Traveling to Cancun in March: Weather, Events, and Things to Do

March is a great month to plan a vacation getaway to Cancun. The New Year’s holidays are long gone, and depending on where you live, spring may still feel far away.

Visiting Cancun in March can rid you of your winter blues- the weather is gorgeous, the party is happening, and there are tons of fun things to do!

The days in March are warm and sunny and the evenings are cool and pleasant. The humidity is low for the area, and there is only a small chance of rain.

It is no secret that Cancun is ideal in March though, and it has long been popular with spring break crowds.

Don’t let that worry you though, you can still find quiet, peaceful spots if that is what you are looking for.

Thinking about planning a trip to Cancun in March? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know, including what the weather will be like, travel tips, and recommended tours.

How is the Weather in Cancun in March?

After looking at the weather, it is no surprise that Cancun is full of tourists in March. The weather is great!

The days are warm and sunny, you can expect clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine. The weather is perfect for enjoying the beach, and the ocean breeze will keep you from overheating.

March is one of the driest months of the year, and the humidity is on the low side for Cancun. What more could a beach lover ask for? 

Cancun Temperature in March

The temperature in Cancun in March goes up slightly from the coldest month of the year- January- but is still not too hot to enjoy getting out of the resort and hiking or exploring the ruins.

For many people, it is the perfect temperature- hot but not too hot. The average temperature is right around 77 degrees, with the daily average high temperature hitting between 82 and 84 degrees.

The daily high temperature rarely passes 88 degrees, although some years there will be a day or two that the high temperature can reach 90 degrees.

By March, the daily minimum temperature has increased, with average low temperatures being between 69 and 72 degrees.

When a cold front blows in the temperatures can drop a bit more at night, and it hardly ever gets colder than 60 degrees.

If this happens, do not worry, it will only be over night and the temperature will warm up during the day! 

For many people, the pleasant temperatures make March the best time of the year to visit. For people looking for a winter cold weather getaway, the weather is hot enough to enjoy a day at the beach and make you want to get into the water to cool.

It is not so hot though that you will want to take refuge in your hotel’s air conditioning in the middle of the day.

The heat index, which is what the temperature actually feels like when combined with humidity, in March is around 86 degrees.

This means that even with the tropical humidity, the perceived temperature is comfortable. March is a great time to get out of your hotel and explore the jungle, visit ruins, or just stroll around the hotel zone without worrying about overheating. 

How is the sea in Cancun in March

The surface water temperature near the beach in Cancun in March is consistently between 78 and 79 degrees.

This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming and snorkeling. If you plan to do scuba diving, you may find that there are thermoclines or patches of warmer and colder spots in the water.

As you enjoy your dive, you may suddenly feel a cooler current going past you – this is common, and you will notice a difference of a few degrees of water.

If you are someone who gets cold easily, or if you plan to do several days of scuba diving, you will want to wear a wetsuit.

Water conducts the heat off of our bodies faster than the air, so even warm ocean water can feel cold quickly. Most dive shops will rent you a 3mm wetsuit to use.

If you have your own dive gear, plan to bring either a 3mm or 5mm (if you get cold easily) wetsuit.

March is a great time to see different marine life while snorkeling or scuba diving. Spotted eagle rays are most commonly found in Cancun in the winter months.

These beautiful rays can have a wingspan of up to 8 feet. Advanced divers can spot groups of them at the shipwreck dive site off the coast of Cancun, and they also frequent shallow reefs throughout the area. 

The surface of the ocean in Cancun is usually calm, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter months of December to March, strong winds from the north can blow through the area.

These storms, known as “nortes” can cause choppy seas for a few days. If you know a norte is coming, plan your snorkeling, parasailing, or other ocean activities around it to avoid rough seas.  

Does it Rain in Cancun in March?

Cancun is a tropical location, so even the driest months are not spared the occasional rain shower.

March is the second driest month, after February, but there will still be a few days of rain. You can expect it to rain once every week, at most.

Thankfully, it is rare that it rains all day in March, and the little rain that does fall is usually in the form of a light shower that passes quickly.

There is only a 13-16% chance of any given day in March being a wet day, and the average rainfall for the month is between 1 and 3 inches.

This means that the rain that does fall is usually light. 

While the chance of it raining in March is low, you should always be prepared. Cancun is located between the jungle and the Caribbean sea, so weather conditions are humid and change quickly.

