Spring is here, bringing with it pleasantly mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. While the weather in Barcelona in March is certainly not the warmest it is here in the Catalan capital, the dreary days of winter are coming to an end, and it shows in the liveliness and fun that fills the streets.
Although March is still technically considered part of the low season in Barcelona, there are still plenty of activities throughout the month. It’s one of the best times of the year to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the authentic way of life without dodging the hordes of tourists that tend to arrive in droves during the late spring and summer months. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy a stress-free and relaxing trip to Barcelona in March.
Barcelona weather in March
Temperatures for the first two-thirds of March in Barcelona are not much better than in February: think of the highs in the 60s and 40s. Barcelona’s proximity to the sea means that the water has a cooling effect that lasts much longer. late in the month. However, near the end of the month, it is not uncommon to see readings in the 60s, still a little cool for sunbathing or swimming on the beach, but it is perfectly pleasant to explore the city without breaking a sweat or feeling like you are going freeze
Barcelona in March doesn’t see much precipitation, with less than three total inches of rain falling, on average, throughout the month. Instead, expect an average of 12 hours of sunlight per day to supplement the mild temperatures.
What to pack
Note that throughout Spain, locals tend to dress according to the season rather than the weather. That means that even though spring technically begins in March, you still won’t see anyone (except tourists) taking off their shorts and sandals.
Temperatures are still not higher in Barcelona in March. The hours of the day can seem quite pleasant, but the afternoons and nights are still quite chilly. Consider dressing in outfits that can be easily layered for comfort, and bring a warm coat if you’re going to go out and experience Barcelona’s iconic nightlife.
Although rainfall is quite low here in Barcelona in March, unexpected rains do happen. Put a compact umbrella in your bag so you don’t get caught off guard. Plentiful sunlight means stylish sunglasses are a must, so bring a pair and it’ll fit perfectly.
March events in Barcelona
Barcelona’s fun-loving spirit and cool vibe mean there’s always a reason to celebrate. Save the dates for these festivals and events that take place throughout the month.
- Sant Measure Festival : March begins with a lot of fun thanks to this traditional festival in the third. Horses, carriages, trucks and much more make their way through the streets of the Gracia neighborhood, throwing sweets and other goodies at the eager spectators lining the streets.
- Barcelona Marathon – A great way to get up and move after a cold winter, this annual race takes place in March, with the 2019 edition scheduled for March 10.
- 61st International Antique Car Rally – Classic car fans won’t want to miss this race from Barcelona to Sitges from March 16-18. What makes this event special isn’t just the fact that all the participating cars date from before 1924 (though that’s certainly pretty good). Drivers and other occupants of each vehicle must also dress in period-appropriate clothing, making the event a fashion show as well.
March Travel Tips
March is one of the best times to visit Barcelona. Peak season doesn’t start until later in the spring, so the city is relatively quiet. The relatively low number of tourists means that accommodation can be inexpensive compared to the more popular months.
Another great reason to visit Barcelona in March is the prevalence of delicious seasonal foods, from calçots (Catalan sweet onions, in season through spring). Chilly mornings also provide a great excuse to enjoy soul-warming chocolate churros at a local café.
To learn more about whether March is the ideal time for your trip to Barcelona and other Spanish cities, be sure to check out our guide to the best time to visit Spain.