My Best Tips for Visiting Mexico in March: Weather, Top Destinations & More

Planning a trip to Mexico in March?

You’re in the right place because I live in Mexico, and I’m going to share everything I know about traveling to Mexico in March with you!

A year-round destination, you can visit Mexico anytime, but March is ideal for certain places more than others — which you’ll soon discover.

March is warm and dry in most of Mexico, and the beaches start to heat up.

In 2027, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is March 21–28, so expect crowds and higher prices that week.

In this article, you’ll learn about the 10 best places to visit in Mexico in March, including Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum and Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos).

You’ll also learn about the weather in Mexico in March, and the Mexico holidays in March.

Ready to learn all about visiting Mexico in March? Let’s get to it!

Typical Mexico March Weather

You’re likely wondering, What is the weather like in Mexico in March? — so you can plan the best trip possible.

You’re in luck because Mexico’s weather in March is amazing! It’s one of the dry season months, and the cool weather in Mexico in March is basically perfect.

When is the rainy season in Mexico?

The rainy season Mexico months include May through October.

You have a slim chance of rain in Mexico in March, but there’s always at least some chance of rain on the coast.

Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 to November 30, so you likely won’t see any storms in March.

When is the Mexico busy season?

The busy season in Mexico runs from November to April.

While the high season is perfect weather-wise, if you want cheap Mexico travel deals, can find them in late-March, but you have to really search!

Beginning in April, you’ll start to see lower prices again.

Average temperatures in Mexico in March

Want to know, How hot is Mexico in March

There is no set average daily temperature in Mexico in March, as it fluctuates in different parts of the country.

In general, expect mild temperatures and low precipitation — but know Mexico is still on the warmer side, even in March.

☀️ Mexico Fun Fact: The warmest place in Mexico in March is the desert city of Hermosillo, Sonora, located in North Mexico. In fact, all of North Mexico has warm weather in March.

The beaches in Mexico on the coast will be much warmer than the cities in Central Mexico, like Mexico City, Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende.

In fact, nighttime in cities can be cold, and if you’re visiting the Central or North Mexican cities, pack a light jacket and layers🧣

No matter where you’re headed, check the Mexico March weather forecast for that destination.

There are plenty of weather apps and sites out there, like weather.com from The Weather Channel, Accuweather and Weather Spark, so you can check Mexico temperatures in March.

Mexico March Holidays

Benito Juarez Day

Former Mexican President Benito Juárez is a major figure in the country’s history. In fact, the birthday of Benito Juarez is a national holiday, celebrated the third Monday in March.

Many have the day off from school or work, and some businesses close (mostly banks and government offices).

Spring Break in Mexico

Mexico is a popular place for United States college students on Spring Break, held from about mid-March to early-April.

You can expect beach parties in many Mexico beach towns, but the most popular Mexico Spring Break destinations are Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos and Ensenada.

No matter where you go, the weather in Mexico during Spring Break should be perfect — with warm sunny days, and cooler nights.

The average max temperature will be about 87°F (30°C) during the day, with an average low temperature of about 70°F (21°C) at night.

Spring Equinox: March 20

Chichen Itza Spring Equinox Celebration

For a true Mexico bucket list experience, join the thousands who gather at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins on the Spring Equinox and Fall Equinox.

For about 30 seconds, the sun casts a shadow on the side of El Castillo Pyramid, and it appears as though a serpent is descending down the pyramid.

10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico in March

Wondering where to go in Mexico in March?

While there’s no definitive “best place in Mexico to visit in March,” you have plenty of options to choose from. In reality, you can go anywhere you’d like, as the weather in Mexico in March is near-perfect.

Below, you’ll find the Top 10 most popular places to travel in Mexico in March, with some info about what to expect and things to do.

After reading through the list, you’ll be able to determine your own best place to go in Mexico in March.

1. Cancun in March

For more information on visiting Cancun Mexico, check out this Cancun Travel Guide.

Cancun is the top travel destination in Mexico all year. The difference between Cancun in February vs March is that March is less busy.

If you want to enjoy a calmer Cancun with smaller crowds, plan for mid- to late-March.

Looking for the best things to do in Cancun in March?

Don’t miss swimming in the Cancun cenotes, and the Mayan Ruins in Cancun. If you want to stay at one of the best Cancun all inclusive resorts, book ASAP because February is one of the busier months in Cancun, Mexico.

What’s the average humidity in Cancun in March?

