Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta in March? You're looking at one of the best windows of the year. The dry season delivers warm, predictable conditions perfect for beach days, water activities, and outdoor adventures.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect from Puerto Vallarta's weather in March—temperatures, rain patterns, ocean conditions, and how it all affects your plans. You'll also discover the unique advantages the month offers, including the finale of whale watching season.
What's the Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta During March?
March brings warm, stable temperatures that make planning straightforward. Daytime highs average 82°F (28°C), while nighttime lows settle around 63°F (17°C). Temperatures rarely stray from this range, typically staying between 78°F and 85°F during the day.
This predictability means you won't face surprises: what you pack for the first day of your trip works just as well for the last.
How Hot Does It Get in Puerto Vallarta in March?
The warmest parts of the day average around 82°F (28°C). Lower humidity compared to summer months means the actual temperature closely matches how hot it feels on your skin.
The coastal breeze, typically ranging from 6.7 to 8.9 mph, provides natural cooling during peak afternoon hours, making outdoor activities pleasant throughout the day. You'll feel warm enough for beach time without the intensity that comes later in the year.
Is It Cold in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Cold weather doesn't factor into March travel plans for Puerto Vallarta. Even at its coolest, the destination maintains warm conditions perfect for a beach vacation. Daytime temperatures average 82°F with a typical range of 78-85°F, and these warm conditions create ideal circumstances for swimming and water sports.
This isn't a month where you'll question whether to pack winter layers or worry about staying warm during outdoor activities.
What's the Temperature Like at Night in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Evenings bring a noticeable drop from daytime heat, with temperatures settling into the low-to-mid 60s (around 63°F average). This creates pleasant conditions for waterfront dining and evening walks along the malecón, though you'll want a light layer.
The cooling isn't uncomfortable; it's actually a welcome shift after warm beach days. One lightweight sweater handles the evening temperature perfectly without needing anything heavier.
Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim in March?
Ocean temperatures in March average 75°F (23.9°C), ranging from 72.7°F to 77.3°F throughout the month. That's warm enough for swimming without any thermal protection: you can spend extended time in the water comfortably in just your swimsuit. Snorkelers heading out for shorter sessions won't need wetsuits either, though a thin 2mm neoprene top adds comfort for excursions lasting longer than 30-45 minutes.
Scuba divers experience longer immersion times, so they need more thermal protection. A 2-3mm wetsuit handles standard dive sessions, with 3mm better for those who feel cold easily. March marks the year's coolest water temperatures, but still qualifies as warm.
Does It Rain in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Rain becomes exceptionally rare in March, falling within the driest stretch of the year. The month sits firmly in dry season, when March receives approximately 0.3 inches (7.6 millimeters) of rainfall across the entire 31-day period, with typically just 2 days experiencing any measurable precipitation. You might see an occasional brief shower, but extended periods of rain aren't part of the March experience.
Is March Part of the Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta?
March falls squarely within the dry season, which runs from November through May. The month represents the middle of this six-month period of minimal precipitation, meaning you're experiencing some of the most stable weather patterns of the year.
Rainy season doesn't begin until June, a full three months after March ends, which creates a clear separation between conditions you'll encounter and the summer monsoon patterns that transform the region later.
Should You Worry About Hurricanes and Storms in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity concentrated in August through October. March falls well before hurricane season begins, which means tropical storms and severe weather systems pose virtually no risk to your travel plans.
The stable atmospheric conditions that define the dry season create predictable, calm weather patterns. You can book activities and tours with confidence that severe weather won't disrupt your plans.
Is It Windy in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Light breezes averaging 6.7 to 8.9 mph create pleasant conditions rather than disruptive wind. March technically ranks as the windiest month of the year, but that designation comes with context: the speeds remain mild enough that beach umbrellas stay stable and water activities proceed comfortably.
The afternoon breeze actually enhances comfort during the warmest part of the day, and the consistent pattern means you can time activities around the conditions you prefer.
What Wildlife Shows Up in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Humpback whales complete their migration season in March, with the official season running December through March. March marks the final month of whale season. You may still see breaching and surface activity during this period.
Does the Weather Affect Tours in Puerto Vallarta During March?
March weather creates excellent conditions for tours. Calm seas with typical wave heights around two feet make boat tours comfortable, including whale watching and snorkeling trips. Enhanced underwater visibility makes diving and snorkeling exceptional. Zipline and adventure tours operate at full capacity with dry trails and accessible terrain.
The moderate 82°F temperatures make physically demanding activities like ATV tours and hiking more comfortable than summer's intense heat. Because March falls within high tourist season, popular tours book quickly; reserve spots one to two weeks in advance.
What to Bring for Puerto Vallarta in March
March's conditions in Puerto Vallarta mean you'll want specific gear to stay comfortable and make the most of your trip. Lightweight, breathable fabrics handle the 82°F daytime temperatures, while one light sweater manages the evening drop to the low 60s. Pack multiple swimsuits for water activities.
Sun protection becomes your highest priority: a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve swim shirts with UPF protection handle extended outdoor time effectively. Skip heavy rain gear since the 0.3 inches of monthly rainfall makes it unnecessary weight in your luggage.
For a complete breakdown of exactly what to bring, check out our detailed guide: What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta in March.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in March
March brings specific advantages to Puerto Vallarta. Whale watching reaches its finale before the migration ends, with calm seas and clear skies creating ideal viewing conditions for the season's final month. Water sports benefit from warm 75°F ocean temperatures and enhanced visibility that makes snorkeling and diving particularly rewarding. The comfortable temperature range, warm enough for beach days but cool enough for physical activity, opens up adventure tours (https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en/tours/adrenaline-vallarta), zipline tours, and ATV excursions without the extreme heat that arrives later in the year.
We've put together a full guide covering the top experiences: Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in March.
Our Top Pick to Enjoy the Best of Puerto Vallarta in March
Watching humpback whales breach and surface in their natural habitat creates the kind of memory that defines a trip. March's calm seas mean you'll stay steady on the boat with your eyes on the water instead of fighting seasickness, and the final weeks of migration bring opportunities to see surface activity before the whales head north. The Whale Watching + Outdoor Adventure delivers this experience, then takes you into the jungle to rappel beside waterfalls, zipline through canopy, and hike the Sierra Madre foothills.
March's dry season conditions mean accessible trails and clear visibility both underwater and through the forest canopy. Transportation, equipment, and meals included. March timing takes advantage of the final weeks of whale season combined with consistent dry season conditions ideal for outdoor adventure activities.
You're Ready for Puerto Vallarta in March
Now you know what Puerto Vallarta weather looks like in March. You can plan around the temperatures, prepare for minimal rain, and time your activities to match the conditions. Dry season stability means tours run smoothly without weather interruptions. Whether you're here for the ocean, the wildlife, or the adventures, March has something worth experiencing before the season shifts.
Ready to experience Puerto Vallarta's best March has to offer? Browse our full selection of Puerto Vallarta tours, from whale watching to snorkeling, zipline adventures, and cultural explorations. Popular tours fill up fast during high season, so book ahead and arrive ready to experience Puerto Vallarta's optimal weather.