Things to Do in Cascais in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Cascais
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable shoulder-season temperatures around 17°C (63°F) make walking the coastal paths and exploring town genuinely pleasant without the summer heat that can hit 30°C (86°F) by June
- Tourist numbers drop significantly after Carnival season ends in late February, meaning you'll actually get tables at waterfront restaurants without booking days ahead and the Boca do Inferno viewpoint isn't packed with tour groups
- Atlantic water temperatures start climbing from their February low of 15°C (59°F) to around 16°C (61°F) by late March, and while that's still brisk, local surfers are back in the water with spring wetsuits at Guincho Beach
- March sits in that sweet spot where winter storm season is winding down but summer pricing hasn't kicked in yet - accommodation runs about 30-40% less than July-August rates, and you can find solid guesthouses in the historic center for 60-80 euros per night
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable and can blow in quickly off the Atlantic - you might get three consecutive grey days that make beach plans frustrating, though showers tend to pass within an hour or two rather than settling in all day
- Evening temperatures drop to 11°C (51°F) and the coastal wind can make outdoor dining uncomfortable after sunset - locals switch to indoor seating by 7pm and you'll want that extra layer you didn't think you'd need
- The Atlantic remains genuinely cold for swimming unless you're accustomed to northern European waters - most tourists dip their toes in and retreat, while heated hotel pools become surprisingly appealing
Best Activities in March
Sintra Palace and Garden Exploration
March weather is actually ideal for tackling Sintra's hilltop palaces - the 17°C (63°F) temperatures mean you won't be sweating through the steep climbs to Pena Palace at 500m (1,640 ft) elevation, and morning mist often clears by 11am to reveal those famous views. The gardens at Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate are starting their spring bloom without the summer crowds that make the narrow pathways frustrating. You'll want to start early around 9am before tour buses arrive from Lisbon around 10:30am.
Guincho Beach Surfing and Kitesurfing
March brings consistent Atlantic swells to Guincho without the summer crowds that pack the beach by June. Water temperature sits around 16°C (61°F), so you'll need a 4/3mm wetsuit minimum, but the wind conditions are typically excellent for kitesurfing - northwest winds average 20-25 knots and the beach's 1 km (0.6 mile) stretch gives plenty of space. Morning sessions from 8-11am tend to have cleaner conditions before afternoon winds pick up. Local surf schools operate year-round and March is when they offer better rates before peak season.
Cascais to Estoril Coastal Walk
The 3 km (1.9 mile) paved promenade between Cascais and Estoril is perfect in March temperatures - you'll actually enjoy the walk without the summer sun that can make this exposed coastal path brutal by 2pm. Start mid-morning around 10am when the light is best for photos of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks. The route passes several beaches where you can stop for coffee, and March means you'll find seats at the beachfront cafes that are packed shoulder-to-shoulder in summer. Budget about 90 minutes one way if you're stopping to take photos.
Lisbon Day Trips and Museum Visits
March's variable weather makes Lisbon's museums and covered markets smart backup plans when coastal rain rolls in. The 35-minute train ride from Cascais costs 2.25 euros each way, and you'll want to target indoor attractions like the Gulbenkian Museum, Time Out Market for lunch, or the LX Factory creative space. March sees fewer cruise ship crowds than April-October, so places like the Tile Museum and Berardo Collection are actually pleasant to explore. The Alfama district's narrow streets provide some weather protection while wandering.
Cabo da Roca Clifftop Hiking
Europe's westernmost point is genuinely dramatic in March when Atlantic storms create massive wave action against the 140m (459 ft) cliffs. The 7 km (4.3 mile) coastal trail from Cabo da Roca south toward Guincho offers spectacular views without summer's harsh sun exposure. March wind can be intense - gusts reaching 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) are common - but that's part of the experience. Morning hikes starting around 9:30am typically have better visibility before afternoon clouds roll in. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so proper hiking shoes are essential.
Portuguese Cooking Classes and Market Tours
March brings seasonal ingredients like fresh peas, broad beans, and the last of winter's citrus to Cascais markets, making cooking classes particularly interesting. The covered Mercado da Vila operates Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and you'll find locals shopping for bacalhau and fresh fish that came in that morning. Cooking class experiences typically run 3-4 hours including market visits, and March's cooler weather makes standing over a hot stove more comfortable than summer sessions. Classes focus on traditional dishes like cataplana seafood stew and pastéis de nata.
March Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) Processions
If Easter falls in late March 2026, you'll see traditional religious processions through Cascais old town, particularly on Good Friday evening. Local brotherhoods carry ornate floats while residents watch from balconies - it's a genuinely local tradition rather than a tourist spectacle. The processions start around 8pm from Igreja da Assunção and wind through narrow streets for about 90 minutes. Worth experiencing if you're in town, though it's a solemn religious observance rather than a festival atmosphere.