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Spring Break Packing for Mexico: Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta Weather Breakdown

Spring Break Packing for Mexico: Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta Weather Breakdown

Spring Break Weather Mexico: What March and April Actually Deliver

Mexico's spring break season runs hot, humid, and mostly dry — with key differences between destinations that affect what goes in the suitcase. Cancún averages 84°F (29°C) highs in March, while Puerto Vallarta sits slightly cooler at 82°F (28°C). Both cities see humidity hovering around 70-75%, making that "feels like" temperature creep toward 90°F (32°C) by midday.

The rain situation tells a different story. March brings just 1.2 inches (30mm) to Cancún versus 0.4 inches (10mm) to Puerto Vallarta. April stays dry across both coasts, with less than an inch of rainfall expected. These numbers matter because they determine whether that beach day gets cut short or the cenote excursion needs rain backup plans.

Cancún's Caribbean Climate Reality

Cancún's March weather delivers consistent heat with occasional trade wind relief. Daytime temperatures range from 80-87°F (27-31°C), dropping to 72-75°F (22-24°C) overnight. The Caribbean Sea temperature sits at a comfortable 79°F (26°C) — warm enough for extended swimming without wetsuit considerations.

Humidity peaks around 75% in the morning, climbing higher as afternoon heat builds. This creates that sticky feeling that makes cotton clothing cling and synthetic fabrics feel suffocating. April pushes temperatures up another 2-3°F (1-2°C) while maintaining similar humidity levels.

Rain typically arrives as brief afternoon thunderstorms lasting 30-45 minutes. These downpours can dump significant water quickly, flooding streets temporarily before clearing to sunshine. The WeatherGO app sends push notifications for incoming storms, giving enough time to move indoor plans forward or find covered areas.

Packing Strategy for Cancún

  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts (avoid 100% cotton)
  • Quick-dry swimwear — wet suits stay wet in high humidity
  • Light rain jacket or packable poncho for sudden downpours
  • Breathable sneakers for cenote exploring (flip-flops aren't enough)
  • High SPF sunscreen — UV index hits 10+ daily

Puerto Vallarta's Pacific Patterns

Puerto Vallarta runs 2-4°F (1-2°C) cooler than Cancún but feels more comfortable due to consistent ocean breezes. March highs reach 82°F (28°C) with lows around 65°F (18°C). The Pacific Ocean temperature matches Cancún at 79°F (26°C), though waves tend to be larger and currents stronger.

The city's mountain backdrop creates microclimates. Downtown and the Malecón stay breezy, while inland areas like the Romantic Zone can feel 5-7°F (3-4°C) warmer with less air circulation. Humidity generally runs 5-10% lower than Cancún, making outdoor activities more tolerable during peak afternoon heat.

April brings the driest conditions of the year, with virtually no rainfall expected. This makes it ideal for mountain excursions to places like San Sebastián del Oeste, where temperatures drop 10-15°F (6-8°C) from coastal levels.

Puerto Vallarta Packing Essentials

  • Light layers for elevation changes — mountains run significantly cooler
  • Closed-toe shoes for cobblestone streets in downtown areas
  • Light sweater or hoodie for air-conditioned spaces and evening walks
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (many beaches have coral protection requirements)
  • Quick-dry shorts that work for beach and city exploring

Activity-Based Weather Considerations

Beach time works equally well at both destinations, though Cancún's calmer Caribbean waters suit less confident swimmers better. Puerto Vallarta's Pacific swells make boogie boarding and surfing more viable but require stronger swimming skills.

Archaeological site visits favor Puerto Vallarta's slightly lower temperatures and humidity. Tulum and Chichén Itzá near Cancún become genuinely uncomfortable by 11 AM, when temperatures hit 85°F (29°C) with full sun exposure and minimal shade.

Nightlife requires similar preparation at both destinations — temperatures drop only 8-12°F (4-7°C) from daytime highs, keeping evenings warm and humid. Rooftop bars and beach clubs maintain comfortable conditions with ocean breezes, while indoor clubs can feel stifling without adequate air conditioning.

Weather Pattern Timing

Early March brings the most comfortable conditions at both destinations, before temperatures climb toward their April peaks. Mid-March typically sees the highest tourist crowds but also the most stable weather patterns.

Late March and early April mark the transition toward Mexico's hot season. Expect temperatures to trend upward week by week, with April averages running 3-5°F (2-3°C) above March levels. This timing affects outdoor activity planning — schedule cenote tours, archaeological visits, and hiking excursions for early March when possible.

The Bottom Line

Both destinations deliver reliable spring break weather with minimal rain risk. Cancún runs hotter and more humid but offers calmer water conditions. Puerto Vallarta provides more comfortable daytime temperatures and better mountain escape options when coastal heat becomes overwhelming. Pack for consistent heat, high humidity, and brief but intense rain possibilities regardless of destination choice.