March is an unpredictable month to visit Portugal, so much so that the Portuguese have their own word "marçagão" to describe its changeable nature.
This is the transition from winter to spring, offering both chilly evenings and bright warm days, with intermittent rain. While the weather is variable, the low season in tourism means you'll find inexpensive flights and significant discounts on accommodation, especially for high-end hotels.

Southern Portugal will always have the best weather in March, with the Algarve enjoying pleasant daytime temperatures reaching 19°C. While too cool for sunbathing and beach holidays, this weather is ideal for activities like hiking, cycling and golf.

March is also a fantastic month for a city break to Lisbon or Porto, where you'll find tourist attractions crowd-free and a more relaxed ambience than in the hectic summer months

 

 

While northern Portugal can be visited in March, conditions tend to be more unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain. The key to a successful March holiday is having flexible plans that can be easily adjusted based on the weather.

This guide will provide ideas and suggestions to help you get the most from your holiday to Portugal in March.

A typical day in the Algarve in March; bright pleasant weather and near deserted resort towns and beaches

March may be the low season, but there are many good reasons to visit Portugal during this time of the year. The main tourist attractions will be almost deserted, there are deals to be found on accommodation, and the resort towns have a relaxed atmosphere.

Here are our recommended tour routes and holiday suggestions to make the most of Portugal in March:
1) Lisbon to Porto.
Seven-day journey starting with two days in Lisbon, followed by a Sintra day trip, two days exploring the central region (Óbidos, Tomar, Nazaré and Coimbra), and ending with two days in Porto.

2) Tour of The Algarve
Eight-day coastal exploration starting in Faro (1 night), then east to traditional Tavira (2 nights), before heading west to Albufeira (2 nights) and finishing in historic Lagos (3 nights). This route showcases the Algarve's diverse character, from fishing villages to resort towns.

3) Lisbon and the Algarve
Week-long break split between Lisbon (3 days) and either Albufeira or Lagos (4 days). Perfect for those wanting to experience both Portugal's capital and the Algarve's coastline.
4) Lisbon and Surroundings
Lisbon and Surroundings Base yourself in Lisbon for a week, spending three days in the capital and taking day trips to Sintra, Setúbal, Cascais, Évora and Óbidos. This route minimizes hotel changes while maximizing sightseeing.
5) Castles and forts of Eastern Portugal
A journey through Portugal's historic frontier, visiting Évora, Elvas, Marvão, Castelo Branco, Monsanto, Almeida, and Trancoso. This route requires a car but offers insight into Portugal's medieval past and border towns.

Weather Note: For routes including both Lisbon and Porto, keep plans flexible to adapt to changing conditions. The weather tends to be more predictable in the south, making the Algarve and Lisbon-based routes more reliable choices for March travel.

Below is an interactive map showing our recommended routes through Portugal for March. The yellow line shows Lisbon to Porto (Route 1), while the red line shows the tour of the Algarve (2). The green line indicates the day trips from Lisbon (Route 4), and the blue line marks the Eastern Portugal's Castle Route (Route 5).

Lisbon to Porto (yellow) 1) Lisbon 6) Óbidos 7) Nazaré 8) Tomar 9) Coimbra 10) Porto 11) Guimarães
Lisbon one week (green) 1) Lisbon 2) Sintra 3) Cascais 4) Setúbal 5) Sesimbra 6) Óbidos
Algarve tour (red): 17) Faro 18) Tavira 19) Albufeira 20) Lagos 21) Silves
East Portugal (blue) 1) Lisbon 12) Évora 13) Elvas 14) Marvão 15) Monsanto 16) Almeida

Insight: Portugal's compact size and efficient train network make it easy to adjust plans based on weather. From Lisbon, you can reach the Algarve in just 2.5 hours by train, or Porto in 3 hours. This connectivity allows you to chase the good weather, making it simple to switch from a rainy Porto to a sunny Algarve, or to take advantage of clear skies in Lisbon when they appear.

As one of Europe's southernmost countries, Portugal is among the first to emerge from winter. March brings rising temperatures and can offer extended periods of pleasant weather, though rainfall remains a consideration.