It is not uncommon for a beautiful, sunny day to be briefly interrupted by a quick rainfall. It is a great idea to carry a lightweight raincoat with you.

The Cancun weather forecast almost always shows there is a chance of rain, but do not let that worry you!

The rain comes and goes quickly, and the rest of the day is sunny and clear. A chance of rain does not mean you will have a dark, gloomy day! 

How is the humidity in Cancun in March? 

Just like there is always a chance of rain in Cancun, it is always humid. A better question to ask would be, how humid will it be?

Compared to the hot, humid days of the wet season, the humidity in March is low. As the month goes on the humidity increases from just 70% at the beginning of March, to around 83% at the end.

If you (or your skin) are particularly sensitive to the humidity, March is a good time to visit. As the year goes on, the temperature and humidity will rise.

Will Cancun be Sunny in March?

Yes! You can expect beautiful, sunny days in March. There are overcast conditions only 26% of the time in March, so you will get plenty of sunshine and clear skies.

You will want to make sure you protect your skin from sunburn, even on cloudy days. The UV index in March is strong, and can reach up to 11!

Remember to pack your eco-friendly sunscreen. Sometimes referred to as mineral sunscreen, eco-friendly sunscreens use minerals, typically zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, to make a physical barrier to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Avoid sunscreens that use oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are suspected of harming the fragile coral reef systems and are not allowed in marine parks.

Your tour operators will ask you to use reef-friendly sunscreen whenever you are on excursions.

As the month of March goes on, the amount of sunlight will gradually increase. All month you will have over 11 and a half hours of daylight, with the sun setting between 6:50 and 7 pm.

This gives you plenty of daytime to spend at the beach or exploring before the sun goes down. 

Is it windy in March?

It can be. Cancun has a refreshing breeze blowing off the ocean year-round. The average wind speed in March is 9.2 miles per hour, and there is a 22% chance of having a windy day.

March is the last month of the winter season that can have norte winds blow in. Nortes are windy, cold fronts that blow in from the north.

When a norte blows in the temperature drops and there can be strong gusts of wind. Nortes usually only last a day or two (although in rare cases they stick around for several days).

The wind makes the ocean choppy and the port captain may decide to close the harbor for small boats and aquatic activities.

The strong winds of a norte can be predicted in the weather report, and tour operators pay close attention to them.

If a norte is scheduled to hit Cancun while you are there, you will need to reschedule any snorkeling or scuba diving excursions.

The cool, refreshing temperatures of a norte make them a great time to head into the jungle and explore ruins because the air temperatures are not so hot. 

Is There Seaweed in March?

It is uncommon for there to be seaweed on the beach in Cancun in March. Quintana Roo has the most seaweed washing ashore on its beaches from June to October.

The seaweed that ends up on the beach is called sargassum. Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown algae seaweed that floats on the surface of the ocean.

Scientists believe that the increased ocean temperatures, changing currents, and destruction of mangroves, have all caused more sargassum to wash onto the beaches.

Sargassum will not hurt you, although some people say it makes their skin itchy, it can be a bit stinky when it sits in the sun on the beach.

It is rare for a lot of sargassum to wash ashore in March, but anything is possible in the ocean with changing wind directions.

Thankfully, hotels and beach clubs work hard to keep the beaches clean, and if sargassum does wash ashore while you are on vacation, they will work hard to clean it up and leave you with a white, sandy beach. 

Best Time to Visit Cancun

The sunny days, hot but not too hot temperatures, and low chances of rain make March a great month to visit Cancun.

The great weather is not a secret though, and Cancun is a busy month to visit. Cancun is no longer a destination just for partying, and you will find all sorts of visitors in March from families to retirees, to the traditional spring break crowd.

Cancun set records for the number of tourists that visited in 2022 and 2023 is expected to be just as busy.

The high season lasts from December through March. 

Do not let the March crowds scare you off, Cancun is made for tourism and with some planning, you will still have the relaxing vacation you want.

Make sure to book your hotel and excursions early in March. Hotels will be operating near capacity, and tour operators will be busy. Plan ahead so that both can accommodate you. 

There is no shortage of great things to do in March. The great weather and beautiful water conditions will make it tempting to spend your entire vacation lounging on the beach.

March is a great month for getting off the beach and into the jungle to do some hiking and explore ruins.

The moderate temperatures and relatively low humidity make it comfortable for in-land excursions.

Packing List for Cancun in March

It often feels that packing for a vacation is trying to hit the perfect mix between bringing way too much and not having the things you need while on vacation.

