Weather in Andros in March
March in Andros means early-spring conditions: mild and fairly changeable. Temperatures typically peak at around 16°C / 61°F in the afternoon and fall to about 11°C / 51°F at night. In the water, expect around 15°C / 59°F, too cold for most people to swim. Rain falls on around 5 days, adding up to about 55 mm over the month. Andros is one of the greenest islands in the Cyclades, with springs and streams that flow in the cooler months. Spring winds can still be brisk, but the hills turn green and wildflowers appear everywhere. Days bring around 12 hours of daylight. Pack layers, including a warm sweater for the evenings and a light waterproof jacket. The weather can change from one day to the next, so check the forecast before planning a long day out. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Andros in March
At around 15°C / 59°F, the sea in Andros is too cold for most people to swim in March. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. Beaches like Golden Beach and Achla are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Andros in March
Tourism in Andros slows right down in March. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Andros in March
In March, ferries between Piraeus and Rafina and Andros run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. The main town stays open all year, but beach resorts close and many hotels shut for the winter. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 March. Cash is useful, as smaller places may not take cards.
Festivals & Holidays in Andros in March
25 March is Independence Day, a national holiday with school and military parades, and it's traditional to eat fried salt cod with garlic sauce. If Clean Monday falls in March, expect kite flying on hillsides and beaches, and meatless picnics. In Andros, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Outside these dates, it's a good time to experience ordinary Greek life, from the weekly market to the evening stroll.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Andros?
March is a good time for Andros if you're coming for walks, sightseeing and hiking its waymarked trails, not the beach. In numbers: highs of about 16°C / 61°F, lows of 11°C / 51°F and rain on around 5 days in a typical March. The countryside is green, it's quiet and prices are low, but the sea is too cold for most people and the season is only just starting. For swimming, wait until June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Andros in March?
In early March, the sun sets in Andros at around 6:15 pm. Clocks go forward an hour on the last Sunday of March, so by the end of the month sunset is around 7:40 pm. All times are Greek local time. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Is March still winter in Andros?
March is the turning point. Early in the month it can still feel wintry, with cool winds and the odd storm, but spring usually arrives by the end of it. Wildflowers start to cover the hillsides, the days get noticeably longer and sunny days become more common, though evenings stay cool enough for a jacket.
Is March a good time for hiking on Andros?
Yes, it's one of the best times. March is ideal for walking, with comfortable temperatures, green hillsides and wildflowers. Carry water and a light layer. The island has a network of waymarked trails, known as the Andros Routes.
Do I need a car on Andros in March?
Yes, if you want to see more than Chora. Bus services are limited in March, and a car makes it easy to reach villages, beaches and viewpoints. Rental rates are among the lowest of the year, but fewer agencies are open.
Is March or April better for visiting Andros?
April, for most travelers. It's warmer and sunnier, wildflowers are at their best, and more hotels and tavernas reopen as the season begins. Greek Easter often falls in April, a wonderful time to be on an island, though it pushes up demand. March is quieter and cheaper, but more is still closed.
Andros Weather by Month