The Cancun humidity in March averages about 73% — so put clothing that doesn’t show sweat on your Mexico packing list.

Though 73% may seem high, you do get a nice ocean breeze, but to really escape the heat, plan for water activities in the afternoons.

Wondering, What’s the average temperature in Cancun in March?

You can expect about 85°F (29°C) during the day, and 70°F (21°C). In short: It’s still somewhat hot! Don’t forget to stay hydrated with this Water-To-Go bottle, and even this misting fan to cool your skin.

Does it rain all day in Cancun in March?

Usually, no. If it rains at all, it’s typically for an hour in the afternoon, and then the sun will come back out. It barely rains in March, but if it does, it should pass quickly.

If you happen to be visiting during a rare March storm, then there is a chance it rains all day.

RELATED ARTICLE 🏖️ Cancun in March: Weather Info and Travel Tips

Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ends on November 30 (it runs June 1 to November 30), so there’s virtually no chance of a hurricane in Mexico in March.

By no means is March the wettest month in Cancun, but there’s always a chance of rain anywhere on the Mexican coast.

Cancun Weather in March

2. Mexico City in March

For more information on visiting Mexico City, check out this Mexico City Travel Guide.

Considering a Mexico City March trip? Not many know this, but the winters in Mexico City are on the colder side.

If you don’t like the cold, March is a great month to visit Mexico City because it will be Spring, and won’t be as cold as January or February.

March is part of the dry season in Mexico City, which runs from November to April.

There is still a chance of the occasional afternoon shower, but as one of the world’s biggest cities, right up there with New York City, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Mexico City when it rains.

There are more than 100 museums in Mexico City to explore, as well as Bosque de Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Looking for the best things to do in Mexico City at night? You must see a Lucha Libre wrestling match.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico City?

This will depend on your preferences, but the Mexico City rainy season is from about April to October, so many want to avoid that.

It doesn’t usually rain much (if at all) in Mexico City in March, but of course, many prefer visiting in the dry season.

If you like cooler weather, Fall and Winter might be the best bet for you.

Nighttime temperatures can drop into the mid-50°Fs (about 12-13°C) in March, and stay on the lower side all winter long. For warmer nights, Spring and Summer work best.

🦋 Monarch Butterfly Season in Mexico: One of the best experiences is visiting the Piedra Herrada Butterfly Sanctuary during the annual butterfly migration in Mexico, from late-November to March.

Book this Mexico butterfly tour to see millions of butterflies in the mountains near Mexico City.

Weather in Mexico City in March

3. Cabo San Lucas in March

For more information on visiting Cabo San Lucas, check out this Cabo Travel Guide.

Cabo San Lucas and nearby San Jose del Cabo are located in the Los Cabos Municipality.

In Spanish, los cabos means “the capes,” (as cabo means “cape”), and these are the top two destinations in Los Cabos Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas is the more popular of the two Cabos, though the airport you’ll fly into is in San Jose del Cabo, about 40 minutes away.

With a more relaxed vibe, San Jose del Cabo offers a nice alternative to lively Cabo San Lucas, so some travelers stay there.

With warmer weather all year, Mexico is great year-round — and Cabo even more so.

It averages 300 days of sunshine each year (though some say it gets 350 days of sunshine ☀️), so you can expect to have a nice trip to Los Cabos in March.

In fact, the Cabo rainy season only runs from about August to September, followed by 8-10 months of sunshine.

March is still warm, and temperatures average about 80°F (26°C), but you can always hop in your Cabo beach resort pool or the ocean for a refreshing swim.

Swim With the Whale sharks in Cabo

Whale sharks are sharks, but they are a docile and harmless variety, similar to a nurse shark. They are also the largest fish in the sea at about 40- to 50-feet-long (12m-15m)!

Cabo Whale Shark Season runs from about November to April, so if you want to experience this bucket list activity, book your Los Cabos Whale Shark Tour ASAP because they do sell out.

Cabo Weather in March

4. Tulum in March

For more information on visiting Tulum Mexico, check out this Tulum Travel Guide.

Once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the most popular and best places to visit in Mexico.

In recent years, it has also become one of the most expensive.

Since March is one of the Tulum busy season months, you’ll want to book your Tulum beach resort ASAP!

Weather-wise, it likely won’t rain at all, though a brief afternoon shower isn’t uncommon anywhere on the coast.

