The magical spring has finally replaced the annoying cold winter. In many countries, this change is only visible on the calendar, and the scenery outside the window is still grey and dull. But not in Spain, which rightfully holds the proud title of the warmest country in Western Europe. Kidpassage believes that the capital city of majestic and elegant Madrid is where to start exploring Spain in spring.
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Holidays in Madrid in March: pros and cons
Is March a good month to visit Madrid? The city already reigns a spring; some trees even started blooming. Reviews about holidays in Madrid in March are so cheerful that it is impossible to resist the desire to buy a tour of this sunny city of Spain immediately.
These are the advantages Madrid has to offer in March:
- Bullfighting season. The opening of the bullfighting season takes place in the first month of spring.
- Sunshine. There are a lot of sunny days in Madrid in March.
- Parks. There are more than 40 green areas in the city, which are pleasant to visit in March when nature begins to blossom, and the air is filled with fresh aromas of spring.
- National cuisine. If you want to learn about Spanish cuisine, you will find that the menu of local restaurants is not limited to paella and tortilla.
The weather can be a significant disadvantage, especially if you are travelling in early March. During this period, Madrid is still sometimes cloudy and cool (especially in the evenings), with possible rain and strong winds. It is best to visit the Spanish capital at the end of March.
Weather in Madrid in March
In the middle of spring, crowds of holidaymakers worldwide start flocking to Madrid as the high tourist season begins. Foreigners are attracted not only by the city's many attractions but also by the favourable weather in Madrid in March-April. How hot is Madrid in March?
Low temperatures characterise the weather in early March. Nature is just beginning to awaken from its long winter hibernation, so strong winds and grey clouds are still in the sky.
Temperatures in Madrid in mid-March are steadily rising. Although the evenings are still quite cool, the air warms up enough during the day to make you want to take off your outerwear. The weather in Madrid at the end of March is warm, with plenty of sunshine streaming through every window and flooding the city's many squares.
Air temperature
Madrid's Mediterranean climate is perfect for holidays and travelling at any time of the year. Hot summers and cool winters are interspersed with a warm, mild off-season — a much-loved tourist period in Spain.
Air temperature in Madrid in March
The average daytime temperature in Madrid in March is +15.2 °C. It will be pretty cool during night walks, as the thermometer shows that the temperature is +6 °С.
Precipitation
Winter has not yet entirely given up its grip, so it sometimes rains in Madrid at the beginning of spring (about 2-3 days). On average, 53.4 mm of precipitation falls in March.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Don't forget to bring your sunglasses, as March has 55% sunny days. Sometimes the weather will be cloudy (26% of days), and you rarely see overcast, grey skies in Madrid (19%).
Tour holidays
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The time is slowly approaching when you can wander around the Spanish capital for days, gently lifting the veil between past and present. The stately Madrid, with all its royal grandeur, has not become arrogant at all and is happy to share the secrets of the past with its guests, showcasing new sights and leisurely telling its story.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Early March will be cooler, so take this time to visit museums, palaces and convents. Be sure to visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, part of the Golden Triangle of Arts Madrid. This gallery features paintings from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. Van Gogh, Rubens, Caravaggio, Gauguin — this is only a partial list of artists whose masterpieces are in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Royal Monastery of La Encarnación
This active convent was founded back in 1611. Encarnación is a true masterpiece of architecture. The neoclassical Erresco style cannot fail to attract the eye with its splendour. There is a museum on the territory, where, among other exhibits, vessels with the blood of St Januarius and St Panteleimon are kept.
Sabatini Gardens
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At the end of March, Sabatini Gardens are worth putting on your list of visits. The park is an extension of the Royal Palace. The gardens differ from other green spaces in Madrid because geometric shapes dominate the design. The area also has sculptures, fountains and hedges. Pheasants and pigeons reside in the garden complex.
There are many exciting places to go with children in Madrid:
- Perez Mouse Museum. Here you can see where the fairy-tale mouse from Luis Coloma's book lived and a collection of milk teeth from famous people.
- Madrid Xanadu Shopping and Entertainment Centre. Children and adults will find entertainment for every taste: mini golf, 3D cinema, bowling — this is not a complete list of everything that Xanadu offers visitors.
- Natural Science Museum. Little tourists will be delighted by exhibits such as a diplodocus skeleton replica or prehistoric fossils.
- Royal Botanical Gardens. Despite its modest size, this area is a cultural heritage of Spain. It houses a unique collection of flora.
Holidays, events and festivals
The colourful lights of New Year's Eve and February's Carnival have died down, but Spaniards are not tired of partying. The festivities in Madrid in March are going on!
