Wondering where the best weather in Europe in March might be? After shivering through January and February, it’s not surprising that many of us living in colder climes are desperate to go somewhere warm. Seasonal depression is real, and if you’ve spent all of winter in a cold, grey funk, then some warm March travel destinations might be the ideal antidote.
We’ve rounded up ten destinations that receive the best weather in Europe in March so that you can plan a sunny holiday and start de-frosting after a long winter. Best of all, during March, most of these locations aren’t busy yet, so you can save money by visiting in the shoulder season of spring!
1. Seville
For those traveling in Europe, one of the best hot countries in March is definitely Spain. The country has a mild climate all year round, but the areas on the Mediterranean coast are definitely the warmest and start to get even warmer once spring comes along.
The city of Seville in Spain enjoys some of the sunniest and hottest temperatures in Europe, making it a delightful destination if you want to experience some warm weather in March – especially since it can get a little too hot in the middle of summer. Seville is the capital of Andalusia and contains three separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so there are plenty of fun things to entertain you while you bask in the sun here too!
📍The best places to visit in Seville in March
While you’re thawing out in Seville, make sure you spend some time exploring the Royal Alcázar palace complex, a stunning royal palace built for the Christian king Peter of Castile on the site of a Muslim Alcazar or fortress. Not only is it a fascinating example of Mudéjar architecture in the Iberian Peninsula but it was also used as a filming location to represent Dorne in Game of Thrones!
The Seville Cathedral is also a must-visit, as it’s the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the bell tower provides incredible views over the city of Seville.
💼 What to wear in Seville in March
It’s all about the layers here! You’ll need some long-sleeve tops and trousers when it gets chilly at night, as well as a coat. You may also find yourself shedding some of those layers during the warmest parts of the day. There may also be some spring showers, so be sure to pack an umbrella. If you don’t mind the water being a little cold then you may even want to pack your swimsuit!
2. Barcelona
While Seville is located in the southwest of Spain, Barcelona in the southeast is also a great choice if you’re looking for the warmest place in Europe in March. Even in winter it rarely gets cold here and its location on the coast of the Balearic Sea makes it a fantastic spot to enjoy a mix of city and beaches!
The end of March is an ideal time to visit Barcelona as the temperatures rise, but they’re not too high yet and there aren’t as many other tourists crowding the streets. Therefore you can save some money on accommodation while visiting during this warm shoulder season.
📍The best places to visit in Barcelona in March
Barcelona is one of the most exciting and interesting European cities, with iconic sites to explore like the incredible Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló, both designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
The fantastic (literally!) Park Güell in Barcelona is another quintessential Barcelona experience created by Gaudí, and it’s particularly nice to wander through during March when it’s warm but not too hot. Along with sculptures representing Catalan Modernism dotted amongst the greenery, Park Güell also offers some of the best views over Barcelona, particularly magical during a warm evening sunset.
Make sure you also spend some time on the beaches while you’re in Barcelona and see all the great attractions we have on offer. For even more inspiration, check out our blog posts on things to do in Barcelona, how to spend just 24 hours in Barcelona, and fun things to do in Barcelona with kids!
💼 What to wear in Barcelona in March
Barcelona is comparable to Seville in March in terms of weather, so you can also pack some t-shirts and shorts along with your longer-sleeved clothing for evenings or a chilly day. Locals are mostly to be seen in jeans and a nice top, with a jacket to pop on if it gets cold or take off when it’s sunny and warm.
3. Lisbon
Some of the best weather in Europe in March can be enjoyed in the city of Lisbon since it experiences a subtropical-Mediterranean climate with temperatures rising from the beginning of the month. Like Barcelona, Lisbon also receives far fewer visitors in March so it’s a much cheaper time to stay in the city.
📍The best places to visit in Lisbon in March
There are two excellent UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lisbon that you shouldn’t miss, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém. Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification sitting on the banks of the River Tagus in Lisbon and perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’re visiting Prince Eric’s palace from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
For more magical palace vibes, Lisbon is the ideal jumping-off point for a day trip to the famous park and National Pena Palace in Sintra. It’s just half an hour out of the city and this incredible monastery-turned-palace is surrounded by a maze of gardens which only add to the beauty of the colorful castle.
