Loading Page...

Is it too cold to swim in Portugal in March?

No, in March it usually is still cold, well not too cold but it isn't beach weather. But you never know, you might be lucky, this year we had an excellent weather in March. But it isn't always like that.



People Also Ask

The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 59°F / 15.0°C.

MORE DETAILS

The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.

MORE DETAILS

April is usually a bit too early to enjoy the beaches and the outdoor pools of the hotels to the fullest. We saw some people on the beaches in Portugal on the warmest April days, but only very few of them went in the water. The seawater is still quite cold after the winter.

MORE DETAILS

The winter months of November, December, January, February and March can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella. Remember that even if the winter months are warmer than you are used to at home, they won't feel that way to the locals.

MORE DETAILS

March in Portugal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See. Portugal has mild temperatures year-round, especially in comparison to the rest of most of Europe. While March is wetter and cooler than the summer, rain levels tend to decrease as spring emerges.

MORE DETAILS

The beach season in Lisbon, Portugal is from June to September, during which the capital city is hot, but the temperatures on the beaches by the coast are much cooler and more enjoyable thanks to the nice sea breezes blowing in from the Atlantic.

MORE DETAILS

There is a 64% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 36% chance of seeing a mixture of sunshine and clouds with an average 12mm of rainfall this month.

MORE DETAILS

But though Nazaré's surfing reputation precedes it, there are plenty of calmer beaches suitable for swimming, including Praia da Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto.

MORE DETAILS

Daytime high temperatures tend to be around 17-18 C (62-64 F) early in the month, warming to about 19-20 C (66-68 F) near the end of the month. A few of the warmer afternoons, especially near the end of this month can reach up near 24 C (75 F).

MORE DETAILS

In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer.

MORE DETAILS

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain The only destination that is technically in Europe that has warm enough weather for sunbathing in March is the Canary Islands, just off the southern coast of Morocco.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer.

MORE DETAILS

Swimming Safety in Portugal Portugal is lined by the Atlantic Ocean which offers swimmers cool waters and large waves, depending on the location. Caution should be taken for beaches connected to rivers or streams since currents may be strong.

MORE DETAILS