Weather in Portugal in March

March in Portugal means the beginning of spring. While March can still have its share of cooler days, especially in the northern regions, the temperatures begin to climb, and the sun makes more frequent appearances. This can be a great time to take a trip and miss the massive crowds that flock to Portugal each year. Here's our guide to the weather in Portugal in March.

The weather in Portugal in March at a glance

• March in Portugal is a bit of a transition from winter to spring. While it’s still on the cooler side, temperatures slowly rise as the month goes on.
• You can expect temperatures to range from 48°F to 63°F (9°C to 17°C), with the south being warmer than the north.
• Since it’s a shoulder season for tourism, you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodation compared to the busy summer months. It’s a nice time for a quieter trip 

What is the weather like in Portugal in March?

March in Portugal usually feels like the early days of spring. Winter’s fading, and you start to get longer days and more sunshine—though it’s still a bit hit or miss at times. Expect mild temperatures overall, but it can still be damp, especially in the first half of the month.

Rain isn’t unusual this time of year, with most places seeing between 60–100mm (2.4–4 in). That said, it tends to ease up as the month goes on. By late March, you're more likely to get dry, pleasant days—good for walking around cities or heading to the coast, even if it’s still too chilly for a swim.

Tourism starts to pick up in March, but it’s nothing like the summer rush. You’ll see more visitors than in the dead of winter, but not so many that it feels crowded. 

Average temperatures in March

In March, Portugal experiences the transition from winter to spring, with gradually warming temperatures and increasing daylight hours. Coastal regions tend to be milder, while inland areas may still experience cooler temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 57°F to 66°F (14°C to 19°C), with some warmer days reaching up to 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Nighttime lows generally hover between 45°F to 54°F (7°C to 12°C). March also brings occasional rainfall, particularly in the northern regions.

Porto and northern Portugal

March in the north still feels like the tail end of winter. In Porto, highs usually land around 55°F to 63°F (13°C to 17°C), while nights can dip as low as 43°F (6°C). Rain is still fairly frequent, especially earlier in the month, so you’ll want to pack a rain jacket. That said, you’ll start to see signs of spring—trees blooming, more sun between the showers, and a bit more life in the city’s streets and parks. See our guide to how many days you need in Porto. 

Lisbon and central Portugal

Lisbon starts to mellow out in March. Daytime temps usually sit around 63°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C), and nights hover between 48°F and 54°F (9°C to 12°C). You’ll get a few rainy days here and there, but sunny spells become more common, especially toward the end of the month. It’s comfortable weather for being outside—walking through the neighborhoods, visiting nearby towns, or grabbing a coffee at an outdoor table. The city stays active well into the evening and it's a great time for a Lisbon city break.

The Algarve and southern Portugal

Southern Portugal warms up a bit faster than the rest of the country. In the Algarve, daytime highs usually fall between 64°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C), and evenings are around 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C). Rain is less common here, and you’ll see more dry, sunny days. The sea is still cold—about 59°F (15°C)—so swimming isn’t ideal unless you're well-prepared. 

Madeira

Madeira stays pretty steady year-round, and March is no exception. Temperatures are usually between 64°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C) during the day, and around 55°F to 59°F (13°C to 15°C) at night. Rain is light and scattered, and the island’s already-green landscape feels even more lush this time of year. The sea is a bit warmer than on the mainland—around 63°F (17°C)—but still not ideal for long swims unless you’re used to cooler water.
 

Is March a good time to visit Portugal?

Yes, March is a great time to visit. The weather’s generally mild, and things start to shift toward spring. You’ll see more daylight, trees beginning to bloom, and enough sunny days to enjoy being outside. Tourist numbers are still pretty manageable, especially compared to the summer months

If you’re planning on hiking (see our guide to hiking in Portugal), cycling, or exploring small towns, March can be a good fit—just keep an eye on the weather forecast. Rain isn’t uncommon, especially early in the month, so it’s smart to keep plans flexible. Some attractions may still be on winter hours or closed for maintenance, especially in rural areas.

What about crowds and costs?

March falls in Portugal’s shoulder season, so it hits that middle ground between winter quiet and summer busyness. There’s more activity than in January or February, but you won’t be fighting crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed pace while still having enough going on, this is a pretty good window.

In terms of cost, March usually brings some savings—accommodation and public transport are often cheaper than in the warmer months. That said, prices can start inching up toward the end of the month.

If you’re looking for even fewer tourists and don’t mind cooler, wetter weather, late November or early December can feel similar to March—just a bit quieter all around.
 

Where to go in Portugal in March

By March, the days are getting longer and a bit warmer. It’s a good time to explore on foot, especially in places that get busy later in the year. Here’s some favorite places to go in March.  If you're planning ahead or want to see what else is out there, take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Portugal.

Alentejo

In Alentejo, March is when the almond trees start blooming—big stretches of countryside turn pink and white, especially along the Almond Blossom Route. It’s a slow-paced region, mostly small towns and rolling farmland, so it’s easy to just drive and stop where things catch your eye. Campo Maior has some great local bakeries where you can try almond pastries, and spring events in smaller towns often include live folk music or food stalls. It’s also a decent time to visit local wineries—many start opening up again after winter. You’ll find old dolmens, and quiet roads.

