There comes a time when charming Barcelona allows itself to be a little whimsical: it's warm, it's cold, it's windy, it's quiet and cosy. That is how emotionally the capital of Catalonia celebrates the arrival of spring. However, it is worth noting that this does not spoil it in any way: it is still magnificent, mysterious and attractive. If you are going on a trip, you won't miss out — the city will definitely please you with the first spring warmth and bright, but not scorching sun.
Holidays in Barcelona in March: pros and cons
The first month of spring in Barcelona can be unpredictable in terms of weather. Temperatures can rise as high as +20°C or as low as +10°C. But this does not change the reviews about holidays in Barcelona in March in a negative way. It is hard not to love this city and its azure sky. Let's name the main advantages of the March trip:
- No crowds of tourists. The beach season opens much later, the period of active sales has almost ended, and the season of mass holidays has not yet arrived. Therefore, there are almost no queues to the sights.
- Prices for flights and accommodation are low due to the off-season. So why not take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Catalan capital?
- Barcelona in March is perfect for you if you can't stand the heat. It's a comfortable month with azure skies, plenty of sunshine and no heat.
Every season has its peculiarities, and you should take them into account when planning your trip:
- Unpredictable weather. March can greet you with cooler temperatures, low temperatures and even rain. But there is the same possibility of walking around in a T-shirt during the day and putting on a jacket only in the evening. So, pay attention to the short-term weather forecast.
- The water is cold at Barcelona beaches. It is worth delaying your trip if you plan to open the beach season early. In March, the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona does not get warmer than +15°C - +16°C, so it is unlikely that you can swim.
The weather in Barcelona in March
The weather in March-April is getting warmer every day, making staying outdoors more comfortable. Despite its unpredictability, March often pleases the city's guests with sunshine and mild spring warmth. Therefore, you can plan long walks and sunny photo shoots.
The weather at the beginning of March can still be cool, with daytime temperatures around +13°C - +15°C, and at night it can drop as low as +7°C. However, these figures are not constant and can change from year to year.
Warming is also possible: temperatures in Barcelona in mid-March can rise to +19°C - +20°C, but at night they drop by 6 - 7 degrees. So it's best to bring a jacket for walking around the city in the evening. The weather in Barcelona at the end of March is also difficult to predict: sometimes it gets warm and sometimes cold up to +13°C - +15°C, but such weather fluctuations usually do not last long.
Air and water temperature
The Mediterranean climate makes Barcelona a relatively warm part of Europe. It also ensures an increase in precipitation compared to the previous month. The average temperature in Barcelona in March is around +14°C.
Air temperature in Barcelona in March
The average temperature is +15,5°C during the day and around +10°C at night. Temperature fluctuations in March are about ten degrees and can range from +10°C to +20°C throughout the month. Night temperatures can range from +7°C to +15°C.
Sea temperature in Barcelona in March
In anticipation of the beach season, a sunny day in March is a nice day to stroll along the Mediterranean coastline of Barcelona's beaches, breathe in the sea air and listen to the sound of the waves. The water temperature is around +13,2°C in March and is unsuitable for swimming.
Precipitation
Rainy days at the beginning of spring in Barcelona happen — about 5-6 for the whole month. It is better to have an umbrella — rain is a sudden phenomenon here, so it is better not to risk getting wet. The average amount of precipitation is 45 mm.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The better part of the month is usually sunny — up to 20 days, which makes visiting the capital of Catalonia very pleasant. There are cloudy days — 8 to 9 of them, so the weather is cloudy only 2 to 3 days a month.
Tour holidays: where to go
No matter how often you visit Barcelona, this city will never cease to amaze and win you, if not love at first sight. The weather at the beginning of March is changeable, but it is perfect for long walks. Try to see as much as possible, look closely, and take advantage of details. The capital of Catalonia will captivate you with its bizarre beauty against the azure sky.
When you arrive in Barcelona at the beginning of March, you can't miss the Temple of the Sagrada Familia, a well-known symbol of the city visited by more than 2.5 million tourists annually.
And let it not surprise you that its construction is not yet finished and has been going on for over a hundred years. This fact has not prevented it from being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The stunning architectural structure towers over the city with eight-pointed spires made in a fanciful lace technique developed by its author, Antoni Gaudi.
The architect worked on his project for 43 years and left this legacy to his descendants, who continue the construction. The temple caused a lot of controversy on the part of architects, clergy members and people of science. However, it is such a striking creation that it will not leave anyone indifferent.
Did you know that in Barcelona you can visit a mysterious fairytale park with gingerbread houses, a colourful crocodile guarding the entrance, centuries-old shards of crockery laid out in a fanciful mosaic on a magnificent bench, the Hall of the Hundred Columns, which consists of 86, and many more mysterious figures? You'll find it all in the Park of Güell.
