March marks the practical start of spring travel season, with warming days across Lisbon and the Alentejo and the first green returning to the mountain landscape around Belmonte and Trancoso.
Lisbon generally reaches the high teens by day, with rain becoming less frequent as the month progresses. The Alentejo warms steadily, and wildflowers begin appearing on the plains. The Serra da Estrela can still hold late-season snow at altitude early in the month, though Belmonte itself, at lower elevation, is usually mild by day with cool nights.
Clocks move forward at the end of March, extending evening light considerably. When Easter falls in March, its date should be checked closely, as Good Friday is a public holiday and many museums and some restaurants close or shorten hours over the Easter weekend itself. Outside Easter, March remains a relatively quiet travel month.
Early spring vegetables begin appearing in Lisbon markets, and the Alentejo's olive oil and cheese producers are in full production. Easter-season pastries, including folar breads in some interior regions, appear in bakeries as the holiday approaches.
March suits both shorter and longer itineraries; travellers planning a fuller 10-day journey often choose late March deliberately, ahead of the busier late-spring period, provided the Easter calendar is checked in advance.
A structured exploration of Portugal's most significant Jewish sites, paired with its finest food, wine and landscapes.
From €4,950 pp
10 DaysComplete immersion from the Atlantic to the Serra da Estrela, at an unhurried pace with luxury accommodation throughout.
From €8,900 pp
Not necessarily, but it is worth checking the exact date each year, since Good Friday is a public holiday and some museums and restaurants adjust their hours around it.
Generally yes; by late March most regions are comfortably into spring conditions, though evenings in the mountains remain cool.
Share your plans — we cover the whole country with private tours, transfers and curated experiences.
Tell us your dates, group size and interests so we can craft the perfect experience.