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Cancun in March 2023: Weather, Special Events & Travel Tips

cancun in march weather and travel tips

Are you wondering what it’s like in Cancun in March? Let me tell you – I spent the whole month of March in Cancun last year, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best trips I’ve had. With gorgeous landscapes, endless activities, and perfect weather, Cancun in March is a traveler’s dream come true. 

The temperatures are comfortable and you don’t have to worry about the humidity in Cancun in March because it’s one of the driest months of the year. You can enjoy all that Cancun has to offer, from soaking up the sun on the beaches to exploring ancient ruins.

In this blog post, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know to plan your Cancun vacation in March, including weather information, unique things to do, special events, and other travel tips!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!


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Hotel Xcaret

Fast Facts for Cancun in March

👉 Weather in Cancun in March: Sunny, Warm, Dry, Low Humidity

👉 Unique Things to Do in Cancun in March: Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza, swim in Cenotes, Inception Music Festival, Food & Wine Festival

👉 Best Places to Stay: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun Adults-Only All-Inclusive in Cancun Hotel Zone, Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen (Hotel Xcaret Mexico for families, Hotel Xcaret Arte for couples, and La Casa de la Playa for ultimate luxury).

👉 How to get around Cancun: Uber is available in Cancun in 2023, but it is not considered safe by the U.S State Department. Consider these alternative transportation options for Cancun

👉 Popular Attractions near Cancun: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Maldives of Mexico – Bacalar, Xcaret

👉 21 Safety Tips & Dumb Mistakes to Avoid in Cancun

👉 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

👉 Legal Drinking Age in Mexico

👉 Mexico Power Outlet: Which Plug Is Used in Mexico?

👉 Basic & Common Spanish Phrases for Travel to Mexico

Cancun Weather in March

The temperature does not fluctuate very much throughout the year in Cancun. However, if you’re looking for great weather in Cancun, March is one of the best months of the year to visit. With temperatures ranging from mid-80s in the day to mid-70s at night, it’s ideal for soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches or taking a dip in the crystal-clear ocean.

Average Temperature in Cancun in March

The average temperature in Cancun in March is 26.5ºC (80ºF) on average. The days are warmer with the highest temperature reaching 30ºC (86ºF), while the nights cool off to a comfortable 23.7ºC (75ºF) on average. Even the lowest temperature in March is still a pleasant 22ºC (72ºF), which means you won’t have to worry about feeling too hot or too cold during your stay. 

Rainfall in Cancun in March

March is one of the driest months in Cancun, with very little rainfall. On average, Cancun receives only 40mm of rain in March, making it a fantastic time to visit if you’re looking for sunny and dry weather. However, it’s still a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case of a passing shower.

Sunshine and Cloudy Days in Cancun in March

Cancun in March is blessed with plenty of sunshine, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. On average, Cancun receives around 10 hours of sunshine per day in March, making it a perfect destination for sun seekers. The chance of cloudy days is only around 5%, which means most days are sunny and clear.

Wind in Cancun in March

Cancun in March can be quite windy, with a chance of windy days around 22%. This can be a refreshing break from the heat and humidity, and provide the perfect condition for outdoor activities such as parasailing.

Sea Temperature in Cancun in March

If you’re planning on swimming or participating in water sports, you’ll be happy to know that the sea temperature in Cancun in March is a pleasant 23.7ºC (75ºF). This is warm enough to enjoy the ocean without feeling too cold.

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Sunrise and Sunset in Cancun in March

The sunrise in Cancun in March is around 7:07 am, and the sunset is around 6:51 pm. By the end of the month, the sunrise is around 6:41 am, and the sunset is around 7:01 pm. This provides ample time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities during daylight hours.

Is there sargassum in Cancun in March?

Sargassum is a type of seaweed that typically affects the shores of Cancun and other Caribbean destinations from May through October. Therefore, visitors to Cancun in March are less likely to experience an influx of Sargassum.

If you’re concerned about the potential for sargassum seaweed in Cancun during your March visit, there are a few options to consider. One is to visit nearby destinations like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, which tend to be less affected by the seaweed than Cancun.

Additionally, most all-inclusive resorts in Cancun have taken steps to minimize the impact of sargassum by cleaning it up regularly.

Travel Tips to ask for a Free Hotel Room Upgrade

What to do in Cancun in March

Cancun in March is a tropical paradise with warm weather, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of activities to keep you busy. In this section, I will focus on the unique things to do in Cancun in March, but you can check out my full list for the best things to do in Cancun here.

