March marks the beginning of spring (a primavera) in Portugal, a time when the landscape awakens with colour, festivals return, and days grow longer. From cultural celebrations to environmental observances, March offers a mix of tradition, nature, and practical experiences for visitors and locals alike.
In this guide, you’ll discover the weather in Portugal during March, important holidays and festivals, and some useful Portuguese vocabulary to make your trip or study more enjoyable.
- 🌱 Weather and Early Spring in Portugal
- ✝️ Lent (A Quaresma)
- 👩 International Women’s Day – 8th March
- ☘️ Saint Patrick’s Day – 17th March
- 👨 Father’s Day – 19th March (O Dia do Pai)
- 🌳 Arbour Day / World Tree Day – 21st March
- 💧 World Water Day – 22nd March
- ✝️ Semana Santa and Páscoa
- ⏰ Daylight Saving Time – Last Sunday of March
- 🌼 Portuguese Vocabulary for March
- FAQs About March in Portugal
🌱 Weather and Early Spring in Portugal
March brings milder temperatures and the first signs of spring.
Average temperatures:
- North (Porto, Braga): 10–18°C
- Central (Lisbon): 12–20°C
- South (Algarve): 14–22°C
- Rain is still possible, particularly in the north, but sunny days are more frequent.
- Ideal for sightseeing, walking in towns, or enjoying outdoor cafés.
Tips for visitors: bring layers and a light waterproof jacket.
✝️ Lent (A Quaresma)
Lent (Quaresma) often starts in February and continues through March, depending on the year. It is a period of reflection and preparation for Easter.
During Lent, traditional Portuguese customs include:
- Eating simpler, often fish-based meals (like bacalhau)
- Attending church services
- Participating in community rituals and reflections
👩 International Women’s Day – 8th March
- International Women’s Day
- Celebrated with local events, cultural programmes, and recognition of women’s contributions.
- Many Portuguese cities host concerts, talks, and exhibitions.
☘️ Saint Patrick’s Day – 17th March
- Saint Patrick’s Day – O Dia de São Patrício
- It’s not a huge celebration, but it is celebrated in Portugal in Irish pubs and some cultural events – a nod to Portugal-Ireland connections.
👨 Father’s Day – 19th March (O Dia do Pai)
- Father’s Day – O Dia do Pai
- Traditions include giving cards and small gifts, family meals, and school activities for children.
🌳 Arbour Day / World Tree Day – 21st March
A day to celebrate and plant trees, promoting environmental awareness. Schools and communities often organise tree-planting activities across the country.
💧 World Water Day – 22nd March
Highlights the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices, especially in the summer months.
- Activities may include educational programmes, local campaigns, and school projects.
✝️ Semana Santa and Páscoa
Some years, Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter (Páscoa) fall in April, but preparations often start in March. Towns and cities begin arranging processions, decorations, and traditional Easter foods.
Key traditions include:
- Processions in churches and streets
- Preparing traditional sweets, like Folar da Páscoa
- Family gatherings
⏰ Daylight Saving Time – Last Sunday of March
- Clocks go forward one hour, marking the start of longer evenings.
- Brighter afternoons make sightseeing, walking, and outdoor activities more enjoyable.
🌼 Portuguese Vocabulary for March
- a primavera – spring
- a Quaresma – Lent
- o Dia da Mulher – International Women’s Day
- o Dia do Pai – Father’s Day
- a árvore – tree
- a água – water
- a Páscoa – Easter