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The weather in Lisbon in March and the best activities
Worried March might be a gray, gloomy time to explore Lisbon? As a local, I’m here to show you why this off-peak month might just be the city’s best-kept secret.
After living in Lisbon for over five years, I’ve found March to be a surprisingly ideal time for a calm, authentic experience. There are plenty of sunny days and the city is much quieter than in the height of summer!
If you’re planning your first trip to Lisbon and wondering whether March is too soon (or too late), this guide’s for you. I will also include some fun events and day trips in the mix!
The weather in Lisbon in March
The average Lisbon temperature in March is 14 °C degrees (57.2 °F), and there is often good weather. The average low temperature is 11 °C (51.8 °F), and the average high is 18 °C (64.4 °F). The temperatures are never very cold, and there will be plenty of sunny days.
We’ve even been to the beach in March, although I wouldn’t say it’s usually good beach weather. The sea is always cold, even in summer. But the ocean will be a refreshing 15 °C (59 °F) in March. The temperatures will also drop at night, and in the evening, they might drop 12 °C (53.6 °F).
How rainy is March?
March has the risk of rainy days. Lisbon rains mostly in winter, and from May onwards, it gets dryer. The average rainfall is 53.2 mm on 13 days in March. It usually doesn’t rain the whole day, but there is enough to do on a rainy day in Lisbon.
Daylight hours, sunrise and sunset
In March, the days are slowly getting longer in Lisbon. At the beginning of the month, the sun rises around 7:10 AM, and sunset is around 6:45 PM.
In late March, daylight saving time will occur. The clocks change one hour forward, so the sunrise and sunset times will also change.
At the end of the month, you can expect a sunrise at 7.20 AM and a sunset at 8 PM. You’ll enjoy, on average, 7 hours of sunshine each day.
What to wear in March?
The weather is very changeable in March, and I suggest bringing many layers. If you come from a colder climate, you can wear a light jacket or jumper on the plane to save space. Shoes with sturdy soles will be useful on rainy days, as the streets can get very slippery.
In good weather, you can wear short sleeves and shorts. But it can still be pretty cold early in the day and at night, and you should definitely bring long trousers on your trip. The temperatures can feel much colder on wet days, and warmer clothes will help you be comfortable. Remember to bring sunglasses!
The best activities in March in Lisbon
The weather in Lisbon in March offers a mix of sunshine and rain, so I’ve put together a list of activities to enjoy, no matter the circumstances. While the city has so much more to discover, the tips below will help you plan your perfect itinerary!
A tuk-tuk tour
A tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon is perfect with any weather. The driver will give you a blanket if you are cold, and you will stay dry under the roof. This popular excursion is the best way to see a lot of Lisbon in a very short amount of time.
You’ll see all the highlights, and the knowledgeable guides will tell you a lot about this fantastic city!
If you don’t have time for a food tour, you can even book a tuk-tuk excursion combined with a food tour! You can also discover many other fun combinations and special themed tours, such as a street art tour, an Alfama and Belém highlights tour, or a tour of the old town.
Discover the monuments
From the tuk-tuk, you can already see the many monuments in Lisbon, but visiting them is also a great idea! There are fewer crowds in March, meaning the lines at the major Lisbon attractions will be short to none.
It’s the perfect time to visit the World Heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, followed by the famous Belém Tower. And when the sun shines, you can even enjoy boat excursions on the Tagus River from the marina in Belém.
In downtown Lisbon, you can enjoy a ride on the Santa Just Lift or take the famous Tram 28 to the narrow streets of Alfama. Here you can find the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle.
Enjoy the views over the city from the Castle or Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Alfama is the oldest part of town, and you can easily spend half a day in the tiny streets!
Tip: Book a Photoshoot
Book a photoshoot with me in the winter light! I love photographing in Alfama, downtown Lisbon, Bairro Alto and Belém, and photoshoots are available throughout the city. Contact me for availability, or check this page for more information about what to expect.
Shopping on a rainy day
A day of shopping in Lisbon is perfect if the weather is not great or if it’s not so warm outside. You can find many shops around Rua Augusta, Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett.
If it’s a Tuesday or Saturday, you can visit the Alfama flea market Feira da Ladra. Or enjoy the many shops and restaurants at the LX Factory in Alcântara.
There are also manyshopping malls in Lisbon. Armazéns do Chiado is on Rua do Carmo. The Colombo Shopping Centre is easy to reach by taking the metro blue line.
You can book a shuttle bus to the Freeport Fashion Outlet in Alcochete for fantastic discounts. It’s huge, and you can easily spend a day here!
The Lisbon parks
Lisbon’s parks will slowly start blooming in March, and there are many parks to see! My favourites are the botanical gardens, and you can visit three different ones: Estufa Fria in Edward VII Park, the Botanical Gardens in Lisbon, and the Tropical Botanical Gardens in Belém.
If you would like to see some museums while visiting Lisbon, I highly recommend the Gulbenkian Museum and the park next door. The atmosphere is great, and it’s pretty local. The same goes for Jardim da Estrela, and kids will have a great time in the park’s playground!
A day to the beach
Although it’s rare, we spent a day on the beach in March before! In case it’s possible, there are many beaches nearby to admire!
There are some beaches between Lisbon and Cascais, for example, and Praia de Carcavelos, Praia de São Pedro do Estoril, and Praia do Tamariz are some good options.
If you have a car, you can also explore some of the beautiful Sintra beaches. Praia da Ursa is one of my favourites in the whole of Portugal!
Or explore the beaches of the Costa da Caparica south of the river. Praia da Mata, Praia da Cabana do Pescador, and Praia da Fonte da Telha have some good facilities. Although with hard wind, there is little shelter here. The Costa da Caparica is also ideal for learning how to surf!
