Weather in the Algarve in March

If you’re looking for an early spring break that delivers mild temperatures and low season visitor numbers, consider visiting the Algarve region of Portugal in March. With an average daily high of 18°C (64°F), the weather in the Algarve in March is ideal for strolling some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, hitting the region’s excellent golf courses and soaking up cultural sights without having to vie for space. Read on for more detail on the weather in the Algarve in March, along with itinerary suggestions, and ideas for what to see and do during this low season month.

Highlights of the Algarve weather in March

• March sees the Algarve begin to experience the milder climes of early spring. 
• Average daily highs of 18°C (64°F) make it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Rainfall is relatively moderate compared to the winter — expect an average of 52mm of rain spread across 12 days.

Inspired to visit the Algarve in March? Take inspiration from our customisable Portugal itineraries and read our year-round travel guide.

Is March a good time to visit the Algarve?

As is always the case with this question, the answer depends on what you most want to do during your trip. While the weather is warming up, it remains mild, so it’s not yet ideal for a full-on beach break.

That said, the mild weather in the Algarve in March is well-suited for travellers who want to enjoy walking, hiking and biking, or strolling beaches and scenic coastal towns without the crowds that flock here during the peak summer season.

In addition, the countryside begins to bloom in March, making it a beautiful time for nature lovers to visit. Of special note are the almond blossoms that add a splash of colour to the landscape.

It’s also worth nothing that the Algarve offers great opportunities to get off the tourist trail in Portugal, and March’s low season visitor numbers make exploring them all the more immersive.

Still not sure where to head? Discover more of the best places to visit in March.

Average temperatures in the Algarve in March

As the region shifts to spring, the weather in the Algarve in March begins to warm up, with an average low temperature of 10°C , and an average high of 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

For comparison, January, the coldest month, sees a range of 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). At the other end of the scale, July and August — the hottest months of the year — experience an average temperature range of 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F).

Want a fuller picture of the weather? Read up on the weather in Portugal in March beyond the Algarve.

You might also want more detail on when to go to Portugal around the year.

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting at the end of the low season that runs from November, March is one of the quietest times to visit the Algarve, though when Easter falls in the month you can expect an increase in visitor numbers.

So, Easter aside, if you visit the Algarve in March, you can expect small crowds — all the better for golfing, hiking and ambling the awe-inspiring coastline in your own time and space.

At the same time, you should also be able to bag yourself a bargain when it comes to flights and accommodation, especially in comparison with the costs that come with visiting in the June-August high season. 

Keen to travel more responsibly? Find out about sustainable tourism in the Algarve.

Unforgettable customisable Portugal itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Portugal, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides’ local expert.

Enabling you to forgo the faff of planning and booking, they can be 100% tailored to your preferences to create your perfect trip.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• The Real Algarve Experience (7 days): based in the traditional fishing village of Olhao, this immersive trip will see you experience the Algarve in authentic style. With a focus on food and culture, you'll get to enjoy a private food tour, take a market-to-table cooking class, visit an olive farm, and enjoy a traditional sweet-making workshop. You’ll also spend time exploring the stunning islands of Ria Formosa lagoon.
• The Best of Portugal (12 days): taking in capital Lisbon, historic Porto, the lush Douro Valley, and the Algarve, this gives you the chance to explore historic sites in Lisbon and Sintra and sample world-class wine in the Douro Valley, with boat trips, beaches and UNESCO Heritage Sites aplenty.
• Discovering the Coast of Portugal (11 days): kicking off in picturesque Porto, where you’ll uncover historic sites and wineries, this diverse experience also includes Aveiro — known as the Venice of Portugal — the Algarve, national parks, charming traditional villages, and historic caves.

Explore more customisable Portugal itineraries.

What to do and see in the Algarve in March

With mild weather, moderate visitor numbers, and some significant natural events, March offers travellers a breadth of experiences. 

Read on to find out about a few of the best things to do and see in the Algarve in March.

Take an almond blossom tour

Early March is usually still flush with beautiful almond blossoms that cover much of the countryside in pink and white. 

You can take guided tours to see them, or simply drive through interior regions like Monchique and Fóia.

Go birdwatching in Ria Formosa

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the spring migration period. 

Guided tours can help you spot a variety of migratory and native bird species in this stunning coastal wetland.

Uncover culture

With the weather becoming milder, March is a top time to explore historic sites without the heat or crowds of summer. 

For example, you could opt to visit the medieval castles in Silves and Lagos, or explore the Roman ruins near Vilamoura.

Editor tip: don’t miss visiting local markets to taste seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Markets in towns like Olhão and Loulé offer tasty insights to regional culinary traditions.

Get active

Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and lower rates to go golfing — the Algarve's world-class golf courses are less crowded in March.

To walk on the wilder side, March’s cooler weather is ideal for tackling the Via Algarviana — a long-distance trail that runs from the Spanish border to Cape St. Vincent.

For more inspiration, read up on the best things to do in Portugal.

Visit the Algarve in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in the Algarve around the year.

• January: with a temperature range of 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F), this is the coldest month of year, with low-season tourist levels.
• February: similar to January, but slightly warmer, February remains quiet, though the beginning of the Almond Blossom season attracts more visitors.
• April: with a pleasant temperature range of 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F), shoulder-season April sees more sun, less rain, and a rise in visitors around Easter.
• May: great beach weather begins in May, with warmer temperatures drawing more crowds, though it’s not nearly as busy as summer.
• June: with temperatures averaging 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), June is perfect for beach breaks and water sports, and heralds the start of peak season.
• July: July sees the Algarve turn hot, with average highs of  28°C (82°F). It also sits in the summer high season.
• August: peak season continues in August, with high visitor numbers, vibrant nightlife, and similar temperatures to July.
• September: September remains warm, but temperatures start to cool, and visitor numbers begin to taper off as the month wears on.
• October: with average daily highs remaining around 23°C (73°F), this shoulder-season month is ideal if you prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds.
• November: sitting in low season, November sees cooler temperatures, and is a great time to visit for the likes of golf and exploring the countryside.
• December: cool and quiet, low-season December offers average temperatures of 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F).