Find more fun things to do and see in Lisbon here.
💼 What to wear in Lisbon in March
While spring always brings a possibility of rain (making an umbrella and coat a must) Lisbon is usually pretty warm in March, so you might even be able to bring out some flirty dresses or skirts and shorts. Make sure you have warm layers and perhaps some leggings to go under dresses, especially in the evening.
4. Marseille
While you might not necessarily think of France when you’re planning to visit some hot countries in March, the country’s south coast is milder than you might expect, and quite a pleasant destination in spring. It might not be as warm as Barcelona or Lisbon, as it’s located slightly further north, but it’s still a lovely place to explore without the crowds (and heat) of the full summer.
Marseille is also a fascinating city to discover, as both the oldest in France and the second most populous after Paris, although it often gets overlooked. Do yourself a favour and book your next spring holiday in this beautiful port city immediately!
📍The best places to visit in Marseille in March
One of the best and most popular attractions in Marseille is the Château d’If, a castle located on the island of If, in the harbor of Marseille. This chateau was the inspiration for the novel The Count of Monte Cristo and gets packed in summer, but in spring you will be able to explore it without the crowds, while the ferry to get there won’t be too cold in March either.
The museum of Mucem is located in Marseille, and features displays about the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s also located at the entrance of the city’s harbor and is an impressive building to see from the outside as well as to explore inside.
💼 What to wear in Marseille in March
As with many European March destinations, Marseille can still be cool but when it’s nice and sunny the temperature will bump up. Pack some jeans and a jacket as well as t-shirts and dresses, along with an umbrella.
5. Sicily
The Italian island of Sicily has some of the best weather in Europe in March due to its location at the bottom of the country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Whilst it might not be quite warm enough to swim yet, this period still makes a wonderful choice for exploring this often-overlooked part of Italy.
Most famous for being home to Mount Etna, the tallest currently active volcano in Europe, Sicily also provides a rich and unique culture to explore during a trip to this fascinating island.
📍The best places to visit in Sicily in March
There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily, although the Valley of the Temples might be the most well-known as it’s also the largest archaeological site in the world.
History and architecture buffs will be in heaven while visiting Sicily since it has so many preserved ruins to explore, like the Greek Theater of Syracuse, another UNESCO Site that has hosted everything from theater performances and religious worship to gladiatorial battles and public trials!
For more amazing sites in Sicily, check out our full list of attractions.
💼 What to wear in Sicily in March
Sicily’s weather can fluctuate in spring, so aim for light pieces that can be layered or removed as the temperature falls and rises. Some areas in Sicily are a bit upscale, so make sure you have some dressy clothing. Comfortable shoes are also a must if you plan on doing any sightseeing as the ground can be very uneven.
6. Greece
Some of the best weather in Europe in March can also be found in Greece, particularly the further south you go to explore the islands. Crete is usually one of the warmest destinations in March as it lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and experiences an early spring.
📍The best places to visit in Greece in March
If you want the warmest temperatures possible, head to Crete, which is a stunning island filled with archaeological remains to explore, along with some great beaches. If you’ve ever been interested in Greek mythology you will want to explore the Palace of Knossos, which legend tells was home to the Minotaur.
Another interesting way to learn about the history and culture of ancient Greece in Crete is with a visit to the Minoan’s World 9D Experience, which is like an amazing multi-sensory cinema ride through time with bubbles, fog, rain, earthquakes, lightning, wind, and snow!
💼 What to wear in Greece in March
While some of the Greek islands may be starting to get warmer, if you will be exploring Athens and the Greek mainland then you will definitely need some layers in March. Always bring comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and cobblestones throughout Greece. The further south you are going the more summery clothing you will want to bring, although always bring a jacket and something to keep your legs warm in the evenings.
