Weather in Spain in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Spain in March run from 13.8°C (San Sebastian) to 21.6°C (Gran Canaria). Even in Gran Canaria only 12% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 11.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in San Sebastian fall to 4°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 5 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Playa Blanca the driest (2 days) and San Sebastian the wettest (14 days). The wettest March at Gran Canaria between 1991 and 2020 was 1996 with 51 mm; the driest was 1992 with 1 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.7°C around Spain in March - warmest at La Palma (19.3°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Spain

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Spain. It is 1.7°C warmer than February and 1.5°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest January (16°C).

Which part of Spain in March?

• Most sunshine: La Gomera, 8.4 h a day.
• Driest: Playa Blanca, about 2 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: La Palma, 19°C.
• Hottest: Gran Canaria, 22°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): San Sebastian, 14°C.

What to pack for Spain in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 18°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 12°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Spain's March daytime average: Albufeira (19°C, sea 15°C), Bermuda (19°C, sea 20°C), Limassol (18°C, sea 17°C), Algarve (18°C, sea 15°C), Ayia Napa (18°C, sea 17°C). See the full ranking for March.

Where to go for the warmest weather

Gran Canaria is the strongest choice for warmth, with daytime averages of 22°C and nights around 16°C. Meloneras and Playa del Ingles share those figures, making them sensible options if sitting outside comfortably matters more than intense heat. Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Taurito and Amadores are slightly cooler at 21°C, but average just 2 rainy days compared with 4 in Gran Canaria overall. That makes them appealing if keeping outdoor plans flexible is a priority. None of this guarantees hot weather: even the hottest destination has only 12% of days above 25°C. Think comfortably warm afternoons, not dependable summer heat.

What to expect away from the warmest destinations

Spain's average of 18°C by day is useful for planning, but it should not be treated as a forecast for every destination. San Sebastian, the coolest place in the figures, averages 14°C, so it suits travellers who are content to walk in cooler weather rather than spend the day in beachwear. The countrywide night average of 12°C also makes a jacket more useful than a suitcase filled only with summer clothes. With 5 rainy days on average, leave room to rearrange outdoor plans. March works best when you choose a destination for its own temperatures, rather than assuming all of Spain will feel warm.

Packing and planning time by the sea

Pack light layers for the daytime, something warmer for evenings and a rain-resistant outer layer. Average sunshine of 6.8 hours gives March a useful balance for outdoor time, although it does not promise uninterrupted sun. Use the warmer part of the day for sitting by the sea, especially if you feel the cold. Spain's average sea temperature is 16°C, which is chilly for lingering in the water. The listed warmer destinations have sea temperatures of 19°C: more inviting, but still not warm-water swimming. If swimming is the main purpose of your holiday, March is a compromise rather than an obvious choice.