And, of course, the great eccentric Gaudi, whose mysterious projects still cannot be solved by modern architects, did not do without it. He sat one of his workers on a damp parapet bench to give it a shape that repeated the curves of the human body and asked the workers to bring to the construction site shards of crockery encountered on the way to create a colourful mosaic on the famous bench. On a warm, sunny day in mid-March, go there with the kids — they'll love the fabulous atmosphere.
The cat will continue to amaze you. There's nothing unusual about it, except its weight of two tonnes, seven metres long and two metres high. It is made of bronze and has been decorating the centre of Barcelona for many decades.
The famous sculptor and artist Fernando Botero created the cat in his inimitable style — with a weighty body and rounded shapes. Legend has it that you must rub the nose of "Botero's Cat" to fulfil your wishes. So why not check if it's true?
Choosing a warm sunny day in late March, you can visit the Spanish Village. This trip will be memorable for children and adults alike. Poble Espanyol is a kind of open-air museum where ancient buildings from all over Spain are collected.
Artisans work in the workshops that are open here, making souvenirs right in front of the visitors' eyes. Only in the Spanish village shops can you buy unique handmade items that are not sold anywhere else.
Holidays, events and festivals
The capital of Catalonia looks colourful and festive at any time. The colourful mosaics of Gaudi's magical buildings against the azure sky on a sunny day are worth a visit. Still, the Catalans should also be commended for their celebrations: laughter, fun, and the aromas of delicious food add to the city's vibrant atmosphere. That is also how Barcelona's March festivities go — loud and fun.
Every year, the Barcelona Beer Festival is held here in the first month of spring. Where else can you try more than 200 varieties of foamy beverages from all over the world, become a real taster, listen to lectures by masters and brewing experts and forget about business and worries for three whole days?
Famous breweries offer a drink with different flavours — for example, the Belgians offer beer with the aroma of citrus fruit and various herbs. The food in the eateries is not diverse, and for a three-course lunch, it is better to go to a restaurant. But it is quite possible to have a snack of cheese and fish, try goulash and even pancakes.
Shopping
Unlike most European cities, Barcelona's sales season lasts until the beginning of March. Therefore, if you come here in the first days of the month, you will still have time to make bargain purchases.
Also, in March, shops sell new collections, which will allow you to be the first to buy fashionable novelties and the season's main trends.
Outlets should also be visited: you can buy items from last year's collections at significant discounts. To avoid the hassle of navigating the city's 450 outlets, you can buy a ticket for the Barcelona Shopping Line, a bus route to the most popular shopping centres and shops.
Cost of vacation
At the beginning of March, tourist activity is still relatively low: the beach season has not yet started, the holiday season has not arrived, and the sale season is almost over. In this regard, prices in Barcelona in March do not rise but remain at the same level as in the previous month.
Airfares
Airlines have already reduced prices after the New Year holidays and will keep them the same for the next three months. Therefore, in March, airfares remain at the same level as in February, which is 15% to 20% lower than the prices for flights to Barcelona in January.
Package Tours
The accommodation prices are the same as in the previous month. So you have an excellent opportunity to spend your spring holidays in Barcelona: if you book your tour in advance, it will cost you even less.
Food
Food prices in Barcelona don't change much throughout the year and usually stay the same compared to previous months. Locals love to have a delicious meal and a morning coffee and croissant in the cafés around the house. You can join this tradition, particularly since from 9 am to 12 am, coffee and pastries will cost you 4-5 euros. Fruit is cheaper than other products here. For example, a fruit cut in a cup at the market will make you happy for 2-3 euros. You can also buy good, high-quality jamon: 40 - 50 euros per kilo.
- Prices in Barcelona for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
- Spanish Food: 48 Must-Try Dishes in Spain
Tips for travellers with children
A trip to Barcelona in March is a great idea for the spring school holidays. The vagaries of the weather are insignificant, and long walks are not a problem at all. You should visit the fabulous park of Gaudi's fanciful creations, see his unusual houses and rub the nose of the fat bronze cat, making a wish.
Any schoolchild will appreciate such an original programme. And if this adds a visit to the zoo and aquarium, the holiday will be rich, bright and unforgettable. There will be no time for a child to be bored. You can also go on a trip with a baby in March. Just take a few warm things in cold weather and familiarise yourself with the short-term weather forecast. Let's hope sunny Barcelona doesn't let you down.
In anticipation of summer sun and warmth, tired of winter weather, it is worth travelling to Barcelona in March, where it is not yet hot, but very sunny.
The capital of Catalonia is sure to fill you with a great mood, energise you, surprise you, feed you delicious food and send you home to dream of your next date with it. We hope our recommendations will tell you how to plan your holiday better and remind you of the most amazing places to visit. May your journeys be unforgettable.
