Marbella in March: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
Are you visiting Marbella in March? This guide includes everything you need to know about this beautiful coastal city in March.
Marbella is one of the most visited towns near Malaga because of its lovely weather, surroundings and lifestyle.
Being from the local area, I can assure you Marbella has many fantastic things to do all year round – from visiting its picturesque historic centre and beaches to luxury shopping.
Yes, it’s known for being a summer destination, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed and authentic experience in Marbella, you won’t regret visiting in March. And you get to experience Easter.
So, what things can you do in Marbella in March? What’s the weather like?
Let’s dive in!
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Weather in Marbella in March
As happens with Malaga, Marbella is pretty mild in March. You can enjoy beautiful warm and sunny days; however, be aware of the temperature drop during the night; it can be as low as 9 degrees Celsius (48ºF).
When it comes to rainfall, it usually rains 5 or 6 days, so there’s a small chance of rain when you plan your holiday in March. However, rain in Marbella isn’t very strong and doesn’t last for long either.
Another good thing about visiting Marbella during this time is you can enjoy 8 hours of sunshine, whereas European cities like Paris or London have fewer hours. And if you go at the end of the month, there are more sunshine hours because of the daylight saving time, which usually takes place on the last Sunday of March.
Here’s an overview of Marbella weather in March:
- Maximum temperature: 18ºC (64ºF)
- Minimum temperature: 9ºC (48ºF)
- Average temperature: 14ºC (57ºF)
- Rainy days: 5 (approx 12 mm per month)
- Water temperature: 16ºC (61ºF)
- Average humidity: 62%
Things to do in Marbella in March
1. See the Easter processions
Easter (Semana Santa) is one of the most unique events in Spain because of the way we celebrate it. Whether you’re religious or not, I recommend seeing the Easter processions.
Semana Santa usually takes place at the end of March, so if you’re in Marbella at that time, check out the event calendar.
The processions in Marbella happen in the historic centre, and if you’ve never been to Marbella Old Town is worth knowing that the streets are narrow and it gets busy. If you really want to see the processions, you need to be early.
A smart way to see the processions without spending quite a long time stood up is to have a coffee at an outdoor terrace in Orange Square.
Marbella Processions are beautiful, but choose Malaga over Marbella if you want to experience this traditional event on a bigger scale.
2. Wander Marbella Old Town
Regardless of the season, Marbella Old Town must be on your itinerary. There isn’t a wrong time to explore one of the most beautiful parts of Marbella.
What I love about visiting the old town in March is that it’s at its best. Although it’s always clean and kept well, the council makes a bigger effort during this month. Why? Because of the Easter processions.
They will replace the hanging plant pots in Carmen Street, Marbella’s most photographed street, with ones that have bright and blossom roses, paint the walls, polish the floor, etc.
If you love photography, you’re in paradise; the streets of Marbella historic centre are beautiful and perfect for taking photos.
However, there are many other things to do. For example, if you’re into art, visit the Spanish Engravings Museum; if you’re into history, book a tour with a local to discover the history behind important historical buildings like Marbella Castle.
Other activities to do in Marbella include shopping from the many independent shops, having a coffee at Plaza de los Naranjos or watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace.
🏰 Learn about the historic centre by booking this free guided tour.
3. Walk on the beach promenade
The city has an extensive and beautiful beach promenade that goes from Playa del Cable to Puerto Banus.
March is a fantastic time to go for a walk along the beach because the temperature is just nice. It isn’t too hot or cold, so you can really enjoy walking.
If walking isn’t your thing, bikes are available for hire. Consider doing a bike tour in Marbella, which will help you learn about the place while contemplating amazing coastal views.
Depending on how far you walk, you can stop along the way to have a meal. There are plenty of restaurants, especially between Playa de la Venus and Playa de la Fontanilla.
Some of my favourite places to eat with a beach view are Da Bruno Sul Mare, an Italian restaurant located in other parts of Marbella like Cabopino and Manuka, a good option for those who want to eat healthier or are vegetarians or vegans.
Another walk you might want to add to your Marbella itinerary is the one in Puerto Banus, where you’ll see incredibly expensive yachts, and you can even do a boat cruise.
4. Take a food tour
A good way to discover the traditional food in Marbella is by taking a food tour.
This 3-hour food tour takes you on a culinary journey through Marbella. Apart from sightseeing, you’ll stop at different tapa bars and have wine and olive olive tastings.
However, if you have visited Marbella or its surroundings before, you might have already tasted some local delicacies and will want to skip this activity.
An alternative is to do a wine tour because the area produces high-quality wines, including Malaga’s sweet wine. For that, you’ll need to travel to other nearby towns, such as Ronda.
5. Challenge yourself to a hike in Marbella
Are you an active traveller? March in Marbella isn’t ideal for water activities like paddleboarding and scuba diving. However, that doesn’t mean you can do other fantastic activities like hiking.
Marbella is home to beautiful landscapes that range from an impressive coastline to high mountains, and when it comes to hiking trails, you’ll find easy walks to do with little ones or challenging walks that will push your limits.
My favourite and most accessible hiking trail in Marbella is Dunas de Artola-Cabopino. It is a short trail on a wooden path from where you can contemplate the Mediterranean Sea as well as the sand dunes.