Opening of the bullfighting season
Every year in March, the bullfighting season starts all over Spain. In the country's big cities, fights are held until mid-October, for which everyone can buy tickets. If you can, attend a bullfight at Madrid's Las Ventas Arena, which seats 25,000 spectators.
International Women's Day
This holiday has a social character in Spain, as in other European countries. In Madrid, rallies for women's rights, demonstrations for equal rights and other similar events are held.
Theatre Night
On the night of 30 March to 1 April, Melpomene, the ancient Greek muse of tragedy, descends leisurely into the streets of Madrid. From 18:00, museums, cultural centres, concert halls and even city squares begin to hold festive events. You can hear reciters and musicians on almost every corner and see dance and drama performances. There is also a lot of entertainment for the little ones, such as puppet shows.
Cost of vacation
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In mid-spring, the Spanish capital will be flooded with foreign tourists, and the cost of travelling will rise. But the prices in Madrid in March are still quite pleasant for those who want to save money.
Package Tours
The price of the March trip will be higher than the price of the February tour by only 3%. In April, however, prices will increase by as much as 13%.
Airfares
Flying to Madrid in March will cost 5-6% more than in February. In the middle of spring, the flight price will decrease by 4% compared to the previous month.
Accommodations
Prices for accommodation in hotels in the capital in March will increase by 5-7% compared to February's cost. In April there will be an increase in prices — by about 9%. The average daily cost of a hotel room in March is 120 euros.
Food and Transport
Lunch in an inexpensive café for locals will cost about €15, while in an eating place of the same class, but for tourists, it will cost up to €25. An economy lunch at McDonald's will cost only €10. A cup of coffee costs about € 2, a bottle of local beer — € 6, a glass of wine in a bar — € 3-5.
One trip on public transport will cost about €1.5. A monthly pass can be bought for €45-50. Using taxi services, the client pays about €3 for boarding and an additional €1.15 for each subsequent kilometre.
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What clothes to pack for Madrid in March?
The spring weather is usually unpredictable, and it is doubly so in Madrid. You should dress in layers so that if the weather warms up, you can take off a few things or, on the contrary, wrap yourself more tightly in a cardigan or stoles.
Things that should be in your suitcase: a windbreaker, jeans or trousers, several warm jumpers, light pullovers and T-shirts — just in case. In addition, take a hat and gloves with you — you may not need them, but they won't take up much space in your suitcase and will be invaluable when the temperature drops dramatically or it rains.
While we're talking about rain, don't forget to bring an umbrella or mackintosh, especially if you're travelling in early March. Sunglasses are highly recommended for those travelling to Madrid in the middle and even more so at the end of the month.
Pay special attention to footwear — it should be comfortable and practical, because you will have to walk more than one kilometre in Madrid.
Shopping
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Good news for all shopaholics — the winter sale season is still on in March. Exact dates may vary, but usually discounts in shops last until the middle or end of the month. There are several districts in Madrid where you should go shopping:
- Quatro Caminos. This district has the most significant number of branded boutiques.
- Arguelles. The district with a wide selection of modern items from well-known brands.
- Barkilo. Not for nothing, this place is often called "the street of sound". Here you can replenish your electronics stock, as Barkilo (located between Alcalá and Fernando 4) offers a wide range of appliances and electronics.
- Gran Via. One of the most modern districts, where visitors not only update their wardrobe but also purchase jewellery.
When you're out doing your shopping, don't forget about the Tax-Free Refund (Value Added Tax Refund System). The Tax-Free Refund sticker on the shop door indicates this possibility.
Large shops and departments in shopping centres are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Small shops usually have a shorter working day (from 8:00 to 20:00) and a siesta break (from 14:00 to 17:00). Sunday is a day off, and almost all shops are closed on this day.
Tips for travelling with children
Madrid is the perfect place for a cultural holiday for the whole family. If you still doubt whether you should come here in March with a child, the answer is yes!
The city has many child-friendly cafes, where even the smallest tourists can comfortably sit in high chairs. There are no problems with baby formula sold in supermarkets and pharmacies. The pavements are equipped with ramps, and buses have special zones for prams and seats for passengers with children.
March will still be a little chilly, and rain is possible, but warm clothes for your child will solve this problem.
In spring, you want to forget about cold winter as soon as possible and fill your heart with warm emotions. Kidpassage assures that there is no better place for this than Spain. The Spanish capital will gladly reveal to its guests all the "secrets of the Madrid court", guide them through the corners of history and leave unforgettable impressions.
