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

Are you looking for a perfect spring break destination? Look no further! Visiting Tulum in March promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Located in the state of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is one of the trendiest beach destinations in Mexico, offering stunning views of azure waters and pristine white beaches.

With its unique atmosphere – vibrant culture, ancient ruins, and bustling nightlife – this town is sure to make your vacation one you’ll never forget.

In this post, I’ll be talking about what to expect when you visit Tulum during March regarding weather, events, things to do, and more. Let’s begin by covering the weather.

Weather in Tulum in March – At a Glance

Tulum, Mexico is a popular destination for spring breakers and travelers alike. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum’s year-round warm weather makes it an ideal spot to beat the winter blues.

March is no different when it comes to perfect beach-going temps. Here’s what to expect in terms of temperatures.

Temperature in Tulum in March

It’s no surprise that many people flock to this tropical paradise in March when the temperature is just right for enjoying all that Tulum has to offer.

Average daytime temperatures reach around 77°F (25°C) with highs of 88°F (31°C). At night, the temperature cools off to around 60 – 70 °F (16 – 21 °C), providing relief from the heat of the day.

Some nights can get a bit chilly so it would help to pack some warm clothes for those.

Precipitation in Tulum in March

March is the driest month of the year in Tulum. According to historical data, precipitation during March averages only 21mm throughout the month.

This makes it the least rainy period in Tulum with just a few days of light showers.

Even when these showers occur, they pass quickly enough within an hour in most cases. So you won’t need to cancel/reschedule any plans.

Sunshine in Tulum in March

Sunshine and warm weather are one of the biggest pulls of this idyllic town, and March certainly delivers on both.

You can expect an average of around 8.5 hours of sunshine every day, with at least 14 sunny days in the month (without any rain showers).

That’s plenty to enjoy everything Tulum has to offer.

Sea water temperature

The average seawater temperature in Tulum during the month of March is around 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius).

This makes it an ideal time to go swimming, snorkeling, or just relax on the beach.

This temperature is perfect for staying in the water for extended periods, and you won’t feel uncomfortable.

The warm waters make it a popular destination for travelers looking to experience all this beautiful beach town offers.

Sargassum Seaweed in Tulum in March

Sargassum seaweed has been an unwelcome addition to the beaches of Tulum, Mexico. This seaweed is a type of brown algae that washes up onto shorelines in tropical and temperate areas across the world.

While the seaweed is helpful for the environment, it can make Tulum’s otherwise pristine beaches unpleasant.

Will it be a problem during your stay in March? Luckily, it’s highly unlikely. Sargassum seaweed starts accumulating on Tulum’s beaches in the warmer months, towards the end of April.

While its schedule is becoming unpredictable due to global warming, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have to deal with it during your visit in March.

Tulum’s beaches usually remain as picturesque as ever during this month.

Events in Tulum in March

🙏🏼 Alborada Maya

The Alborada Maya is an annual festival that takes place in Tulum every March. The founding families of the town use this festival to thank God for various blessings and pray for a good rest of the year.

The event mainly consists of traditional Mayan dances, music, and prayers that can be enjoyed by all who attend.

🍷 Wine and Food Festival

Mexico is famous for its excellent cuisine, and there’s no better time to enjoy that cuisine than at this festival.

For 5 days in March, locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible variety of cuisine, both international and Mexican, from some of the world’s best chefs while also partaking in a delightful selection of wines.

There are also quite a few activities available, including food competitions, golfing, and beach parties.

🌞 Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza

The Mayans were master architects of their time, and you get to see that in practice at Chichen Itza on Spring Equinox.

Each year on March 20^th, people gather to witness the incredible phenomenon known as “the descent of Kukulcan”, or “the feathered serpent” when the afternoon light hits the pyramid at Chichen Itza.

There are a lot of activities going on as well, including a light show and performances from various artists.

It’s worth mentioning that Chichen Itza will be very crowded by both tourists and locals on March 20^th.

If you’re not a fan of crowds, you can witness the same phenomenon two days before or after the Spring Equinox (March 18^th or 22^nd).

