The Best Time to Visit Mexico

Most of Mexico has two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from November/December to April, and the rainy season which occurs from May to October. The former is usually considered the best season to visit Mexico, but it’s also the peak season and so sees more visitors. If you want to explore the mountains around Puebla or Guanajuato, keep in mind that these months can be chilly at higher altitudes.

The rainy season brings higher temperatures and humidity, and some parts of the country are prone to tropical storms (particularly from July to October). There’s less rain in the northern part of the country, while the south and some inland areas can be extremely hot and humid.

To help you decide when to visit Mexico, we’ve put together a detailed guide to the weather conditions you can expect across the country during each month.

January is one of the drier months across most of Mexico, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the peak time of the December holidays. Average highs in Mexico City hover around 23ºC (73ºF) and southern coastal destinations like Cancún tend to peak around 28ºC (82ºF).

The dry season continues into February and average temperatures climb by just a couple of degrees. This is usually the driest month in Mexico, with the lowest average rainfall of the year. It’s also the best time to go to the Baja California Peninsula – one of the best places to spot whales in the world, if you want to see grey whales during calving season.

March is the beginning of spring in Mexico and a continuation of the dry season. It’s slightly warmer than the preceding months, with average highs of 27ºC (81ºF) in the capital and 34ºC (93ºF) in Mérida. Semana Santa (Holy Week) and spring break often fall in March, both of which draw in more visitors, but nonetheless are still a good time to visit.

April is the final month of Mexico’s dry season and peak tourism season. By this time temperatures in much of the country are close to their annual peak. In some places rain is already more likely, including the state of Chiapas, where you’ll find Palenque and San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Mexico’s rainy season begins in May, but in many places it’s still dry and sunny enough for a fantastic shoulder-season trip. This is the hottest month in many parts of the country, with average highs of up to 37ºC (99ºF) in Mérida and 28ºC (82ºF) in Mexico City and Puebla, on the cooler end of the spectrum.

By June the rainy season is in full swing. However, showers are usually short and limited, so it’s still possible to enjoy the outdoors. Average highs drop by a couple of degrees in many regions, but humidity remains high. If you don’t mind some rain, this can be a good time to visit Mexico during the quieter period before storm season begins.

July marks the beginning of storm season in Mexico, which lasts until October. This is one of the warmest months of the year in the Yucatán Peninsula, with average highs in Cancún around 34ºC (93ºF). It’s also one of the best months to see nesting and hatching sea turtles and to spot whale sharks in the waters of the Mayan Riviera.

Mexico’s weather in August is similar to that of July, with slightly higher rainfall and a greater likelihood of tropical storms. It’s especially rainy on the Pacific Coast and the Mayan Riviera; head inland to avoid the most intense heat and showers. This is usually the hottest month of the year on the Baja California Peninsula, with highs around 34ºC (93ºF) in Los Cabos.

September marks the start of the peak hurricane season in Mexico. It’s also the wettest month, with average humidity above 80% and frequent rain. It’s a good time to explore inland cities like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, especially if your trip coincides with the Independence Day festivities of 16th September.

The weather in Mexico in October is similar to that of September, with a relatively high chance of storms, although in some places the rainy season is starting to taper off. Mexico City, Guanajuato and Puebla experience highs around 24–25ºC (75–77ºF). This is a particularly good month to explore the mountains and canyons of northern Mexico.

November is a transitional month between the wet and dry seasons in Mexico, making it one of the best times to avoid the busier high-season. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on the first two days of the month. This is one of our favourite festivals in Mexico, replete with colourful decorations, unique customs and traditional Mexican cuisine.

The dry season has fully arrived by December, ushering in ideal weather across the country. Average highs drop to more comfortable levels; around 30ºC (86ºF) in Mérida, 29ºC (84ºF) in Campeche and 26ºC (79ºF) in Oaxaca. It’s also the beginning of whale watching season in Baja California and Puerto Vallarta, and various festivals are celebrated throughout the month.

Many festivals in Mexico fall between December and April. Along with Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on 12th December and Three Kings’ Day on 6th January. Oaxaca holds the famous ‘Night of the Radishes’ on 23rd December, featuring intricately carved root vegetables. A few months later, Easter celebrations spring up across the country during Semana Santa.

The Mayan Riviera experiences the best weather between December and April, when temperatures are lower (though still pleasantly warm) and rainfall is scarce. This area, which includes popular destinations like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, can be quite busy during the December holidays and the spring break season in March and April. We suggest travelling in late November or early December for good weather and fewer visitors.

The rainy season in Mexico begins in May or June and lasts until October. Exact timing can vary from year to year and also depends on the location; July is the month with the highest average rainfall in Mexico City, whereas September is the rainiest month on the Yucatán Peninsula and in Baja California. It’s absolutely possible to visit Mexico during the rainy season, although we do recommend avoiding coastal areas during the peak hurricane season (September–October).