Madrid in March: Best Things to See & Do

With the post-holiday slump officially over and spring just around the corner, Madrid begins to take on new life.

If you’re considering visiting Madrid in March, you’ve made an excellent choice. Temperatures are pleasantly warm compared to the winter months, but you’re still beating the oppressive heat common in summer. Plus, with so much to see and do around town, we guarantee you’ll never be bored.

Here are just a few ideas to add to your agenda to get you started, as well as what to expect from the weather so you can pack accordingly!

Small garden of short green hedges and hot pink flowers with a palace in the background on a clear day.
Madrid springs into bloom in March! Photo credit: Christian Hess Araya

March is a spectacular time of year to visit Madrid. As spring starts to brighten up the city, there’s no better way to enjoy Madrid than by going for a walk in the park or sitting out on a sunny terrace, drink in hand, watching the world go by.

This guide will show you everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Madrid in March. Let’s get started!

Weather in Madrid in March

As winter makes its way out, sunshine and warm temperatures make their way in. March temperatures in Madrid are crisp but still pleasant, with daytime averages ranging from the low 50s–low 60s Fahrenheit (10–16 degrees Celsius).

Madrid also starts to see more sunshine in March, and the chance of rain lessens compared to the winter months. The city normally sees an average of 30 mm (1.18 inches) of rain throughout the entire month, spread out across eight days.

A tour group listening to a guide speak in front of an old brick building.
Light, layerable clothing options are the way to go when packing for Madrid in March.

Things to Do in Madrid in March

1. Check Out the Festival Internacional de Arte Sacro

Every year, dozens of artists specializing in sacred music descend upon Madrid in March to showcase their talents at the Festival Internacional de Arte Sacro.

Even if religious music isn’t your thing, don’t count this event out just yet. With nearly 60 incredible performances taking place each year at dozens of venues throughout the Madrid region, the program includes scores of world-renowned artists who have performed on the international stage.

View down the main aisle of an ornate basilica church.
FIAS performances take place at some of Madrid’s most beautiful theaters and churches, like the Basílica Pontificia de San Miguel. Photo credit: Barcex

2. Visit Madrid’s Famous Museums

The good thing about visiting Madrid in March: it’s still not high season yet.

Not only does an early spring visit show a commitment to traveling responsibly, but you’ll also have many of Madrid’s most iconic spaces practically to yourself.

Take advantage of the thin crowds to check out some of the city’s most iconic museums, such as the Prado or the Reina Sofia. And don’t forget about the scores of lesser-known galleries and museums in the city, either!

Exterior of a large brick and stone building with people standing in line under shady umbrellas outside.
Madrid’s Prado is considered one of the top art museums in the world.

3. Support Women Artists and Designers at Femme Creators

Since its inception in 2013, the Mercado del Diseño has made a name for itself as Madrid’s premier art and design market. Every year in early March, they host a special edition in honor of International Women’s Day.

Mercado del Diseño: Femme Creators fills Matadero Madrid’s sprawling 6,000-square-meter event space with the work of more than 100 female designers and creators. Come support these talented women and pick out a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, clothing, or home decor that will help you remember your time in Madrid forever.

Large brick and stone building with a white lettered sign reading Plaza Matadero.
Matadero offers tons of incredible cultural programs like the Mercado del Diseño for free. Photo credit: Fred Romero

4. Discover Your New Favorite Terrace

The arrival of spring in Madrid can only mean one thing: terrace season has officially begun. (Though some would argue it never stopped!)

And there’s no better way to celebrate than by grabbing drinks al fresco with good friends. Whether you prefer a classic Rioja, Spain’s iconic gin & tonics, an ice-cold craft beer or anything else, it’s the perfect time of year to bring happy hour outside.

To take your experience to the next level (literally), don’t miss one of Madrid’s best rooftop bars for fabulous drinks and unbeatable views that will take your breath away.

Group of people smiling and toasting with drinks.
Take advantage of the great weather to partake in a beloved Madrid pastime: terrace drinks!

5. See the Almond and Cherry Blossoms

No matter where you are in Madrid in March, you’ll probably notice a sweet-smelling aroma wafting through the air. This springtime scent comes courtesy of the city’s almond and cherry trees, which burst into bloom for a glorious few weeks early in the season.

The blossoming trees themselves provide gorgeous backdrops throughout the city, from classic Retiro Park to an offbeat community gathering space in Lavapiés. Take a relaxing walk and enjoy the springtime magic!

People relaxing under blooming cherry and almond trees in a public park.
Nothing beats spending a lazy spring day lounging beneath the blossoming cherry trees in Retiro Park. Photo credit: Madrid No Frills

Madrid in March FAQs

Is Madrid cold in March?

Daytime temperatures in Madrid in March can be a bit crisp, but not unbearably so—generally in the low 50s Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Late nights and early mornings are definitely chillier, so bring a warm coat if you plan to be out and about during these times. As the month progresses, temperatures start to warm up as well.

Is March a good time to visit Madrid?

March is a great time to visit Madrid! The city is at its most beautiful as the almond and cherry blossoms start to bloom, and temperatures are perfectly crisp and spring-like. The city is also not as crowded as it tends to get in the summer months and around Christmas.

Update Notice: This post was originally published on March 2, 2016 and was updated with new text and photos on May 13, 2021.

1 Comment

  1. Ernesto says
    March 9, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Two Sundays ago, the Food Truck Fair opened in front of El Corte Ingles along Castellana. When I came back last Sunday evening to try and have a grub on a truck or two, everything was preparing to leave! Can’t understand why they stayed for only a week. I remember last year, the fair was held within the vicinity – at that vast space between El Corte Ingles and Moda Shopping.

Leave a Reply