Weather in Marbella in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Marbella and ranks 76th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Within Spain it is 52nd of 87 (Spain in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Marbella is 6.4°C warmer by day and 7.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Marbella peaks at 16.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 19.8°C or more. Roughly 1 in 1000 days top 25°C. Nights average 10.8°C; one night in ten drops to 8.4°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 25.0°C (2017-03-11) and the coldest night 2.7°C (1993-03-01).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 78 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2018 with 222 mm, the driest 1994 with 4 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 15.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.6°C to 15.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (22.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:30 and sets about 19:27 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 45%.

Is March a good time to visit Marbella?

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

Comfortable afternoons, but keep a layer handy

March is better suited to walking and spending time outdoors than lying still in beachwear. The average daytime high is 16.9°C, while the warmer days can reach around 20°C, so a sunny afternoon may feel pleasantly warm. That is not the same as dependable heat: take a light layer rather than assuming short sleeves will work throughout the day. After sunset, the average low of 10.8°C makes a jacket useful, especially if you plan to sit outside. Colder nights can fall to around 8°C or below, so long trousers and a jumper deserve space in your bag.

Some sunshine, with room for rain in your plans

There is enough sunshine to make outdoor plans worthwhile, but not enough to treat clear skies as a certainty. March averages about 6.4 hours of sunshine within 11.7 hours of daylight, giving you scope to move activities around rather than committing everything to a particular afternoon. About 8 days bring measurable rain, so a light waterproof is a sensible addition to your luggage. Keep plans flexible and use brighter spells for time outside. This month suits travellers who can accept a change of plan more readily than those whose whole holiday depends on sitting in the sun.

The sea is the main limitation

The sea averages 15.2°C in March, which is cold rather than merely refreshing. Even the year-to-year range of 15°C to 16°C leaves it well below the 22°C swimming benchmark, so do not choose this month expecting comfortable sea swims. Time by the water can still fit a mild-weather holiday, but pack for sitting or walking in layers rather than spending the day in swimwear. If swimming is central to your plans, March is a poor fit. If you mainly want mild afternoons and do not mind covering up again later, the balance is more favourable.