Are you looking for an easy, accessible off-season destination that will allow you to experience some of the most famous monuments of Southern Spain?
In that case, Granada in March is the perfect choice for your next trip!
This crown jewel of Southern Spain is an absolute tourist hotspot in the summer, attracting millions of visitors each year with spectacular sights like the ancient palace complex of Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, the historic old neighbourhood of Albaicin, the famous Flamenco performances in the caves of Sacromonte and the elegant Granada Cathedral.
If you’re wondering about visiting Granada in March, what sort of weather to expect, and how busy it’s going to be, this article will offer you insights!
As I’ve been visiting Granada for a number of years now, you will only get the most accurate local insights and practical tips that will save you a lot of hassle and manage your expectations!
Let’s dive in and see what you can expect in Granada in March!
What to Know Before Visiting Granada in March
March in Granada is one of the last winter months, yet it’s still considered a low-season month.
That means fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation options, and a better experience visiting some of the popular monuments in the city.
While there are some school holidays in Andalucia in March, they don’t impact accommodation prices as much as, for example, in the UK.
The weather in March is still quite unpredictable, so you should keep that in mind when planning your trip and save some activity options for rainy days.
7 Reasons to Visit Granada in March
From fewer crowds to decent weather, here are the top reasons to book a March trip to Granada!
Exploring Monuments Without the Crowds
Granada gets notoriously crowded in the summer months when visitors from abroad and Spain come to admire the beauty of the Alhambra palace, Generalife Gardens, and marvel at the rest of the monuments in the city. Tickets to the Alhambra tend to sell out weeks in advance due to high demand.
Luckily, if you’re visiting Granada in March, you will have no such problem. You should definitely check tickets for the monuments to ensure you can get there on the day you want to, but you don’t need to worry about hundreds of people standing in your way as you try to take in the beauty of the Moorish palace complex.
Great Value for Flights and Hotels
March is still considered an off-season time for almost all destinations in Southern Spain, which translates into cheaper accommodation prices and better deals on flights.
Especially if you book early enough, you will get much better value for your money compared to the summer months. In case you want to head to the beach for a day trip from Granada, you will also get beautiful sunny weather without too many tourists on the beaches.
March is your last chance to secure really good deals on accommodation – the prices will increase dramatically the next month with the arrival of Semana Santa when huge crowds head to Granada for the traditional Easter celebrations and processions.
Ski Season in Sierra Nevada
The ski season in Sierra Nevada is still in full swing in March, and with the season closing at the end of April, you still have plenty of chances to enjoy the snow with some gorgeous sunny weather! Even if the temperatures go higher than usual, there is artificial snow to rely on to save the day.
Sierra Nevada is only one hour away from Granada, so you can easily make it as a day trip to the slopes and back to the city.
Sun and Snow in One Trip
If you’re visiting Granada in March, you get the perfect chance to experience both the sunny beaches of Southern Spain, together with perfect snow conditions in Sierra Nevada, all in one day!
The drive from Granada to Sierra Nevada is about an hour, so you can spend the morning skiing and enjoying the spectacular views, and from there head straight to the beach. The drive to Malaga would take you about 2 hours, but you can also head to some of the other coastal destinations in a shorter time.
Mild Weather Conditions
Even though March is most definitely not the warmest month in Granada, this winter month still has relatively mild weather, and you can experience lovely sunny days in between some cloudy ones. The temperatures can climb up to 17C during the day, and with an average of 5-7 rainy days per month, the chances of encountering really bad weather are pretty low.
With these temperatures, it’s also the ideal weather to explore some of the beautiful natural sights in Granada, like the natural hiking trails or strolling the steep hills of the Albaicin district without worrying about heatstroke.
Photos with Snow-Covered Peaks
For most of March, you would still see the peaks of Sierra Nevada covered in snow, providing a truly unique backdrop for your photos of the Alhambra.
To get the best view and get closest to them, I recommend taking photos from the Alcazaba towers facing the direction of the mountains – it’s a view you won’t forget! Another great spot to capture the beauty of the snowy mountains with the Alhambra is the Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicin district.
Easy Reach from Malaga Airport
Malaga International Airport has lots of connections to other European destinations, making it one of the top choices for winter holidays.
If you’re traveling to Granada from Malaga airport, you can reach the city very easily even without renting a car – simply take the local train connection (cercanias) C1 line to Malaga Maria Zambrano (just a few stops), from where you will get regular train connections to Granada (journey around 1 hour).
If you cross the road from the station, you will get to the main bus station of Malaga, from where you can also get a direct frequent bus, which is even less expensive and runs more often.
What to do in Granada in March
March is the perfect time of year to explore the main attractions that usually get crowded in the summer months, such as the Alhambra, Granada Cathedral, and some of the other local gems.
Here are my recommendations for your March to-do list!
Visit the Alhambra
March is the perfect time to explore the Alhambra in relative peace.
There are no huge crowds, and if you book the first available tickets in the morning, you will get a chance to have the whole palace almost to yourself.
If there is a chance of rain while you’re visiting, you can spend the time exploring the Nasrid Palace and the Palace of Charles V before taking a break to explore the Generalife gardens when the weather improves.
Visit the Science Museum of Granada
This museum is unlike anything else you’ve seen.
There are huge exhibit rooms dedicated to specific displays, such as space exploration, animal life, and the human body.
The museum also has a Biodome where you can not only watch huge sharks in an aquarium but also walk around monkeys that are running freely next to you.
Sacromonte Abbey
This small abbey is at the edge of the Sacromonte district, which you can reach by local bus or easily on foot if you fancy a bit of a walk.
While the main building of the Abbey is somewhat basic, the real gem hides underground.
The abbey has an underground tunnel system with chapels and a church, and that’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.
El Banuelo
This historic sight is the oldest and best-preserved original Arabic baths in Granada.
Granada has a number of these, but El Banuelo is the one in the best shape, with most of the structure still intact.
The site is very small, so you will need a maximum of 30 minutes to explore it.
Basilica San Juan de Dios
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity, this stunning basilica is the best choice.
A marvel of architecture, covered head to toe in gold, with stunning artwork on display everywhere you look.
If you’ve been to many churches, I can guarantee this one will leave a lasting impression.
The golden room behind the altar hides the remains of Saint Juan.
Monastery of San Jeronimo
Another option for a bad weather day, this monastery is easily accessible on foot and is very close to the basilica I mentioned earlier.
This huge complex is built around an orange tree courtyard, with a number of rooms accessible from the gallery, where you can see religious paintings and other artwork displayed in a beautiful historic setting.
Stroll in Albaicin District
March is a great time to explore the outdoors without enduring the heat.
Albaicin is the old town district of Granada that’s known for steep uphill climbs, which are not going to be an issue in mild weather conditions.
Visit one of the viewpoints (miradors) to get the best photos of the Alhambra, such as the famous Mirador of St Nicholas.
Are you ready for Granada in March?
So there you have it—March is the perfect time to experience Granada in all its glory!
With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation options, and a chance to explore the iconic attractions without the hustle and bustle of the summer months, it’s an trip not to be missed.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Alhambra, getting lost in the fascinating exhibits of the Science Museum, or discovering gems like Sacromonte Abbey and El Banuelo, Granada in March has something for everyone.
Author Bio
Lucia is a Slovak expat living in Southern Spain. On her blog Viva la Vita she shares her discoveries about beautiful locations, hidden gems and authentic experiences from Costa del Sol and beyond.
