Mexico City - Things to Do in Mexico City in March

Things to Do in Mexico City in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Mexico City

25°C (78°F) High Temp
11°C (51°F) Low Temp
13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect dry season weather - March sits in the sweet spot between January's crowds and April's heat, with daily highs around 25°C (78°F) and almost no rain
  • Jacaranda season transforms the city into a purple paradise - these trees bloom throughout March, particularly spectacular in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Chapultepec Park
  • Lower accommodation prices compared to peak winter months - hotel rates drop 15-25% after February as international visitors decrease before Easter
  • Ideal conditions for exploring outdoor markets and street food - comfortable temperatures from 6am-10am and 4pm-8pm make market hopping enjoyable without the scorching April heat

Considerations

  • Temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) between day and night require layered packing - mornings start at 11°C (51°F) but afternoons reach 25°C (78°F)
  • Air quality deteriorates as the dry season progresses - pollution levels typically increase throughout March, especially noticeable for visitors with respiratory sensitivities
  • Spring break overlap in mid-March can drive up prices at trendy neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Polanco during the second and third weeks

Best Activities in March

Teotihuacan Pyramid Climbing Tours

March offers ideal conditions for climbing the ancient pyramids - cool morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) make the 65m (213 ft) ascent of Pyramid of the Sun comfortable, while minimal rainfall means clear views of the entire complex. The dry season also provides perfect lighting for photography of the Avenue of the Dead.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 5-7 days ahead, typically costing 800-1,200 MXN ($45-70 USD). Choose early morning departures (7am-8am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for tours that include the tunnel system beneath the Feathered Serpent Pyramid. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Tours

March's dry weather and warm afternoons create perfect conditions for floating through the ancient canal system. Water levels are stable, and the comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperature range makes 2-3 hour boat rides enjoyable. Weekday visits offer a more authentic experience with local families rather than party boats.

Booking Tip: Private trajineras cost 500-800 MXN ($30-45 USD) per hour for up to 20 people. Book through registered operators at the main dock (Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas) rather than street touts. Bring your own food and drinks - vendors on boats charge 3x normal prices. Current booking options available in the widget below.

Historic Center Walking Food Tours

Cool March mornings and moderate humidity make walking the dense historic center comfortable for 3-4 hour food tours. This is peak season for street food - vendors are out in full force, and seasonal specialties like fresh nopales (cactus paddles) and spring squash blossoms are available at local markets.

Booking Tip: Group food tours range from 600-1,200 MXN ($35-70 USD) and should include at least 8-10 tastings. Book tours that start by 10am or after 4pm to avoid midday heat. Look for tours covering Mercado de San Juan and avoiding tourist traps around Zócalo. See current food tour options below.

Chapultepec Park and Museum Circuit

March's mild temperatures and blooming jacaranda trees make Chapultepec's 686 hectares (1,695 acres) perfect for a full-day cultural exploration. The park's elevation provides relief from city heat, and clear skies offer stunning views from Chapultepec Castle. Multiple world-class museums are within walking distance.

Booking Tip: Museum combination tickets cost 200-400 MXN ($12-25 USD). Book skip-the-line tickets for Anthropology Museum online - March weekends see heavy local visitor traffic. Allow 6-8 hours for castle, anthropology museum, and park exploration. Most museums are closed Mondays. Current museum tours available in booking section.

Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tours

March's comfortable walking weather makes exploring cobblestone Coyoacán ideal. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets provide natural shade, and outdoor cafés extend their hours. This is also when local artists set up more outdoor exhibitions in the main plaza, taking advantage of the reliable weather.

Booking Tip: Frida Kahlo Museum tickets must be booked online 2-3 weeks ahead - they sell out faster in March due to perfect weather for the outdoor Blue House gardens. Tickets cost 250-300 MXN ($15-18 USD). Combine with Diego Rivera Museum visits. Check current availability and tours in the booking widget below.

Roma Norte and Condesa Neighborhood Cycling

March offers ideal cycling weather with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures. These trendy neighborhoods showcase the city's best jacaranda displays along tree-lined avenues like Amsterdam and Michoacán. Sunday's 'Muévete en Bici' program closes major streets to cars from 8am-2pm.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost 200-400 MXN ($12-25 USD) per day through EcoBici stations or private shops. Guided neighborhood tours range from 500-800 MXN ($30-45 USD) for 3-4 hours including stops at local markets and design shops. Book tours that include both neighborhoods plus Doctores market. See current cycling tour options below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Festival del Centro Histórico

This major cultural festival transforms the historic center with outdoor concerts, theater performances, and art installations. Free events take place in plazas, courtyards, and colonial buildings, showcasing both international and Mexican artists across music, dance, and visual arts.

March 21

Día de la Primavera (Spring Day)

March 21st marks the official start of spring with celebrations across the city's parks, particularly Chapultepec and Alameda Central. Families picnic, musicians perform, and vendors sell seasonal flowers and foods. Many museums offer free admission to celebrate the season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton layers - temperature swings from 11°C (51°F) morning to 25°C (78°F) afternoon require versatile clothing you can add or remove
SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at the city's 2,240m (7,350 ft) elevation, making sun exposure intense even on cloudy days
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - you'll walk 8-15 km (5-9 miles) daily on uneven colonial cobblestones and modern concrete
Light jacket or sweater for evenings - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially in outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars
Portable water bottle - dry air at high altitude increases dehydration risk, and you'll want to avoid plastic waste in this environmentally conscious city
Cash in small bills (50, 100, 200 peso notes) - street food vendors, markets, and local transportation rarely accept cards or large bills
Dust mask or N95 for sensitive individuals - March air quality can worsen due to seasonal wind patterns carrying dust from surrounding valleys
Compact umbrella - while March is dry, occasional brief afternoon showers can catch you between metro stations
Electrical adapter (Type A/B) and portable charger - you'll use your phone constantly for maps, translation, and photos during long walking days
Anti-pollution skincare or face wipes - the combination of dry air, elevation, and urban pollution can irritate sensitive skin

Insider Knowledge

Visit markets between 8am-11am when vendors display their best produce and prices haven't inflated for tourists - locals shop early and you'll get the authentic experience plus better deals
Take advantage of Sunday's free museum admissions for Mexican nationals - many museums extend this to all visitors, and you'll experience attractions alongside local families rather than tour groups
Use the new Line 12 metro extension opened in late 2024 to reach southern neighborhoods like Mixcoac and Coyoacán - it's faster than the old bus connections and costs the same 5 pesos
Book restaurant reservations for 2pm-4pm or after 8pm - Mexico City dining times differ from tourist expectations, and you'll get better service during local meal periods rather than fighting tourist rushes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the altitude impact - visitors often feel winded climbing stairs or walking uphill during their first 2-3 days at 2,240m (7,350 ft) elevation
Wearing synthetic fabrics in March humidity - polyester and nylon become uncomfortable as temperatures rise, while cotton and linen breathe better in 70% humidity
Planning too many activities for the first few days - the combination of altitude, time changes, and sensory overload means most visitors need 2-3 days to adjust their pace

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