Since the Tulum weather in March is so great, this is a busy month for Tulum travel, so do expect large crowds throughout March in Tulum.

If you were planning to travel to Tulum on a budget, your money will definitely stretch further in the summer months, during the Tulum slow season.

January and February will both be pricey, but you might find some good Tulum travel deals in late-March and still enjoy the nice weather.

With the money you can save visiting Tulum in March vs February, you may even want to extend your trip beyond Mexico and into Central America.

Just a few hours south of Tulum, you can do a land crossing into Belize near Lake Bacalar, Mexico.

Tulum Weather in March

5. Oaxaca in March

For more information on visiting Oaxaca Mexico, check out this Oaxaca Travel Guide.

🗣 How do you pronounce Oaxaca? Before we talk about visiting Oaxaca in April, let’s clear up the Oaxaca pronunciation — it’s waa-haa-kah.

Oaxaca State is one of the most culturally-rich places in Mexico and all Latin America.

Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca State, is well known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico for its Oaxacan cuisine, and colorful festivals, like Day of the Dead and the Guelaguetza.

When most people say “Oaxaca,” they are referring to Oaxaca City (AKA Oaxaca de Juarez), in the central part of the state.

The beaches of Oaxaca, like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Zipolite and Huatulco, are also popular, but they are located on the Pacific Coast.

Oaxaca City weather is more of a desert-like climate, versus the beaches that are quite tropical.

Though a desert, Oaxaca City does have a rainy season which runs from about May to September, so if you visit in March, you’ll have beautiful weather.

Oaxaca Weather in March

6. Riviera Maya in March

The Riviera Maya is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, in the Yucatán Peninsula.

It is the most posh area in Yucatan, where you’ll find many of the best resorts in Mexico and even the nicest Mexico overwater bungalows.

Given its location, you can expect similar weather to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, which is to say it’s on the hotter side.

Of course, you’ll be right on the Caribbean Sea, so you’ll likely have a nice breeze, but you can also jump in the sea to cool off in the afternoons.

🏝 Costa Maya in March: Located about 3.5 hours south of Riviera Maya, you’ll be in the beach town of Mahahual, Mexico on the Costa Maya. The weather in Riviera Maya and Coast Maya is similar, but the vibe is much more laid back in Costa Maya.

Besides the Caribbean, there are so many other places to cool off and swim near Riviera Maya.

From the cenotes in Tulum and cenotes near Cancun, both close to Riviera Maya, you also have water parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, and underground rivers, like Rio Secreto.

For a truly memorable experience, head about 40 minutes south to the beach town of Akumal.

It’s just south of Tulum, and one of the more up-and-coming Mexico resort towns. However, the real claim to fame is that you can swim with the turtles in Akumal Beach.

riviera maya weather in March

7. Puerto Vallarta in March

For more information on visiting Puerto Vallarta Mexico, check out this Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico, and best beach towns in Mexico.

It appeals to all types of travelers, from solo travelers to honeymooners, families and LGBTQ+ travelers — as Puerto Vallarta is the gay capital of Mexico, AKA the San Francisco of Mexico.

If you’re looking to go on a cruise to Mexico in March, see if there are any to Puerto Vallarta.

A top destination for cruises in Mexico, there’s no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta when you venture off-boat.

🏝 Sayulita in March: Located about one hour from Puerto Vallarta, many visit or even take a day trip to Sayulita, Mexico. This bohemian beach town has the same great weather as Puerto Vallarta in March, and it’s absolutely worth checking out.

On one side of the city, there’s Bahía Banderas (Bay of Banderas), a tranquil inlet off the Pacific Ocean great for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching (Winter and Spring only).

The Sierra Madre mountains are just behind the beach, so you really get the best of all worlds.

As with all Mexico beaches in March, you can expect hotter, somewhat humid weather, but little rain.

If it does rain, the showers in March pass quickly, and then you can go back to enjoying all the Old World charm, beautiful nature, and best beaches Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Puerto Vallarta Weather in March

8. Playa del Carmen in March

For more information on visiting Playa del Carmen Mexico, check out this Playa del Carmen Travel Guide.

Though some call Playa del Carmen the mini-Cancun, it’s a destination in its own right. Now, to get there, you do have to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (or just “Playa,” as the locals call it), but it’s just a one hour drive.

Once you arrive in Playa, it’s much more of a beach town than Cancun, which is a resort town.

Now, there are some beautiful resorts in Playa del Carmen, but it has a small town feel.

