Best Time to Visit Mexico

November to February is the time when Mexico welcomes most visitors. During this time the smaller villages and mountain paths become easily accessible, the sea water is warm and the skies are clear. If you want to steer clear of the biting cold in your place, this is where you should plan your visit.

Another time of the year when Mexico is crowded with tourists is between July and August. Scattered rainfall and receding summer heat beckon visitors to delight in the beauty of this land.

This is also the best time to go to Cancun, as this popular tourist destination is well-prepared to invite visitors from across the globe.

Some activities popular among tourists, and the best time to engage in these activities are listed below.

Best Time for Spotting Whales

Marine creatures like the grey whales and the humpback whales can be spotted in the Baja California coastline between the end of December and the month of March. The Sea of Cortez is where you can spot the minke whales, orcas, blue whales, fin whales and other whale species between January and April.

Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies Migrate

Michoacan is where the brightly-coloured monarch butterflies migrate to in the latter half of November. These majestic creatures leave this location in March. The most suitable time to see them is between January and February.

Best Time for Exploring Copper Canyon

While many tourists visit the Copper Canyon between October and November because of low humidity and cool temperatures, there are some who prefer visiting this place during the rainy months of August and September to enjoy the greenery.

Best Time to Surf in Mexico

There is no denying that tourists flock to Mexico for its beaches, and surfing is one of the main activities that attract people to this country. The swells at the Pacific Coast are a year-round affair, but for big waves, you have to head for the Baja California beach and Puerto Escondido in the summer months including May. For winter surfing, you can visit the Colima and Nayarit beaches.

The enormity of Mexico allows it to accommodate four time zones, which translates to completely different weather conditions in different parts of the country. Add to it the diverse landscape that includes rocky mountains, sandy beaches, historical sites and busy cities.

Here is a look at the different seasons for tourism that will help you narrow down your options to find the most appropriate time to visit Mexico.

Peak Season in Mexico

This is the season that attracts the maximum number of tourists, and it lasts between November and March. It is the best time to visit Mexico from India and other parts of the globe. In Mexico, these are the autumn and winter months with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Favourable weather conditions encourage visitors to explore different tourist destinations. New Year’s Eve is the best time to visit Tulum and other popular destinations if you are a fan of music festivals.

Shoulder Season in Mexico

This season lasts between April and May in the spring season and September and October in the autumn season. The temperature of both land and water dips, making it more comfortable to enjoy your holidays. Compared to the peak season, the footfall during this season is less. It is windy and rainfall is scattered and low during the shoulder season.

Low Season in Mexico

June to August is often referred to as the off-season because of the extremely low footfall of tourists. This is also the cheapest time to go to Mexico, as accommodation and travel rates are lower during this season. The unpredictable weather is subject to sudden summer rains and hostile windy situations.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are common during this season, which can lead to inland flooding. Therefore, you should take all necessary precautions before visiting Mexico at this time of the year.

Mexico, with its enticing landscape, rich history and thrilling festivals and parties, is ready for tourists over the year.

The following guide for each month of the year will help you finalise the right time to visit this marvellous country.

January in Mexico

This month experiences mostly pleasant weather conditions with dry, sunny and warm temperatures. The mountains are snow-covered but the beaches are sufficiently warm for you to explore.

The cool and dry conditions attract tourists from all over the world. The excitement of festivals and the lack of rainfall are strong reasons for the increase in the number of tourists here.

Average Temperature: 5° C – 21° C

Best Places to Visit:

Whale spotting along the Baja Californian beaches.

Bird-watching migratory birds in San Blas, Sayulita and La Tovara National Park in Nayarit.

Oaxaca for canyon and waterfall excursions.

Things to Experience:

Enjoy local cuisine at the Regional Corn Fair in Aguascalientes.

Participate in the Dia de Los Reyes or Three Kings’ Day event held across Mexico.

Experience migratory bird-watching in Nayarit’s International Migratory Bird Festival.

Mexico in February

Similar to January, this month is mid-winter for Mexicans. However, there are regions where the temperature is warm for you to go sightseeing. You can visit the beaches and key attractions before the spring-season tourists start pouring in.

