Are you wondering what to wear in Portugal in March? March is the start of Spring in Portugal and the weather conditions are changeable which can make it challenging to pack for. But with this handy guide you will learn what to pack for Portugal in Spring for cities, beaches, dress codes and more.
Weather in Portugal in March
March is the first month of Spring in Portugal but you will find the conditions are still pretty changeable and your packing list will be dependent on what part of the month you are traveling in.
But how cold is Portugal in March?
Note: while this guide will talk about what to wear in Portugal generally in March, if you want more specific regional guidance be sure to check out the below seasonal and monthly specific posts:
- What to wear to Lisbon in March
- What to wear in Porto
- What to wear to the Algarve
- What to wear in Sintra
And if you trip spans two months be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Is it cold in Portugal in March?
Depending on where you are going in Portugal will obviously impact the temperatures you can expect. However generally speaking the average temperature range in Portugal in March are lows of 11°C/51°F to highs of 18°C /64°F.
But it is worth noting the further North in Portugal you are the colder and rainier it is likely to be. And the earlier in the month you travel the cooler it will be.
Also, Portugal in particular the hilly cities such as Lisbon and Porto are renowned for having strong wind so it is also worth bringing light layers with you.
Is it Rainy in Portugal in March?
March is technically the last month of the rainy season in Portugal and on average you will get around 9 days of rain across the month. But it usually only totals around 12mm so waterproof wear shouldn’t be the main priority of your packing list.
Is it warm enough to swim in Portugal in March?
It may surprise you to find out that the sea temperature is often at its coolest in March. In fact the average sea temperature in Portugal in March is a chilly 15.0°C / 59°F. Therefore unless your hotel or acommodation has a heated pool chances are you are safe to leave your swimwear at home.
Note: although the weather in this guide are historical averages however we advise always checking the weather at your destination 7 days in advance in case of anomalies such as cold snaps and heat waves.
What to Wear in Portugal in March
So now you know what to expect of the weather in Portugal in March we will turn our attention to what to wear. The guide is split out into men, women’s and shoes section to make for easier navigation.
What to Wear in Portugal in March for women
Jacket
Although it is Spring, a jacket is still an essential for Portugal especially in the hill cities. Depending on the forecast for your week of travel we recommend either packing a puffer jackets or a trench.
Click here to shop jackets for Portugal.
Skirts and dresses
I like to wear a dress when traveling, especially for nights out and fancier restaurants. For March in Portugal I prefer a midi length with longer sleeves. I also love a wrap dress for Europe at this time of year.
Click here to shop skirts and dresses for Portugal.
Trousers
Trousers are a great pick for Portugal in March especially with the wind in the hilly cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Personally I don’t think you can go wrong with jeans at this time of year. But I would also pack a smarter pant such as a black pant.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights in Portugal.
T Shirt
For March I recommend packing a mix of short and long sleeve t shirts.
Layers
Even though the temperatures are warmer up , Spring can still be pretty chilly in Portugal . For this reason we tend to pack 3 layers for a week. This usually compromises of a cardigan, sweater and a casual hoodie for daytime sightseeing.
Pashmina
A pashmina is on all of my European packing lists no matter the month of travel. It is just such a versatile travel essential for women.
It can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler evenings and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to religious settings as per Portuguese dress code requirements.
PJs or Nightie, Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
What to pack for Portugal in March for Men
When putting together the packing list for men heading to Portugal in March, the considerations are really the same as for women.
You need outfits that comprise of several light layers and still need to have a more modest outfit for visiting churches.
Chinos/Jeans
Chinos and jeans are perfect for Portugal in March as they are the perfect weight for the weather. Jeans are great for daytime sightseeing while chinos are great for smart casual restaurants.
Click here to shop men’s travel trousers.
T Shirts and Shirts
I recommend packing a mix of short and long sleeve t shirts are perfect for Springtime.
However for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with long sleeves.
Blazer
A lightweight top layer like a sweater or jacket is always a good idea and a blazer is a good smart top for dinners out.
Layers
As we the female packing list we recommend having 3 tops layers for a week in Portugal.
Jackets / Coats
Jackets are a must for March. The earlier in the month you travel the heavier weight it will need to be.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
Best Shoes for Portugal in March
Sneakers
Sneakers are the perfect shoe for Portugal all year round especially in the cities such as Porto and Lisbon where there are lots of hills and cobbled stone streets.
The perfect sneaker for Portugal in March has to be one you feel comfortable walking in but also that has good arch support.
My favorite brand of sneakers for walking are Hoka and AllBirds as these are great for walking in. However you also can’t go wrong with a plain white sneaker as they go with everything. One of my favorite pairs of white sneakers is the Adidas Cloud Foam shoes.
Ankle Boot
If you are traveling at the start of the month an ankle boot with a low heel and good sole is the perfect choice of alternate shoe.
Click here to shop ankle boots.
What to Pack in Portugal in March (non clothing)
- Crossbody bag – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best.
- Reusable Water bottle – good for the environment while traveling.
- Sunscreen – good no matter the time of year.
- Toiletries – you can find our essential list of toiletries for travel here.
- Medication
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Camera
- Travel Adaptor for European plug sockets. For my American readers you will need an EU Type C Country plug adapter.
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
FAQs about March Portugal Packing List
Should I take swimwear for Portugal in March?
Depending where you are in Portugal will depend on how comfortable it will be to swim. Technically in the Algarve they say swimming season is March to October however I still find it a bit chilly in March. But it is always worth adding swimwear just in case oyu find it warm enough.
Do you need a jacket in March in Portugal?
Yes layers and a jacket are absolute essentials for Portugal in March.
Can you wear jeans in Portugal in March?
There are no reason why you can’t wear jeans in March in Portugal. In fact I find them a really great choice especially for the cities in March.
Have you visited Portugal in March? What else would you add to this Portugal packing list.
