Mexico, North America
Puerto Vallarta in March
Still excellent, with whales around through most of the month. Spring break and Semana Santa, when it falls in March, push crowds and prices up.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Still excellent, with whales around through most of the month. Spring break and Semana Santa, when it falls in March, push crowds and prices up.
- Weather
- Dry, highs near 82F (28C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Puerto Vallarta
March is still excellent in Puerto Vallarta. It is dry, with highs near 82F (28C), warm afternoons, and pleasant evenings. Whales stay in the bay through most of the month, though sightings thin out toward the end. Spring break brings more visitors, and when Semana Santa falls in March, beaches fill with Mexican families and prices climb.
March suits families on spring break, couples, and anyone who wants dependable sun with a good chance of whales. If you want quieter beaches, avoid the Semana Santa week and the peak spring-break weeks. Early March gives you the best whale odds with slightly fewer people.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.
The last weeks of whale season
Humpbacks are still around for most of the month, so early March trips have strong odds of sightings.
Warming water
The sea warms a little each week, making beach days easier for kids than in January.
Yelapa by water taxi
Dry trails make the walk to Yelapa's waterfall easy, and the boat ride from Los Muertos pier is part of the fun.
What to pack for March
- Water shoes for boat landings on the south shore
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A small dry bag for water taxis
Our timing tip
Check when Semana Santa falls this year, since it moves between March and April, and book well ahead or plan around that week.
Book Puerto Vallarta for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto VallartaOpens a hotel search for Puerto Vallarta in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Puerto VallartaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Puerto VallartaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Puerto Vallarta for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Humpback whale season
December through March
Humpbacks calve and court in Banderas Bay. January and February are the most active weeks.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon and Centro
Walk the waterfront at sunset, then climb into the old town to the Guadalupe church's crown. Evenings are when the Malecon comes alive.
Whale watching in Banderas Bay
December through March. Go with a licensed operator; many trips leave from the Marina and Nuevo Vallarta.
Zona Romantica and Los Muertos Beach
The liveliest neighborhood in town, with the pier, beach bars, and the best walking-and-eating streets.
Yelapa and the south shore
A water taxi from Los Muertos pier reaches Yelapa, Las Animas, and Quimixto. Yelapa's waterfall walk and slow village pace make a great day.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
About 30 minutes south in the mountains, with orchids, a river to swim in, and good birding. Best in the green season or early in the dry season.
Marietas Islands
A protected national park with strict daily limits; the famous hidden beach requires a permit and a licensed tour. Book ahead in high season.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Christmas to New Year and the Semana Santa week; the rest of the dry season is busy but manageable.
- Take whale-watching and Marietas trips on the first departure of the morning, when the bay is calm and boats are fewer.
- Late April and May give you dry weather and much lower prices after the Easter rush.
- Stay in the Zona Romantica or Centro rather than the Hotel Zone if you want to walk everywhere and skip taxis.
Know before you go
- September into early October: some restaurants and smaller hotels close for staff vacation or renovation. Call ahead for specific places.
- Whale tours only run from December to March. Outside those months, the humpbacks are gone.
- The Marietas Islands are periodically closed for environmental recovery and have daily visitor caps. Check with licensed tour operators before you plan around them.
- Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August to October. Direct hits are uncommon, but storms can disrupt flights and boat tours.
Puerto Vallarta in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Still excellent, with whales around through most of the month. Spring break and Semana Santa, when it falls in March, push crowds and prices up.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Dry, highs near 82F (28C).
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in March?
Puerto Vallarta is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Puerto Vallarta in March?
Humpback whale season (december through march).
Keep planning Puerto Vallarta.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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