It’s much more walkable than Cancun, which is great because there’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen.

What these two cities do share, is their weather. Much like Cancun, you can expect warmer days and cool, breezy nights in Playa.

There’s not much humidity in winter, but to avoid it entirely when traveling to Playa del Carmen in March plan to be indoors, or in the water, in the afternoons.

If you want to visit the nearby Mayan Ruins in Mexico, arrive early in the morning when they open, and you’ll be done touring the site by midday when the humidity can roll in.

When in the Yucatan Peninsula, don’t miss Chichen Itza Pyramids — one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Playa del Carmen Weather in March

9. Puerto Escondido in March

For more information on visiting Puerto Escondido Mexico and all the best beaches of Oaxaca, check out this Oaxaca Beaches Travel Guide.

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Escondido is the most famous of all Oaxaca Beaches.

It is popular with surfers, artists, backpackers, and solo travelers in Mexico, but there’s really something for everyone in “Puerto,” as the locals call it.

🏄‍♀️ Want to learn to surf in Puerto Escondido? Book some surfing lessons now so you can learn how to in one of the best places to surf in Mexico.

Some will start in Oaxaca City, then make the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido journey, for a complete Oaxaca state trip.

There are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido, however, that you can easily spend your whole trip there.

When in town, you’ll want to visit the best beaches in Puerto Escondido, like Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Zicatela, Playa Bacocho, Playa La Punta and Playa Puerto Angel.

April is at the tail end of the Mexico whale season, so you may even see some whales from the shore.

You can also take a Puerto Escondido boat tour out to see the dolphins that hang out near Puerto.

When the sun is setting, join the baby turtle release experience to send these adorable creatures into the sea for the first time.

At night, head to Laguna Manialtepec Lagoon to see the bioluminescence.

Puerto Escondido Weather in March

10. Cozumel in March

🚢 Planning to take a Mexico cruise in March? Cozumel Island is one of the best Mexico cruise ports, especially for snorkelers and divers.

Cozumel is a Mexican Caribbean island, located about 30 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen. There are also flights to Cozumel, and you can land right on the island at Cozumel International Airport.

It’s also quite easy to travel from Cancun to Cozumel.

Some say Cozumel is the best place for snorkeling in Mexico, and the best place for diving in Mexico as well. Just off-shore, there’s the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef.

There are plenty of ways to see the reef, even if you don’t want to swim. That’s right, the Cozumel Submarine Tour is an unforgettable experience to see these coral reefs in an actual submarine.

Cozumel also has beautiful beaches, and Mayan Ruins as well.

You likely won’t get rain when traveling to Cozumel in March.

However, the vast majority of all the best things to do in Cozumel involve being in, on or near the Caribbean Sea, so that makes the (possible) afternoon showers more tolerable.

Cozumel Weather in March

Weather in Mexico in March: Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain in Mexico in March?

It can, but it’s rare — March weather in Mexico is as close to perfect as it gets.

There is a very slim chance of rain, though Nature does what it wants!

If you’re visiting the beaches on the Mexican coast, an afternoon shower is always possible, though it would likely pass quickly.

What’s the best time of year to visit Mexico?

Weather-wise, the best time to travel to Mexico is from November to March.

This is during the dry season, when you’ll see very little (if any) rain, low humidity, and few mosquitoes.

This is also the high or busy season in Mexico, when most people visit so they get the best weather.

For travelers who want to escape the crowds, the summer months also give you more bang for your buck.

You can still find cheap flight prices and hotel deals in late-March, but you have to look.

If you want to treat yourself to a fancy resort in Mexico, late-March and even April are good months to find deals.

When is the shoulder season in Mexico?

The shoulder season is a magical time when the weather is still nice, but the crowds have died down, and the prices have as well.

It takes place just as the busy season is about to begin, and right after it ends.

For my money, this is the best time to visit Mexico.

The Mexico shoulder season includes the months of October to November and April to May; though May is the hottest month in Mexico.

You may still find great Mexico travel deals in other months, but you likely won’t find low prices or small crowds anytime during the busy season.

How hot is it in Mexico in March?

You might want to know, Is Mexico warm in March? Yes — It is still quite warm in Mexico, even in March.

If you don’t like tropical weather, plan to visit the cities in Mexico in March, not the beaches, which are considerably warmer than the cities.

