Puerto Vallarta in March
Still dry and sunny, with a busy calendar: trail races, the regatta, spring breaks and Easter.
March keeps the dry-season weather and adds a packed calendar. The whales are still in the bay early in the month, the days grow longer, and Puerto Vallarta hosts a trail-running festival and a sailing regatta before the spring breaks and Semana Santa bring the busiest week of the year.
March at a glance
| Weather | Average high 27 °C (81 °F), low 17 °C (63 °F) |
|---|---|
| Rain | About 2 mm; less than one rainy day |
| Sea | About 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Humidity | Low |
| Crowds and prices | High, spiking for spring breaks and Semana Santa (21–28 March 2027) |
| Whales | Excellent early in the month; the season ends on 23 March |
Weather in March
Dry and sunny, with highs around 27 °C, nights around 17 °C and almost no rain. It warms gradually through the month, and the days lengthen to about twelve hours of daylight by the equinox. See the weather guide.
The sea, beaches and wildlife
The sea is about 24 °C and clear. Early March is still excellent for whale watching, with mothers and calves common; numbers thin towards the end, and the official season closes on 23 March. Watch the beach flags in Semana Santa, when the beaches are at their most crowded.
What's on in March 2027
Crowds and prices
High all month, with sharp peaks: the spring breaks of US and Canadian students, the Benito Juárez weekend and, above all, Semana Santa, the busiest week of the year on the beaches, with the week after Easter still busy. For a calmer stay, aim for the first half of the month. See Semana Santa.
Sunrise and sunset
Puerto Vallarta keeps UTC−6 all year (see time zone), so these are the times on the clock. The bay faces west: the sun sets over the water, best watched from the Malecón.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 March | 7:21 | 19:06 | 11 h 45 |
| 15 March | 7:09 | 19:10 | 12 h 01 |
| 31 March | 6:55 | 19:15 | 12 h 20 |
What to pack
Summer clothes, a light layer for the evenings, a swimsuit and serious sun protection. Trainers if you're running, or watching, the UTMB races. See what to pack.
Ideas for a March trip
- The last whale trips of the season, in the first half of the month.
- Sport: UTMB, the regatta and the half marathon.
- Escaping the Easter crowds: San Sebastián del Oeste or the boat-only south shore.
← February — or see every month at a glance in our weather guide.
Frequently asked
Is March a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Yes: it is dry and sunny, with the last weeks of whale season. The second half is very busy, with spring breaks and Semana Santa (21–28 March 2027).
Are there still whales in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Yes, especially early in the month, when mothers and calves are common. The season officially ends on 23 March.
When is Semana Santa in Puerto Vallarta in 2027?
From 21 to 28 March, with Easter Sunday on 28 March. Mexican schools are off from 22 March to 2 April, so beaches and hotels are busiest then.
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