Valencia in March: Weather, Things to Do & What to Wear

March is one of the best months to visit Valencia. This is when Las Fallas Festival take place and spring is in the air. The weather starts to warm up and you can finally shed some layers. Now, you might be wondering what exactly happens in Valencia in March. Or perhaps you’re curious to know if swimming is an option. Well, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in and explore all the wonderful things you can experience in March in Valencia.

Is March a good time to visit Valencia?

Yes, March is a fantastic time to visit Valencia, especially if you want to experience the renowned Las Fallas Festival. This festival takes place from March 1st to 19th and it attracts tourists from all over the world.

During the festival days, the city is transformed with parades, colorful fireworks displays and hundreds of artworks dotting the streets.

It does get very crowded and loud though, especially on the last five days of the festival as the excitement builds up towards the final night when the sculptures are set ablaze.

Taking this into account, I’d advise you book you accommodation outside the city center. If you’d like specific recommendations, read my post on where to stay in Valencia.

Once Las Fallas is over, Valencia can be particularly quiet for the rest of the month. One interesting details is that March in Valencia is the time when orange trees are in bloom, and the city smells fantastic.

As for the weather, March in Valencia is quite pleasant, with temperatures reaching comfortable levels. It is neither too hot nor too cold, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and exploring the beautiful parks.

Also read: Best Time to Visit Valencia: A Comprehensive Month-by-Month Guide

Weather in Valencia in March

March in Valencia is the beginning of spring and the temperatures start to rise. The maximum temperature during the day can reach up to 19°C (66°F), while the minimum temperature at night can drop to around 8°C (46°F). On occasion, temperature can exceed 20°C (68°F) and even get close to 30ºC (86ºF).

A not so fun fact is that it always rains during Las Fallas. Some years there are 1 or 2 rainy days, other years it rains for two weeks straight. There’s no way of predicting the weather in advance, so I’d advise you come prepared.

The weather in Valencia during March is typically mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. However, swimming in the sea is not yet possible as the water is too cold.

Unlike January and February, when indoors temperatures can be uncomfortable due to lack of proper insulation and central heating in most homes, indoor temperatures in March are generally pleasant, and you may find that you rarely need to turn on the heating, assuming you have access to it.

What’s on in Valencia in March

Las Fallas is the only noteworthy event taking place in March in Valencia. This is a 19-day extravaganza of epic proportions, with many interesting events. Here are the most important ones.

Mascletà

Daily from March 1st to 19th at 2 pm in the City Hall Square

This is an approximately 5 minute firecracker display held daily at 2 pm in the City Hall Square. Each day, a different tune is played. This is definitely a unique experience. Mascletàs are super loud and can reach 120 dB, which is similar to the level of noise made by a rock concert or auto racing. For some people, mascletàs can be nerve-wrecking.

Street markets

From March 11th to 19th

March in Valencia also means that dozens of churros and buñuelos stands pop up around the city. So get ready for a treat! Many of these stands are located in the city center or near the bigger fallas. Additionally, in the Ruzafa neighborhood and on Calle Convento Jerusalén, you’ll come across street markets selling all kinds of tasty foods, toys, and trinkets. Definitely check them out!

Plantà

March 15th & 16th

The ninots are the building blocks of each falla and they are gradually brought out to the streets during the first days of the festival. The plantà is basically the deadline by when all the fallas need to be assembled. The small fallas (fallas infantiles) need to be finished up by March 15h in the morning, while the large fallas have until March 16th. After the plantà, tens of thousands of people hit the streets to see the finished fallas. This is when it gets really crowded.

Awards Ceremony

March 16th & 17th

One of the many interesting facts about Las Fallas is that each falla monument, regardless of its level of complexity, is awarded a prize. On March 16th and 17th, the falleros responsible for each falla make their way to the City Hall to receive the awards. As they assemble on the nearby streets, you can admire thousands of men, women and kids dressed in exquisite silk outfits. Highly recommended!

Fireworks

March 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th

Besides the firecracker displays held during the day, some truly impressive firework shows are held during the night as well. On March 15th, L’Albà de les Falles sees a firework display in the City Hall Square. On the next two days, fireworls are organized on Paseo de la Alameda at midnight and 1 am respectively. Eventually, on March 18th, the mother of all fireworks takes place at 1 am on Paseo de la Alameda and lasts for approximately one hour.

Flower offering

March 17th & 18th

Since Las Fallas has religious origins, several religious events take place during the festival. But none of them is more impressive than the falleros bringing flower offerings to the Virgin Mary. Thousands of man and women from Valencia and the nearby villages march towards the Plaza de la Virgen with flowers in hand. The flowers are then arranged to form a stunning mantle around the 15 meter tall statue of the Virgin Mary.

Fire parade

March 19th

This dazzling parade takes place along Calle Colón on the last day of Las Fallas. It’s absolutely stunning with pyrotechnics and firecrackers that make for an unforgettable experience. The parade is held in the evening and it tends to be quite loud, but fascinating nevertheless. If you want to catch a good spot, I advise you arrive early as it draws a large crowd.

Cremà

March 19th

La Cremà is the grand finale of Las Fallas in Valencia, where all the towering effigies are set on fire. It’s a mesmerizing and bittersweet moment that symbolizes the end of the festival and the beginning of a new cycle. Many people gather around the largest and most beautiful fallas to watch and bid them farewell. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose a smaller falla.

Here you can see the full calendar of events for 2023.

Also read:

• What to Do in Valencia On A Budget: 10 Completely Free Activities You Cannot Miss
• 10 Things to Do in Valencia in Your 20s
• 11 Kid-Friendly Activities in Valencia the Whole Family Will Enjoy
• What to See in Valencia: Top Sights and Attractions

March bank holidays in Valencia

March in Valencia has one public holiday, which falls on March 19th, coinciding with the last day of Las Fallas Festival. Most shops and supermarkets, will be closed, but the vast majority of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars will stay open until late at night.

What to wear in Valencia in March

If you’re planning to visit Valencia in March, there are a few things you should pack to make sure you’re comfortable.

The first thing is ear plugs (from March 15 to March 19 only). If you can tolerate them, then these little accessories can make the difference between a good night sleep or no sleep at all.

Valencia in March can be nice and warm during the day. T-shirt weather during Las Fallas, and especially towards the end of the month, is quite common.

At night, however, it can get a bit chilly. So it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket and a sweater to keep you cozy. I don’t recommend you wear any waterproofs or down jackets, however, especially if you plan on going to the cremà. Las Fallas is a festival of fire, after all, and you don’t want to leave with spark holes in your jacket.

Last but not least, bring comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough. Especially if you’re visiting Valencia during Las Fallas, as you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Whatever your navigation app is saying, there are so many people out and about that it’ll likely take you twice as long to get anywhere.