Travel advice for Mexico
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico
- Central America & the Caribbean
- Mexico
From the verdant highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas to the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in March offers a mixture of temperatures that work well for traveling across the country. In the north, Monterrey flaunts its mild temperatures, while Tulum's archaeological wonders lure travelers with warm sunshine and dry days. Planning a Mexico trip in March? Keep reading to learn everything about the weather in Mexico in March.
Mexico in March at a glance
March brings ideal weather conditions across Mexico with warm, dry days perfect for beaches and cultural exploration, plus Spring Break festivities in resort areas.
- Average temperatures between 66°F and 84°F (19°C and 29°C), warmer on coasts and cooler in highland areas
- Excellent time to visit with perfect beach weather, minimal rainfall, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing
- Peak season with Spring Break crowds at beach resorts driving prices up significantly, though inland cities remain moderately busy
What is the weather like in Mexico in March?
The weather in Mexico in March is one of the biggest draws for travelers this time of year. It’s still dry season across most of the country, which means clear skies in the highlands and warm, sunny days along both coasts. In the Yucatán, places like Tulum and Mérida see little rain and great beach conditions.
Inland cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Cristóbal are also pleasant, with cool mornings and bright afternoons perfect for walking tours and market visits. Rainfall stays low, especially in the north and along the Baja Peninsula, where whale watching is still going strong. March is also just before Easter crowds arrive, so it’s a smart time to go if you want good weather and a little more breathing room. This is a great month to plan your Mexico itinerary.
Tijuana, Mexico ©Shutterstock
Average daily temperatures in March
March brings excellent weather across Mexico, with warm days and cooler nights in most regions. On the Caribbean coast, Cancún sees daytime highs of 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C) and nighttime lows around 70 to 73°F (21 to 23°C).
Over on the Pacific side, Puerto Vallarta hits 82 to 85°F (28 to 29°C) during the day, cooling to 64 to 68°F (18 to 20°C) at night. In Mexico City, highs reach 75 to 77°F (24 to 25°C) with nights dropping to 48 to 50°F (9 to 10°C). The colonial highlands follow a similar pattern, with warm days around 77 to 80°F (25 to 27°C).
In the desert areas like Los Cabos, it stays dry and sunny with daytime temperatures of 80 to 82°F (27 to 28°C). Ocean temperatures are great for swimming—79 to 80°F (26°C) in the Caribbean and 77 to 78°F (25 to 26°C) in the Pacific. With long days, little rain, and clear skies, it’s easy to see why March is one of the most popular months to visit.
| Location | Daytime temperatures | Nighttime temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún (Caribbean) | 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C) | 70 to 73°F (21 to 23°C) |
| Puerto Vallarta (Pacific) | 82 to 85°F (28 to 29°C) | 64 to 68°F (18 to 20°C) |
| Mexico City | 75 to 77°F (24 to 25°C) | 48 to 50°F (9 to 10°C) |
| Los Cabos (desert) | 80 to 82°F (27 to 28°C) | 60 to 64°F (16 to 18°C) |
Ready to see Mexico? Have our local Mexico travel experts create the perfect customized itinerary.
Las Gatas Beach© Shutterstock
Is March a good time to visit Mexico?
March is one of the best months to visit Mexico, especially if you want dry weather, clear skies, and warm days without the intense heat of summer. Beach destinations like the Pacific coast and the Caribbean are in peak condition, with ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging.
Inland, cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca are perfect for walking tours, street food, and museums. March is also butterfly season in Michoacán, where you can still catch the tail end of the monarch migration.
The one caveat: mid-month brings spring break, which means crowds and higher prices in places like Cancún and Cabo. But quieter beach towns and inland destinations stay relaxed. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Mexico.
- Peak dry season with minimal rainfall
- Perfect beach and water temperatures
- Monarch butterfly viewing still possible
- Ideal conditions for exploring ruins and cities
- Spring break crowds at major beach resorts (mid-March)
What about the crowds and cost?
March is a popular time to visit Mexico, especially in beach destinations like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. The weather is reliably warm and dry, which draws in spring breakers and sunseekers from North America and beyond. Expect bigger crowds in coastal resorts and colonial cities during Easter season if it falls in late March.
Prices for flights and hotels start to rise compared to January and February, but they haven’t yet hit the highs of peak vacation periods. Inland cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City stay a bit quieter and more affordable. If you’re aiming for the coast or planning to travel around Easter, it’s a good idea to book accommodation and transport in advance. If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Mexico.
Where to go in Mexico in March
March is the dry season across most of Mexico, with lots of sunshine and varied regional events. Spring breakers show up in some areas, but it’s easy to avoid the party scene and still catch great weather, food, and festivals. Here are some of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Mexico City
Mexico City comes alive in March, especially with jacaranda trees blooming all over the parks and boulevards. Coyoacán, Roma, and Condesa are good neighborhoods for walking, eating, and taking breaks in shaded plazas. Museums are open with shorter lines, and Teotihuacan makes for an easy day trip with clear skies and wide views. Street food tours are especially fun this time of year, with cool mornings and mild afternoons making long days outdoors feel manageable. See how many days you need in Mexico City.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca stays dry and pleasant in March. Markets fill with seasonal herbs and insects like chapulines, and mezcal distilleries are in full swing nearby. It’s a good month for visiting Zapotec ruins like Monte Albán or driving into the weaving and pottery villages just outside town. The city’s rhythm feels balanced between locals and travelers, and traditional parades or community events often take place in the evenings.
Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen and Tulum)
Along the Riviera Maya, March brings good weather and clearer water. Tulum’s beaches start to fill up, but smaller cenotes and boutique hotels keep things calm if you avoid the main strip. Snorkeling trips to reefs or cave diving excursions are at their best. Sea turtle season starts toward the end of the month, and conservation groups sometimes run volunteer programs. Spring break crowds do show up, but quiet stretches still exist, especially early in the day. See our list of the best beaches in Mexico.
What to do in Mexico in March
March is a busy but beautiful time to travel in Mexico. The weather is consistently good from coast to mountains, and many regions host festivals or seasonal events. You’ll want to book ahead, especially in beach destinations or areas with spring equinox celebrations. Here are some of the best things to do in Mexico.
See the spring equinox at Chichen Itza
On March 20th, thousands gather at Chichen Itza to see the shadow of a serpent slide down the pyramid at sunset. It’s one of the most famous astronomical events in Mexico. Get there early to avoid the biggest crowds. Some nearby cenotes are open for a mail-ruins swim.
Swim with whale sharks
March is the start of whale shark season off the coast of the Yucatán. Tours leave from Isla Holbox or Cancún. You’ll snorkel near the surface while these slow-moving giants feed on plankton. It’s not guaranteed, but this time of year gives you a strong chance of sightings.
Visit monarch butterfly sanctuaries
In the forests of Michoacán, March is the last month to see millions of monarch butterflies before they begin their migration north. Local guides can take you through the oyamel fir forests where the butterflies cluster in the trees. Mornings are especially active as the butterflies warm up and start flying. For more advice, see our Mexico travel tips.
Planning your itinerary
Our Mexico itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point—perfect for planning but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.
- Mexico itinerary 7 days: A week in Mexico lets you focus on one or two key regions. Perfect for a quick mix of culture, history, and a bit of beach relaxation.
- Mexico itinerary 10 days: Ten days allows you to see multiple regions, balancing city exploration and natural beauty. You’ll have time for iconic sites, local food, and some downtime.
- Mexico itinerary 14 days: Two weeks offers a deeper dive into Mexico’s diverse landscapes, from ancient ruins to scenic beaches.
