March weather: mild in the afternoon, cool in the morning
| Madrid-Retiro normals | March |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 16.3 °C |
| Average minimum temperature | 6.2 °C |
| Average temperature | 11.2 °C |
Source: AEMET, climatological normals 1981-2010, Madrid-Retiro station. These are historical averages, not a forecast. The gap between morning and afternoon often exceeds 10 °C: dress in layers. March can also bring a few showers and windy days. On Sunday 28 March 2027 Spain switches to summer time (at 2:00 it becomes 3:00): the night is shorter, but evenings are lighter from the next day. For the season, see Madrid in spring.
Public holidays and closures in March 2027
- Friday 19 March (San José): a public holiday in the Community of Madrid in 2027, making a three-day weekend.
- Thursday 25 March (Jueves Santo) and Friday 26 March (Viernes Santo): public holidays in the Community of Madrid. Easter Monday is not a holiday.
Public museums, banks and many shops are closed or on reduced hours on those days, while cafés and restaurants in the centre stay open. Check the opening hours for the day before each visit.
Crowds and prices in March
The first half of the month is quieter, apart from around ARCO, which draws a professional crowd. The second half is the busiest: the San José weekend, then Holy Week, a holiday period in Spain. Compare rooms and train tickets for your exact dates and book early. For the budget, see the Madrid travel budget, and to choose a neighbourhood where to stay in Madrid.
What's on in March 2027
ARCOmadrid: 3 to 7 March
The 46th edition of the contemporary art fair runs from Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 March 2027 at IFEMA (halls 7 and 9). Professional days are 3, 4 and 5 March until 15:00; the public is admitted on Friday 5 from 15:00 to 20:00, Saturday 6 from 12:00 to 20:00 and Sunday 7 from 12:00 to 18:00 (organiser's hours, paid tickets). Alongside it, galleries and museums stage exhibitions: the Reina Sofía and CaixaForum are good starting points.
Holy Week: 21 to 28 March
Semana Santa 2027 runs from Palm Sunday, 21 March, to Easter Sunday, 28 March. Brotherhood processions cross the centre in the late afternoon and evening, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday; they block traffic in places. Traditions, routes and tips are detailed in Holy Week in Madrid.
San José and St Patrick's Day
Friday 19 March is a holiday. Madrid also celebrates St Patrick's Day around 17 March in its Irish pubs; the programme is published shortly before, so check it before counting on it.
What to wear in March
- Layers: a jacket in the morning, a T-shirt in the sunny afternoon.
- A windbreaker or a small umbrella for showers.
- Comfortable shoes for standing at processions.
- Sunglasses: March sun is already strong at midday.
Best things to do in March
- Parks coming into bloom: the Retiro Park and the Royal Botanical Garden regain their colours.
- Museums: Prado (€15 general admission, price checked in October 2026) and Thyssen-Bornemisza. See Madrid's museums.
- Terraces and squares: Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
- A day trip: Toledo or Segovia by train, outside procession days; see day trips from Madrid.
- A sunset at the Temple of Debod.
- A rainy day: what to do in Madrid when it rains.
March 2027 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 7 March | ARCOmadrid (46th edition) | IFEMA, public from the 5th (15:00) to the 7th |
| Friday 19 March | San José | Holiday in Madrid |
| 21 to 28 March | Holy Week | Processions, heavy crowds |
| 25 and 26 March | Holy Thursday and Good Friday | Holidays |
| Sunday 28 March | Summer time | At 2:00 it becomes 3:00 |
| All month | 16.3 °C afternoons, 6.2 °C nights | Cool mornings |
Going further
March follows what to do in Madrid in February and precedes what to do in Madrid in April. To compare all the months, read the best time to visit Madrid, and for the year's big events the popular festivals of Madrid.
