The second half of the spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Romania. From blossoming landscapes to historical sites, there are plenty of things to see for a traveller. The weather is perfect for outdoor exploration, while spring celebrations add a cultural touch to the experience.
Should I visit Romania during Spring?
March in Romania typically remains grey and rainy and is worth a visit only for skiing. But even so, you don’t have the certainty that the skiing tracks are still open and in good condition. While there can be sunny days, snowfall is also possible. If you plan to visit Romania in March, bring along your winter coat.
As for April and May, the weather improves, offering longer and sunnier days, ideal for various activities like hiking and city breaks. However, occasional rain showers are still possible, so it’s advisable to pack accordingly.
Spring is shoulder season in Romania, translating to fewer crowds and lower travel costs. If you prefer less crowded places, avoid tourist spots during Easter, which aligns with the Orthodox Easter in April or early May, and Labour Day on May 1st. Conversely, Bucharest experiences decreased activity during these holidays.
- You might also be interested to find out more about Best time to visit Romania.
What to pack for a spring trip?
Packing for a spring trip to Romania requires versatility. For daytime outings, it’s essential to bring light layers such as t-shirts, blouses, and sweaters, and for cooler evenings, a jacket or long-sleeved shirt is recommended. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat to stay dry during occasional showers. Comfortable shoes or trainers are a necessity for exploring.
What happens in Romania only in the spring season?
During spring in Romania, you can spot unique natural attractions.
Magnolias in Bucharest: Magnolia trees begin to produce flowers in late winter to early spring. On this map, you can find over 1000 magnolia trees. Also, this is the Facebook page dedicated to this project.
The snowdrop meadow on the Vartoapele Plateau, Hunedoara County: you can explore 10 hectares of forest teeming with snowdrops. These delicate flowers bloom from mid-March to early April.
The Daffodil Meadow of Vlăhiţa, Harghita County: Spanning 20 hectares, it’s one of Romania’s largest daffodil meadows, with 180-200 Narcissus stellaris per square meter. You can visit Poiana Narciselor during the blooming season of the daffodils, which typically occurs from the end of April until the beginning of May.
The Cazane Yellow Tulip, The Danube Cauldrons on the Danube River (Tulipa hungarica): This rare and endangered flower can be seen in bloom during the spring, typically from April to May. The tulip is endemic to this region, making it a must-see for nature lovers and hikers exploring the park’s rich biodiversity.
- Read more about the The Danube Cauldrons: The Iron Gates, Romania.
The Peony Reservation in Comana: the Comana Natural Park is around 30 km (about 18.64 mi) away from Bucharest. You can enjoy viewing 231 hectares of red peonies here. The blooming season of peonies typically occurs in May.
The Steppe Peony Reservation in Zau de Câmpie, Mures County, sits at 450 meters altitude (approximately 1476.38 ft), featuring 3.5 hectares of lush peonies. May showcases the blossoms at their peak, making it the ideal time for a visit.
Labour Day in Vama Veche, Constanta County: 1st May is the unofficial start of the beach season. Vama Veche is known for its wild nightlife and beach parties. On Labour Day, many beach bars and clubs host special events with live music, DJs, and dancing.
Romanian spring traditions and celebrations
Martisor is a traditional celebration on March 1st, marking the beginning of spring. During this time, women typically receive small trinkets adorned with red and white strings, known as martisoare (singular: martisor). However, in Bukovina province in northeastern Romania, men receive these trinkets. The martisoare are pinned onto clothing and worn for approximately nine days, symbolizing good luck and the renewal of life with the arrival of spring.
March 8th is Ziua Femeii or International Women’s Day. Since Romania doesn’t have a specific day for Mother’s Day, this occasion also celebrates the mothers. Traditionally, men express their appreciation for the women in their lives by giving flowers, chocolates, or other gifts.
Mucenici, celebrated on March 9th, is a religious holiday in Romania honouring the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. On this day, Romanians enjoy a special pastry called mucenici, shaped like the number eight, representing the martyrs who died during Christian persecution. In Moldova, these pastries are often flavoured with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon. In southern Romania, mucenici are small, boiled pastries shaped like the number eight and served like a “sweet soup” with walnuts and cinnamon.
Floriile, also known as Palm Sunday, occurs on the Sunday preceding Easter and honours Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This occasion is celebrated by processions and church services where worshippers carry willow branches, symbolizing peace and renewal. Families come together to share festive meals during this time. Individuals with flower-related names celebrate their name day on this special day.
Easter is one of the most significant religious holidays of the year. It’s a time when Romanians participate in church services, observe traditional rituals, and share festive meals with loved ones. Among the cherished Easter traditions is the painting and cracking of Easter eggs.
Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st as Ziua Muncii, is a time when many Romanians utilize the bank holiday to engage in outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings with friends and family.
Spring Climate in Romania
Spring in Romania spans three months, from March to May, heralding the end of winter’s chill with gradually warming temperatures.
In March, temperatures rise, averaging between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, accompanied by occasional rain showers. April marks a more consistent transition, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. By May, temperatures continue to climb steadily, typically falling between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
During the season, nature transforms with trees blossoming and fields bursting into colourful blooms. However, sporadic rain and fluctuating temperatures are typical features of the Romanian spring.