👉 Read the entire list of things to do in Cancun, including romantic ideas for couples and family-friendly activities for kids!

✨ Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

If you’re looking for a truly awe-inspiring experience that will transport you to a different time and culture, then witnessing the Chichen Itza Spring Equinox is an event that should not be missed.

This incredible phenomenon takes place at the iconic Temple of Kukulcan in the Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza, and it happens on the day of the spring equinox, which falls between March 20th and 21st each year.

On this special day, the sun’s rays align perfectly with the main staircase of the temple, creating a stunning illusion of a snake slithering down the steps. The serpent’s head reaches the base of the temple, where the stone head of the Kukulkan God is located.

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The serpent’s shadow is a symbol of the deity’s descent from the heavens to the earthly realm, and it is a testament to the incredible accuracy of the Mayan civilization’s astronomical and architectural knowledge.

To witness this incredible event, it is important to plan ahead. While there are many Chichen Itza tours available from Cancun, most of them are scheduled during the day and do not stay until sunset, which is when the Chichen Itza Serpent Shadow occurs. To make the most of your experience, there are two main options to consider.

The first option is to book a Chichen Itza Private Tour for the spring equinox. This type of tour allows you to customize your itinerary and spend more time at the archaeological site. You can start the day by visiting a cenote and Valladolid, a pueblo magico and one of the safest cities in Mexico.

After that, you can head to Chichen Itza in the late afternoon, when the light is just right for witnessing the serpent shadow. A private guide can provide you with more information about the site and its significance in Mayan culture, making for a truly immersive experience.

Our Pick
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Chichen Itza Private Tour

✔️Private tour so you can set pick up and drop off time to stay for sunset at Chichen Itza to watch the serpent shadow

✔️Cenote Swim & Lunch at Valladolid

The second option is to drive to Chichen Itza and stay the night. Renting a car in Cancun can be challenging, but booking through Discover Cars can make the process easier and more affordable.

With a rental car, you can arrive at Chichen Itza early in the morning and stay until sunset, giving you plenty of time to explore the site and witness the incredible serpent shadow. You can also spend the night in Chichen Itza to watch Nights of Kukulkan, a sound and light show that helps bring the pre-Colombian city to life.

Whichever option you choose, witnessing the Chichen Itza Spring Equinox is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait to visit Cancun in September for the fall equinox to witness this incredible phenomenon.

Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day. ✔️BOOK NOW

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✨ Swim & Snorkel in Cancun Cenotes

Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These underground freshwater pools are a popular activity in Cancun and offer a refreshing break from the hot sun.

Our Pick
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Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret from Cancún and Playa del Carmen

✔️Swim, snorkel and kayak in four types of cenotes

✔️Rappel down rock walls in a semi-open cenote & zipline over an ancient cenote

Mexico Travel Hacks

👉 Hotels: Save 50-60% off on your next hotel stay with Priceline Express Deals! They offer great discounts by hiding the hotel’s name till you pay, but don’t worry, you can avoid the uncertainty by using my Priceline Express Deals Guide to reveal the hidden hotel before booking!

👉 Travel Insurance: No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. It’s honestly not worth taking the risks when you can be covered for cheap, and I recommend Safety Wing for budget-conscious travelers.

👉 Rental Car: Protect yourself from car rental scams in Mexico! Most car rental agencies won’t accept Collision Damage Waiver Insurance (which usually comes with U.S travel credit cards). They will upsell insurance if you arrive at pick-up without one. Avoid losing time and money by getting the best car rental rates and full coverage insurance for just $7/day with Discover Cars.

👉 Sunscreen: Sunscreen in Mexico can cost you 2-4 times more than in the States. Plus, some tour operators and guards won’t let you enter protected water with non reef-safe sunscreen. To save you money, protect your skin, and ensure a seamless water-filled adventure, I highly recommend packing SPF 50 reef-friendly sunscreen.

Festivals & Events in Cancun in March

Cancun is not only a perfect destination for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, but it also offers an exciting calendar of events throughout the year, including in March. From music festivals to ancient cultural celebrations, Cancun has something for everyone. 

Inception Music Festival

March is an exciting time to visit Cancun, especially if you’re interested in experiencing the world-renowned Inception Music Festival. This massive 30-day event features parties held on some of the hottest beaches and clubs in the city.

By day, the festival takes place on Cancun’s stunning beaches, while the night brings the city’s club scene to life, with each event offering a stunning audio-visual experience.

