10 Things to Do in Mexico City in March
March marks the beginning of spring in Mexico City and with it also the beginning of outdoor activities in the warm and mild weather. Here are the festivals and activities you can enjoy in the Mexican capital during your visit.
If you're planning to visit Mexico City in March, you'll find the weather is pleasant and balmy for outdoor activities and discovering Mexico City's natural sites, but you'll also be able to attend a host of festivals, fairs and events and experience the beginning of spring in the capital.
Some of the best things to see and do in Mexico City in March include taking in the views from the Torre Latinoamericana, experiencing St Patrick's Day in the city's bars, enjoying the Vive Latino Festival, attending the Flower and Garden Festival, checking out the Estadio Azteca during the start of the season and enjoying the Early Music Festival.
1. See the city's skyline from the Torre Latinoamericana in the best weather.
The Torre Latinoamericana is an icon of Mexico City, a skyscraper that was built in 1956 and for many years was the tallest building in Latin America. At 182 metres high, it offers an unmissable view of the city from its observation deck on the 44th floor. But besides being a popular tourist spot, this tower is also an ideal place to enjoy the best weather in March.
In March the Federal District experiences dry and warm weather, which is ideal for discovering the panoramic views of the capital without the stifling heat of summer or the cold and cloudy temperatures of winter or autumn. From the viewpoint you will be able to see some of the most emblematic attractions of the city, such as the Zocalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Chapultepec Forest.
However, the view is not the only thing the Torre Latinoamericana has to offer. It also has a permanent exhibition showing the history of the tower and Mexico City, as well as a revolving restaurant on the 41st floor offering Mexican food and a unique panoramic view.
2. Experience St. Patrick's Day in the bars of Mexico City
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday of Irish origin that is celebrated all over the world on March 17th. Mexico is no exception and many bars and restaurants join the celebration by offering special events and promotions in honour of the patron saint of Ireland, so if you want to experience St. Patrick's Day in Mexico, don't miss the opportunity to visit the most popular bars in the city!
Colonia Roma is one of the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City and also the area where several themed bars are concentrated to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. There you can enjoy Celtic music and a variety of Irish and imported beers.
You can also find Irish bars in the Zona Rosa, as well as pubs with a festive atmosphere and themed decorations, which are often included in the best tours of Mexico City during St. Patrick's Day.
For the full experience, be sure to dress in the colours of the Irish flag: green, white and orange. Many bars offer themed activities such as costume contests, live music and special beer tastings.
3. Enjoy the Vive Latino International Festival
The Vive Latino International Festival is one of the most important events in Mexico and Latin America dedicated to alternative music. Held annually in March, it brings together some of the most prominent artists of the genre, as well as thousands of music lovers from all over the world. The festival takes place at the Foro Sol, one of Mexico City's largest stadiums, and features a multi-day programme.
Since its creation in 1998, Vive Latino has become a benchmark for alternative music in the region, offering a platform for emerging and established artists from different genres and countries. In addition to concerts, the festival offers a wide range of cultural and gastronomic activities, such as art exhibitions, workshops, record fairs and typical Mexican food.
During Vive Latino, Mexico City becomes a centre of alternative music culture, attracting tourists and locals alike. It is a unique opportunity to discover new artists and experience the diversity of the Latin American music scene, as well as to enjoy one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
4. Take part in the Mexico City Theatre Festival
The Mexico City Theatre Festival is one of the most important cultural events in Mexico. This festival is held annually in March and brings together artists, actors and theatre companies from all over the world to present their works in some of the city's most important theatres.
During this event, you can enjoy a wide variety of theatrical genres, from classics to contemporary and experimental productions. In addition, the festival offers workshops, round tables and conferences, which provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the art of theatre and meet other theatre enthusiasts.
If you are passionate about theatre, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Festival de Teatro del Distrito Federal. This festival is a great way to experience the excitement and creativity of theatre, and to explore some of Mexico's most important theatres at one of the best times to visit the Mexican capital.
5. Attend the Festival of Flowers and Gardens
March is an ideal time to enjoy the pleasant weather in Mexico City, and one of the best ways to do so is to attend the Flower and Garden Festival. This annual event takes place at the UNAM Botanical Garden, and is a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of local and worldwide plants and flowers.
During the festival, you can walk along the garden paths and admire the thematic garden exhibits, such as cactus gardens, water gardens and aromatic plant gardens. In addition, there are workshops and lectures to learn about gardening and plant care.
There is no better way to end the day than with a picnic in the garden, where you can sample local foods and enjoy nature at its best. If you love nature and gardening, don't miss the Flower and Garden Festival in March in Mexico City.
6. Take a tour of the canals of Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners visiting Mexico City. In March, it is the perfect time to enjoy a tour in the famous colourful boats called trajineras through the canals of this area of the city, where you can appreciate beautiful flowers and exotic vegetation, as well as local culture and traditions.
During the trajinera ride you can listen to live music, taste typical Mexican food and traditional drinks such as tequila and beer at stalls that are usually included in the best gastronomic tours of Mexico City. In addition, local artisans offer a wide variety of products and souvenirs such as hats and ceramic objects.
