March in Portugal
Portuguese Culture: Portugal in March
Visiting Portugal in March offers a blend of mild weather, verdant landscapes, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. March's vibrant festivals and other cultural events and the general lack of crowds make March an ideal time to visit the country. The weather is usually fairly mild as the month marks the transition from winter to spring. The landscape can be attractively green before the hot, dry summer begins.
Easter usually falls in March but may also take place in April depending on the religious calendar.
Festivals in March
Several interesting festivals take place in Portugal in March.
The Almond Blossom Festivities (Festividades das Amendoeiras em Flor) take place in Torre de Moncorvo. This festival celebrates the blooming almond trees in the region with cultural events, workshops and local delicacies.
The town of Beja holds a nine-day agricultural festival with music, food and handicrafts.
The Feira de Março in Aveiro from late March to late April is an historic festival now featuring folk and rock concerts.
Porto Interceltic Festival celebrates Celtic music from across Europe. It began in 1986 and lasts for 10 days. Also in Porto, the Fantasporto - Oporto International Film Festival usually takes place from late February to early March. See here for more details: fantasporto.com
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in early March attracts around 20,000+ runners from around the world to compete in the scenic streets of the Portuguese capital. The run starts at Ponte 25 de Abril and ends at the Mosterio dos Jerónimos in Belém with much of the flat and fast course along the banks of the River Tagus. The race began in 1991.
The Traditional Sausage Fair (Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais) takes place in early March in Monchique, Algarve. This traditional food fair celebrates local Portuguese cuisine in particular sausage-making traditions with tastings and entertainment.
The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival takes place from late March to early April in the preserved medieval town of Óbidos, attracting chocolate enthusiasts from around the world. Each year has a different theme with elaborate chocolate sculptures on display plus hands-on workshops and live demonstrations by renowned chocolatiers and chefs. There are also various contests and even a "Children's Chocolate House," providing educational and entertaining activities tailored for younger visitors.
The Ciclo de Requiem Coimbra series presents various instrumental and choral concerts in historic venues across Coimbra. The Coimbra craft beer festival takes place over a weekend in early March at the D. Pedro V Municipal Market.
Sunrise & Sunset
The month of March in Portugal is known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. They can be enjoyed anywhere, of course, but the long coastline of the country is the best place to catch the most spectacular scenes.
Weather in March in Portugal
In March, Portugal's climate is generally mild, with regional variations:
Porto: Located in the north, Porto experiences average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 17°C. Rainfall is possible, so it's advisable to pack a light raincoat.
Lisbon: The capital enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, between 12°C and 19°C, with a mix of sunny and overcast days.
Algarve: The southern, coastal region usually enjoys pleasant weather in March, with temperatures from 12°C to 20°C, making it suitable for many outdoor activities.
Madeira: The island offers a subtropical climate, with temperatures between 15°C and 22°C, and is lush and green during this period.
Azores: In March, the Azores experience mild and unpredictable weather, with average temperatures ranging between 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F). Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain showers.
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