visiting Majdanek Museum – Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp
- Visiting charming historic towns near Lublin: Kazimierz Dolny, Zamość, Sandomierz
More in our post: The city of Lublin for a weekend.
Ideas for spring weekend getaways in Poland
The city of Kraków (Cracow)
Kraków is the second-largest city in Poland (after Warsaw) in terms of population and area—the former capital of Poland and the seat of Polish kings. On one hand, it’s small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed here. On the other hand, it is so rich in history, culture, nature, and tourist attractions that you want to stay here longer or return!
Finding accommodation in Krakow is easy. There are many hotels in different price ranges close to the main tourist attractions and a wide selection of apartments for short rent if you prefer that option.
There are plenty of restaurants in Krakow serving traditional Polish dishes, as well as restaurants serving international cuisine. As in other large cities in Poland, finding a child-friendly restaurant with a special kids’ menu, a play area, or changing facilities is not difficult.
Our post on visiting the city of Kraków covers:
- How to get to Krakow by train, by car, by plane
- Attractions of Krakow: Main Market Square and the Old Town; Kraków’s Royal Castle – Wawel and the legendary dragon’s den; the Museum of Obwarzanek – make your own famous traditional Kraków snack; water park; the Museum of Japanese Art and Culture; Day trip from Krakow: the underground salt mine in the town of Wieliczka; Other Krakow day trip ideas: the Ojcowski National Park, the Tatra National Park & Zakopane, “Energylandia” amusement park
Click here to read our post on visiting the city of Kraków.
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe, and it is called by many to be the biggest castle in the world. Built in several stages, starting in the 13th century and thoroughly restored after the Second World War, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress, picturesquely situated on the river, consists of three castles. It is an exciting tour for all kinds of tourists, not only history fans but for both adults and kids.
Visiting the Castle in Malbork is an excellent idea for a one-day trip in Poland, a weekend getaway, or a several-hour trip while visiting the city of Gdańsk, from where you can get to Malbork in just 50 minutes (our tips on visiting the city of Gdańsk).
Our post on visiting the Castle in Malbork covers:
- How to get to the Malbork Castle by train, car, or plane.
- Tips on visiting the Castle in Malbork.
- Other attractions in Malbork (indoor & outdoor).
The Castle is located in the town of Malbork – in northern Poland, in the Pomeranian Province, picturesquely situated on the Nogat River. Malbork’s location on Google Maps.
Click here to read our post on visiting Malbork Castle.
Weekend getaways in Poland: explore the beauty of Poland on a short escape.
The biggest thermal baths in Poland
Bathing in the outdoor thermal pool in winter, surrounded by snow, is quite an experience! However, in the Polish climate, thermal pools are a popular attraction in Poland at any time of the year, not only in winter;) A visit to one of the thermal spas in Poland can be a weekend getaway or you can combine it with hiking or sightseeing. At thermal baths in Poland, you can enjoy outdoor and indoor pools, spa treatments, and other attractions typical for water parks.
You will find information about the biggest thermal baths in Poland in our post: Thermal baths in Poland: the biggest hot springs and thermal spas.
Termy Maltańskie – thermal pools in the city of Poznań
The Termy Maltańskie Water Park has 10+ sports and recreational swimming pools (outdoor and indoor) with a total water surface area of 5,000 m². There are 3 geothermal pools (1 indoor pool, 1 year-round outdoor pool, 1 seasonal outdoor pool) that have the water extracted from a depth of 1,306 meters. Other attractions include an outdoor beach, 11 pool slides, 2 playgrounds, a paddling pool. 300 meters from the water park is the Novotel family-friendly hotel (website in English).
Photo source: Termy Maltańskie
Read more (locations, info, photos, contacts) about other thermal baths in Poland in our post:
Thermal baths in Poland: the biggest hot springs and thermal spas.
Weather in Poland in March
Although March is technically the beginning of spring, it’s usually still cold in Poland, and the weather changes often – one week, you feel as if spring is just around the corner, and next week there is snow and frost. You can experience all kinds of weather in Poland in March. An old Polish proverb says, ‘W marcu jak w garncu‘, meaning ‘March is like a pot’ (we can have anything – mixed weather conditions).
The average monthly temperature in March in Poland is 3,2°C / 37.8°F, and the average monthly rainfall level is 37,5 mm (the third lowest after February and April).
Read more about the weather and changes in nature in Poland in spring.
Time change in Poland in March 2025
Time change (zmiana czasu), March 30, 2025
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 02:00 am, clocks go forward 1 hour to 03:00 am. The change to summertime in Poland occurs on the last Sunday of March. Poland switches back to regular time on the last Sunday of October. The European Union lawmakers wanted to end the twice-a-year (March and October) custom of time changes throughout the European Union, leaving member states the freedom to decide their standard time. But the coronavirus pandemic has put these plans on hold.
The next time change in Poland – October 26, 2025.
Click here to learn more about the time change in Poland.
Trade ban Sundays in Poland in March 2025
In March 2025, there will be no shopping Sundays in Poland. The next shopping Sunday will be on April 13 and April 27. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland. Read our post with the list of online stores in Poland delivering groceries to your home.