Pros of Visiting Tulum in March

✅ The weather in March is perfect; warm and sunny but not too hot. Humidity is still relatively low compared to the summer months, and there’s plenty of sunshine to go around.

✅ The ocean is warm enough for swimming during March. In fact, at 78.8 F (28 C), the water temperature is very enjoyable.

✅ March is the driest month of the year, with very little rainfall. This means you’ll get to enjoy everything Tulum has to offer, both indoors and outdoors, without having to cancel or move your plans due to inclement conditions.

✅ As March is part of the high season, there are countless activities available to tourists. Whether you’re into watersports, hiking, exploring the Mayan ruins, lounging on the beach, or something else, one thing’s for sure, you’ll have a grand time.

✅ You’ll get to visit the Spring Equinox event at Chichen Itza.

✅ The ocean temperature is perfect for swimming in.

✅ Nightlife in Tulum during March is probably at its most vibrant because of the crowds of tourists and spring breakers in town. Those who love partying will find the town very enjoyable in March.

Cons of Visiting Tulum in March

👎 Tulum might be more crowded than usual because in addition to the usual tourists during the high season, spring breakers also love to visit Riviera Maya to party and enjoy.

👎 You might have trouble finding accommodations, flights, and event tickets on short notice. Almost everywhere will be booked to capacity.

👎 Due to high demand, a trip to Tulum in this month will cost noticeably more than if you visit in the shoulder or low seasons (May to November).

👎 Those of you who are planning to swim with whale sharks should wait until June at least. While the weather is very enjoyable in March, whale sharks don’t start arriving in the ocean around Tulum until mid to late May.

Things to Do in Tulum in March

► Enjoy the beach life

The beautiful beaches of Tulum are calling! There is no better way to enjoy the warm March weather than to visit this Mexican Caribbean paradise.

With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Tulum has some of the best beaches in the world.

Guests can soak up some vitamin D at Tulum’s excellent beaches, take an excursion to Akumal Bay where they can spot sea turtles swimming around its crystal-clear waters, or go snorkeling in the ocean and explore Mexico’s rich underwater world filled with marine life.

► Go for an adventure in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Visitors to Sian Ka’an can explore ancient Mayan ruins or take part in one of many exciting activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or bird watching.

The reserve also provides limitless opportunities for camping and hiking in its dense foliage; plus, you may even spot some exotic wildlife.

► Explore Mayan ruins in and around Tulum

The ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula are some of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world.

From the renowned Chichen Itza to the less-visited Coba, and from Tulum’s ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea to cenotes hidden deep in jungles, this area is full of fascinating ancient wonders.

Tulum offers an ideal base to explore these remarkable places. In addition to its own archaeological site, visitors can take day trips across the region and discover more about Maya culture and history.

Nearby Chichen Itza is probably Mexico’s most popular Mayan site with tens of thousands of tourists visiting each year, while Coba offers further opportunities to learn about the Mayan civilization.

► Take a day trip to nearby towns

One of the best things about the Riviera Maya is that you have so many opportunities to visit and enjoy nearby towns.

Valladolid is one such town located only 1.5 hours away from Tulum by car. It offers visitors breathtaking colonial-style architecture, stunning cenotes for swimming and exploring, as well as plenty of local restaurants serving up classic Mexican fare.

Then there is Cancun, situated just 2 hours away and home to some of Mexico’s finest luxury hotels and vibrant nightlife scenes.

Alternatively, hop on a ferry headed for Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, both islands offer incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities and Isla Mujeres is famous for its luxurious resorts and breathtaking beaches.

Tips For Visiting Tulum in March

✔️ Book your accommodations and tickets early. March is part of the high season and is also very popular among spring breakers. If you’re planning to visit during this month, try to make your bookings as early as possible so you can enjoy the best that this dream town has to offer. You might even be able to score some deals.

✔️ Pack appropriately. The average daytime temperature during March is 77°F (25°C), with highs reaching up to 88°F (31°C). Keeping those conditions in mind, pack light clothing, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors during the day. However, some evenings can get a bit chilly (low 60s °F with windy conditions) so you might also want to bring a sweater or a light jacket.

