Things to Do in Cascais in March

March Weather in Cascais

17°C (63°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic Atlantic storms create spectacular wave-watching at Boca do Inferno - March has the most impressive swells of the year with waves reaching 8-12 meters (26-40 feet)
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from February peak season - luxury oceanfront properties average €80-120/night versus €200+ in summer
Perfect hiking weather with cool temperatures 11-17°C (51-63°F) ideal for the challenging Cabo da Roca to Cascais coastal trail without summer heat exhaustion
Locals return from winter hibernation - restaurants reopen terraces, markets extend hours, and you'll experience authentic Portuguese life without tourist crowds

Considerations

Ocean temperature drops to 15°C (59°F) making swimming uncomfortable even for locals - only surfers in full wetsuits brave the water
Unpredictable weather means outdoor lunch plans often move indoors - Atlantic fronts can bring sudden temperature drops of 10°C (18°F) within hours
Many beachfront businesses still operate winter hours with reduced menus and 3pm closures - don't expect full summer beach service

Best Activities in March

Sintra Palace and Gardens Exploration

March's cool temperatures 11-17°C (51-63°F) make climbing Sintra's hills comfortable, while lower crowds mean 30-minute palace entry versus 2-hour summer waits. Gardens bloom with early spring flowers and morning mist creates mystical photographs impossible in summer heat.

Booking Tip: Book palace tickets online 2-3 days ahead for €11-15 entry. Take the 434 bus from Sintra station for €5 day pass rather than exhausting uphill walks. See current palace tour options in the booking widget below.

Coastal Clifftop Hiking Trails

March offers ideal hiking conditions with dramatic Atlantic storms creating spectacular wave displays at Cabo da Roca and Guincho Beach. Cool weather prevents overheating on the 5km (3.1-mile) coastal trail, while spring wildflowers begin blooming along clifftops.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking costs nothing but consider guided nature walks for €25-35 per person to learn about Atlantic geology and endemic plants. Check weather forecast for storm intensity - winds can exceed 80km/h (50mph) during Atlantic fronts.

Lisbon Day Trips and Food Tours

Perfect weather for walking Lisbon's steep neighborhoods without summer heat exhaustion. March is peak season for Portuguese comfort foods - try cozido à portuguesa stews and fresh seafood at Mercado da Ribeira before tourist crowds arrive in April.

Booking Tip: Train from Cascais to Lisbon takes 40 minutes for €2.25 each way. Food tours typically cost €45-65 per person and book up quickly on weekends. Reserve 5-7 days ahead through the booking options below.

Estoril Casino and Thermal Experiences

March's cool, damp weather makes indoor cultural activities appealing. Estoril's historic casino offers elegant evening entertainment, while nearby thermal springs provide warmth against Atlantic chill. Perfect for rainy days that occur 10 times in March.

Booking Tip: Casino entry is free but dress code required - no shorts or flip-flops. Thermal treatments cost €35-55 per session. Book spa treatments 3-4 days ahead as locals frequent these during cooler months.

Guincho Beach Surfing and Wind Sports

March brings consistent Atlantic swells 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) and strong winds 25-40km/h (15-25mph) ideal for surfing and windsurfing. Water temperature requires 4/3mm wetsuits but crowds are minimal compared to summer chaos.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rental costs €25-35/day including wetsuit. Lessons run €40-60 for 2-hour sessions. Book through licensed surf schools 2-3 days ahead - see current options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Festa das Latas (Student Celebration)

University students from Lisbon celebrate the end of academic year with colorful parades through Cascais streets. Expect live music, traditional Portuguese folk dancing, and street food vendors selling bifanas and pastéis de nata.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof windbreaker rated for 80km/h (50mph) gusts - Atlantic storms bring sudden strong winds that destroy regular umbrellas

Layered clothing system: base layer plus fleece for 11-17°C (51-63°F) temperature swings throughout the day

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for wet limestone coastal paths - regular sneakers become dangerously slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 8 and ocean reflection intensifies sun exposure

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Compact umbrella as backup to windbreaker - 10 rainy days in March with unpredictable timing

Warm hat and gloves for early morning or evening coastal walks when Atlantic winds create 5-8°C (9-14°F) wind chill

Waterproof phone case for wave-watching at Boca do Inferno where sea spray reaches 50 meters (164 feet) inland

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for Sintra's steep cobblestone streets that become slippery when wet

Insider Knowledge

Locals call March 'storm season' - check Ipma.pt weather service for Atlantic depression warnings before planning coastal activities

Restaurant lunch service often pauses 3-6pm in March as businesses transition from winter to spring hours - eat early or wait until dinner

Take the earliest train to Sintra (8:30am) to avoid day-tripper crowds and photograph palaces in morning mist that burns off by 11am

Many locals drive to Cascais from Lisbon on March weekends for fresh seafood - make restaurant reservations Friday-Sunday or expect 45-minute waits

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming beach weather - ocean temperature is 15°C (59°F) and only surfers in full wetsuits swim in March

Not checking tide times for coastal hiking - high tide at Cabo da Roca makes some cliff paths dangerous during storms

Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plans - March brings 10 rainy days with little advance warning