Weather in Mexico in March

Is March a good time to visit Mexico?

The weather in Mexico in March becomes warmer as the country heads for its hottest time of year, and the rainy season is imminent in most regions. March, though, is still very dry and the coastal areas – both east and west – are warm and sunny. The west coast, cooled by the California Current, is slightly cooler than the eastern Caribbean seaboard, and northern Mexico’s desert regions are fairly cold, influenced by the cold air moving down from north America. For a hot holiday under the tropical sun the Yucatan Peninsula (including Cancun) and Gulf Coast are the best places in Mexico in March.
 

Climate in Mexico in March

The popular resort city of Cancun basks in an average maximum temperature of 29°C (84°F) in March, with an average low of 22°C (71°F). With no rainfall to speak of for March, the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula on the eastern seaboard of Mexico therefore enjoy perfect holiday weather with hot, sunny days and balmy nights – similar to that of the Caribbean islands not too far away.

The west coast of Mexico has a more temperate Mediterranean-type climate, and is warm and pleasant during March, ideal for golf on the Baja California peninsula. Acapulco on the west is encircled by mountains and has its own humid, tropical micro-climate, which means it sizzles invitingly with temperatures in the region of 30°C (86°F) during March, as it does most of the year.

As the altitude increases, the temperature tends to drop, and Mexico City in its elevated position is much cooler than the coast with an average of 18°C (64.4°F) in March. There is still plenty of sunshine, however, and minimal likelihood of rain.

 

What’s on in Mexico in March    

Early March (some years beginning at the end of February) is mardi gras carnival time in Mexico. Most of the country celebrates this festive run-up to Lent with great enthusiasm and wanton revelry. Top spots for Mexican carnival celebrations are Veracruz and Mazatlan.

In Puerta Vallarta sailors put to sea for the renowned Banderas Bay Regatta, complemented with a Nautical Festival ashore while the races take place.

Mexico City puts on a vibrant international arts festival – the Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico – in mid-March, with all sorts of theatrical, music, dance and art events. Culture is also on the calendar in Tequila in mid-March for a festival which has more to do with the spirit of music and the arts than the famous alcoholic drink named for the town.


What to pack for a holiday in Mexico in March

If you are holidaying on the Mexican coast in March, bring along your beach-wear, a shady sunhat, sunglasses and sun cream. Off the beach you will need cool, light, comfortable clothing to beat the heat during the day. Night-times may require a cardigan or wrap, particularly on the Baja California. Inland destinations are likely to be cooler than the coast in March, so bring a warm jacket and long trousers.