✔️ Bring plenty of sun protection! March is one of the best months to enjoy the sunshine in Tulum. But you can also get sunburnt if you spend too much time outside during the day without sunscreen. Bring plenty of SPF30 or higher sunscreen for all members of your party so you can enjoy the outdoors safely.

✔️ Don’t forget headwear and footwear. Make sure to pack hats, sunglasses, and proper shoes/boots as extra protection against UV rays and the elements.

✔️ Remember to hydrate. The stunning white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and turquoise-blue waters serve as a backdrop to an unforgettable experience. But there’s one thing that can quickly put a damper on your visit: dehydration. To ensure you make the most of your time in Tulum, it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout your trip. An insulated bottle is key for keeping your drinks at the optimal temperature no matter where you go.

✔️ Have fun! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled family vacation, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay in Tulum. From swimming with turtles in the Caribbean Sea to exploring ancient Mayan ruins and local art galleries, Tulum offers countless opportunities for adventure. And while you’re in town, don’t be afraid to go exploring on your own and find places and activities you’d enjoy.

Tulum packing list for the beach

Where to Stay in Tulum

Here below is my top hotel list in Tulum. If you want to learn more you can check out my post on the best Tulum All-inclusive resorts and the coolest Tulum Mexico Resorts for every budget.

► Best Tulum Hotel on the Beach: Habitas
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for healthy-conscious travelers: Sanara
Book it on  Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Co-living for Digital Nomads: Selinas Tulum
Book it on Hotels.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel in Downtown: Zenses Wellness and Spa
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for a romantic escape: La Valise
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best All-inclusive Hotel in Tulum: Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort (adult only)
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for Families: La Zebra Tulum
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best cheap hotel in Tulum: Hotel Santiago
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia

Tulum in March FAQs

Is March a good time to go to Tulum?

Absolutely! March is the perfect time to visit Tulum for a tropical getaway. Not only is the weather perfect, but there are tons of activities available for tourists to enjoy their time here.

Sun seekers will find endless miles of white sand and crystal-clear waters, while those looking for adventure can explore ancient ruins or go windsurfing, kiteboarding, fishing, or snorkeling.

The nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration with its lagoons, coral reefs, and mangroves home to many different species of animals.

Visitors can take guided tours to spot exotic birds and other wildlife.

Is Tulum busy in March?

In short, yes. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the warm weather and sunny skies that characterize this time of year, and spring breakers also start arriving in town.

The high demand means that visitors should plan ahead and book accommodations early if they want to avoid disappointment during their stay in Tulum.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware that prices could be higher than usual due to increased demand at this time of year.

What is the best time of year to visit Tulum?

Objectively speaking, there’s no one best time to visit Tulum. The answer to this depends on what you’re looking to get from your trip.

The peak season for Tulum starts in December and ends in April – but this does not mean it should be avoided during other times of the year!

During these months, temperatures are mild and rain is minimal making it ideal for beach days and sightseeing.

However, prices tend to be higher and Tulum will be very crowded during these months.

If you are looking to save on cost while still enjoying Tulum with fewer crowds then visiting between May through November will provide a good balance.

May to September is also a great time if you’re planning on swimming with whale sharks.

Is it sunny in Tulum in March?

With an average rainfall of just over 20 mm, March is Tulum’s driest month of the year. During this time, it’s common for sunny days to last well into the later afternoon hours before clouds start to build in the late evening.

While you won’t be guaranteed sunshine every day, visitors can typically count on bright blue skies and plenty of warmth during their trip.

How many days in Tulum is enough?

The length of your stay will depend on what type of traveler you are and how much time you have available.

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, spending two or three days at one of the beach resorts may be all you need.

On the other hand, if sightseeing and adventure are more your style, consider spending at least five or six days.

That way, you can take advantage of all that Tulum has to offer.

Traveling to Tulum in March – Final thoughts

The weather in March is perfect; warm and sunny but not too hot. Average daytime temperatures reach around 77°F with highs of 88°F.

The month of March is also the least rainy period in Tulum with just a few days of light showers.

As March is part of the high season, there are countless activities available to tourists. But also have in mind that due to high demand, a trip to Tulum at this time of the year will cost noticeably more than if you visit in the shoulder or low seasons (May to November).