10 Things to Do in Cancun in March

Is Cancun one of your next spring destinations and is this natural paradise one of your dream trips? In this article you will see what to do in March in Cancun so you can go with all possible precautions and enjoy one of the trips of your life.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in March

Cancun | ©Sarah Frühwirt

Party, nature, sports and adventure. Cancun is a perfect destination for all tastes as it has a lot to do and see. In spring, the Mexican region offers even more attractions as the pleasant temperatures invite you to visit the city exclusively for the enjoyment of tourists.

If you travel at this time of year, you can't be afraid of the crowds of American students and locals who flock to the city during the long-awaited spring break. But you can also take a trip to the beautiful cenotes, relax on a boat ride or get to know the Mayan civilization up close by visiting its museum or the incredible pyramids of Chichen Itza, taking advantage of the equinox. Read on to discover more plans...

1. Experience the magic of the spring equinox in Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá.| ©triqui•triqui•tran
Chichén Itzá.| ©triqui•triqui•tran

At the spring equinox the sun strikes directly over the equator, and the length of day and night are equal everywhere on Earth. This astronomical ephemeris, in Cancun has a special meaning because you can see the descent of the God KuKulkan.

The God Kukulkan was a Mayan deity, and his cult was one of the most important in Mesoamerica. When the spring equinox arrives, the effects of light and shadow, allows to see the descent of this God, thanks to the structural designs made by the Mayas thousands of years ago.

The place to admire this event is in the pyramids of Chichen Itza. The pyramids have a height of 24 meters and a rectangular base of 55.5 meters wide. In addition, on each side of the pyramid there are steps of 91 steps each, except one that has one more step, resulting in a total of 365 steps, representing one for each day of the year.

When the afternoon falls, and the sun approaches, shadows begin to appear on one of the faces of the pyramid. Specifically it takes place on the north side of the pyramid. Nowadays there are many people who go to see this event, and it is still surprising how something could have been built so many years ago with such precision.

Book a tour to Chichen Itza

2. Explore the rainforest in an off-road vehicle

Jeep tour in Cancun| ©baffalie
Jeep tour in Cancun| ©baffalie

Adventure awaits you in Cancun and this is probably one of the reasons you have chosen Cancun as your spring travel destination. The good temperatures of this time of the year make it one of the best times to travel to the region because it allows you to do countless outdoor activities, such as exploring the rainforest aboard a 4x4.

There are off-road tours that include multi-adventure packs: from driving this type of vehicle through the Mayan jungle, to a refreshing swim in a cenote or a jump on a zip line. A whole circuit designed for the most adventurous tourists.

Reserve an ATV tour

3. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day in the Caribbean.

St. Patrick's Day| ©Jeanne Beckon
St. Patrick's Day| ©Jeanne Beckon

Although it is of Irish origin, as it celebrates the commemoration of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday extends to Cancun. The celebration of this day in places as far away as Mexico and Ireland is due to the defense made by a battalion of the European country against American troops in favor of Mexico, since they shared the same religion.

It was the so-called "St. Patrick's Battalion", which makes that, at present, the relationship that was forged on that mythical day is still preserved, in fact, there is a large Irish population that still lives in Mexico. The most representative of St. Patrick's Day, which is usually celebrated on March 17, is that people wear green to commemorate it, and it is also celebrated in a popular way, in bars, restaurants, and hotels, also dyed in the typical green color that represents the celebration, and eating and drinking Irish style.

4. Recharge your energy by swimming in a cenote

Yax Muul Cenote| ©Rudy and Valerie
Yax Muul Cenote| ©Rudy and Valerie

The cenotes are deep wells whose waters are supplied by the filtration of rain and river currents. The temperature of its waters is approximately 24 ºC, which makes it ideal for cooling off and swimming in them. For nature lovers, it is still a paradise. That's why you can't leave Cancun without going on an excursion to the cenotes.

The waters of these natural pools are so crystalline that it is even believed that they have energy regenerating properties, since even the Mayas used them for their rituals. In many of them, various materials have been found and even gold or fabrics, which are considered to be offerings to the gods by the Mayas.

In Cancun, there are many types of popular cenotes, the most popular are:

  • Dos ojos
  • Cenote House
  • Big Cenote
  • Garden of Eden
  • Yokdzonot
  • Chac Moo

Each and every one of them, have the common denominator of being a spectacle for nature lovers, which, although they are visible and can be visited throughout the year, during the spring, by the mild temperatures, are even more special.

Also in them you can practice many of the activities you can do in Cancun, such as diving or snorkeling.

Book an excursion to a cenote

5. Take an excursion to the paradisiacal Isla Mujeres

Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr
Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr

Isla Mujeres is a small island very close to Cancun. Like the rest of the region, it is a major attraction for tourists who want to enjoy nature at its best in addition to the Caribbean beaches. It is considered to have the best beach in the world, Playa Norte, so booking one of the organized excursions to Isla Mujeres is, without a doubt, a must on your trip to Cancun.

A particularity of this beach is that you can walk a little more than 200 meters, that the water will not exceed the waist. In spring it is usually high season, so it is possible that there are quite a few tourists. Despite this, it is worth enjoying the sunrise and sun set on this beach.

On the beach, you have the possibility of renting sun beds and umbrellas, as well as snorkeling equipment and even kayaks for water sports. So the experience can be unforgettable.