Wine and Food Festival:

Cancun is a true paradise for foodies, with the exciting Wine and Food Festival taking place twice a year, in March and at the end of the year. This festival spans over five days and offers a range of exciting events, including food competitions, winemaking and tasting sessions, celebrity chef dinners, beach parties, and much more.

As the festival schedule changes each year, be sure to visit the official Wine and Food Festival website to confirm the exact dates for this year’s events.

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Where to Stay in Cancun 

When you plan your trip, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay in Cancun. With so many different options available, it can be hard to know where to begin.

However, the Hotel Zone is a great place to start, as it offers a wide variety of accommodation options that are all close to the area’s most popular attractions. The Hotel Zone is a long strip of high-rise hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants, stretching along the coast of Cancun.

The North Hotel Zone (up to Boulevard Kukulkan KM 8) is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter experience. This region offers easy access to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island located just off the coast of Cancun, and is home to some of the area’s more peaceful beaches.

The Middle Hotel Zone (roughly from Boulevard Kukulkan KM 8.5 to KM 14.5) is the place to be if you’re looking for great shopping, Coco Bongo and other popular nightlife options.

Our Picks
Hotel Xcaret Arte review

Best Hotels in Cancun & Rivera Maya

🏨 Le Blanc Spa Resort Adults-Only All-Inclusive

✔️Located in Cancun Hotel Zone, walking distance to Coco Bongo and other popular nightlife options. All-inclusive package includes hotel butler and fine dining.

🏨 Hotel Xcaret Mexico Family-Friendly All-Inclusive

✔️Located in Playa del Carmen. All-inclusive package covers free airport transfer, wonderful kids club, and free admission tickets to all of the Xcaret Parks and Tours. Adults-Only options include in Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa.

🎉Get the Mandala Club Cancun – Golden Personal Pass to skip the line at the popular Mandala Club Cancun. The pass also comes with $50 USD of credit to buy delicious food and beverages from the menu – which pays for the pass itself and practically makes it free!

Getting Around Cancun and Riviera Maya

Getting around in Cancun is easy with plenty of options available including taxis, private transfer, shared shuttle, and more.

Is there Uber in Cancun?

Uber is available in Cancun as of 2023. However, it is important to consider the challenges and risks that come with this service due to ongoing issues with local taxi unions. While the option may exist, it may not be the safest choice.

In the past, conflicts between Uber drivers and taxi unions have resulted in violent altercations that have led to injuries of American tourists visiting Cancun. In fact, as recently as January 2023, the United States Department of State and the U.S Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, issued a warning urging tourists to exercise increased caution when utilizing Uber services in Quintana Roo.

This is the Mexican state that encompasses a number of popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Because of these reasons, I highly recommend you consider other safer alternatives to Uber in Cancun.

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour Day Trip from Cancun

Travel to Cancun in March FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cancun in March.

Is March a good time to visit Cancun?

Yes, March is a great time to visit Cancun. The weather is warm and comfortable, with plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Is Cancun hot in March?

Cancun is warm in March and the temperature is very comfortable. It can get hot with the highest temperature reaching 30ºC (86ºF). However, the sea breeze can provide some relief from the heat.

Is it too cold to swim in Cancun in March?

No, it is not too cold to swim in Cancun in March. The sea temperature is around 23.7ºC (75ºF), which is warm enough for swimming and water sports. However, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading to the beach.

What is the best month to go to Cancun?

March is a great time to visit Cancun as the weather is warm and comfortable, with plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall. However, if you’re looking for a quieter time with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons from April to May or September to October can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind a little heat and humidity.

Is March the rainy season in Cancun?

No, March is not the rainy season in Cancun. On average, Cancun receives only 40mm of rain in March, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re looking for sunny and dry weather. The hurricane season in Cancun is typically from June to November.

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The Wrap-Up: Cancun in March – Weather Info & Travel Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun in March, you can look forward to warm and sunny weather, making it an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the many cultural attractions of the region.

While temperatures can get a little hot during the day, evenings can be cooler, so it’s important to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.

Be sure to plan ahead if you want to witness the incredible Chichen Itza Spring Equinox, which takes place on the day of the spring equinox on March 20th. Booking a private tour or driving to Chichen Itza and staying overnight are the best ways to ensure that you can witness this stunning phenomenon.

Additionally, be aware of the potential for upselling and scams when renting a car in Cancun, and consider booking through a reputable rental car company like Discover Cars to avoid any issues.

By packing smart, planning ahead, and taking the necessary precautions, you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful part of the world.

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