Visiting the Algarve in March

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Written by: | Last updated on March 5, 2024 | Est. Reading Time: 6 minutes

As winter loosens its grip and the whispers of spring fill the air, the Algarve begins to awaken from its tranquil slumber. March marks the start of a vibrant season as the region slowly sheds its winter coat.

In this enchanting time of year, places that have been closed throughout the colder months begin to reopen their doors, welcoming visitors with open arms. The Algarve springs to life, with flora and fauna bursting into bloom, painting the landscape in vivid hues. While the weather can vary from pleasantly mild to delightfully warm, there’s an undeniable sense of renewal and rejuvenation in the air.

Join us on a journey through the Algarve in March, where the promise of springtime beckons, and every corner of this coastal paradise is ripe for exploration.

Reasons to visit the Algarve in March

  • March is typically the last out-of-season month, and from April the Algarve will start to get busy again. If you’re looking for a very peaceful break, this is a great time to visit.
  • The Algarve is waking up. April is really when the tourists start to arrive, and so restaurants, shops, and hotels that have been closed for the winter months usually begin opening again in March.
  • Spring is a great time for families to visit the Algarve as the weather is mild, but not too warm. It’s also when flights and accommodation are typically at their cheapest, allowing you to get the best family holiday for the lowest possible price.
  • Of course, it isn’t just families that enjoy a bargain. Everyone can take advantage of the cheaper accommodation prices at this time of year.
  • It’s also a great time to grab a bargain on luxury accommodation. One week in the 5* hotel like the Conrad Algarve is usually around 50% cheaper than what you can expect to pay in July and August. If you’ve been thinking that you deserve a treat, this could be the perfect way to spoil yourself and a loved one.

What to Pack

  • Lightweight clothing: March days in the Algarve often feature mild and sunny weather, making it suitable for lightweight clothing like t-shirts. You may even want to include some shorts for daytime comfort.
  • Light jackets or sweaters: While the Algarve generally experiences mild temperatures in March, evenings and overcast days can bring cooler weather. It’s advisable to have a light jacket or sweater for layering to stay warm.
  • Waterproof gear: Although March is relatively dry in the Algarve, there can still be occasional rainy days. It’s a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella just in case you encounter unexpected showers.
  • Sunscreen: Even as spring arrives, the sun can still be strong during the day in the Algarve. Remember to pack sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
  • Comfortable shoes: The Algarve offers excellent opportunities for exploring on foot, with charming towns and villages awaiting discovery. Opt for comfortable and sturdy shoes suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid high heels, as Portugal’s cobblestone streets may not be ideal for them.
  • Layered clothing: March weather in the Algarve is generally mild but can vary. You might experience alternating sunshine and clouds throughout the day. To ensure your comfort in changing conditions, bring lightweight layers that you can easily add or remove as needed, particularly in the evenings when it can be cooler.

What’s on in the Algarve in March?

Feira dos Enchidos, Monchique (sausage festival)

Every year Monchique hosts its annual sausage fest, usually taking place in the first weekend of March. The festival showcases all things sausage, from traditional recipes to modern takes on cooking sausages.

The Feira dos Enchidos usually takes place in the first week of March. 

Feira do Pão Quente e Queijo Fresco, Vaqueiros

The Feira do Pão Quente e Queijo Fresco (Hot Bread & Cheese Festival) celebrates warm bread and fresh cheese. As well as stalls selling both of these items, there are normally stalls selling handicrafts and pottery.

The Feira do Pão Quente e Queijo Fresco normally takes place on 2nd Sunday in March, and unfortunately always isn’t well-advertised. It’s recommended that you double check to see if you can find any other publications confirming this date. 

FIESA – International Sand Sculpture Festival, Pêra

Running from March until October, FIESA is one of the Algarve’s main events. Every year, around 60 artists from all over the world travel to Pêra to build giant sand sculptures out of 35,000 tons of sand. The sculptures are all based on that year’s theme, and previous themes have included music, the animal kingdom, Hollywood movies and characters, and mythology.

Sculpture of the Rolling Stones at Fiesa

For more information, dates, and ticket prices, visit fiesa.org.

Carnival, Loulé

loule carnival - Photo

Depending on when Easter falls, Carnival takes place in either February or March. It’s a three-day event that features a parade with themed floats, dancing, and plenty of street food. If you can’t make it all the way to Rio de Janeiro, then come to Loulé instead.

Carnival usually takes place in either February of March, depending on when Easter falls. 

Algarve Cup

The Algarve Cup is one of the most prestigious events in women’s football, and it takes places every year in the Algarve in March. National teams from all over the world, including Canada, Denmark, Russia, Spain, and Japan, take part.

For more information, fixtures, and tickets, check out the Algarve Cup’s Twitter page

Weather in the Algarve in March

The average daily temperature in March is around 15°C (59°F), which marks a 2°C increase from February’s average. This temperature rise is particularly welcome for visitors from the North of Europe and America, offering a chance to soak up some essential Vitamin D. While it’s comfortably warm, it’s not excessively hot, making it an ideal climate for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Moreover, March typically sees minimal rainfall, with an average of only 6 rainy days during the month, ensuring that you can make the most of your time exploring the Algarve without being caught in the rain.

Have you visited the Algarve in March? Share your recommendations, tips, and reviews by leaving a comment below. 

Written by

James Cave is the founder of Portugalist and the author of the bestselling book, Moving to Portugal Made Simple. He has visited just about every part of Portugal, including Madeira and all nine islands of the Azores, and lived in several parts of Portugal including Lisbon, the Algarve, and Northern Portugal.

You can contact James by emailing james@portugalist.com or via the site's contact form.