Weather in Porto in March

How March compares

March is the 8th warmest month of the year in Porto and ranks 84th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Within Portugal it is 13th of 13 (Portugal in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Porto is 5.8°C warmer by day and 4.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Porto peaks at 16.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 21.1°C or more. Roughly 1 in 500 days top 25°C. Nights average 8.2°C; one night in ten drops to 5.1°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 25.4°C (2002-03-22) and the coldest night -0.8°C (2005-03-01).

Rain in March

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 123 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2001 with 545 mm, the driest 1997 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 77%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 13.4°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 12.5°C to 13.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (17.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:46 and sets about 18:41 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is March a good time to visit Porto?

March is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Porto on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Comfortable walking weather, with chilly evenings

March suits travellers who prefer exploring without strong heat. A light jumper and jacket give you options as conditions change, rather than relying on shirtsleeves throughout the day. The warmer days can reach 21°C or more, so removable layers are useful, particularly around midday. That warmth is not something to count on: colder nights can fall to 5°C or below, making a warmer outer layer sensible if you will be out late. Pack for the evening as well as the afternoon. You can enjoy a mild spell without needing a summer wardrobe, but leaving your jacket behind would be a poor bet.

Leave room in your plans for rain

Rain is the main compromise in March, so keep outdoor plans flexible and bring a waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle wet pavements. About 5.2 hours of sunshine within 11.7 hours of daylight leaves scope for pleasant time outside, but not a promise of clear skies all day. Use brighter spells for longer walks and keep an indoor alternative in mind when rain arrives. The coast is better approached as somewhere for a walk than a swimming holiday: the sea averages 13.4°C, firmly in the cold range. Even when the air feels mild, the water will not feel warm. If dry-weather certainty matters more than comfortable walking temperatures, March is not the strongest fit.