Weather in Nerja in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Nerja. Within Spain it is 33rd of 87 (Spain in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Nerja is 7.4°C warmer by day and 8.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Nerja peaks at 17.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 21.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 83 days top 25°C. Nights average 11.7°C; one night in ten drops to 9.0°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 27.2°C (2020-03-11) and the coldest night 2.8°C (1993-03-01).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 55 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2018 with 386 mm, the driest 2000 with 3 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 15.1°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.5°C to 15.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (23.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:26 and sets about 19:22 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 43%.

Is March a good time to visit Nerja?

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

Comfortable days, but keep a layer handy

Plan for light layers rather than a suitcase of summer clothes. The average high is comfortable for walking around without strong heat, though warmer days can reach 21.3°C or more. That gives you scope for sitting outside in lighter clothing, but it is not a promise of warmth throughout your stay. Days reaching 25°C are rare, so March does not suit anyone whose main aim is hot weather. After sunset, a jumper and jacket are sensible: the coldest nights fall to 9°C or below. Closed shoes and long trousers will be useful when the warmth of the afternoon fades.

Useful sunshine, with room for wet-weather plans

March brings about 6.7 hours of sunshine a day within 11.7 hours of daylight, so there is a useful amount of time for outdoor plans. The catch is that sunshine does not mean an entirely dry holiday. There are about 7 rainy days during the month, making a light waterproof a sensible addition to your bag. Keep your plans flexible rather than relying on every afternoon being suitable for sitting outside. Make use of sunny spells for longer walks, and leave room to change plans when showers arrive. This is a month for enjoying fair weather when it comes, not expecting uninterrupted sun.

The sea is the main limitation

At an average of 15.1°C, the sea is cold rather than merely refreshing. Its March range of 14°C to 16°C also means a warmer year would not turn this into a comfortable swimming month for most travellers. If regular sea swims are central to your holiday, March is a poor fit. Time beside the water is a more realistic plan, with an extra layer ready for when you stop moving or the sun goes in. A warm afternoon can make the air feel pleasant without making the water inviting, so do not use the daytime forecast alone to judge swimming conditions.