❄️ Mexico Fun Fact: The coldest city in Mexico is the small pueblo of Ciudad Madera, Chihuahua, located in North Mexico. Ciudad Madera sees a few inches of snow each year.

Many are surprised that March is still one of the warmer months in Mexico, especially if you’re visiting the Mexico beach towns.

Average temperatures in Mexico in March hover around 80°F (26°C) on the beaches, but it can feel a few degrees hotter because of the humidity.

Is it sunny in Mexico in March?

Yes — It tends to be sunny in Mexico year-round, even in the Spring season.

Since March is not a Mexico rainy season month, it likely won’t rain at all.

In the event it does, just know that even if storms, cloud cover and rainfall rolls in, the sun often comes back in an hour.

What is the average temperature in Mexico in March?

Wondering, Is Mexico hot in March

It Depends — The average weather in Mexico in March is on the warmer side, but it’s not very humid.

If you’re visiting Mexico City in March, the temperatures cool down considerably at night, but this isn’t the case on Mexican beaches.

For Mexico beaches, you can expect 80°F days (26°C) and 72°F nights (22°C). With the humidity factored in, it might even feel hotter.

Inland, the cities of Mexico are considerably cooler, so plan for 65°F days (18°C) and 45°F nights (7°C).

If you’re debating on when to visit, know it’s usually a bit warmer in March compared to February, because March is in the Spring.

For travelers who enjoy the cooler weather, winters in Mexico are perfect, so plan to visit between December to February.

When is Mexico Hurricane Season?

Mexico has about 5,800 miles (9,330 km) of coastline, so there’s a lot of places susceptible to hurricanes.

⛈ Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30, so you’re always better off visiting Mexico beaches outside of the Hurricane Season, just in case!

Should I go to Mexico in March?

Yes — Mexico March weather is ideal, and you can expect sunny, cool days.

If you’re traveling at the end of March, you will have nice weather and smaller crowds.

Crowds are quite large during New Year, but continue to lower throughout the first months of the year.

Can you go to Mexico in March?

Yes — March is one of the Mexico busy season months (or, high season months).

With its warm, but not hot, weather in March, many visit Mexico in March to escape the cold.

It is much calmer than January and February, especially at the end of the month.

Are there any major Mexican holidays in March?

There’s Benito Juarez Day on March 21, the birthday of former Mexican President Benito Juarez, and the Spring Equinox on March 20.

They were both discussed at the beginning of the article, so you can use this link to read more about these Mexico March holidays.

Mexico Festivals in March

• Guadalajara International Film Festival: Held in the city of Guadalajara, this is the oldest and most important film festival in Mexico and all of Latin America. The festival takes place the second week in March; get additional info here.
• Festival de Mexico: One of Latin America’s most vibrant international arts, food and music festivals, Mexico Festival is a two-week cultural celebration held in the Historic Center of Mexico City.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): The best place to experience Semana Santa in Mexico is the pueblo magico (magic town) of Taxco, with elaborate recreations of Biblical stories held throughout town. The exact dates vary, but Semana Santa is held during the week leading up to Easter, and sometimes falls in late-March.

Are there mosquitoes in Mexico in March?

Yes — Mosquitoes are a way of life everywhere that has tropical weather, from Mexico and Costa Rica, to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The mosquitoes are at their worst in the Mexico rainy season, but you can still get bit in the dry season.

You’ll want to pack insect repellent when visiting Mexico, and apply it more than once during the day.

I recommend this eco-friendly mosquito spray from Repel, or this combo reef-safe sunscreen/mosquito repellent from Bullfrog.

Final Thoughts: Traveling to Mexico in March

If you’re going to Mexico in March, you’ll be in good company — as it’s the busiest month for Mexico travel.

The weather is sunny, but cool all over the country, and there’s a springtime feeling in the air, particularly the cities in Central Mexico.

What’s the best place to visit in Mexico in March? Head to Mexico City, and don’t miss the monarch butterfly migration in nearby Valle de Bravo. All the Mexican beaches have perfect weather in March, but if you want to escape the crowds, check out Zihuatanejo or La Paz.

You will definitely encounter crowds and high price tags in December and January, so if that’s not for you, opt for February or March.

These are closer to the shoulder season months, which have nice weather, smaller crowds and reasonable prices — it just might be the best time to visit Mexico!

If Mexico in March isn’t for you…

After reading this, you might not want to visit Mexico in March after all. If so, check out the articles linked below about visiting Mexico during other months of the year.