Portugal experiences three distinct weather patterns during March:

The Algarve benefits from the mildest and driest conditions, balancing bright sunny days with overcast periods and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures range between 17-20°C (63-68°F), dropping to 9-12°C (48-54°F) at night. The region typically sees just 30-40mm of rain over 6 days, though sea temperatures remain cool at 15°C (59°F), making swimming not that appealing.

Lisbon and central Portugal experience more variable conditions. The capital enjoys average daytime highs of 18°C (64°F), cooling to 10°C (50°F) overnight. With around 48mm of rainfall spread across 8 days and approximately 7 hours of daily sunshine, March offers a mix of bright and overcast days.

Northern Portugal, including Porto, sees the most challenging conditions. Daytime temperatures reach about 16°C (61°F), falling to 8°C (46°F) at night. The region experiences heavier rainfall, averaging 90mm over 12 days, and receives less sunshine than the south, with around 5 hours of sun daily.

Insight: March tends to have less rain than April. If you are thinking about a holiday to Lisbon or the central region, we would suggest visiting in mid-March rather than April. The Algarve is comparatively dry for both months.

A visit to pretty Obidos in March will be free of the summertime crowds

Due to March's variable weather, you'll need a versatile wardrobe that can handle both warm sunny spells and cooler wet days. Pack a warm jacket for evenings, especially if visiting Lisbon or Porto where temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential as Portuguese towns and cities are full of cobbled streets that can become quite slippery after rain.

Layer-friendly clothing is key for adapting to changing temperatures throughout the day. Pack a mix of long-sleeve shirts and light jumpers that you can easily add or remove. While the Algarve may offer some warmer days, you'll still want long trousers and warmer clothing options, particularly for the evenings.
Don't forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen as the spring sun can be surprisingly strong.

Realistically the weather will be to cool for sunbathing and beach trips in March.

Beach visits in March are primarily for walks and admiring the scenery rather than sunbathing. The Algarve offers the most pleasant beach conditions, with temperatures around 19°C and some sunny days, though the sea temperature remains cool at 15°C. While you might spot a few hardy swimmers, most visitors enjoy coastal walks and beach-side cafes rather than swimming or sunbathing.

The Lisbon coast tends to be cooler and windier, making beach activities less appealing. The western coastlines experience strong Atlantic breezes, and the sea can be quite rough. The northern beaches around Porto are generally too cold and wet for beach activities in March.

Porto and Lisbon are both fantastic tourist destinations, each boasting its own distinct character and charms. Lisbon is the larger and more cosmopolitan city, which pulses with vibrant energy, while Porto exudes a more traditional charm and relaxed ambiance. While both cities delight visitors year-round, Lisbon tends to be the better choice in March. The capital is typically warmer and drier, with average temperatures around 18°C compared to Porto's 16°C, and you're also less likely to encounter rain in Lisbon.

Lisbon edges ahead for early spring travel with its broader range of indoor attractions. The capital's numerous palaces, museums, and cultural centres provide ample shelter from March showers, ensuring your itinerary remains engaging regardless of weather. March presents an ideal time to explore both cities without the peak season crowds.

If you have to choose between the two cities in March, Lisbon's milder weather and wealth of indoor attractions make it the more reliable option. However, if you're flexible with your plans, consider visiting Porto during a spell of good weather, when you can fully appreciate its riverside charm and port wine terraces.

March offers excellent opportunities for hotel bargains in Portugal, with prices typically 30-40% lower than peak summer rates. To secure the best deals, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance and use hotel comparison websites with free cancellation options.

The Algarve presents particularly good value during this period, with luxury resorts and coastal towns offering deeper discounts than city destinations. While Lisbon and Porto also see lower prices compared to peak season, their year-round popularity means reductions tend to be more modest.

For the best value and to support the local economy, consider staying in locally-owned hotels or traditional guesthouses (pensões) rather than rental apartments.

Lisbon shines as a city break destination in March, when fewer tourists create ideal conditions for exploring Portugal's capital. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a perfect time to discover both the city's historic heart and modern districts.

