The best time to Visit Mexico
Mexico is a vast country with no fewer than four time zones, meaning different regions can experience totally different weather. We think the best time to visit Mexico is between December and March. It’s dry and sunny on the coasts, hurricane season is over, and you’re just ahead of the cruise crowd.
Find more of our thoughts and tips below.
Here are the best times to travel to Mexico
Visiting Mexico in January - April
January and February are part of the dry season across most of Mexico. Although this time of year is technically mid-winter, they are still warm months across the country — ideal for exploring or for time on the beach. January to March are the months to visit Baja California to see the visiting whales.
Usually the last months of the dry season, temperatures in March and April are picking up and they can be excellent choices for some relaxation on the hot and sunny Yucatán Peninsula. Mexico City and the surrounding colonial towns and villages are also becoming pleasantly warm.
Events & Festivals
- Butterfly migration (January and February): Millions of beautiful monarch butterflies which have settled in Mexico’s central areas begin their journey north to Canada — a magnificent sight for any wildlife lover.
- Whale watching (January to March): This is the best time to spot the whales that migrate to Mexico’s coast, with humpbacks, blue and grey whales all making an appearance at this time of year.
Visiting Mexico in May - July
A hot month to visit Mexico, May is also the start of the country’s rainy season, although rains tend to make a slow start in the south, gradually creeping northwards over the coming months.
The rains make their presence known in June, although often only in the form of an afternoon storm, which can be timed with a ‘siesta’. Temperatures and humidity levels are high across the country.
July is the heart of Mexico’s rainy season, although showers often only arrive in the afternoon and shouldn’t affect touring plans. It’s a hot month — ideal for those seeking a beach stay. The Mayan Riviera is ideal at this time of year. The hot days are cooled by rain showers late in the afternoon, and the temperatures in the evenings drop to a more pleasant level. Inland areas around Mexico City remain cooler.
Visiting Mexico in August - September
Considered low season across the country, rains in August and September do become heavier; particularly on the Pacific Coast, where it is almost monsoon like. This is the middle of hurricane season. Temperatures are generally high across the country, although the central interior is cooler.
Events & Festivals
- Independence Day (15th and 16th September): Mexico celebrates its Independence Day with crowds across the country gathering to eat, drink, dance, and shout ‘Viva Mexico’ while enjoying military parades and firework shows.
Visiting Mexico in October - December
Officially the last month of the rainy season, with rains starting to ease a little. However, high temperatures, heavy showers and humid conditions remain across much of the country.
A good month for a visit to most destinations within Mexico. The rains have generally eased (although haven’t completely disappeared), days are hot, and the crowds that appear later in December are yet to arrive.
December is a popular month for travel to Mexico, with the weather generally warm and dry across the country. It can get particularly busy around Christmas and New Year, so plan your travel well in advance.
Events & Festivals
- Day of the Dead (1st November): Mexico’s ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations sees festivities take place in central and southern Mexico to honour friends and relatives who have died. Expect candles, elaborately decorated skull-shaped masks and music.
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