Things to Do in Spain in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Spain
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) ideal for Camino routes and Picos de Europa without summer's brutal heat
- Almond blossoms peak across Andalusia creating spectacular white and pink landscapes, especially around Granada and Córdoba
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than Easter period which starts in April 2025
- Fewer crowds at major attractions - Alhambra and Sagrada Familia have 50% shorter queues than peak season while maintaining full operating hours
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - can swing from 8°C (46°F) morning to 22°C (72°F) afternoon, requiring layered clothing strategy
- Occasional rain storms lasting 2-3 hours can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly along northern coast where March sees 12-15 rainy days
- Some coastal beach clubs and chiringuitos remain closed until Easter week, limiting seaside dining options
Best Activities in March
Andalusian City Walking Tours
March's mild 15-18°C (59-64°F) afternoons perfect for exploring Seville, Granada, and Córdoba's historic quarters without summer's exhausting heat. Almond blossoms frame the Alhambra gardens, and fewer tourists mean better photos and authentic interactions with locals. Morning starts at 10°C (50°F) warm to comfortable exploration temperatures by noon.
Camino de Santiago Hiking Sections
March offers ideal hiking conditions - cool mornings prevent overheating, afternoon temperatures rarely exceed 20°C (68°F), and spring wildflowers begin blooming along northern routes. Galicia receives more rain but creates dramatic misty landscapes. Perfect month for day hikes or 3-5 day sections without summer's crowds or winter's harsh weather.
Basque Country Food Tours
March showcases seasonal specialties like baby artichokes and spring lamb while maintaining cool 12-16°C (54-61°F) temperatures perfect for pintxos crawling. San Sebastian's restaurants operate full menus (many coastal spots reduce offerings in winter), and you'll mingle with locals rather than tourist crowds. Indoor markets and covered food halls provide shelter during brief rain showers.
Madrid Museum Circuit
March's changeable weather makes Madrid's world-class indoor attractions ideal. Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza operate extended hours, and shoulder season means 30-40% shorter queues. When weather clears to 18-20°C (64-68°F), nearby Retiro Park offers perfect strolling conditions between museum visits.
Valencia and Costa del Sol Cycling
Mediterranean coast enjoys Spain's mildest March weather - 16-21°C (61-70°F) with minimal rain and refreshing sea breezes. Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences bike routes and coastal paths to Albufera Natural Park showcase spring bird migrations. Málaga to Marbella coastal routes avoid summer's oppressive heat while maintaining 8-10 hours of daylight.
Flamenco and Cultural Experiences
March marks flamenco season's peak with major festivals approaching. Seville and Jerez tablao venues operate full schedules, and intimate performances in smaller venues showcase authentic artistry without tourist-focused summer shows. Comfortable evening temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) perfect for late-night venues and walking between locations.
March Events & Festivals
Las Fallas
Valencia's spectacular UNESCO-recognized festival features elaborate sculptural monuments burned in massive bonfires on March 19th. Five days of street parties, traditional dress, and daily firework displays at 2pm in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The climactic Cremà on March 19th creates unforgettable atmosphere as 400+ fallas burn simultaneously across the city.
Semana Santa Preparations
While Easter falls in April 2025, March sees fascinating preparation activities across Andalusia. Seville's brotherhoods practice processional routes, artisans put finishing touches on religious floats, and traditional sweets appear in bakeries. Witness authentic cultural traditions without Holy Week's overwhelming crowds.