What's the Weather Like in Porto in March
The highly unpredictable but equally charming spring rolls into Porto with more warmth, surprising showers and sunshine to complement all the tree blossoms, and birds coming back from warmer lands.
Temperature
The average temperature is a mild 12°C (54°F), with consistently cool nights at lows of 8°C, and pleasant highs around 16°C. These somewhat radical values are subject to the caprices of an equinox sun.
Sunshine Hours
Chances of sunny days increase to 24% on average, with up to 4 hours of sunshine in a day. The longer it shines, the warmer it gets, as the atmosphere reacts instantly to its light and heat. Clouds stick around as well, though, with average chances of 24% in favor of gloomy days.
Humidity
Humidity tones down by a few degrees, staying comfortably at 75% throughout the entire month.
Rainfall
Rainfall levels drop to 90mm, which manifests into less frequent but intense showers. Rain pours for a total of 12 days throughout March, and chances of full-on rainy days are not too high at 46%, slightly more than February and just a little bit less than January.
Wind and Sea Temperature
Wind speeds are steady at 5m/s, but with less northern influences, as the warm and dry southern and south-western currents begin to shift in Porto's direction. Chances of windy days are 20% on average, so if you're looking for a bit of fresh ocean breeze and salty air, now is a good time to go sailing and cut across the deep blue waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, which keeps itself crisp and cool at 14°C (59°F).
While March brings with it the promise of colors, warmth and a new beginning, make sure you bring an umbrella with you nonetheless, as Porto is subject to not just a capricious sun, but also the airflow from northern mountainous region, the large Douro River and the majestic Atlantic Ocean, of which any can contribute to sudden onsets of rain.
Hotels for Porto in March
Porto River
March is usually a month which celebrates women worldwide, particularly mothers we all have one, after all. Porto makes no exception, and offers some very good deals on some of its more popular hotels. For example, the splendid 4-star Porto River is an exceptional hotel in an excellent location, just 100 yards from the Dom Luis Bridge. Its lovely suites go for £88 per night for couples, and the price tends to shrink if you opt for a longer stay.
All of its suites feature a flat screen TV, air conditioning, sitting and dining area, kitchenette fitted with all kinds of appliances and a private bathroom. These are all studios and one bedroom apartments, within walking distance of many wonderful cafes to enjoy breakfast at, if you don't feel like using the kitchen that early in the morning.
Seculo Hotel
The beautiful 2-star Seculo Hotel offers rooms for just £56 per night, and it's situated on the famous Rua de Santa Catarina, a perfect location for all your shopping needs. Public transportation is in tip top shape and you get to experience living in the heart of the UNESCO Heritage center of Porto. All of its rooms feature cable TV, heating and air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
There is a large breakfast buffet served in the hotel's café room every morning, along with a very well stocked bar and a gorgeous rooftop sun terrace. It's also just minutes away from the Natural History Museum and the Photography Museum.
Flores Village
Alternatively, you can opt for a room at the charming Flores Village for just £60 per night, in the heart of the city, surrounded by antique buildings and green grounds. There's a rooftop terrace to perfectly complement this ensemble of contemporary apartments with flat screen TVs and marble bathrooms. It's merely a few steps away from Porto Cathedral and the University of Porto.
The suites are self catering apartments perfect for weekend escapades, decorated with warm and earthy tones. Their fully fitted kitchens come with traditional ovens and, to further enhance your experience there, you also get free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar, a generous breakfast buffet and the option for room service, the latter at an additional cost.
Beaches for March for Porto
Praia dos Ingleses
The weather isn't exactly great for any swimming, but it's definitely a good time to visit one of the more remote beaches for a picnic and a romantic stroll along the ultramarine Atlantic shoreline. One good place to visit in March is Praia dos Ingleses, usually a favorite amongst the tourists during the summer time, but equally charming in early spring. It's a large sandy beach with rocky bursts across the shore, the latter of which often experience pummeling from the ocean's foamy waves. It's located in the upmarket Foz do Douro, and thus gives you access to cafes and shops on the central promenade.
