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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 29.10.2024
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.
Created by local experts
Inspired to visit the Algarve in March? Take inspiration from our customisable Portugal itineraries and read our year-round travel guide.
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.
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 how to get to Portugal and when to go to Portugal around the year.
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.
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:
Explore more customisable Portugal itineraries.
If you're still looking for options for your spring trip, also explore our list of the best holiday destinations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the Algarve.
To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in the Algarve around the year.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 29.10.2024
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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