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Madrid in March | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More

The land-locked Spanish capital of Madrid has a lot to offer tourists in terms of sightseeing and memorable experiences. The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, display some of Europe’s best art collections. The stadiums and football museums at Wanda Metropolitano, and Santiago Bernabeu make Madrid a paradise for football lovers. The city also has attractions like Faunia Madrid, Madrid Aquarium Zoo, Parque Warner, and Parque de Atracciones that cater to families on vacation. Here is all the information you will need to plan a vacation in Madrid in March.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Madrid?

The shoulder season in Madrid begins in March when the temperatures are comfortable and the city flaunts its Spring bloom. Madrid is less crowded in March as compared to the summer months and is one of the best times to visit and explore the city dodging the heavy touristy crowds.

Madrid in March - Why You Should Visit Madrid in March

Why You Should Visit Madrid in March

  • March marks the beginning of the spring season in Madrid when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.
  • The shoulder season in Madrid begins in March, which means you’ll see fewer crowds at tourist hotspots, as compared to summers.
  • Football is definitely a prime reason to visit Madrid, which is home to two major football clubs - Athletico Madrid and Real Madrid. You can visit their stadiums and museums here, as well as watch them play live.
  • Flight tickets and hotels are cheaper as it is soon after the low tourist season.
  • You can witness the celebrations all across Madrid on Saint Joseph’s Day when visiting around then in March.
Madrid in March - What to Look Out for in Madrid in March

What to Look Out for in Madrid in March

  • Most local stores and restaurants in Madrid may be closed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. as that is when Spaniards take their Siestas or afternoon naps.
  • It is advised to learn to speak some basic Spanish as many locals and cab drivers do not speak English.
  • The taxi fare from the airport to anywhere in central Madrid is fixed at 30€. Beware of drivers who may try charging you more.
  • Some museums and attractions have fixed times for visitor tours. Make sure you book your convenient time slot well in advance to ensure all goes as per plan.
  • Entry to some museums in Madrid is free on certain days. Do check the timings and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Overview of Weather in Madrid in March

Madrid in March - weather

More About Weather in Madrid in March

Is Madrid cold in March?

Madrid is not very cold in March. The average low temperature for the month is 6.2 ℃, with temperatures hardly dropping below 2 ℃. However, the strong winds may make the evenings feel a little chilly.

Can you swim in Madrid in March?

Madrid is a land-locked city with only a few rivers as swimming options. In March, the average temperature of these waters is around 9.2 ℃ which may be too cold for a swim. If you do fancy a swim while in Madrid in March, you could try finding indoor heated swimming pools.

Is it sunny in Madrid in March?

Madrid is generally cloudy in March with an average of around 6.9 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of daylight every day.

Is it rainy in Madrid in March?

You can expect light rains and drizzles for just about four days in March in Madrid. The average accumulated rainfall for the month is 25 mm.

Best Things to do in Madrid in March

Madrid in March - royal palace of madrid
Madrid in March - Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Madrid in March - Liria Palace
Madrid in March - Wanda Metropolitano
Madrid in March - Faunia Madrid
Madrid in March - Parque Warner
Madrid in March - Prado Museum
Madrid in March - Madrid Aquarium Zoo
Madrid in March - Parque De Atracciones
Madrid in March - Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Madrid in March - Toledo Day Trip
Madrid in March - Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Top Experiences & Things to do in Madrid in March

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Festivals in Madrid in March

Madrid in March - Saint Joseph’s Day (Father’s Day)
Madrid in March - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid

Events in Madrid in March

Madrid in March - Movistar Medio Maratón de Madrid
Madrid in March - André Rieu Live Performance
Madrid in March - Cinegética 2023

Know Before You Visit Madrid in March

Travel Essentials
What to Wear
What to Pack
Transport
Stay
Food
Madrid in March - Travel Essentials
Madrid in March - what to wear

What to Wear in Madrid in March

  • Full pants or long dresses as opposed to shorts in the summers
  • Warm woolen clothes and full-sleeved tops
  • Scarves and ear muffs
  • Comfortable walking shoes
Madrid in March - what to pack

What to Pack in Madrid in March

  • Do carry an umbrella, as the light rains in Madrid in March are unpredictable.
  • Most parts of Madrid can be explored on foot or by cycle. So do carry a good pair of comfortable walking shoes.
  • Since March is just the beginning of Spring, it can still be a little cold in the first 2 weeks or so. Hence, it is advised to carry warm woolen clothes and jackets.
  • Do pack a few scarves and ear muffs for a comfortable walk on windy days.
  • You will often find only round-tip 2-pin C and F type sockets in Madrid. So do pack a suitable convertor plug or adaptor when you travel.
Madrid in March - Getting Around Madrid in March

Getting Around Madrid in March

By Bus: Madrid’s bus network consists of over 2000 buses running between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. along 200 lines. 26 of these bus routes operate at night from 11:55 p.m. to 5:50 a.m. A single one-way ticket can be purchased on board the bus and all other types of tickets are available for purchase at the station.

By Metro: Madrid has a well-connected metro network that passes through more than 300 stations along 13 lines. The metro trains operate from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day and use a multi-top-up card system for ticketing. These tickets can be bought at the station, at authorized retailers, and through red machines.

By Train: Trains are available in Madrid on weekdays from 5 or 6 a.m. until midnight. Tickets for Cercania trains can be purchased from the station.

By Cab: If you are traveling at night or with a lot of luggage in Madrid, the most convenient means of transport would be a cab. You can spot an available cab on the streets by noticing the green-lit roof sign.

Madrid in March - stay

Where to Stay in Madrid in March

Madrid offers tourists a great variety of options when it comes to accommodation. Apartments, hostel beds, dormitory bunks, hotel rooms, and villas at resorts are all available at different price ranges to cater to any budget.

