Lisbon in March: What to Expect

Lisbon in March is excellent. The summer crowds have not arrived, prices are noticeably lower than from April onward, and the city's food, wine, and miradouros (viewpoint) culture is in full operation. The Atlantic coast is cool but the city itself is one of Europe's mildest in March. For anyone who has seen Lisbon in August and wondered what it would look like without the queues, the answer is March.

Weather

March temperatures in Lisbon range from 9°C at night to 16°C to 18°C during the day. Sunshine is common but rain is a genuine possibility, particularly early in the month. The Atlantic influence means the city is milder than inland Iberia but also wetter. A light jacket and a compact umbrella are useful companions. By late March, temperatures regularly hit 18°C to 20°C on sunny afternoons, and outdoor tables fill up at the city's pastelarias and wine bars.

Crowds and Prices

Lisbon in March is well into shoulder season. The tram 28 is still busy with tourists year-round, but the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and the Castle of Sao Jorge are accessible without the peak-season queues. Hotel prices are lower across all categories from boutique guesthouses to larger hotels.## What's On

Lisbon's main festivals are summer events: the Festas de Lisboa (June) is the big one. March is culturally quiet but the city's Fado venues run year-round and a late evening at a tasca listening to Fado is one of the best things to do in Lisbon regardless of season. Carnival ends in February or early March and some street decoration lingers into early March in certain neighbourhoods. The Lisbon Half Marathon typically runs in March and is one of Portugal's biggest road races.

One Thing to Watch

The tram 28 route, iconic as it is, runs through the city's steepest streets and is crowded year-round with tourists. In March the queues are shorter, but the tram itself is still small and fills quickly. If you are using it as transport rather than as an experience, consider walking the Alfama or taking a taxi for specific journeys. For the experience itself, go early morning when the wait is shorter.

Our Lisbon travel guide covers the best neighbourhoods, the Fado scene, the pasteis de nata, and the transport logistics for a city that rewards proper planning.