Lisbon March events
Lisbon Half Marathon
The Lisbon Half Marathon will take place on March 8th, 2026. The Marathon in Lisbon is known as one of the most beautiful routes in the world, and it starts on the April 25 Bridge! You’ll run through the heart of Lisbon, and the finish line is at the Jerónimos Monastery.
Moda Lisboa
Moda Lisboa 2026 is from March 12th until March 15th. This twice-yearly event showcases the spring and autumn collections in the respective months.
Pura Sede
Wine lovers might prefer visiting Pura Sede on March 28th and 29th. The Natural Wine Fair is located near the city centre, and producers from all over Europe will showcase their best wines.
Day trips from Lisbon
If you stay more than two days in Lisbon, you can also add a day trip to a destination nearby! Below, you’ll find some ideas of things to do near Lisbon.
Visit Sintra
The best-known day trip near the capital goes to Sintra. Sintra is a must-see if you have time, as you can visit multiple palaces and a castle! Some of the most beautiful are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace and the Moorish Castle.
Remember that Sintra is always a bit colder than Lisbon, especially with clouds and wind, so bring an extra jumper or jacket!
Tip: Click to book your Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira tickets. You need to buy tickets upfront online, as you will receive a time slot!
If you prefer visiting lesser-known places, I recommend Monserrate Palace. This is one of my favourite places, and the park is so beautiful! Biester Palace is also fantastic, and it was once the decor of Roman Polanski’s movie The Ninth Gate with Johnny Depp.
And where most palaces are extremely beautiful, the Convent of the Capuchos is completely different! This place is made entirely from rocks, cork and moss.
Medieval Óbidos
Óbidos is a medieval walled city an hour and a half north of Lisbon. The small town is worth visiting all year round, but there are many festivals and events throughout the year! There is a medieval festival, a book festival, and a Christmas fair called Vila Natal.
But in March, the sweetest festival will take place: the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival! This year, it takes place from March 6th until the 22nd, 2026. You can taste chocolate but also see incredible creations made from chocolate. On certain days, there will also be demonstrations.
Enjoy a city trip nearby
You can visit some beautiful cities near Lisbon. Setúbal, for example, is only an hour by train. A little further is Tomar, the city of the Knights Templar. You’ll dive into Portuguese history, and there are many sights to see.
If you like wine and history, Évora is perfect. The city centre is listed as UNESCO Heritage, and the Alentejo region is known for its fabulous wines and cork trees!
Depending on several factors, you might also witness some of the highest waves in the World! Each year, there are surfing competitions in Nazaré, with new records year over year. The winter period provides the largest waves, so keep an eye out for the forecast!
Spend some time in nature
If you prefer discovering the nearby nature, you don’t have to travel far. Bird lovers can visit the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve by boat from the city.
And if you have a car, you can also enjoy a day of bird watching at the Sado Estuary. The Sado Estuary is near Setúbal, where you can also spot dolphins.
Setúbal is also near Parque Natural da Arrábida, a wonderful spot for adventure! You can go hiking or kayaking. You can also enjoy a day trip to Arrábida and combine it with a wine tasting.
The AllTrails app also shows some stunning hiking paths in Sintra, including coastal routes and mountain hikes.
Accommodation in Lisbon
With lower accommodation prices, you might find some fantastic deals in March in Lisbon! You can use the map below to find the perfect place to stay, but I have also highlighted three of my favourite spots in the city. When you visit Lisbon, a stay in Alfama, Chiado, Baixa, Bairro Alto, and around Avenida da Liberdade is super central.
📍 Budget-friendly hotel: The Ibis Styles Lisboa Centro Marquês de Pombal is centrally located, and the no-frills hotel chain is perfect for an affordable stay. It offers many hotel facilities, such as a 24-hour front desk, laundry, breakfast, and baggage storage.
📍 Mid-range gem: Lux Lisboa Park is a beautiful hotel near Marques de Pombal Square and Avenida da Liberdade. It has fantastic facilities, including an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub. If you are lucky, you might already swim in March! The hotel also has two restaurants, a fitness centre, and a spa.
📍 A luxury stay: If you’ve always wanted to stay in a palace, Palacete Chafariz Del Rei in Alfama is fantastic! You overlook the Tagus River, and you’re close to all the highlights in Alfama. The hotel is small, so book in time! They also serve a tasty brunch.
FAQ
Is March a good month to visit Lisbon?
March is a wonderful time to visit Lisbon! The temperatures are mild, and the average is 14 °C degrees (57.2 °F). Portugal is one of the warmer countries in Europe in early spring, and there will be already some warm days to enjoy the sun. There are few crowds, and the accommodation prices are lower than in summer. This makes March a lovely time for a city trip.
What is the weather like in Lisbon in late March or early April?
March will have some sunny days, but it might also rain during your stay. The temperature averages 14 °C (57.2 °F), and it will cool down at night. When the sun is out, it might be warm enough to wear a dress or shorts and a T-shirt. In spring, temperatures will rise, but it will also get busier.
What is the Lisbon temperature in March?
On average, March’s temperature is 14 °C (57.2 °F). However, some warmer days might have temperatures of 18 °C (64.4 °F). The night can be cool, so ensure to bring some warm clothes too.
Would you like to travel in March?
Thanks to the mild climate, visiting in March is lovely! There are plenty of sunny days, and the average temperature in March is 14 °C (57.2 °F). Unfortunately, there might be some rain, too, but the city has enough indoor activities to explore.
Lisbon is a great location for a city trip, and if you prefer to travel before the height of summer, March is the perfect month. There are fewer crowds, and you can also enjoy cheaper accommodation prices.
It will get busier from April onwards, and hotel prices will increase. Lisbon is also lovely in spring, and this is the time when all the trees start blooming.
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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