March's variable weather means you'll need flexible plans. On bright days, take the 40-minute train journey to Sintra where you can explore the whimsical Palácio da Pena and the ancient Castelo dos Mouros without the usual summer queues. The coastal town of Cascais makes another excellent day trip, with its charming old town and seafront restaurants.

If the sun shines head to the Pena palace

If rain appears, Lisbon offers plenty of indoor attractions. The Oceanário - one of Europe's largest aquariums - provides hours of entertainment, while the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos shows off the finest examples of Portuguese architecture. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian houses a remarkable collection that spans millennia.

For a taste of local life, spend a morning at the covered Time Out Market, where you can sample dishes from some of Lisbon's best restaurants under one roof. As evening approaches, the Bairro Alto district comes alive with its vibrant mix of bars and music venues - much more enjoyable without the summer crowds.

March visitors benefit from accommodation prices up to 40% lower than peak season, and you won't need to book restaurants weeks in advance. Major attractions like the Elevador de Santa Justa and Torre de Belém are pleasantly quiet. The classic yellow Elétrico 28 - which winds through the city's most scenic districts - is much more enjoyable in March when you can usually find a seat.

On rainy afternoons, duck into a traditional pastelaria for a coffee and pastel de nata, or explore the creative LX Factory, where Lisbon's artistic community has transformed an old industrial complex into a hub of cafes, shops and workspaces.
Lisbon is fantastic in March, and is our recommended destination.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide

The Algarve offers a different kind of holiday experience in March. While the resort towns are quiet and beaches aren't warm enough for traditional sunbathing, the region's natural beauty and mild climate make it ideal for exploring.

Most resort towns begin preparing for Easter during March, though some seasonal businesses remain closed. We recommend basing yourself in larger towns like Albufeira, Lagos, or Vilamoura, which maintain a year-round buzz thanks to their permanent residents. These towns offer a good selection of open restaurants and bars, even in the quieter season.

The early spring is the ideal season to explore the traditional villages of the Algarve coastline

To add a cultural dimension to your holiday, visit the historic eastern Algarve. The riverside town of Tavira, with its Roman bridge and tiled churches, and Faro's well-preserved old town provide fascinating glimpses into traditional Portuguese life.

March is perfect for outdoor activities:
• Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) between Carvoeiro and Marinha Beach.
• Take a boat tour along the coastline from Albufeira or Vilamoura
• Explore the historic city of Silves, with its impressive red-stone castle and medieval streets.
• Play golf in pleasant temperatures without the summer heat (Vilamoura is particularly well-suited for golf holidays)

The low season brings excellent value for accommodation. Five-star hotels often slash their rates, offering luxury stays at mid-range prices. We strongly recommend hiring a car - it gives you the freedom to explore the region's villages and countryside rather than being limited to one location.

Porto's weather in March can be unpredictable, swinging between bright spring days and periods of rain. Unlike Lisbon, Porto has fewer indoor attractions to fall back on during wet weather, but the city still holds plenty of charm in early spring.

The famous Port wine cellars along the Douro riverbank provide the perfect shelter on rainy days. With more than 14 different houses offering tours and tastings, you can spend several enjoyable afternoons sampling Portugal's famous fortified wine. Each cellar has its own unique history and tasting experience, from small family operations to grand historic houses.

The Ponte Luís I in Porto, crossing the Douro River

When the sun appears, Porto's steep streets and riverside areas come alive. The UNESCO World Heritage old town reveals its beauty in spring light, especially the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the riverside Ribeira district. Clear days are perfect for visiting the pretty city of Guimarães, just an hour away by train. This historic town, known as the birthplace of Portugal, offers well-preserved medieval architecture and far fewer tourists than in summer.

The Douro Valley makes another excellent day trip in good weather. The terraced vineyards begin showing their first signs of spring growth, and the tourist boats that crowd the river in summer are yet to start their full schedules.

Our advice: Wait until about two weeks before your intended travel date and check the long-term weather forecast. If wet weather is predicted, consider heading to Lisbon or the Algarve instead. However, if the forecast looks dry, you can often find excellent last-minute deals on hotels and flights to Porto.
Related articles: Guide to Porto