7. Malta
If you’re seeking hot countries in March to visit, you might want to consider Malta – an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Africa. Malta is an extremely popular summer destination, so visiting in spring means you’ll still get to enjoy the warmer weather without the crowds.
📍The best places to visit in Malta in March
The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most famous and popular place for visitors to Malta, especially those who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Temperatures in March can reach up to 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) so it’s not too cold to go in the water already.
If that’s still a bit too nippy for you, consider exploring the capital city of Valletta on a walking tour to learn all about this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s fascinating history.
💼 What to wear in Malta in March
Even in spring, you should definitely pack your swimsuit, along with something to throw over the top. It’s a good idea to bring some jeans and a jacket to Malta in March, but you will also find shorts, skirts, dresses, and t-shirts to be comfortable when the sun is shining. Luckily Malta is quite dry during spring so you may even be able to get away without bringing an umbrella!
8. The Canary Islands
For more of the best weather in Europe in March, Spain’s Canary Islands are a great choice, situated off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara. The four main islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura all offer varied things to see and do at the beginning of spring while temperatures start to get warm enough for sunbathing on the magnificent beaches.
📍The best places to visit in The Canary Islands in March
Tenerife might be a touch cooler than the other islands in March, but it contains some excellent attractions that are lovely to explore at this time of year, including the Pyramids of Guimar, a jungle park, and a water park!
If it’s not warm enough for you to go swimming then you might prefer a dolphin-watching cruise or camel-riding through the dunes of Gran Canaria.
Make sure you check out all the exciting things we have on offer in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote!
💼 What to wear in The Canary Islands in March
You won’t need a big coat in the Canary Islands in March, but a light cardigan or coverup will be useful in the evenings. Bring your swimwear and layers for going exploring, as well as comfortable shoes if you plan to do any hiking. A pair of jeans and something cooler (like a dress or shorts) will also be useful for warm days.
9. Málaga
Another one of the best March travel destinations in Spain is the port city of Málaga as it receives a delightfully warm subtropical-Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny spring days. It is, after all, located on the Costa del Sol or Coast of the Sun and can even get into the 30s Celsius (or 80s Fahrenheit) in March!
As the birthplace of Picasso (and actor Antonio Banderas), there are also plenty of fun things to explore while you’re enjoying that warmth.
📍The best places to visit in Málaga in March
The number one attraction in Málaga is the Museo Picasso, where more than 200 works by the celebrated artist can be viewed in the restored 16th-century palace in which he was born!
Other fantastic attractions in Málaga include the stunning La Concepción Botanical-Historical Garden and the quirky Museum of Imagination.
💼 What to wear in Málaga in March
Málaga in March is generally warm but you will still want to wear light layers so that you can easily add a bit or remove something as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. Locals also don’t tend to wear sandals until summer, so closed-toe shoes will be fine. Ensure you bring your sunglasses though, as the sun is bright even when not too fierce!
10. Palma de Mallorca
The island of Palma de Mallorca might not be the warmest place in Europe in March, but it’s definitely one of them! Temperatures in Palma in spring are comparable to Málaga, and since it’s an island it’s an ideal holiday destination if you want to spend the majority of your time working on that suntan. There are plenty of fun activities and places to explore here too though!
📍The best places to visit in Palma in March
If you can tear yourself away from the sun and sand for a while, the Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is a gorgeous building to see both from the outside and if you venture in for a closer look. It’s also quite unique in that it sits right next to the harbor with impressive views out to sea.
Since Mallorca is also the birthplace of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, fans of him and/or the sport should also ensure they visit the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience while in Palma.
💼 What to wear in Palma de Mallorca in March
Palma is a city with many business professionals and locals also tend to get dressed up when going out. Make sure you have something a bit dressy for dinner. Residents also tend to view March as still cold, so while it probably feels warm to visitors, ensure you wear light layers rather than something skimpy that screams tourist!
We hope you’ve been inspired by this list of fabulous destinations in Europe to visit for warm weather in March. Be sure to also check out our guide to unique Easter traditions in Europe if you’re specifically planning to travel for Easter!