Thankfully, packing for Cancun is pretty straightforward. You need comfortable clothes for warm weather and things to wear to the beach.

And, if you happen to forget something you just cannot live without, there is lots of shopping in Cancun. 

Here is a list to help you remember all the Cancun essentials:

✅ Swimsuits and beachwear. If you love hanging out on the beach and by the pool, you will spend the majority of your vacation in beachwear. 

✅ Light sweater or pants. If a norte blows in, you may find the evenings to be a little chilly. A lightweight sweater or pants will be enough to keep you comfortable. 

✅ Reef-Safe Sunscreen. Make sure to get a mineral-based sunscreen because chemical sunscreens are not allowed in the marine park or at cenotes.

✅ Mosquito Repellent. March is not prime mosquito season due to the low humidity and relative dryness; however, it never hurts to carry mosquito spray with you. Mosquitos are most likely to come out at dusk in the early evening. 

✅ Water bottle. By now you have probably heard that you cannot drink tap water in Mexico. That is true, but there are still many ways you can reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles you consume. Some of the larger resorts have water filtration systems, so you will be able to drink the tap water there. Smaller hotels will have 20-liter jugs of filtered water. Fill up your reusable water bottle whenever possible, especially before leaving your hotel. This helps keep plastic water bottles out of landfills (or worse, floating in the ocean).

✅ Hat and sunglasses. It might be dark and gloomy when you leave your home, but do not forget your hat and sunglasses. The sun is strong in Mexico and reflects off the white sand and clear water, and these will help you protect your face. 

✅ Dry Bag and waterproof phone case. You will use your phone to capture pictures of your vacation, so it is important to have somewhere safe to keep it while on the beach, by the pool, or on excursions on boats. A small dry bag is perfect for keeping things safe and dry.

✅ Flip flops

✅ Hiking sandals or sneakers. If you are planning to drive ATVs, hike in the jungle, or visit ruins, you will want something that is not slippery and stays on your feet. 

✅ Raincoat. Carry a lightweight raincoat with you for any unexpected rain showers. It can also double a windbreaker if you experience any chilly, windy days. 

✅ Beach bag and towel. Check if your hotel provides beach towels, if not you will want to bring one. A beach bag is ideal for keeping everything together. Tip: Quintana Roo does not allow grocery stores to give out plastic bags, so a beach bag can double as a grocery bag.

✅ Rashguard. If you plan to snorkel or spend long hours in the sun a rashguard will protect your skin and you will not need to worry about reapplying sunscreen. 

What to Wear in Cancun in March

The weather in Cancun in March is hot (but not overwhelmingly so) during the day, and cools off in the evenings. Depending on the wind, you may have a few fresh nights that require a light sweater or pants.

This comfortable tropical weather makes packing easy. Just pack clothes for the excursions you will do, and you will have everything you need! 

✔ Swimsuits and beachwear. For most people, this will be what they spend the most time in.

✔ Tank tops and t-shirts. Lightweight tops are perfect for strolling around town, meals out, and wearing for most excursions. 

✔ Sneakers or hiking sandals. You will want something warmer than flip-flops for the airport and these are perfect if you plan to visit ruins. 

✔ Hat. Keep the sun off your face and the wind from blowing your hair all over with a hat.

✔ Sunglasses.

✔ Sundresses. Your Cancun vacation is the perfect time to pull out lightweight, sundresses. 

✔ Raincoat

Top recommended tours in Cancun in March

In March the near-perfect weather makes it hard to choose what excursions to go on. The sunny days and warm temperatures make it ideal for hanging out at the beach or going snorkeling.

It is not too hot to enjoy visiting ruins, parks, or the jungle. Here are some tours you will not want to miss. 

Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

5⭐ 9876 Reviews

Spend a day learning about the history of the Yucatan Peninsula. You will start your day with a visit to Chichen Itza, one of the new seven wonders of the world.

This UNESCO world heritage site was an important religious center for the Maya people. You can enjoy the ruins, including the famous Kukulcan pyramid.

From there you will stop at the colonial city of Villadolid and enjoy a buffet lunch and time to walk around the main plaza.

You will finish your day with a refreshing swim at the Saamal Cenote. This tour lasts approximately 12 hours.

Amazing
Definitely worth doing! Got to visit one of the 7 wonders, and our tour guides Norma and Ruth were awesome along with our bus driver Alfredo. Definitely loved the cenote. The diving is a must for a thrill experience. Our guides were very enthusiastic about the tour .

