Weather in Mexico in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Mexico in March run from 26.9°C (Cancun) to 29.1°C (Puerto Vallarta). In Puerto Vallarta about 98% of March days reach 25°C. Nights average 22.1°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cancun fall to 21°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Puerto Vallarta the driest (1 days) and Tulum the wettest (7 days). The wettest March at Puerto Vallarta between 1991 and 2020 was 2015 with 165 mm; the driest was 1991 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 25.7°C around Mexico in March - warmest at Playa del Carmen (26.5°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.5 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Mexico

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Mexico. It is 0.7°C warmer than February and 1.3°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (30°C) and the coolest January (26°C).

Which part of Mexico in March?

• Most sunshine: Puerto Vallarta, 8.0 h a day.
• Driest: Puerto Vallarta, about 1 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Playa del Carmen, 27°C.
• Hottest: Puerto Vallarta, 29°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cancun, 27°C.

What to pack for Mexico in March

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear - the sea is 26°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Mexico's March daytime average: Phu Quoc (29°C, sea 29°C), Montego Bay (29°C, sea 27°C), Singapore (29°C, sea 29°C), Maldives (28°C, sea 29°C), Seychelles (28°C, sea 29°C). See the full ranking for March.

Puerto Vallarta for less rain and cooler evenings

Puerto Vallarta is the strongest choice if avoiding rain matters most. Its average of 1 rainy day makes it much drier than the Caribbean destinations here, while daytime temperatures of 29°C make it the hottest option. That combination favours time outdoors, though planning a break from the midday heat is sensible. The catch is the sea: at 23°C, it is cooler than on the Caribbean coast, so it is less suited to anyone who dislikes a cool first dip. Nights average 18°C, giving some relief from the daytime warmth; pack a light layer rather than assuming every evening will feel hot.

The Caribbean coast for warmer swimming

Choose the Caribbean side if warmer water and warm evenings matter more than keeping rain risk low. Tulum, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Cancun all have average sea temperatures of 26°C and nights of 23°C. Tulum is slightly warmer by day at 28°C, while the other destinations average 27°C, so temperature alone gives little reason to favour any of them. Playa del Carmen has 6 rainy days on average, compared with 7 in the others, but that is a small difference rather than a promise of drier weather. Keep outdoor plans flexible and take a light waterproof layer.

What the weather means for your day

Across Mexico, the March averages point to days best spent in light clothing, with shade and sun protection close at hand. Average sunshine of 7.5 hours leaves plenty of scope for outdoor time, but it does not mean uninterrupted clear skies. The country average of 6 rainy days is a reason to leave room to change plans, not to rule March out. Nights average 22°C, although Puerto Vallarta is noticeably cooler than the Caribbean options. If you are travelling from London, where March days average 10°C, expect a substantial jump in warmth and give yourself time to adjust before planning long spells in the midday sun.