This is also the best time to visit Tulum to explore ancient ruins and take tours of local markets.

Average Temperature: 6° C – 22° C

Best Places to Visit:

Heroica Veracruz, Campeche and Mazatlan for some of the best celebrations from dusk to dawn.

Baja California to witness whale migration and beach tour.

Guadalajara for its anniversary celebrations.

Things to Experience:

Take part in the Carnival (if it takes place in February), which is the largest celebration of culture, music, food and dance in Mexico.

Be a part of the Día de la Candelaria feast that takes place all over Mexico.
March in Mexico

March is when the mood for partying sets in across the country of Mexico. Most tourists come to Mexico in March for their spring break, resulting in an increase in tourist footfall.

It is recommended that you make advance bookings if you intend to visit Mexico in March. Also, shops, restaurants and attractions remain closed during the Holy Week (if taking place in March).

Average Temperature: 7° C – 24° C

Best Places to Visit:

Copper Canyon for its fascinating natural beauty.

Last month for whale spotting in Baja California.

Take part in the Festival de México, held in Mexico City.

Things to Experience:

Experience the Vernal Equinox during the Chichén Itzá phenomenon.

Be a part of Mexico’s Semana Santa celebrations (if taking place in March).

Mexico in April

The temperature in Mexico is on the rise in April, and this is the last dry month of the year. By the middle of April, there is a decrease in the number of tourists, giving you ample time to explore various attractions at leisure.

Easter celebration is a crucial part of Mexican culture. Tourism is high until Easter celebrations are over. This is the best time for mountain trekking and enjoying the beaches without having to worry about rainfall.

Average Temperature: 10° C – 25° C

Best Places to Visit:

Baja California to spot the Humpback whale.

Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve in Veracruz for a nature-friendly trekking experience.

Paso de Cortes, outside Mexico City, for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking trail.

Things to Experience:

Visit the San Marcos Fair in Aguascalientes to enjoy various attractions.

Snorkelling and diving in Playa Las Gatas, La Entrega, Akumal Beach and the National Reef Park Of Puerto Morelos.

May in Mexico

Despite being one of Mexico’s hottest months, May is when the showers start from the south of the country and move to the north. Compared to March and April, this is a quieter month for tourism, as most visitors leave by the end of Easter.

Since there are fewer tourists during May, you can enjoy visiting major attractions in a relaxed way. Opt for surfing along the Pacific Coast or explore inland cities to learn about Mexican culture.

Average Temperature: 11° C – 25° C

Best Places to Visit:

Palenque, Tulum and Chichen Itza to explore ancient ruins.

Puebla to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which is in honour of the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla (1862).

Mexico City, Oaxaca and Guadalajara cities, as this is when there are less tourists in Mexico.

Things to Experience:

Participate in Fiesta de Las Velas to learn about Oaxaca culture and tradition.

Surf along the Pacific Coast, Puerto Escondido and Baja California.

Mexico in June

The month of June is humid, rainy and hot. While June is when the Hurricane Season starts in Mexico, you can choose to explore prominent cities and lush jungles instead of making beach tours.

However, if you are adventurous, try surfing big waves and spotting native marine creatures along the beaches.

Average Temperature: 12° C – 24° C

Best Places to Visit:

Puerto Escondido for the Mexican Pipeline wave surfing experience.

Contemporary neighbourhoods of Coyoacan, Roma and Condesa in Mexico City to enjoy local cuisine and shop.

Yucatan Peninsula for its stunning ancient ruins and peninsula scenery.

Things to Experience:

Swim at the deep gorge of Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas.

Explore the colonial city of Merida.

Enjoy the nightlife and gorgeous beaches of Cancun.

Get a taste of Mexican cuisine at the Festival del Mole Poblano (Oaxaca and Puebla).

July in Mexico

This is when the rainy season is at its peak, with rain occurring almost every day. If you are prepared for the humid and hot weather, you can spend your time along natural water bodies.

And if you want to escape the heat and hurricane threats, you can head for the inland cities.

Average Temperature: 12° C – 22° C

Best Places to Visit:

Mexico City for a cool and relaxed shopping and entertaining experience.

Spot whale sharks in Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres.