If you plan to visit the Mexican capital in March, I recommend spending a full afternoon in Xochimilco, as the sunlight is perfect to enjoy the natural landscapes, and at sunset you will be able to appreciate a show of lights and colours on the water.
This tourist destination is also ideal for photography lovers, as it offers plenty of opportunities to capture unique and unforgettable moments.
7. Tour the National Ice Cream Fair
In March, Mexico City is the stage for one of the sweetest and most refreshing fairs: the National Ice Cream Fair. This fair is held in different venues around the city, where the best ice cream makers in the country come together to offer a wide variety of flavours and styles of ice cream.
In this event you can visit the different stands and try from the classic flavours such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, to the more exotic ones such as chili, mole and tequila, typical of the local gastronomy. In addition, the fair has various activities for the whole family, such as ice cream eating contests, ice cream making workshops and live shows.
In addition to enjoying the delicious ice cream, attendees can also learn about the history and culture behind this popular dessert around the world. So, if you're an ice cream lover, you can't miss this fair that makes a cult of flavour and is available all day for several days, making it one of the best things to do in Mexico City at night.
8. Experience the beginning of spring
In March, Mexico City prepares to welcome spring. With warmer weather and longer days, the city's inhabitants take to the streets to enjoy nature at its best. Parks and gardens fill with colourful flowers and trees begin to sprout new leaves.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate the beginning of spring in the city is by visiting the Bosque de Chapultepec and its picturesque castle, which houses the National History Museum. This huge park is the green lung of the city and offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, from bike and boat rides to visits to the different museums and recreational areas.
Another way to enjoy spring in the city is to visit the UNAM Botanical Garden and the Chapultepec Botanical Garden, which have a wide variety of plants and flowers to admire. You can also take part in workshops and guided tours to learn more about Mexico's flora.
9. Catch a football match at the Azteca Stadium
The Azteca Stadium is a must-see for football fans in Mexico, and March marks the start of the football season in the country. Attending a match at this venue is a unique experience for sports fans, as it is the largest stadium in Mexico and one of the largest in the world.
The Azteca Stadium is home to Club America, one of the most popular and successful teams in Mexico. The team's matches are well attended, as fans gather to cheer on their team. In addition, the stadium has hosted numerous international football matches, including the 1970 World Cup final that crowned Pelé and the 1986 World Cup final that gave the title to Diego Maradona.
Attending a match at the Estadio Azteca in March is quite an experience, as teams are just starting to show their potential and fans are eager to see how they will perform in the season. In addition, the weather in March is pleasant and spring-like, making it perfect for enjoying an outdoor football match.
10. Enjoy the Mexico City Early Music Festival
The Early Music Festival is an annual event that captivates lovers of classical and baroque music. For several days, the city is filled with harmonies and melodies of past times, performed by talented musicians and ensembles specialised in early music.
This festival, which is held in March every year, brings together renowned national and international performers who will transport you to past times through their instruments and voices. The concerts are held in historic sites such as churches and ancient theatres, like the Teatro de la Paz, providing an intimate and immersive experience for the audience.
In addition to the concerts, this festival also offers lectures, workshops and exhibitions related to the genre. These complementary activities allow attendees to delve deeper into the historical and artistic context of early music, further enriching their experience.
One of the highlights of the festival is the diversity of musical styles presented, from Renaissance music to early Baroque. Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy masterpieces by iconic composers of the era, performed with mastery and passion by guest artists.
Temperatures in Mexico City in March
March is a month when temperatures in Mexico City gradually start to rise after the cold winter weather. During the day, the average temperature is around 24 °C, while at night it drops to around 12 °C. Sunny and warm days are common.
Note that March is also the month when Mexico City is in its dry season, which means that rainfall is less frequent compared to other months of the year. This makes it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or simply relaxing in a park.
Mexico City's tourist flow in March
March is a very attractive month to visit Mexico City, and is considered high season due to a significant increase in the number of tourists. Many visitors flock to the city in search of warm, dry weather to escape the rigours of winter in other parts of the world. In addition, numerous festivals and cultural events take place during this month.
Despite the higher number of tourists, prices in Mexico City in March can be more affordable than in the months of December and January. Many hotels and restaurants offer promotions and discounts in the low season, so it is possible to find good deals if you book early.
Prices in Mexico City in March
March is an interesting month to visit Mexico City in terms of prices. In general, costs tend to be lower than if you visit Mexico City in December and January, when there is a large influx of tourists for the Christmas and New Year holidays. In addition, many establishments offer special promotions and discounts in March to attract visitors.
Accommodation prices can vary depending on the area of the city where the tourist is staying. In general, luxury hotels and popular tourist areas can be more expensive. However, there are more affordable options in other areas of the city, especially if you take the precaution of booking in advance.
What to pack for a visit to Mexico City in March?
March is a month with warm to hot temperatures and dry weather, so I recommend packing the following:
- Warm T-shirt
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket
- Lightweight trousers
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Wool jumper
- Lightweight coat