Spain, Europe
Madrid in March
Spring arrives and terraces reopen. Holy Week processions happen here too, smaller than Seville's.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Madrid. Spring arrives and terraces reopen. Holy Week processions happen here too, smaller than Seville's.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 61F (16C), changeable
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Madrid
March brings spring. Highs climb to near 61F (16C), the weather is changeable and terraces reopen across the city. Crowds are moderate and prices still fair. When Holy Week falls in March, Madrid has its own processions, smaller than Seville's, and some sights close or shorten hours. Mid March also makes Valencia's Las Fallas an easy side trip.
It suits couples, culture trips and anyone who wants spring before the peak. Pack for both sun and a shower. If you want the parks in full bloom and reliably warm evenings, April and May are the best months.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Madrid this month.
Las Fallas side trip
Valencia's fire festival runs March 15 to 19 and is under two hours from Madrid by high-speed train.
Terraces reopen
As spring arrives, outdoor tables fill across La Latina and the plazas.
Holy Week processions
When Easter is early, Madrid's own processions wind through the center, quieter than Seville's.
What to pack for March
- A light jacket plus a warm layer
- A compact umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
Our timing tip
If you go to Las Fallas, book a same-day return train and a Madrid hotel, since Valencia's rooms sell out.
Book Madrid for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MadridOpens a hotel search for Madrid in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MadridWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MadridTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madrid for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Things to do in Madrid
Museo del Prado
Velazquez, Goya, and Bosch. Free entry runs the last two hours of most days, with long lines; buy a timed ticket instead for a calmer visit.
Museo Reina Sofia
Home of Picasso's Guernica. Closed Tuesdays; free evening hours on several days.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
A superb private collection spanning centuries, and usually calmer than the Prado.
Royal Palace
One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Still used for state ceremonies, which can close it on short notice.
Retiro Park
Rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, especially in May and October.
Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina
A glass-and-iron market near the Plaza Mayor, then Sunday tapas in La Latina after the El Rastro flea market.
Beat the crowds
- Book the Prado for a morning timed entry rather than the free evening hours, which draw long lines.
- Visit the Royal Palace at opening or late in the day, and check it is not closed for an official event.
- Adopt local hours: museums in the morning, a long lunch, a rest in the heat, then tapas after 9pm.
- Visit El Rastro early on Sunday morning, before it gets packed by late morning.
Know before you go
- In August, some family restaurants, bars, and shops close for a week or more. Major museums, sights, and chains stay open.
- Many museums close one day a week, most often Monday; the Reina Sofia closes on Tuesdays.
- Spanish holidays like January 6, May 1, and Holy Week bring closures and reduced hours. May 2 and San Isidro on May 15 are local holidays in Madrid.
- Many smaller shops close for a midday break outside the main shopping streets, roughly 2pm to 5pm.
Madrid in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Madrid?
March is a good month to visit Madrid. Spring arrives and terraces reopen. Holy Week processions happen here too, smaller than Seville's.
What is the weather like in Madrid in March?
Mild, highs near 61F (16C), changeable.
Is Madrid crowded in March?
Crowds in Madrid are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Madrid in March?
Las Fallas in Valencia (side trip) (march 15 to 19 every year).
Keep planning Madrid.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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