Douro
However if you're not beach ready yet but would still like to enjoy the sound of water and see the sun glistening in its reflection, you can easily just go down the steps and take long walks along the Douro riverbank. A multitude of cafes, bars and all kinds of shops await for you there you can try anything you can possibly think of; from artisanal pastries and confectionery to Port wine and an afternoon cocktail by the Dom Luis Bridge, to a new hand sewn hat and a gorgeous pair of shoes from one of the posh boutiques closer to the Ribeira district.
Restaurants and Bars for Porto in March
Essencia Restaurante Vegetariano
When it comes to food, Porto has something for everyone, with no exception whatsoever this is a foodie's paradise, after all! It even pays excellent attention to those of the vegetarian persuasion, as the Essencia Restaurante Vegetariano prepares an absolute meat-free feast, a delight for any taste, with a great choice of fresh and local ingredients only, and very friendly prices ranging between £7 and £25 per person. For something cozy and absolutely delicious, you can try the Ode Porto Wine House as the name clearly puts it, this is where people come for a glass of good Portuguese wine.
They prepare traditional meals and often complement them with a variety of strong Port wines, as well as imported labels from Spain and Italy. For a light snack and a good drink in the evening, head down to TapaBento, the perfect spot for yummy tapas, groovy music and overall wicked atmosphere.
Camafeu
But if you want an authentic local dining experience, then definitely try the Camafeu, for some original takes on Portuguese cuisine. This restaurant is one of Porto's best, its interior resembling that of an intimate first floor apartment, with bold French windows overlooking the Carlos Alberto Square, paintings on the walls and lovingly mismatched chairs alongside a few tables. There is nothing pretentious about the dishes here, but each and every one of them is savory and inviting, with an ever-present charm of home cooking attention to detail.
Twin's
For clubbing and dancing you can always try Twin's, and there are two of them to enjoy: one in Foz and one in Baixa. This was one of the very first discos in Portugal and is still a top spot for Porto's elite. It boasts a dazzling entrance with a mirrored staircase which leads you down to a lush lounge with sofas and a fireplace. They keep the dance floor separate, which makes this particular room absolutely perfect for drinks and a long chat. And for those who really like to splurge, Twin's also has a private room for special events and dinners. The Baixa Twin's features a wonderful cocktail bar and a restaurant.
Breyner 85
Another good place for drinks and good music is the Breyner 85, an old townhouse which was transformed into one of Porto's greatest hip spots for music. Concerts and exhibitions frequently take place here, hosted in a mélange of retro, classic and contemporary interior design, and the music varies from old school jazz to straight up rock. It's a great place to be on any night of the week.
Things to Do in Porto in March
Ginko Gallery
Porto is quite eventful in terms of sporting and artistic events, so keep your eyes peeled on the local websites if you want to be kept in the loop with local goodies. You'll definitely want to keep an eye out for the Ginko Gallery, as they often feature special exhibits during this time of the year, as one of northern Portugal's most respected art galleries.
Soares Dos Reis Museum
Another museum which you most definitely have to visit in spring is the famous Soares Dos Reis Museum, named after one of the country's greatest artists to date, and housed in the ancient Carrancas Palace. It was founded in 1833 and it is Portugal's first national museum.
Riberira District
When the sun is out and the apple blossoms begin to repaint the city in shades of white and pink be sure to go along the riverbank in the Ribeira district the city's UNESCO Heritage center, filled with 18th and 19th century buildings with well-preserved facades and art nouveau shop windows.
Clerigos Tower
Most importantly, go visit the Clerigos Tower, an iconic landmark which overlooks the city, a splendid bell tower part of a classical Baroque church. And since you're out and about, you most certainly have to go and admire the stunning gigantic tile murals inside Sao Bento Station, as well as the facades of iconic churches like Carmo and Capela das Almas. They're all splendid features of interior design dating back to the 17th century, beautiful arrays of glazed ceramic tiles building up to breathtaking art panels.
