March remains a very good time to visit Mexico. The weather is warm and balmy, without being hot or uncomfortable. The fact that it's dry almost everywhere in the country during this time only serves to make it even more pleasant, allowing you to explore Mexico's most popular tourist hotspots – and hidden gems – without having to worry about the rain. The average temperature in Mexico during March ranges from minimums of 8°C (46°F) to maximums of 32°C (90°F).
March is a very busy time in Mexico. The good weather, Spring Break in neighboring countries, and pre-Easter time off from work for locals result in large crowds in most parts of the country, with the coastal destinations in the south being particularly bad. It can also be an expensive time of year for those traveling since accommodation, airfare, entertainment, and transportation all cost more than they do during the low season.
If you're wondering what you should be packing for a trip to Mexico in March, we suggest focusing on packing plenty of summer clothes, with a couple of sweaters or jackets in there as well, considering the early mornings and late afternoons can be a little chilly in places like Oaxaca de Juarez and Mexico City. Pack plenty of linen or cotton tops, shorts, capris, skirts, dresses, swimwear, scarves, sweaters or light jackets, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhats.
To get a better understanding of what Mexico is like in terms of climate and weather conditions during the month of March, continue reading below.
Mexico Weather in March: Overview
- Average temperature range: 8°C (46°F) – 32°C (90°F)
- Rainfall: 25 mm (1 inch) in Mexico City; 35 mm (1 inch) in Cancun; 15 mm (1 inch) in Oaxaca; 0 mm (0 inches) in Cabo San Lucas.
- Rainy days: 2 in Mexico City; 3 in Cancun; 2 in Oaxaca; 0 in Cabo San Lucas.
Exact temperatures in Mexico during March will differ from region to region and city to city. Of the major destinations, you can expect the average temperatures to range from highs of 26°C (79°F) in Mexico City, 29°C (84°F) in Cancun, 30°C (86°F) in Oaxaca, and 27°C (81°F) in Cabo San Lucas. The average temperature low will be closer to 8°C (46°F) in Mexico City, 22°C (72°F) in Cancun, 11°C (52°F) in Oaxaca, and 18°C (64°F) in Cabo San Lucas.
Most of Mexico sees close to no precipitation during March. The only exception to this is the northeastern city of Monterrey where a modest 70 mm (3 inches) of rainfall can be expected for the month.
If you're looking to visit Mexico to spend some time on the beach soaking up the sun, weather conditions in March are perfect for this. March is also a great time to explore historic sites like Chichen Itza and experience some of Mexico's grand traditional festivals.
Weather of Mexico Major Cities in March
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 8°C (46°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 25 mm (1 inch) |
| Cancun | 22°C (72°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 35 mm (1 inch) |
| Guadalajara | 11°C (52°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 5 mm (0 inches) |
| Oaxaca | 11°C (52°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 15 mm (1 inch) |
| Chichen Itza | 25°C (77°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 25 mm (1 inch) |
| Cabo San Lucas | 18°C (64°F) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 inches) |
| Monterrey | 14°C (57°F) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in Mexico in March
1.Chichen Itza
The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is a historic archaeological site with the El Castillo pyramid as its prized centerpiece. The weather in the Yucatan is nice and warm during March, with very little chance of rain, but it's also the month of the year when the Spring Equinox takes place. Chichen Itza, along with the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan, is one of the best places in the world to spend the day. You'll get to observe the shadow play upon the temple walls as put on by the afternoon sun, and it's a spectacle unlike any other that really shouldn't be missed!
If, however, you can't make it to Chichen Itza on Spring Equinox, we recommend you visit the Mayan complex early in the morning on a weekday. Whatever you do, though, definitely make a trip to this historic site.
2.Veracruz
The port city of Veracruz is lovely in March. It's warm and sunny, and you don't have to worry about the rains. The historic city was the first place Hernan Cortes landed and was, for the longest time, the link between the Old World and the new. You can enjoy your time sitting here swimming in the beautiful waters of its many beautiful beaches or attend the much-anticipated Veracruz Carnival. This event features plenty of parties, parades, and dance performances, and is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the crescent-shaped province.
3.Mexico City
Ciudad de Mexico, or Mexico City, has beautiful weather in March. Although a little chilly in the early mornings and late evenings, the afternoons are warm and the days, overall, very pleasant. There are so many choices for things to do in the capital, that you'll be spoilt for choice; from appreciating art at the Frida Kahlo Museum to taking in stunning architecture at the Palacio de Belles Artes, there's loads to see. And if you get tired of sightseeing and are in the mood for some heart-thumping live music, you're in luck because Mexico City also hosts the annual Vive Latino Music Festival in mid-March every year.
March Crowds and Costs
March is a very busy time of year in Mexico. You can expect it to be especially crowded in the coastal destinations in the southern regions of the country. It's not just the good weather that draws in the large crowds, it's also the fact that a lot of foreign travelers visit the country during their Spring Break in March, and a lot of locals take time off before Easter to travel around the country.
All this activity and surge in tourism results in higher prices during your March travels in Mexico. Accommodation, airfare, transportation, and entertainment will all come at a premium. Book as far out in advance as possible to save on hotels and flights.
March Events in Mexico
Spring Equinox: Spring Equinox is celebrated with much fanfare throughout Mexico, but the best, and most unique, of these celebrations takes place in the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan and the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. The afternoon sun casts shadows on the walls of the pyramids to make them look like serpents crawling down the temples on this day of equal hours of daylight and night, and thousands of people visit these two spots to observe the spectacle and take in the energy of the year's special sun. If you're in Mexico in March, you don't want to miss Spring Equinox in one of these two historic sites!
Veracruz Carnival: El Carnival de Veracruz has a history dating all the way back to 1867 when the then Spanish Emperor Maximiliano held grand festivities to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Jarocho, or Veracruz natives. The event, held nine days before Ash Wednesday every year, features parades, live music, costumed dances, and merriment to the maximum!
Vive Latino Music Festival: Mexico's capital, Mexico City, hosts the annual Vive Latino Music Festival that features scores of legendary and upcoming Latin American, rock, pop, and electronic artists from all around the country and the globe! The festival, almost in its 25th year, usually takes place over the weekend in mid-March.
What to Wear in Mexico in March
We recommend traveling light and focusing on packing mostly summer clothes if you're visiting Mexico in March, with a couple of sweaters or jackets also making the trip, since the early mornings and late evenings can be a little chilly in cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca de Juarez.
A comprehensive packing list for a trip to Mexico in Spring includes plenty of linen and cotton tops, shorts, dresses, skirts, swimwear, lightweight pants, capris, a scarf or two, a couple of sweaters or jackets, reliable walking shoes, sandals, sunscreen, and hats.
Explore Mexico with Global Highlights
Mexico is an absolute dream to visit, and our team of travel experts here at Global Highlights would be thrilled to help you realize that dream. We know the ins and outs of traveling around Mexico and have years of experience planning the perfect itinerary for this Central American paradise. This expertise will ensure you have a thoroughly memorable time during your holiday, and come back home refreshed, rejuvenated, and with plenty of stories to tell your friends. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so all you need to worry about is having as good a time as possible!