Dates to remember in Poland in March 2025
- March 4
Last day of the carnival, Śledzik (herring night), Ostatki (last days of carnival)
This is the last chance to party (typically with drinking and music) before the start of Lent (which doesn’t mean there are no parties during Lent in Poland, just not as many). The party/dinner is called in Polish Śledzik (little herring) because, during old-fashioned Polish parties, it was a popular appetizer washed down with alcohol.
- March 5
Ash Wednesday (Środa Popielcowa, Popielec)
The first day of Lent. People go to churches where priests put ashes (made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday) on people’s foreheads saying ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return’ (‘Z prochu powstałeś i w proch się obrócisz’). It is a tradition among the Roman Catholics in Poland to avoid meat, alcohol, sweets, and snacks on that day.
- March 8
Women’s Day (Dzień Kobiet)
The tradition of Women’s Day is not as popular as during the communist time in Poland, but still, women usually get flowers or other gifts.
- March 10
Men’s Day (Dzień Mężczyzny)
In Poland, Boy’s Day and Men’s Day are celebrated – Boy’s Day (September 30) is a much more popular holiday than Men’s Day.
- March 17
St. Patrick’s Day (Dzień Świętego Patryka)
Poland also celebrates St. Patrick’s Day – people wear green, and there are parades, festivals, concerts.
- March 21
Truant’s Day / Skip Day (Dzień Wagarowicza)
The first day of spring. The old Polish folk tradition of the first day of spring is to drown Marzanna (a straw figure of a woman symbolizing winter) in the nearest river (nowadays, mostly in rural areas and by children at schools). For children, the first spring day is Truant’s Day / Skip Day (Dzień Wagarowicza). Some students skip classes, but usually, it’s just a special fun day at school – students dress up funnily, schools organize competitions and games, and there are no tests on this day. Click here to read more about the weather in Poland in spring.
- March 30
Time change (zmiana czasu)
On Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 02:00 am, clocks go forward 1 hour to 03:00 am. The change to summertime in Poland occurs on the last Sunday of March. Poland switches back to regular time on the last Sunday of October. The European Union lawmakers wanted to end the twice-a-year (March and October) custom of time changes throughout the European Union, leaving member states the freedom to decide their standard time. But the coronavirus pandemic has put these plans on hold. Click here to learn more about the time change in Poland.
Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in spring 2025.
Things you can’t miss in Poland in March
Take a walk to the park in search of the first signs of spring
Nature starts slowly to come back to life in March. You may notice the first flowers blooming: white snowdrops (przebiśnieg) and yellow, white, or purple crocuses (krokus). Another symbol of early spring in Poland is willow twigs with buds (bazie). You may notice them in almost every park in Poland or buy willow twigs bunch at any florist or shopping market.
Willow twigs (bazie)
Snowdrops (przebiśniegi)
Crocuses (krokusy)
Remember an essential Polish word of the spring glossary – ‘nowalijki’
After months of winter vegetables, spring in Poland welcomes us with the first fresh local treasures. In Polish, they have a unique name – nowalijki – bringing something new, early vegetables. Nowalijka (singular) means a young vegetable available for sale for the first time in spring.
Currently, in Poland, if you fancy a radish or tomato in the middle of winter, that’s no problem. But not so long ago, during the communist era, before 1989, only local products were available in Poland. You can imagine the joy of seeing the first fresh green vegetables (nowalijki) after eating winter root vegetables and frozen or canned veggies for months!
Polish nowalijki include, among others, lettuce, radishes, young carrots, chives, watercress, and parsley.
Don’t miss them! Some vegetables come and go quickly, so make the most of them while they last.
Our post Spring vegetables in Poland includes info about six springtime vegetables you must try while they are in season in Poland: sorrel (szczaw), kohlrabi/cabbage turnip (kalarepa or kalarepka), rhubarb (rabarbar), cress (rzeżucha), botwina beetroot, asparagus (szparagi).
This is what classic Polish sandwiches with spring vegetables (nowalijki) look like:
Springtime in the Tatra Mountains and crocuses in the Chochołowska Valley in Poland
The season for crocus bloom in the Tatras usually starts in late March / April. One of the most popular crocuses photo spots in Poland is Dolina Chochołowska. The Chochołowska Valley is also one of the most popular tourist hiking trails in the Tatra Mountains, as it is relatively accessible. Our tips on hiking in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Our tips on visiting the town of Zakopane, in the heart of the Polish Tatra Mountains.
Easter traditions in Poland
If you think that there are many Christmas traditions in Poland, read about how Easter is celebrated in Poland!;)
Tones of food, painted eggs, egg tapping game, Polish Water Fight Day, and a basket with food samples. A feast for all foodies who love cakes – Easter delicacies are hard to resist.
Easter 2025: April 13 – Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa), April 18 – Good Friday (Wielki Piątek), April 19 – Holy Saturday (Wielka Sobota), April 20 – Easter Day (Wielkanoc), April 21 – Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny), “Wet Monday” (Lany Poniedziałek).
Read more in our post: Easter traditions in Poland that kids and adults will love.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters in English to explore Poland and learn about it! Once a month, you will receive a Newsletter: ‘Explore Poland with Kids‘. You will find there family-friendly destinations in Poland – beautiful places in Poland worth visiting with children – from city break destinations to hiking in the mountains (lots of practical tips!); things you can’t miss in Poland in a given month; dates to remember, holidays, observances in Poland in a given month so you can mark your calendars accordingly.
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