As diverse as it is enchanting, Mexico is a year-round destination. This 32-state nation boasts glistening coastlines, numerous microclimates, and an astonishingly varied terrain.
For 365 days a year, the sun reigns supreme on the pristine beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula, while inland city gems like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, located in the temperate highlands, provide respite from scorching summers.
In the state of Chihuahua, adventurers relish the grandiose and gobsmacking Copper Canyon in spring and fall, while the country’s cultural heartland, Mexico City, is perennially bustling with life.
Whether you’re a beach lover, culture maven, history buff, or foodie, Mexico offers a perfect time to experience its countless treasures. In this guide, we’ll dissect the seasons, local festivals, and regional nuances to help you pinpoint the best time to visit Mexico, ensuring your trip is as unforgettable as the country itself.
December to April: Best Time for Dry Weather and Party Crowds
The high season in Mexico aligns with the dry season from November to March (the rainy season runs from June to October). These pleasantly dry months attract numerous winter escapees from colder climates, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities and nature explorations.
On the Baja Peninsula, flowers bloom, landscapes turn vibrant green, and surfing enthusiasts enjoy big waves, along with opportunities to swim with whale sharks from October through April. In the Northern Central Highlands, it’s a great time for excursions to waterfalls and rivers, while in Oaxaca, these months are perfect for hiking.
Pack a sweater for high-altitude locations like San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, as nights can be chilly. In the Western Central Highlands, the forests of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve transform into a spectacle of orange as millions of monarch butterflies winter there from late October to mid-March.
November, December, and January represent the most expensive months for flights to Mexico. Expect crowded attractions and spiked populations in destinations like Tulum, particularly busy before New Year’s Eve and during the early days of January when large electronic music festivals dominate the calendar.
February proves to be the best month for whale-watching around the Baja Peninsula, while March marks the Vernal Equinox, drawing visitors to Chichén Itzá to witness shadows resembling a serpent ascending or descending the El Castillo pyramid. Archaeological sites like Teotihuacán, located north of Mexico City, tend to be popular pilgrimage spots during this season.
In March and April, many U.S. students flock to coastal hotspots such as Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, or Cabo San Lucas for wild spring break festivities. Whether you aim to partake or avoid the chaos, be aware of potential fare increases during these periods.
Semana Santa (Easter Week), which takes place in March or April, is a significant holiday week in Mexico. Tourist accommodations and transportation become crowded, and many businesses close in inland cities. Along with Christmas, fares during Easter can be considerably higher than usual.
May to June: Best Time for Sunseekers, Fewer Crowds, and Low Prices
Mexico experiences two low seasons: May to June and September to November. If you’re looking to find great travel deals, these months are often the most economical for vacationing in Mexico.
In May, temperatures peak in cities such as Mérida (average daily high 95°F), Guadalajara (87°F), Oaxaca City (86°F), and Mexico City (79°F). Notably, Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated with grand enthusiasm throughout the nation, even though it’s recognized as a public holiday. The main festivities occur in Puebla, where a re-enactment of a historic battle takes place.
June marks the beginning of the rainy season and hurricane season, which lasts until November. Although hurricanes are most likely to occur between August and October, early summer sees a chance of afternoon showers.
July and August: Best Months for Surfing and Wildlife Encounters
Summer in Mexico tends to be hot across the board. Countless locations in the Mexican Riviera, including Puerto Escondido with its legendary surf breaks, experience superb swells from April/May to October/November, with June to August offering the largest waves.
If you’re a turtle enthusiast, consider visiting Puerto Vallarta from July until December to witness baby turtle releases organized by various hotels. Furthermore, whale sharks gather off the coast of Cancún and other Riviera Maya towns between mid-May and mid-September, with July or August being the ideal time for sightings.
However, despite summer’s allure, it may not be the best season to visit Riviera Maya or Cancún due to overwhelming heat and rising hotel rates driven by vacationing locals. Conversely, beaches along the Mexican Riviera remain unaffected by seaweed issues prevalent along other coastal areas.
September to November: Excellent for Cultural Showcases and Inland City Escapades
The second low season, spanning from September to November, provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural exploration. Mexican families indulge in Chiles en Nogada (chilies in walnut sauce) to commemorate Día de la Independencia (Independence Day), which sparks lively patriotic celebrations on September 15th and 16th.
Over a span of 10 days in September, Guadalajara hosts the colorful and delightful International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, featuring performances from over 500 mariachis alongside the National Charro Championship, representing Mexico’s national sport.
With the hurricane season at its peak along the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico’s coasts, rainfall may be prevalent, making visibility less than ideal for Caribbean divers. However, the inland regions present a different narrative.
While some rains may occur in Mexico City, the mild weather is perfect for city exploration. October, along with November and March, stands out as an ideal month to visit northwest Mexico’s breathtaking canyon region, featuring pleasantly balanced temperatures.
As November begins, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) brings parades, floats, altars, and all-night vigils to towns and cities across Mexico. Oaxaca City, recognized as the festive epicenter, is one of the prime places to be during this celebration.
This article was first published Mar 2, 2021, and updated Oct 8, 2023.