Things to Experience:

Take a refreshing dip at the Mayan Riviera in Cancun.

Enjoy the colourful festivities of the La Guelaguetza festival, held in Oaxaca.

Mexico in August

August is the wettest month of the year, particularly along the Pacific Coast. The humidity levels and temperature rise during this month. Hurricanes are also common in August.

Even if you are not eager to spend time surfing, there are festivals to attend in the month of August in Mexico.

Average Temperature: 12° C – 23° C

Best Places to Visit:

Riviera Nayarit for amazing scenery and surfing.

Mulegé town and Sea of Cortez for diving.

Oaxaca for The Guelaguetza festival where you can learn about Mexican traditional dance and culture.

Things to Experience:

Enjoy the feast at The Assumption Fair in different parts of the country.

Walk in the parade of Guadalajara’s International Mariachi Festival.

Experience crushing grapes at the Fiestas de la Vendimia, a grape harvest festival held in Queretaro.

September in Mexico

September is another month when the threat of hurricanes looms over Mexico. The temperature is more or less comfortable. With fewer tourists to deal with, this is the ideal time to enjoy the festivities of Mexico’s Independence Day.

Average Temperature: 12° C – 23° C

Best Places to Visit:

Cancun to enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.

Oaxaca for experiencing mouth-watering traditional cuisine.

Cozumel for diving or snorkelling experience.

Things to Experience:

Colourful parades and beautiful fireworks during the Independence Day celebrations.

Tequila-tasting in Puerto Vallarta.

Admire the Portal Maya sculpture in Playa del Carmen.

Mexico in October

While the rainy season comes towards its end in October, hurricane threats may still keep the beaches closed during this month. You can take advantage of this time to visit archaeological sites, opt for inland treks and enjoy authentic food around the country.

Average Temperature: 10° C – 23° C

Best Places to Visit:

Guadalajara for the Fiestas de Octubre to explore cultural exhibits, concerts and delicious cuisine

Morelia to watch fascinating films at the International Film Festival

Things to Experience:

Observe the Day of the Dead at the Festival de las Calaveras

Get onboard the El Chepe or Chihuahua Pacifico train to experience scenic landscapes

November in Mexico

Considered to be the best month to visit Mexico, November is dry and sunny. There are festivals and celebrations lined up for this month that you can take part in. Alternatively, you can spend your time on the beaches.

This is also the time to get a peak of the monarch butterflies or visit archaeological sites.

Average Temperature: 7° C – 22° C

Best Places to Visit:

The Witch Market in Mexico City to shop for medicinal herbs or have your future read.

The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza to learn about ancient times.

Things to Experience:

Take part in the Day of the Dead festivities that continue from October end to 2nd November.

Plan a trip to the Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacán to watch nature at work.

Mexico in December

The temperature in Mexico dips in December. It is a dry and pleasant time in this country. With Christmas around the corner, bookings can be tough. It is best to make all your reservations in advance.

December is when you enjoy spotting aquatic life and nighttime entertainment in Mexico. It is the most suitable time to spend hours at the beach.

Average Temperature: 5° C – 20° C

Best Places to Visit:

Baja California for its beaches and whale spotting.

Oaxaca to enjoy artistic creations at the Night of Radishes event.

Campeche for the Festival of the Historic Center of Campeche.

Things to Experience:

Get a sunset view on a cruise along the Sea of Cortez coastline.

Take part in the Feria de la Posada y Pinata event in Acolman to usher in the Christmas season.

Engage in bird-watching at the San Blas Christmas Bird Count event.

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Having knowledge of the weather conditions in different seasons can prove helpful while planning your trip to Mexico. Whether you want to soak in the sun at the beach or explore the wild, Mexico offers all the essentials for a memorable vacation.

Make your plans based on the above-mentioned guide, and remember to find the most suitable coverage for your trip at Tata AIG.

What must I pack when travelling to Mexico?

This depends on which part of the year you intend to visit Mexico. However, you can always add breathable outfits, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and necessary medicines.

Where can I find the best weather in Mexico?

The most ideal place for suitable weather conditions is Mexico’s second-largest city, Uruapan. Here the daily temperature ranges between 15.5° C – and 23.8° C.