Things to Do in Porto in March

March Weather in Porto

17°C (63°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

97mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic Atlantic storms create spectacular wave-watching at Foz do Douro - locals gather at Molhe do Douro breakwater during March's 2-3 meter (6-10 ft) swells
Francesinha season peaks in March when locals crave hearty comfort food - restaurants serve the heartiest versions with extra sauce during cool weather
Azulejo tile hunting is perfect in March's soft light without harsh summer shadows - best photography conditions for São Bento Station and Igreja do Carmo facades
Pre-tourist season pricing with accommodation 40-50% cheaper than summer and restaurant tables available without reservations at top establishments

Considerations

March rain arrives suddenly and lasts 45-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans roughly every third day with no reliable pattern
Douro River cruises operate limited schedules with only 2-3 departures daily due to rough Atlantic conditions affecting return journeys
Many rooftop bars and riverside esplanadas remain closed until late March, limiting evening outdoor dining options along Cais da Ribeira

Best Activities in March

Porto Historic Center Walking Tours

March's cooler temperatures make walking the steep Ribeira cobblestones comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. Rain-washed azulejo tiles show their most vibrant blues and whites. The 15°C (59°F) average means you can climb Clérigos Tower's 240 steps without overheating, and UNESCO World Heritage sites photograph beautifully in March's dramatic cloudy skies.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours starting by 10am to avoid afternoon showers. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Look for operators offering indoor backup routes through covered galleries. See current tour options in booking section below.

Port Wine Cellar Experiences in Vila Nova de Gaia

March is ideal for port tastings as the cool, damp weather mirrors optimal cellar conditions. Vintage ports taste exceptional in cooler temperatures, and the short walk across Ponte Dom Luís I is comfortable in 12-16°C (54-61°F) range. Most cellars offer extended tastings during low season with more personal attention from masters.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead for premium cellars. Standard tastings €10-20, premium experiences €30-50. Choose cellars with covered terraces for Douro views regardless of weather. Current cellar tours available in booking section below.

Douro Valley Day Trips

March offers the Douro's most dramatic scenery with bare terraced vineyards creating stark geometric patterns before spring growth. Rivers run highest from winter rains, and the 200km (124-mile) valley experiences fewer crowds. Weather is perfect for indoor quinta visits and hearty regional meals. Vineyard pruning season means interactions with working vintners.

Booking Tip: Full day tours €80-120 per person including lunch and 2-3 quinta visits. Book tours with indoor backup activities due to possible rain. Train option available via CP Linha do Douro. See current valley tours in booking section below.

Aveiro and Costa Nova Beach Towns

March brings dramatic Atlantic moods to these coastal towns 75km (47 miles) south. Aveiro's colorful moliceiros boats operate year-round, and the cool weather makes walking the salt pan trails comfortable. Costa Nova's striped houses photograph spectacularly against March's moody skies. Fresh seafood season continues with winter catches still available.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically €60-90 including transport and boat ride. Pack layers for coastal wind. Train connection available via CP for independent travel (€7.50 each way). Current coastal excursions in booking section below.

Food Market and Cooking Classes

March showcases Porto's hearty winter cuisine with blood oranges, late-season root vegetables, and preserved seafood at peak freshness. Mercado do Bolhão operates covered stalls perfect for rainy days. Cooking classes focus on comfort foods like caldo verde and bacalhau dishes. Local chefs prefer teaching during quiet March period.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes €45-75 including market visit and meal. Book morning sessions starting 9:30am for best market selection. Look for classes in covered venues with backup indoor markets. Current cooking experiences in booking section below.

Guimarães Historical Heritage Tours

The birthplace of Portugal, 55km (34 miles) northeast, offers perfect March weather for exploring medieval streets and Guimarães Castle. Cool temperatures make climbing to the castle comfortable, and spring rain enhances the ancient stone architecture. UNESCO sites photograph beautifully in March's soft light without summer's harsh shadows.

Booking Tip: Day tours €50-70 including transport and guided castle visit. Train connections available via CP (€3.25 each way, 1.2 hours). Book tours with indoor museum components for weather flexibility. See current heritage tours in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Queima das Fitas Porto (Pre-celebrations)

University students begin their traditional ribbon-burning festival preparations in late March, with street performances and music events throughout the city center. While main celebrations occur in May, March brings rehearsal concerts and cultural activities around Universidade do Porto

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Porto's limestone cobblestones become slippery in March rain

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - March showers start suddenly and last 45-90 minutes

Layering clothing system: light sweater, waterproof jacket - temperatures swing from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F) daily

Long pants for evening - shorts impractical with cool nights averaging 8°C (46°F)

Light scarf for coastal wind - Foz do Douro and Matosinhos beaches generate strong Atlantic breezes

Waterproof day bag - protect electronics and documents during unexpected downpours

Comfortable walking socks - you'll climb many hills on wet stone stairs

Modest clothing for churches - shoulders covered required for Porto Cathedral and major religious sites

Cash in small bills - many traditional tascas and markets don't accept cards, especially €50+ notes

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more GPS and translation app usage

Insider Knowledge

Take the 500 bus to Matosinhos beach during March storms for spectacular wave-watching - locals call it 'temporal season' and gather at Forte de São Francisco Xavier

Visit azulejo workshops in Rua das Flores during rainy afternoons - artisans work year-round and offer informal demonstrations when tourist groups aren't present

March is peak season for fresh lamprey in Douro restaurants - this medieval delicacy appears on menus only during spring months

Use the STCP day pass (€4.15) extensively in March - buses and trams provide excellent rain shelter while sightseeing between indoor attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing white or light-colored shoes on rainy days - Porto's stone dust and mud stain permanently

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options - March weather changes rapidly with little warning

Booking restaurants for early dinner (6-7pm) - Portuguese dining culture starts around 8pm even in March, and many kitchens aren't fully operational earlier