Malaga Weather in March: Spring Arrives & What to Expect

March in Malaga marks the real beginning of spring.

The days stretch noticeably longer, the temperature climbs into comfortable territory, and the city shakes off the last of winter. It's warm enough to sit on a terrace in a t-shirt, cool enough to explore without breaking a sweat, and quiet enough to enjoy Malaga before the summer rush.

For a bigger picture of when to visit Malaga, check our seasonal guide. But if you're coming in March, here's exactly what to expect.

Is March Warm in Malaga?

Yes, pleasantly so.

March daytime temperatures typically reach 18-21°C (64-70°F), which feels genuinely warm in the sunshine. You can comfortably spend hours outdoors, sit on terraces, and explore the city in light clothing.

This is the month when Malaga transitions from winter to spring.

Early March can still feel cool, particularly in the mornings, but by late March, proper warm weather often arrives. The sun has real strength during the middle of the day.

Evenings remain cool at around 9-11°C (48-52°F), so layers are still necessary. The temperature drop after sunset is noticeable, but it's nothing like the genuine chill of January or February.

What's the Temperature in Malaga in March?

Metric	March Average
Average high	19°C (66°F)
Average low	10°C (50°F)
Sea temperature	15°C (59°F)
Rainfall	40mm (4-5 rainy days)
Sunshine hours	7-8 per day
Daylight hours	11-13 hours
UV index	5-6 (moderate to high)

March shows the transition clearly in the numbers. Warmer than February, not yet as warm as April, with increasing sunshine and decreasing rain.

Can You Swim in Malaga in March?

It's possible but still cool.

The Mediterranean sits at around 15°C (59°F) in March, which is warmer than the winter months but still bracing for most swimmers. You'll see some people taking dips, especially on warmer afternoons, but this isn't comfortable swimming weather yet.

The beaches are increasingly pleasant for sunbathing on warm days.

March sun can feel surprisingly strong, and lying on the beach is genuinely enjoyable. Just don't expect the sea to feel warm yet.

Early March vs Late March

Early March (1st-15th)

• Weather still transitioning from winter
• Cooler mornings and evenings
• Clocks change to summer time (usually second Sunday)
• Lower tourist numbers
• Occasional rainy spells possible

Late March (16th-31st)

• Noticeably warmer
• Longer evenings after time change
• Spring properly arrived
• Outdoor life returning
• Possible Semana Santa (if Easter is early)

The difference between early and late March is significant.

The month starts feeling like late winter and ends feeling like early summer. The clock change adds an extra hour of evening light.

Does It Rain in Malaga in March?

March sees around 40mm of rain spread across 4-5 days. This is less than the winter months and marks the start of the dry season ahead.

When it rains in March, it's typically brief.

Spring showers pass through rather than settling in. A rainy morning often clears to a sunny afternoon. The Mediterranean pattern means you can usually wait out the rain with a coffee and continue your day.

What's the UV Index in March?

Moderate to high.

The UV index in March sits at 5-6, which means the sun has real strength. You can start to feel it on your skin during midday hours.

What this means for you:

• Sunscreen is becoming advisable for extended outdoor time
• Sunglasses are useful most days
• A hat helps during midday sightseeing
• The intensity increases through the month

March sun catches some visitors off guard.

It doesn't feel as hot as summer, but the UV can still cause redness on fair skin. Start taking sun protection seriously.

What Time Does the Sun Set in March?

The sun sets between 7:00pm and 8:30pm through March. The clock change (usually second Sunday of March) adds an hour to evenings, making late March feel notably longer.

By the end of March, you have over 12 hours of daylight.

This makes a real difference to how much you can fit into a day. Evening light until 8:30pm means longer exploration, sunset drinks, and that Mediterranean feeling of endless days.

What to Wear in Malaga in March

Pack for transition weather. Warm days, cool mornings and evenings.

Daytime:

• T-shirts and light tops
• Light jacket or cardigan for cooler moments
• Comfortable trousers or jeans
• Shorts possible on warmer days (late March)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses

Evenings:

• Light jacket or sweater
• Long sleeves
• Closed shoes
• A layer for outdoor dining

Just in case:

• Light rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Sunscreen (especially late March)

March is the month to leave heavy winter clothes behind. You won't need a thick coat, but you'll want layers for the temperature variation through the day.

Semana Santa (If Dates Fall in March)

Some years, Easter falls in March, bringing Semana Santa (Holy Week) to the city. This is one of Malaga's most important events.

What to expect during Semana Santa:

• Daily processions through the historic centre
• Elaborate floats (tronos) carried by hundreds
• Emotional atmosphere throughout the week
• Larger crowds than usual
• Higher accommodation prices

Practical tips:

• Check Easter dates before booking
• Reserve accommodation well in advance if visiting during Holy Week
• The city centre gets very crowded during processions
• It's a unique cultural experience worth seeing

Things to Do in March

March weather opens up outdoor activities:

• Hiking: The Montes de Malaga and Caminito del Rey are perfect in March. Warm enough to enjoy, cool enough not to overheat.
• Beach time: Sunbathing becomes genuinely pleasant on warm days. Swimming is for the hardy.
• Sightseeing: The Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, and old town are all comfortable to explore. No summer heat, no winter chill.
• Day trips: Ideal weather for Ronda, the white villages, or exploring the coast. Long daylight hours mean you can fit more in.
• Outdoor dining: Terrace season returns. Long lunches and evening meals outside become the norm.

Weather Along the Costa del Sol in March

If you're heading to other Costa del Sol towns, expect similar conditions:

Location	March High	March Low	Sea Temp
Malaga	19°C	10°C	15°C
Torremolinos	19°C	10°C	15°C
Benalmadena	19°C	10°C	15°C
Fuengirola	19°C	9°C	15°C
Marbella	18°C	9°C	15°C
Nerja	19°C	10°C	15°C

The whole coast shares the same spring awakening. Slight variations exist, but the pattern is consistent.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

March is excellent. Here's the honest assessment:

March is ideal if you:

• Want pleasant weather without summer heat
• Prefer fewer crowds than peak season
• Enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing
• Like the transition from quiet winter to lively spring
• Want good value before prices rise

March might not suit you if you:

• Want guaranteed hot weather
• Need warm sea swimming
• Prefer peak summer atmosphere
• Are planning around Semana Santa (check dates)

The honest answer: March offers some of the best conditions of the year.

The weather is pleasant without being extreme, crowds are manageable, and the city is emerging into its spring energy. It's a sweet spot before the summer rush.

The Bottom Line

March in Malaga is spring arriving in real time.

The month starts cool and ends warm, the days stretch longer, and the city comes alive again after winter. It's one of the best times to visit if you want pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and the freedom to explore comfortably.

Come for the warm afternoons and the long evenings.

Come for the terraces opening up and the beach days beginning. Come for Malaga at its most balanced: warm enough to enjoy, cool enough to explore, and quiet enough to appreciate.

Pack layers, bring sunglasses, and embrace the season. March in Malaga delivers spring at its best.