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March is one of the best months to visit the Canary Islands. The weather is warm, the landscapes are green after the winter rains, and the islands feel calmer before the Easter holiday rush.
Whether you want beach time, hiking, whale watching or a laid back escape with comfortable temperatures, March brings a little bit of everything without the high season crowds.
There is no better time to visit the Canary Islands than March. As Europe slowly enters spring, the Canaries offer warm weather, sunshine and the perfect end of winter escape. Whether you want a dose of vitamin D or to start building a base tan, March delivers ideal conditions on every island.
This guide covers the 11 essential things you should know before planning your trip, from weather and prices to which island suits you best in March.
How to Use This Guide
Use the Contents table below to jump to any section. Click a heading in the guide to return to the top and continue exploring.
Contents
The Canary Islands enjoy a year round stable climate. March feels like early summer, especially compared with the cooler temperatures found in most of Europe at this time of year.
Expect daytime highs of around 20 to 24°C depending on the island, with plenty of sunshine and warm afternoons that are perfect for beaches and outdoor exploring.
Evenings can be cooler, especially in the north of the islands or in higher elevations such as Teide National Park.
A light jacket is useful, but you will still enjoy long sunny days with very little rain. March is also known for clear skies which makes it a great month for stargazing.
One of the most important things to understand before visiting the Canaries is that every island has a slightly different climate. Even different sides of the same island can vary dramatically.
Tenerife
March brings warm, sunny days in the south and cooler, greener landscapes in the north. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas enjoy the most reliable beach weather, with calm conditions that make this the island’s most popular springtime region.
Gran Canaria
Often described as a mini continent, Gran Canaria offers warm, sheltered weather in the south and cooler, breezier conditions in the north. March is perfect for the beaches of Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán, while the mountainous interior can feel crisp early in the morning.
Lanzarote
Expect bright sunshine, desert style landscapes and steady temperatures throughout March. The island stays warm and dry with slightly stronger winds, making it ideal for exploring volcanoes, beaches and coastal walks without the heat of summer.
Fuerteventura
One of the warmest Canary Islands in March, known for wide beaches and clear water. The island is breezy, so evenings can feel cooler, but days are reliably sunny. Perfect for surfing, kitesurfing and long, quiet beach days.
La Gomera, La Palma & El Hierro
These smaller, greener islands are peaceful and nature focused, offering warm but milder temperatures than the main islands. March is ideal for hiking, forest walks and escaping the crowds while still enjoying plenty of sunshine and comfortable conditions.
La Graciosa
The smallest and quietest of the inhabited Canary Islands, it is also our favourite of the Canary Islands. La Graciosa offers golden beaches and an off grid feel. March is warm, dry and peaceful, with gentle breezes and clear days perfect for cycling, walking and relaxing on its untouched virgin beaches.
March is a good month for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the coast. Sea temperatures sit around 18 to 20°C which is refreshing but comfortable once you are in the water. On calm days, you can easily spend all day by the beach, which for most people is why the visit the Canaries in the first place.
Wind is the only thing to keep in mind. Some islands, especially Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, can feel breezy at times but this does not usually affect swimming. There are often rock circles on beaches, which make good wind breaks to sunbath in.
Look for sheltered southern beaches such as Playa del Duque in Tenerife, Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria, or Playa Papagayo in Lanzarote for calm conditions.
If you enjoy water sports like surfing or windsurfing, March is an excellent month with consistent waves and steady winds.
Thanks to winter rainfall, the Canary Islands are at their greenest in March. Wildflowers begin to appear, the volcanic landscapes look fresh, and temperatures stay cool enough for long days outdoors.
Some of the best March hiking spots include:
Teide National Park, Tenerife
Cool mornings, dramatic colours and excellent visibility.
Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife
Lush forests, coastal cliffs and misty viewpoints.
Caldera de Taburiente, La Palma
Ideal for experienced hikers who want volcanic scenery.
Lanzarote Volcano Trails
The Timanfaya region and surrounding lava fields offer surreal landscapes.
Gran Canaria’s central mountains
Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves and pine forests are perfect in March.
With warm sunny weather and fewer people on the trails, March is a brilliant time to explore the islands on foot.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest carnival celebrations in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro in size and colour. Most years, carnivals across the Canaries take place in February, but depending on the calendar, some events take place in early March.
If your trip overlaps with carnival, expect incredible street parades, elaborate costumes, dancing, music and a lively party atmosphere. The largest celebrations happen in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but every island has its own version.
