Weather in Algarve in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Algarve and ranks 64th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Within Portugal it is 5th of 13 (Portugal in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Algarve is 7.6°C warmer by day and 7.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Algarve peaks at 18.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 21.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 91 days top 25°C. Nights average 11.0°C; one night in ten drops to 8.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 28.8°C (1995-03-29) and the coldest night 2.5°C (1993-03-01).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 57 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2018 with 215 mm, the driest 1997 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 15.3°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.6°C to 16.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:43 and sets about 18:39 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is March a good time to visit Algarve?

March is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Algarve on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Comfortable afternoons, cooler evenings

Plan around mild afternoons rather than summer heat. The warmest days can reach 21.6°C or more, making lighter clothes useful when the sun is out, but that is not the everyday expectation. At the cooler end, nights can fall to 8.2°C or below, so bring a jumper and a jacket for evenings. Layers give you more flexibility than dressing for the daytime high alone. March suits travellers who prefer being active outdoors without strong heat, but it is a less convincing choice if warmth is the main reason for going. Keep your expectations closer to spring than to an early summer holiday.

Enough sunshine to enjoy, with room for rain

With about 6.3 hours of sunshine within 11.7 hours of daylight, March offers useful time outdoors, but you should not expect clear skies all day. About 7 days have measurable rain, so leave room to change plans rather than making every day depend on dry weather. A light waterproof is sensible, alongside clothes you can add or remove as temperatures change. The practical approach is to use sunny spells for longer stretches outside and keep wet-weather plans flexible. This balance suits a relaxed break better than a holiday built around uninterrupted sunbathing; rain is a real possibility, not a reason to rule March out.

Coastal time rather than a swimming holiday

The sea averages 15.3°C, which is cold even when the air feels pleasant. A sunny afternoon should not be taken as a sign that the water will feel comfortable, and the usual range of 15°C to 16°C leaves little prospect of warm swimming conditions. Choose March if spending time by the sea appeals without needing to get in it. If comfortable sea swimming is central to your holiday, these conditions are a poor match. Pack swimwear if you enjoy cold water, but give warmer clothing priority: the main weather benefit is milder time outdoors, not summer conditions on the coast.