Mazatlán or Puerto Vallarta in March?
On climate data, Puerto Vallarta comes out ahead overall in March. See the per-criterion details below.
MazatlánPhoto: Shane Smith · CC BY-SA 3.0
Puerto VallartaPhoto: Another Believer · CC BY-SA 3.0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Mazatlán | Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 30 °C | 30 °C |
| Average daily low | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| Sea | 22 °C | 24 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 0 rainy days (est.) ★ | 1 rainy day (est.) |
| Sun | 8 h/day | 9 h/day ★ |
| Humidity | 44 % | 50 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- The sea at Puerto Vallarta is about 2 °C warmer.
Mazatlán or Puerto Vallarta in March: the short answer
In March, Puerto Vallarta comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Mazatlán 82/100 vs Puerto Vallarta 86/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on March as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Mazatlán averages a climate score of 73/100, Puerto Vallarta 75/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in March, side by side
The average daily high is about 30 °C in Mazatlán and 30 °C in Puerto Vallarta — about the same. Average daily lows are around 17 °C versus 16 °C.
On rain, Mazatlán sees about 0 rainy days in March and Puerto Vallarta about 1 — drier in Mazatlán. Puerto Vallarta gets more sunshine (8 vs 9 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 22 °C at Mazatlán and 24 °C at Puerto Vallarta — warmer for swimming at Puerto Vallarta. Over the year, Mazatlán is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Puerto Vallarta in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is August for Mazatlán and August for Puerto Vallarta.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Mazatlán records roughly 98 rainy days and Puerto Vallarta about 125 — the drier of the two overall is Mazatlán. At their sunniest, Mazatlán reaches about 10 hours of sun a day (May) and Puerto Vallarta about 9 (April). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Mazatlán is at its best in January, February, November and December, while Puerto Vallarta peaks in January, February, November and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the March scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Puerto Vallarta scores higher in March (Mazatlán 90 vs Puerto Vallarta 96).
City breaks: Puerto Vallarta scores higher in March (Mazatlán 77 vs Puerto Vallarta 78).
Active & hiking: Puerto Vallarta scores higher in March (Mazatlán 69 vs Puerto Vallarta 70).
Family: Puerto Vallarta scores higher in March (Mazatlán 85 vs Puerto Vallarta 91).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In March, Puerto Vallarta leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Puerto Vallarta carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.