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rupak_D, Jan 2023

ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tequila Tasting

5⭐ 517 Reviews

Go on an adventure into the jungle with a tour of Extreme Adventure Eco Park. Your tour includes round-trip transportation to the park.

You will start your adventure with an ATV ride through the jungle. Next, you will fly through the air on a series of zip lines and walk on suspended bridges.

You will finish your tour with a refreshing jump into a cenote. Your tour is guided and all safety equipment is included.

The tour lasts four hours. 

10/10 Recommend
Wonderful experience. Great, friendly staff. Very hands on and encouraging. Food was delicious and the tequila tasting was very interesting. The VIP upgrade is well worth it!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michael_B, Jan 2023

Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Riviera Maya with Light Dinner and Open Bar

4.5⭐ 166 Reviews

Enjoy the beautiful dusk colors while you cruise on a luxury catamaran. Share this special time with your loved ones.

Couples looking for a romantic evening will love this. The attentive crew will serve you snacks and cocktails while you sail.

The tour lasts two hours. 

Breath taking experience
Perfect ending to a perfect trip. An absolutely breathtaking view and experience to remember for a life time. The crew was professional and courteous as well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Condoy_C, Nov 2022

Diving in the Mexican Caribbean for Beginners | 2 Tanks 2 Dives | All Inclusive

5⭐ 227 Reviews

Try scuba diving and visit coral reefs on this tour. No previous scuba experience is necessary, but you must know how to swim.

You will start your day by meeting your scuba instructor and learning some basic dive theory. You will then get a chance to practice in the pool before boarding the dive boat.

You will then head out to do two dives in the ocean. The first will be at the MUSA, the underwater museum.

The second will be at a shallow coral reef. You will have the chance to see sea turtles, fish, and coral formations.

The tour lasts approximately six hours. 

Adventurous, beautiful, amazing
Clemente was our tour guide and he was professional, patient, knowledgeable and overall great. He not only took the time to explain the equipment, but also the sea life from the coral to the different types of fish. Overall, had a great experience and would definitely recommend to others who really are adventurous.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christopher_Y, Aug 2022

What To Do If It Rains 

March is one of the driest months in Cancun, but rain is always a possibility in tropical locations.

Thankfully in March, most rain showers will be brief and light, but if you do end up with a few rainy days, don’t worry, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Cancun. 

If you like shopping check out the Forum by the Sea or La Isla shopping center. La Isla has something for everyone- even if you don’t like shopping.

In addition to stores, it has restaurants and a movie theatre. The movie theatre schedule will tell you if a movie will be shown with subtitles or dubbed into Spanish.

Most adult movies are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles. Children’s movies are generally dubbed into Spanish.

You can learn about local history at the Museo Maya de Cancun. Cancun also has a Wax Museum and Vintage Car Museum to visit. 

Here are a few tours to check out on rainy days:

Tasty Mexican Cooking Class with Feast in Riviera Maya

5⭐ 69 Reviews

Learn how to make traditional Mexican food with a professional chef. You will go to a private cooking school located in the jungle for your class.

There you will make a gourmet six-course meal in this small-group tour. You will learn how to hand-make tortillas and sample Mexican coffee and hot chocolate.

After cooking the meal, you will get to enjoy the feast along with drinks and music.

YOU WILL ENJOY!!
It was a wonderful experience! Alejandra was informative, engaging and amazing! Oh, the food was the icing on the cake! The garden beautiful and the staff did an excellent job caring for us! 10 out of 10!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jonathan_G, Nov 2022

Coco Bongo Cancun Gold Member VIP Night Out by After Dark

4⭐ 99 Reviews

Plan a party night out at Cancun’s most famous nightlife venue! With VIP access you will skip the lines to get into the venue and be treated to front-row seats to the show.

You can enjoy the open bar all evening long.

Highlight of the night
Best experience. The shows were great and hilarious. Even came out to the front of the club and had a good time

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adriane_S, Nov 2022

Best Hotels in Cancun 

There are over 100 hotels in Cancun to choose from. Whether you want the spring break party atmosphere, a family friend spot, or a luxury hotel to relax at, you will find what you are looking for in Cancun.

Remember, since March is the high season, if you have a favorite hotel, you should book it early. Can’t decide where to stay?

Here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices. 