If you prefer something with medium to high difficulty, check out La Concha. I haven’t done this hiking trail yet, but friends have told me that once you reach the peak, the views of the sea are spectacular (and you can even see the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa!)
It’s also during this time when you might spot the cherry blossoms.
6. Play golf
I’m not an expert in golf by any means, but many locals like me know that Marbella and the rest of Costa del Sol are famous for fantastic golf courses.
The lovely March weather in Marbella offers many opportunities to play golf. In fact, Marbella has over 20 golf courses!
Some of the most popular golf courses in the city are Los Naranjos Golf Club, Marbella Golf and Country Club and La Quinta Golf.
7. Go on a day trip to Ronda
Ronda is one of the best excursions from Marbella and should be on your Spain bucket list. You can travel by car or take a guided tour with transportation included.
Located inland, this whitewashed town has beautiful natural surroundings and pleasant temperatures. I’ve visited Ronda several times, including in June and September, and it was very warm. You’ll get the best weather conditions for sightseeing in Ronda in spring.
March is perfect for exploring the town, especially because it has many outdoor activities and excellent walks and isn’t too crowded.
8. Visit Malaga
Malaga is only 55 minute drive from Marbella, and 1 hour and 5 minutes by bus, so if you’re staying longer than a weekend in Marbella, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Malaga, one of the best coastal cities in Spain.
The truth is that you can visit Malaga attractions in a day if you plan your itinerary well.
Wondering what not to miss on a day trip to Malaga? Here are my recommendations:
- Visit Malaga Cathedral and Gardens
- Explore the Alcazaba Palace and Roman theatre
- Go to Picasso Museum (if you like art!)
- Enjoy tapas at Atarazanas Market, El Pimpi or La Pechá; they have the best Russian salad.
- Walk Malaga Park
- Climb up to Gibralfaro Castle
- Enjoy the sunset at Muelle Uno
What to pack for Marbella in March
If you want to dress like a local, you want to pack a combination of light jumpers and t-shirts for the hottest hours.
What about outfits? You can easily wear short-sleeved dresses with denim jackets and boots or a t-shirt, jeans and trainers for a more comfortable option.
Personally, I wouldn’t pack swimming wear because it’s chilly to swim in the sea at this time of the year, but I’m a local, so you might feel different about it and still pack it.
Other tips for travelling to Marbella
The best way to move around is by car. Marbella public transport is good, but you can’t always access some parts of the city by bus.
Also, hiring a car is even more recommended if off-the-beaten-path destinations are on your list.
Avoid eating in touristy spots like Orange Square and Puerto Banus. Go a little further to find restaurants and cafes offering better meals and prices.
Marbella is quite big, and many travellers don’t know this. There are many areas like the historic centre, Puerto Banus, Elviria and San Pedro de Alcántara, which is another town that used to be part of Marbella because it’s next to it.
Why am I telling you this? This is important to know when booking accommodation and figuring out the transport logistics. Many of these areas aren’t well-connected by public transport.
Explore beyond Marbella. Marbella has so much to do, but at the same time, it has amazing day trips like the Pueblos Blancos (Andalusian whitewashed towns), Gibraltar and national parks like Sierra de las Nieves.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going to Marbella in March?
Yes, March in Marbella is fantastic for sightseeing and experiencing the local culture.
What month is best to visit Marbella?
It depends on the type of holiday you want. For beaches, parties and a lively atmosphere, go during the high season (June to September); for sightseeing, excursions and fewer crowds, go anytime from October to April; just avoid key dates like Christmas and Easter.
Does it rain in Marbella in March?
On average, it rains 4 days in Marbella in March.
Is Marbella busy in March?
No, except the last week of March when we celebrate Easter.
Can you swim in Marbella in March?
It isn’t warm enough to swim in Marbella. The average sea temperature is 16ºC (61ºF). You might want to consider booking a hotel with a heated pool.
Conclusion on March in Marbella
You have plenty of things to do in Marbella in March, plus you’ll enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean climate.
Easter is the biggest event in Marbella at the end of this month, so you might not want to miss out on living an experience like this one.
Overall, Spain in March is beautiful, especially in the south where it isn’t that cold.
Do you have any questions about Marbella? Join my Facebook group. It’s the perfect place to connect with me and other travellers and get more inspiration.
Enjoy your trip to Marbella!
Cristina
Don’t forget to save this Marbella guide on Pinterest for later.
Things to do before visiting Marbella, Spain
- Check out cheap flights to Malaga Airport (AGP), the closest airport to Marbella.
- Are you looking for the best accommodation? Check out this Marbella hotel guide.
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the best typical food.
- Book the best activities and tours in Marbella with Get Your Guide.
- Stay connected with your loved ones with Airalo. The best eSIM card available in over 200 countries.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Marbella and Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
Read more about Marbella
- 35 Best Things to Do In Marbella, Spain – A Local’s Guide
- The Ultimate Weekend in Marbella
- A Guide To Marbella Old Town (With Local Tips)
- The Best Time to Visit Marbella
- The Best Beaches in Marbella You’ll Love
- Best Places to Eat in Marbella (A Local’s Review)
- Best Hotels in Marbella For a Memorable Holiday
- How To Get From Malaga to Marbella Guide