Book an excursion to Isla Mujeres

6. Enjoy nature to the fullest at Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park| ©Ben & Gab
Xcaret Park| ©Ben & Gab

As usual, the fauna and flora are one of the main attractions of Cancun, and Xcaret Park was not going to be less, also in spring. This park brings together all the natural attractions that can be found in Cancun: cenotes, archeology, adventure, partying, and even enjoying the authentic Caribbean rainforest.

The park also has several trails, the main one being the one that runs through a subway river where you can dive with the company of fish.

It also has an aviary, coral reef aquarium and a butterfly farm, among many other attractions. And as if this were not enough, at night the park organizes shows for visitors, not to mention that admission is free for children under four years old.

The park has so many activities, which makes it one of the main attractions for the whole family, certainly one of the top 10 things to do in Cancun with children.

Book an excursion to Xcaret Park

7. Discover an ancient civilization at the Mayan Museum in Cancun

Cancun Mayan Museum| ©David Stanley
Cancun Mayan Museum| ©David Stanley

The Mayan Museum of Cancun has the privilege of being the first archaeological museum of the city, which after the inclemency of hurricanes that made the museum closed on several occasions, was finally opened to the public in 2012.

Of avant-garde architecture, it has one of the most significant archaeological collections in the region. It exhibits pieces found in the state of Quintana Roo, as well as objects from ancient Mayan sites such as Palenque and Chichen Itza.

The museum's open-air setting allows visitors to enjoy nature and incredible views of the jungle. Admission to the museum also includes access to the archaeological site of San Miguelito.

8. Have fun in the party places with the students.

Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum
Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum

If you are going to Cancun not only to connect with the oasis of nature, but also in search of a few days of fun, the month of March is ideal. The nightlife in the region is famous for being varied and promises endless partying. But if you add to that the "Spring Break" or beginning of the students' vacation, the partying is guaranteed.

Coming from the United States, Canada, Argentina or even Mexicans themselves, university students take advantage of this break to spend a few days of disconnection in Cancun. The party extends from the beach resorts to the macro discos, some of them with a capacity of up to 5,000 people, such as the famous Coco Bongo.

Spring Break begins at the end of February and lasts until the beginning of April, but its peak is in March. If you travel during these dates, get ready to enjoy a few days of fun while meeting people from many countries. But I also warn you: if you move around the bar area during these dates, be prepared for crowds and a non-stop party atmosphere.

9. Sail the Caribbean Sea aboard a catamaran

Boat in Cancun| ©Justin Kenneth Rowley
Boat in Cancun| ©Justin Kenneth Rowley

If instead of so many parties, or -why not- after one of them, you prefer to enjoy a peaceful boat ride, Cancun also has a wide offer in this type of activities, highly demanded by tourists of all ages.

The incredible beaches of Cancun are waiting for you in this idyllic paradise of turquoise waters and ultra-fine sands. You can reach any of them aboard a comfortable catamaran, a boat that will hardly make you notice the waves because its structure, created for the leisure of the passengers, will make you have a very smooth and stable navigation.

There are organized excursions for all budgets. Therefore, boat trips in Cancun are a perfect option to relax for a few hours in the Mexican Caribbean.

Book a catamaran tour in Cancun

10. Commemorate the birth of Benito Juárez

The Little Meritus of the Americas| ©Justin D
The Little Meritus of the Americas| ©Justin D

March 21st is a holiday throughout the Riviera Maya as it is the day of the birth of one of the founders of Mexico, Benito Juarez. On this day, concerts and exhibitions are held in the city in commemoration of the man known as the "Benemérito de las Américas".

Benito Juárez was one of Mexico's most important presidents. Among other things, he separated church and state property. He also enacted the law that adopted his name "Juarez Law", before becoming president, a law that annulled the privileges of the military and presbyters and led to his imprisonment, along with many other citizens.

What weather awaits you in March in Cancun

Playa Langosta| ©Quiero Cancun
Playa Langosta| ©Quiero Cancun

During the month of March, Cancun enjoys sunny days, which makes it conducive to taking advantage of the beaches and long walks outside. In fact, it is unlikely to rain during this month, but even so, if there is any rain, it will be occasional.

Temperatures in Cancun during the month of March usually range between a maximum of 29 ºC, and a minimum of 21 ºC. These temperatures make for a very pleasant stay in Cancun, and you will rarely find more favorable temperatures than these!

Prices in Cancun during the month of March

Money in Dollars| ©Karolina Grabowska
Money in Dollars| ©Karolina Grabowska

Coupled with the weather conditions, and the pleasant temperatures, it is not surprising that tourists choose Cancun as one of the favorite destinations for the month of March. What does this choice bring? Well, as the number of tourists increases, prices also rise.

So if you choose Cancun as a destination during these months, your budget must be prepared to accompany this price increase. Obviously, the destination deserves it, and there are aspects such as the weather, and the landscapes, that the price for many is secondary.

Cancun also becomes the protagonist of "Spring Break", which coincides with the vacation of students from universities in the United States and Canada, and most head there, to enjoy a vacation accompanied by partying.

Do not forget that Cancun is the "official capital of Mexico to have a good time" with great access to the Caribbean Sea. And although the beaches are its main attraction, there is so much more to do!