Porto

Porto feels more laid-back in March. You won’t be dealing with big tour groups, so it’s easier to enjoy things like port wine tastings down by the river. The Serralves Yards are a nice stop—camellias are usually in bloom, and it’s a good place for a quiet walk. You might catch an early music concert during Lent at Igreja dos Clérigos. The weather can be a mix of cool mornings and warmer afternoons, so it’s a good excuse to stop for caldo verde and coffee. This is a great base when on a trip to Portugal with kids.

Gerês National Park

March is a good time to see Peneda-Gerês National Park at a turning point—waterfalls are full from the rain, and the forests are just starting to come back to life. Trails like the 7 Lagoas are quieter now, and the pools are usually clear and flowing. Portugal wildlife tends to be more active in early spring, so you’ve got a better chance of spotting animals like golden eagles or boars. The mountain villages feel a bit like time capsules, and it’s a nice window into rural life before the busier hiking season kicks in. Some paths can be muddy, so bring decent shoes and take your time.

What to do in Portugal in March

March is a good time to be in Portugal if you want to experience the country without the summer crowds. The weather’s mild—comfortable for walking around—and you’ll catch the start of spring, with festivals and blooming landscapes. Restaurants and hiking trails are quieter, and you don’t need to plan everything weeks in advance. For more ideas, see our guide to undiscovered Portugal off the tourist trail.

The Schist Villages

The Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto) are a collection of small stone villages tucked into the hills of central Portugal. They’re made almost entirely from schist, a dark, layered rock with bits of quartz, and they look especially striking as spring starts to come in. In March, the trails that connect the villages are peaceful, with wildflowers starting to show up along the way. Local craftspeople often reopen their studios around this time, so you can see traditional work like basket weaving and linen spinning. Near Serra da Lousã, cherry trees begin blooming in mid-March.

Almond Blossom Festival

Vila Nova de Foz Côa is known for its almond trees, and March is when they bloom—whole hillsides covered in white and pink flowers. The local Almond Blossom Festival celebrates this moment with music, food, and folklore. There’s a legend behind it: a Moorish king supposedly planted almond trees to remind his wife of snow from her homeland. During the festival, you’ll see traditional dancing in the town squares, hear accordion music, and find handmade candy like sugar-coated almonds (amêndoas cobertas) at local stalls. There are also guided walks through the orchards, where you can learn about how almonds are harvested and used in regional cooking

Smuggling Festival

The Festival do Contrabando takes place between two border towns: Alcoutim in Portugal and Sanlúcar de Guadiana across the river in Spain. The Guadiana River separates the two, but in the past, people regularly crossed it to smuggle goods like coffee, tobacco, and fabric. The festival recreates that history over a weekend, with locals dressed in 1930s–1950s clothes and theatrical reenactments of smuggling scenes. You can take small boats across the river, check out artisan markets, and try local dishes—like lamb stew on the Portuguese side or tapas from the Spanish stalls. There’s music throughout, including fado and flamenco.
 

Plan your trip to Portugal in March

If you're ready to take a trip this spring, here are a few Portugal travel tips to help:

What to pack

March is unpredictable—sunny one minute, raining the next. You’ll want clothes you can adjust easily: long sleeves, light sweaters, and a medium jacket that works in both sun and rain. The north still gets plenty of showers, so a small umbrella is smart to have on hand. Down south, café tables start filling up again, and it’s warm enough for sunglasses and a light scarf. With longer days, you’ll probably be walking more, so comfortable shoes are key. A small backpack makes it easier to carry your layers around as the weather shifts throughout the day.

Planning your itinerary

If you're thinking about visiting Portugal in March, having a sample Portugal itinerary guide can help you plan out your time. Here’s are some sample itineraries from our travel experts:

• Portugal itinerary 5 days: Start in Lisbon for 2 days, visiting Alfama, Belém, and Baixa. Then head to Porto for 3 days, exploring Ribeira, touring wine cellars, and enjoying a scenic Douro River cruise.
• Portugal itinerary 7 days: Travel from Foz do Minho to Nazaré, Caparica, Galapos, and Comporta, and finish your trip with the Algarve beaches.
• Portugal itinerary 10 days: A more in-depth 10-day guide that takes you through Lagos, Évora, Elvas, Lisbon, Coimbra, Serra da Estrela, Porto, and Peneda-Gerês National Park, blending city, mountain, and coastal experiences.

When to book

March is when things start shifting toward spring, but prices are still manageable. If Easter falls in March, expect a bit of a spike—especially in religious towns like Braga or Óbidos. For those dates, you’ll want to book 3–4 months in advance. The Algarve slowly starts waking up, and Lisbon and Porto get a bit busier, especially on weekends. For popular day trips like Sintra or wine tours in the Douro Valley, book a week or two early to be safe. In Madeira, flower festivals can affect hotel prices, so keep an eye on that too. The weather’s still unpredictable, so reservation accommodations with flexible cancellation is a smart move. Around 6–8 weeks ahead is a good window for most things.

Emergency weather information

March weather can be a bit unpredictable. Sudden showers and even flash floods can happen, especially in rural areas. It helps to carry waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothes, and a small emergency kit if you’re exploring outside the cities. The IPMA site is great for daily forecasts, and Civil Protection shares updates on social media. The main emergency number is 112, and you can usually get regional info at tourist offices. Libraries, museums, and other public buildings may be used as temporary shelters if needed. After heavy rain, be cautious around rivers and fallen trees.

Discover all you need for your Portugal adventure with our guide on how to plan a trip to Portugal, packed with top recommendations, must-see spots, and more, or browse through our Portugal travel guide and Portugal trips.