Mexico offers arguably the most comprehensive travel experience in Latin America. It is ideal for beach lovers, culture vultures, adrenalin addicts, and history enthusiasts. Yet, with a climate as diverse as its landscapes, settling on the perfect time to visit can be a bit hit-and-miss. Much of the county is feasible year-round, so the best time to visit Mexico is, to be honest, anytime you can get there. But that kind of advice helps no one in particular.
Instead, let’s delve into the varying climates in specific regions.
Mexico’s Geography
Mexico is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. The USA borders it to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala and Belize to the south. Deceptively expansive—about three times larger than the state of Texas—Mexico features an array of landscapes. From vast deserts in the north to tropical rainforest in the southeast, and in the middle, the sensational high-altitude mountains and plateaus of the Sierra Madre Range.
As one might expect, this varied topography dictates a wide-ranging climate, ranging from arid to tropical with an added threat of hurricanes thrown into the mix. Mexico’s rich biodiversity continues around its extensive coastlines, making it one of the most coveted snorkeling and SCUBA diving destinations on Earth.
Overview of Mexico’s Seasons
Dry Season
The months between November and April are the driest in Mexico. This is the busiest and most popular travel time all over the country, even though temperatures in the lowlands can be pretty brutal. Still, the lack of rain makes for more accessible explorations, and given this period coincides with Christmas vacations globally, it makes sense that it is generally regarded as the best travel time of all.
Wet Season
May marks the beginning of the rainy season, although rains are short-lived and sporadic until about September when the threat of hurricanes begins to loom larger. The rainy season can be quite idyllic for those who detest crowds or inflated prices and enjoy a reprieve from intense heat.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in Mexico technically kicks off alongside the rainy season. It starts in mid-May and runs to the end of November, with August, September, and October carrying the highest risks. The most affected regions are the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean and the southern coastal area on the Pacific (western) side. You can keep up to date with current data.
Overview of Mexico’s Climate
The bad news is that each region of Mexico has quite distinct weather patterns, even within the same season. The good news is that finding that month when they are all almost at their best is not too difficult. When planning a comprehensive trip to Mexico, remember that something has to give — deciding if it’s the heat, the rain, the chance of hurricanes, or the crowds is up to you.
Coastal Mexico — Mexico’s coastlines, along the Yucatán Peninsula, the Pacific Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy a balmy, tropical climate. This means year-round warm and humid conditions, with a pronounced rainy season from May to October. And, as mentioned, a threat of hurricanes. For perfect beach-combing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and overall idyllic water-sport weather, you should aim your visit for the dry period between December and April.
Northern Mexico — The country’s northern half boasts a desert climate with hot and wet summers and dry, mild winters. Summer rains tend to occur in short bursts, so they are not all that disruptive to travel plans. This region covers most of Baja California and sections of Sonora and Chihuahua states. This region is a year-round destination, although summers can be sizzling here. If you are heat-adverse, visit between November and February, the cooler winter months.
Central Highlands – Mexico City, Puebla, and Guadalajara region have a more temperate climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The dry season here—and the best time to visit—is from November to April, with rains typically falling between May and October.
Sierra Madre Mountains — The Mexican “Rockies,” as they are often dubbed, are a spine of spectacular peaks that run through the western side of the country, almost for its entirety. Offering cooler temperatures in the heart of summer, high-altitude cities like San Cristóbal de las Casas and San Miguel de Allende become hot spots for locals looking for respite from the oppressive heat of the lowlands. If you’re planning outdoor adventures in Copper Canyon, Taxco, or even climbing El Pico de Orizaba, plan your trip between October and March.
When Is Peak Tourist Season in Mexico?
Forget the oppressive heat or the threat of hurricanes: some travelers genuinely fear dealing with excessive tourist crowds. It is understandable, given that Mexico is the most visited country in Latin America. Yes, crowds can seem overwhelming. But only in some places and only in some periods of the year.