Carnival also affects hotel prices and availability, so book early if your dates overlap with the festivities. It is a memorable experience that adds something special to your visit to the Canaries.
March sits between two busy periods, the winter holiday season and Easter. This makes it an excellent month for better value.
You can often find:
Cheaper hotel rates than January and February
Better last minute deals on resorts and villas
Lower flight prices compared to the winter peak
More availability for car rentals
Great value package holidays
If you are looking for sunshine without the high season costs, March is one of the best months to visit.
The Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe for seeing whales and dolphins in the wild. March is a strong month for sightings because the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident species including pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
You may also spot migrating species that move through the archipelago in spring. Tours depart from Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón in Tenerife, and from various ports in La Gomera, Gran Canaria and other islands.
Choose tours that prioritise responsible wildlife viewing and limit the number of boats in the water at once. This helps protect the marine environment and gives you a respectful, enjoyable experience.
March is a sweet spot for less tourists. The winter sun rush of January and February is over, and the family travel surge around Easter has not yet started.
You will notice:
More space at beaches
Better restaurant availability
Quieter hiking trails
Less traffic on scenic routes
Lower hotel occupancy
There are still tourists around, especially in popular resorts like Costa Adeje, Maspalomas or Corralejo, but the overall atmosphere is calm and relaxed. If you like warm weather without the busyness of high season crowds, March is an ideal time to visit.
Wind is part of life on the Canary Islands and something you should expect, especially in March. It is not constant and varies by island and area, but it can affect how warm the days feel.
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote generally experience the highest winds. These islands are popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and the breezes are ideal for water sports. If you prefer calmer conditions, choose sheltered beaches or stay in southern regions where cliffs provide protection.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria have more varied landscapes, so you can always find a calm spot depending on the weather.
Wind rarely disrupts travel plans, but it is useful to factor into your packing and choice of accommodation. This is especially important if you are planning to use the Mount Teide cable car, which can be cancelled during strong winds.
March offers long daylight hours, dry roads and comfortable temperatures which make it ideal for exploring beyond your base. The islands are excellent for road trips, especially Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote where scenic drives link beaches, volcanoes and small towns.
Car rental prices are usually cheaper in March, and traffic is lighter than during holidays. This makes road tripping a stress free way to travel.
March is also a good month for island hopping. Ferries run regularly between the larger islands, and the sea conditions are generally stable. If you want a beach and volcano combination, pair Tenerife with Lanzarote, or combine Gran Canaria with Fuerteventura for a contrast between dunes, cliffs and long coastal roads.
Packing for the Canary Islands in March is easy. Days are warm and sunny, but evenings can feel cooler, especially in the north, inland or on higher terrain.
A good March packing list includes:
Light clothing for daytime
A warm layer for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear and beachwear
Hiking clothing if you plan to explore volcano trails
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A reusable water bottle for island hikes
The sun is strong even in March, so sun protection is essential.
Choosing the right island and area depends on what you want from your holiday. March weather is warm everywhere, but each island offers something different.
Tenerife
Best for beaches, whale watching, nightlife and family resorts. Stay in the south for guaranteed sunshine.
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Gran Canaria
Ideal for couples, beach lovers and hikers. Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán are warmest in March.
Lanzarote
Perfect for quiet relaxation, volcano landscapes and boutique hotels. Puerto del Carmen has the best March weather.
Fuerteventura
Great for long sandy beaches, surfing and sailing. Corralejo and Costa Calma are the best bets for a March stay.
BOOK | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
La Gomera and La Palma
Best for hiking and escaping the crowds. Expect cooler evenings but beautiful landscapes.
If you are looking for something different, then use our interactive map below.
Go whale watching between Tenerife and La Gomera
Hike Mount Teide or the volcanic trails of Lanzarote
Spend a day exploring Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria
Visit natural pools like Charco del Palo
Explore historic towns such as La Orotava, Arrecife or Betancuria
Try water sports including surfing and snorkelling
Visit vineyards in Lanzarote’s La Geria region
March is a month where you can comfortably mix exploring with relaxation.
Is March a good month to visit the Canary Islands?
Yes, March offers warm weather, fewer crowds and great prices.
Which Canary Island is warmest in March?
Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are the warmest, especially their southern regions.
Can you swim in March?
Yes, sea temperatures are mild and beaches are pleasant for swimming.
Is it windy in March?
Some days can be breezy, especially in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Are the Canary Islands busy in March?
Crowds are moderate. It is calmer than February and quieter than Easter.
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