Budget Hotels: Mola! Hostel, Hotel Acta Madfo, Eco Alcalá Suites

Mid-Range Hotels: Palacio Tirso de Molina - THE ARC COLLECTION, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid, Hotel Mirador de Chamartín

Luxury Hotels: Torre de Madrid Plaza by Madflats Collection, Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel

Madrid in March - foo

What to Eat in Madrid in March

Madrid is a Spanish culinary melting pot serving authentic food from all regions of the country. Here are some of the dishes you must try while in Madrid in March.

Bocadillo de Calamares: Bocadillo de Calamares is a fried squid sandwich made by layering deep-fried squid rings on a fresh loaf of special Spanish bread, with a topping of tomato sauce, paprika, or garlic mayonnaise.

Tortilla de Patatas: Tortilla de Patatas or Potato Omelet is a type of omelet dish made with potatoes and often topped with onions, mushrooms, sausages, or peppers. A variety of this dish called Pincho de Tortilla is a popular street food served as small squares of tortilla with toppings.

Croquetas: Croquettes are a household dish of breadcrumbed and fried rolls of food leftovers, shredded and made into a paste, usually bound with mashed potatoes. In Spain, however, they are made tastier and creamier by adding bechamel sauce to the mix.

Hacks & Tips to Visit Madrid in March

  • March is the first month of the shoulder season in Madrid. You may be lucky to still find low-season discounts on air tickets and hotels while making your bookings.
  • The climate in March is pleasant for outdoor sightseeing and trips. Do plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • If you are planning to go on day trips to other cities, it is advised to make the bookings beforehand as there are limited seats for each tour.
  • Although the climate is pleasant, it is soon after winter and the winds may make you feel chilly at night. So do carry scarves and ear muffs for a comfortable trip.
  • Some tourist attractions have fixed time slots for visitor tours. Please mark your schedule while buying your tickets and be there on time, so as to not lose your spot.
  • While planning your itinerary, you may want to club together attractions within proximity. You may also find discounts when purchasing combination tickets for attractions close to each other.
  • Although Madrid receives only a few days of rain in March, it is better to carry an umbrella while stepping out as the drizzles are unpredictable.
  • Hotel rooms in Madrid come with 2-pin sockets which use C-type and F-type plugs. Remember to carry an adaptor if your electronic items and chargers have a different pin type.
  • If you are planning to attend a concert or expo or watch a football match while in Madrid in March, please book your tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out soon. Also do keep checking the official websites to stay updated on any changes in timings or cancellations.
  • Most cab drivers and locals may not speak English, so it is advised to learn some basic Spanish to ask for directions, prices, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Madrid in March

Is March a good time to visit Madrid?

The shoulder season in Madrid begins in March when the temperatures are comfortable and the city flaunts its Spring bloom. Madrid is less crowded in March as compared to the summer months and is one of the best times to visit and explore the city dodging the heavy touristy crowds.

What are the best things to do in Madrid in March?

Some of the best things to do in Madrid include visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid and Liria Palace and admiring the art at the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Football enthusiasts can also visit the stadiums and museums at Wanda Metropolitano and Santiago Bernabeu or even watch a live match there.

Is Madrid cold in March?

Madrid is not very cold in March. The average low temperature for the month is 6.2 ℃, with temperatures hardly dropping below 2 ℃. However, the strong winds may make the evenings feel a little chilly.

How hot is Madrid in March?

It is generally pleasant in Madrid in March with the average maximum temperature going up to 16.3 ℃.

Can you swim in Madrid in March?

Madrid is a land-locked city with only a few rivers as swimming options. In March, the average temperature of these waters is around 9.2 ℃ which may be too cold for a swim. If you do fancy a swim while in Madrid in March, you could try finding indoor heated swimming pools.

Is it sunny in Madrid in March?

Madrid is generally cloudy in March with an average of around 6.9 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of daylight every day.

What clothes to wear in Madrid in March?

It is best to wear full pants or long dresses and full sleeves while in Madrid in March as the climate is just switching from winter to spring. It is advised to wear scarves and ear muffs while stepping out in the evenings as it may be a little windy and chilly.

Is it rainy in Madrid in March?

You can expect light rains and drizzles for just about four days in March in Madrid. The average accumulated rainfall for the month is 25 mm.

Is Madrid expensive to visit?

Madrid is generally affordable to visit throughout the year. March is the first month after the low season in Madrid. Therefore, you may still be lucky to get great bargains on airfare and hotel tariffs from the low-season sale. Moreover, public transport is comparatively much cheaper in Madrid than in other European countries.

How safe is Madrid?

Madrid is a generally safe city for tourists. In case of any emergency, you may dial 112 and the Integrated Emergency System will direct you to the required department.

What can I see in Madrid in March?

Madrid in March is pleasant for both indoor as well as outdoor activities. With fewer crowds, you can comfortably visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Liria Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. The stadiums and museums at Wanda Metropolitano and Santiago Bernabeu are a must-see for football enthusiasts.

What are the major events in Madrid in March?

Apart from the usual musical concerts and live shows, Madrid’s social calendar is filled with conferences and trade shows all through March. Some of the major events are the half marathon Movistar Medio Maratón de Madrid, the Cinegética hunting fair, and Dutch violinist André Rieu’s Live Performance.

What is the average temperature in Madrid in March?

The average temperature in Madrid in March ranges from 6.2 ℃ to 16.3 ℃.

What are the main festivals in Madrid in March?

The biggest festival celebrated in Madrid in March is St. Joseph’s Day on the 19th. This day is also celebrated as Father’s day with a lot of family festivities and discounts. Spain’s biggest fashion festival, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (MBFWM), also takes place in Madrid in March.