Mexico has two high tourist seasons, both of which coincide with holidays in North America and Europe. Tourists flock to beach resorts between December and March and again in June-August. Outside these months, you will find crowds to be quite manageable. You will also find a bevy of alternative sites to the most famous highlights.
Insider tip — If you still want during the best and driest travel months, consider exploring Mexico’s lesser-known gems. If you love mountains, head to San Jose del Pacifico near Oaxaca. To skip the big crowds on the most famous beaches of the Riviera Maya, explore the Riviera Nayarit instead and even the beautiful beaches in Mazunte, near Oaxaca. And why not swap beautifully but often overcrowded San Miguel de Allende for equally enchanting Guanajuato? Mexico is replete with authentic treasures that are yet to be overrun by mass tourism. Finding them is vital to enjoying Mexico travel even during the peak tourist season.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Mexico?
Unsurprisingly, hurricane season is a steal! Jokes aside, the rainy season is indeed the cheapest time to visit Mexico and is ideal for frugal adventure-seekers. Since you will undoubtedly find fantastic deals on accommodation and activities, it pays to plan a more extended trip. If a few days are a washout, knowing you have time to spare will help you relax and ride out the rain. This is a great time to seek deals in some of the best resorts that offer plenty of in-house amenities.
Best Time to Visit Mexico — by Destination
If you already have specific ideas of where in Mexico you wish to travel to, this section might help you figure out how to plan your trip.
Mexico City & Teotihuacán (State of Mexico)
Mexico’s capital receives more visitors yearly than any other destination — granted because this is where most fly in. Mexico City is also one of the most popular transit hubs between South and North America and makes for a fantastic city layover.
An immensely enticing hub with museums, art, and ancient ruins galore, Mexico City is deserving of a four to five-day stay, at the very least. The two very best months to visit are April and May. These milder spring months offer the most comfortable temperatures for extensive sightseeing in a bustling and sprawling metropolis.
Cancún and Riviera Maya (Quintana Roo)
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to popular destinations like Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. It offers world-class beaches and some of the best ancient ruins in all of Mexico, including Chichen Itza. A combination that’s impossible to resist.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April. This period offers sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, perfect for enjoying the region’s stunning beaches and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. If you’re interested in experiencing local culture, consider visiting during the Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in early November.
Guadalajara, Tequila & Jalisco (Jalisco)
The state of Jalisco offers phenomenal highlights and is the revered birthplace of two of Mexico’s most famous exports: tequila and mariachi music. Guadalajara boasts breathtaking colonial architecture, and Jalisco has fantastic options to watch authentic Mexican rodeos. For a stint of seaside R&R, head to Puerto Vallarta on the coast.
This southwestern state is best visited between October and April when the weather is cooler and ideal for exploring the stunning agave landscapes and joining distillery tours.
Los Cabos (Baja California Sur)
Los Cabos is on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, iconic natural granite rock formations like El Arco, and world-class luxury resorts. Outdoor enthusiasts head here for SCUBA diving, sport fishing, snorkeling, and golf. This is Mexico’s prime spot for whale-watching, particularly during the humpback and gray whale migration between December and April. Cabo San Lucas, the region’s main town, is a popular party destination with many bars and clubs.
The best time to visit this region of Mexico is just before the rains kick in. June is actually a perfect month — the crowds from Easter and Spring break have dissipated, and although temperatures are starting to rise, they are still manageable. Alternatively, visit after hurricane season is over, between November and April — temperatures in this period will have also decreased somewhat.
Oaxaca City, Mitla, and Monte Albán (Oaxaca)
Oaxaca is the city and state for you if you want cultural and culinary offerings alongside a heady array of ancient Zapotec ruins and Indigenous traditions.
The state of Oaxaca boasts a temperate year-round climate, although weather-wise, the most idyllic months are undoubtedly between October and April, with absolute peak bliss typically enjoyed in February.
