What's the weather like in Puerto del Carmen in March
Temperature
Temperatures in March in Puerto del Carmen are usually similar to February, though the weather is gradually becoming warmer throughout the Spring. The average temperature is around 14C, with maximum daytime temperatures of 22C or 23C and much cooler overnight temperatures (around 14C).
Some showers are to be expected, though the rainy season is coming to an end so there is likely to be much less rainfall than previous months; on average Puerto del Carmen receives around 14mm of rainfall over 5 days in March. Sea temperatures are still on the cooler-side, at around 18C. However, this is not the only reason to avoid booking a beach holiday in Lanzarote at this time.
Dust Storms
At the end of February and through March, it is common for dust storms to blow across Lanzarote. There aren't dust storms every year, but most. At times, the dust is so thick that the sun is obscured and visibility reduced to less than 200 meters. During a storm, the temperature rises (up to 37C) and humidity increases accordingly. You can expect the storms to cause delays at the airport, with planes unable to land or take off while the dust settles, and across all transport systems on the island.
Sufferers of asthma or other respiratory complaints should also be extremely careful at this time, as dust can aggravate these conditions. Dust storms in March are likely to be prolonged and can last anywhere between 2 and 7 days, and are followed by a light refreshing rain shower.
Average Sunshine Hours
While March temperatures are quite moderate and the rainy season is beginning to come to an end, the unpredictability of showers and dust storms, as well as lower sea temperatures, mean it is generally considered unsuitable for sunbathing and beach holidays. However, should you avoid the dust storms (and they don't happen every year), March does still enjoy on average 7 daily sunshine hours. Holidays to Lanzarote at this time are therefore more likely to revolve around indoor activities and sightseeing, and it is worth bearing this in mind when choosing accommodation and planning excursions.
Puerto del Carmen Hotels in March
There's a wide variety of accommodation available in Puerto del Carmen to suit any taste, luxury to budget, hotels, villas, and apartments.
The Costa Sal Apartments is a mid-range choice, with a range of well-appointed villas, apartments and bungalows, located in the Matagorda area of Puerto del Carmen. There are two adult and two children's swimming pools, as well as tennis court, bar and children's playground; but it's close enough to the town center to make the most of the variety of entertainments on offer. They also offer a range of transportation options for airport transfers.
Alternatively, for a touch more luxury, why not try the four-star Nautilus Lanzarote. Their apartments are a little more up-market and again, there is a range of different sizes and styles to suit different parties. They boast two beautiful pools, a children's play area, solarium, mini-golf course and library.
Bars and Restaurants
Las Vegas, on Avenida de las Playas, serves a variety of beautifully presented Spanish and international dishes. The prices are very reasonable, and it's worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment at peak times. The tapas is particularly good, as is the paella.
The Island Bar is one of Puerto del Carmen's hidden gems. Co-owned by Rory Gallagher (a former member of the Revs), with live music and a great atmosphere, you'll need to get there early if you want to get a seat!
Things to do in Puerto del Carmen in March
While the weather is somewhat unpredictable and sea temperatures are relatively cool in the spring months, visitors may prefer to spend their time sightseeing, doing sporting or other activities, rather than on the beach. However, there are still plenty of sunshine hours and the weather is quite pleasant, so it's possible to enjoy a few hours of sunbathing. This is also an excellent time for diving and other water sports.
For visitors who prefer a more active holiday, there are a number of diving and windsurfing centers in Puerto del Carmen who run courses and activities all year round. One of the most highly recommended is the Safari Diving Centre on Playa Chica, which offers a range of certified diving courses and boat diving excursions at no extra cost.
There are a number of traditional markets on Lanzarote. One of the most popular is the Sunday market at Teguise, with hundreds of stalls selling a huge variety of items (from traditional crafts to electronics and jewellery). Expect to do some haggling, and don't miss the food trucks selling everything from Transylvanian sweets to authentic Canarian cuisine. Teguise gets very busy at peak times, but in March it should be possible to avoid the crowds.
There are any number of boat trips and excursions available at coastal resorts, including submarine safaris and luxury catamaran sailing, but one of the most interesting is a trip to the Chinijo Marine Reserve. The journey begins in Orzola at 9am, at the northernmost tip of Lanzarote, where small ferries embark on a tour of the Marine Reserve.
A little further up the coast, the much quieter and more modern harbour-town of Puerto Calero is an excellent place to visit, with quayside cafes and bars, and twice weekly markets selling everything from handmade local crafts to electronics and Aloe Vera supplements.
If you're looking for something different to try, some of the hotels offer archery lessons and competitions, but if not you can always visit the Tiro de Arco club in Macher. They have activities and classes for both novice and advanced archers, and it's guaranteed to be a lot of fun!
