Algarve in March: Events & Festivals, Holidays, & Weather Guide

Although winter is almost over, the cheap flights and accommodation prices found in the Algarve at this time of year make March a fantastic time to take a break to the Algarve.

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 possible to find hotel rooms for around €20 per night.
• 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.

For cheap hotels in the Algarve, booking.com is always a good place to look. For car rental, comparison sites like rentalcars.com are worth looking at. 

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 2018, 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.

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

Carnival, Loulé

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. 

Not sure if March is right for you? Check out the month-by-month guide to events on the Algarve, which covers the entire year. 

Weather in the Algarve in March

The average daily temperature is 15°C, a 2° temperature increase on February’s average daily temperature. For most visitors, particularly those from the North of Europe and America, this is an improvement and so well worth visiting for that essential Vitamin D. And although it’s warm, it’s not too warm: It’s ideal weather for walking. Rainfall should be minimal as well, with March typically getting an average of only 6 rainfall days per month.

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