1. Best Hotel for Adults: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

This luxury all-inclusive adults-only spa resort is ideal for relaxing. Every room comes with a miniature zen garden and the hotel uses subtle aromatherapy throughout the property to create a relaxing environment.

The resort is on a white sandy beach and has eight infinity pools. There are nine on-site restaurants to choose from.

2. Best Resort for Families: Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort

There is something for everyone at this enormous resort located on Cancun’s south shore. The resort is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the airport.

It has a golf course, spa, tennis courts, water sports, a kid’s club, an arcade room, and a lounge designed for teenagers. 

3. Best Hotel for Travelling on a Budget: Selina Hotel Cancun 

The Selina Cancun Laguna is located in the hotel zone. It has a co-working space, yoga terrace, outdoor pool, and wellness center.

It is pet-friendly and has a shared kitchen to use as well as an on-site spa. Depending on your budget you can choose between a shared dormitory room or private rooms.

This is a great option for solo travelers looking to meet people. 

Cancun Events and Festivals In March

March is a busy and fun time to be in Cancun. If you are looking to party, there are plenty of spring break events going on.

Many resorts as well as the bigger nightclubs will host special parties all month long. Here are a few of the events to check out if you will be in Cancun in March:

🎸 Rockstar Boat Party Cancun

Get ready to party with other spring breakers. Rockstarcrawls has organized weekly party catamaran tours that have a DJ playing and an open bar and snacks.

This tour is only for people over 18 years old. 

🌞 Celebrate the Spring Equinox

Celebrate the Spring Equinox on March 20th at Chichen Itza. Here you will get to witness an amazing site – the sun will cast a shadow of the serpent god, named Kulkukan on the side of the main Chichen Itza pyramid.

This obviously draws a big crowd, so if you want to see it with fewer people, come a day or two early. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is March a good month to go to Cancun?

Yes! There is a reason why Cancun is so popular with tourists in March- the weather is great! You will enjoy sunny days and the weather is hot enough to enjoy the water without being so hot that you feel you are melting.

Combine that with the relatively low humidity and low chance of rain and you have the best time of the year to visit. 

Is the weather too humid during March?

Cancun is a tropical destination, so the weather is always humid. If you have wavy hair, expect it to go a little crazy.

That said, March is one of the driest months of the year in Cancun, with relatively low humidity.

Combine the low humidity with cooler temperatures in March and you have a pleasant heat index for getting out and exploring the area.

What kind of clothes should I pack when visiting Cancun in March?

March is the end of the winter weather. The days will be warm and pleasant and you will be perfectly happy in shorts and t-shirts.

The evenings can cool off a bit. You might want a long sleeve shirt, light sweater, or lightweight pants for evenings out. 

When is the most popular time to visit Cancun?

The Cancun high season for tourism is from December until March. The busiest weeks of the year are between Christmas and New Year’s and Semana Santa, which is the week before Easter.

The great weather in the winter makes Cancun a popular destination for spring breakers, as well as retirees, families, and people just looking for a winter getaway. 

When is the worst time to visit Cancun?

For many people, the hot, wet season from June to October is the least desirable time to visit. The days are hot and humid with frequent rain showers.

While many people find the temperatures too high this time of year, there are still plenty of tourists who do not mind the heat and enjoy the low-season discounts on airfare and hotels. 

Is Cancun Safe to Travel?

Yes, Cancun is considered a safe place to visit. Just avoid putting yourself in danger with improper behavior, such as flaunting your wealth or getting wasted, or even worse, using drugs, just to name a few. Make sure you read my article on safety in Cancun and follow the tips.

To stay healthy do not drink tap water to avoid any stomach issues and use sunscreen to avoid sunburnt.

If you are a solo traveler and concerned about traveling to Cancun, worry not. Cancun is a great destination for solo travelers and you can enjoy multiple tours or rent a car to explore the surroundings safely.

Final Thoughts: Cancun in March

March is a great month to visit Cancun. The weather is just about perfect. It is hot and sunny during the day, but not too hot.

The low humidity and moderate temperatures in March make it the perfect month to stroll in town, explore ruins, or hike in the jungle without overheating.

You can spend your time relaxing by the pool or ocean, and the water temperatures are perfect for a swim.

It is no secret that Cancun is ideal in March, and it is a very popular time to visit. Do not let this scare you away.

There are resorts that cater to the spring break crowd who are looking to party, but you can also find family-friendly resorts or adult-only resorts that are perfect for relaxing.

Just remember to book your hotel and excursions early, it is a popular time!