Weather in Canary Islands in March

How March compares

March is the 10th warmest month of the year in Canary Islands. Within Spain it is 16th of 87 (Spain in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Canary Islands is 9.4°C warmer by day and 12.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Canary Islands peaks at 19.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 22.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 23 days top 25°C and 1 in 500 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.0°C; one night in ten drops to 14.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 33.4°C (2017-03-08) and the coldest night 9.3°C (2011-03-14).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 16 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 1993 with 106 mm, the driest 2000 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 72%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 18.8°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.1°C to 19.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (23.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:12 and sets about 19:11 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 36%.

Is March a good time to visit Canary Islands?

It is a reasonable choice: mild days. The best months for Canary Islands on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug, Sep.

Comfortable warmth, not summer heat

Expect weather that is better suited to spending time outdoors than chasing serious heat. The average daytime high of 19.9°C compares with London's 10.5°C in March, a noticeable step up without the usual need to plan around hot afternoons. Only 4% of days reach 25°C, so a holiday built around reliable sunbathing warmth could disappoint. T-shirts are a reasonable daytime option, but bring a jumper or light jacket for evenings. Average night temperatures sit at 16°C, while the coldest 10% of nights fall to 14°C or below. March suits travellers who prefer gentle warmth and do not mind adding a layer after daylight fades.

Plenty of daylight, with room for a shower

March gives you about 7.6 hours of sunshine within 11.8 hours of daylight, so there is a useful stretch of the day for outdoor plans. That is not a promise of uninterrupted blue skies: leave some flexibility rather than relying on every afternoon being sunny. Rain falls on about 3 days during the month, making a light waterproof a sensible precaution without letting wet-weather packing dominate your bag. Keep sunscreen handy for sunny spells, even when the air feels mild. The balance favours being outside, but it suits someone happy to adjust plans when a shower arrives rather than someone needing completely dry weather.

Treat swimming as optional

The sea is the main compromise if your idea of a holiday centres on swimming. At an average of 18.8°C, it is bracing rather than comfortably warm, and the year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C offers little reason to expect a much warmer experience. You may enjoy a dip if you already like cooler water, but do not assume mild air means an inviting sea. Pack something dry and a layer to put on afterwards. For travellers who mainly want sunshine and time beside the water, March can work well; for those wanting long, relaxed swims without feeling chilly, it is a less convincing choice.