Is Mexico on your bucket list of travel destinations and are you wondering when the best time to go is? Well hopefully we can help you come to a decision.
Mexico is a fantastic travel destination for various reasons. It has rich cultural traditions, wonderful food and various historical sites like the Mayan ruins and colonial cities to visit.
Let's look at its climate.
Mexico's climate.
Mexico's climate varies depending on the region.
Coastal Areas
On the coasts, in places like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, the climate is tropical with warm temperatures all year round, perfect places if you love the beach and getting involved in water sports.
Central Mexico
In central Mexico, cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara have a more temperate climate due to their high elevation and the weather is pleasant most of the year but it can get a bit cold during the winter.
Desert
The desert regions of Northern Mexico have higher temperatures, very little rainfall and during the summer months daytime temperatures can often reach well over 100°F (38°C). Places like the Sonoran Desert will become extremely hot, making travel challenging.
During the winter however the temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 50-70°F (10-24°C) a much more pleasant time to visit the desert.
Mexico has a climate to suit various tastes, making it somewhere you can travel to all year round, so whether you're seeking sunny beaches or love culture there's always a perfect time for you to visit Mexico.
Let’s now look at the different seasons in Mexico:
The Peak Season in Mexico (late December to early April)
The peak tourist is typically from late December to early April and the weather during these months is mild to warm with daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) and not a lot of rain.
Travelling at this time of year means mainly sunny and dry weather especially if you visit the popular tourist spots of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta. Temperatures can vary though depending on the region so you may find coastal areas warmer than inland due to their elevation.
Things to do if you visit Mexico during the Peak Season:
- The beaches along the coasts are beautiful so you can go snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Explore Mayan Ruins. The archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum are well worth a visit if you want to immerse yourself in Mexico's rich history.
- Have a glimpse of the local culture by attending festivals and events, like Carnival and Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations.
- Try some authentic Mexican cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like tacos, tamales, and ceviche.
- Mexico offers a variety of eco-tourism opportunities, such as exploring cenotes, nature reserves, and thick green jungles.
Keep in mind that the peak season tends to be more crowded and slightly more expensive, but the fantastic weather and numerous activities make it a popular time to go.
Low Season in Mexico (May to Mid October)
The low season in Mexico typically runs from May to mid-October.
If you visit during these months then you will find there are fewer tourists, which can be a great way to experience the country without having to deal with lots of people.
Mexico's low season is the rainy season and in the central and southern regions you can expect to get occasional heavy rainfall and high humidity. However if you are ok with this kind of weather then you may find that generally prices are lower, great if you are travelling on a budget.
On the coast in areas like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen, temperatures during the low season can range from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-35°C) with occasional afternoon rain showers, which can provide some relief from the heat but be aware that the low season does falls in hurricane season so there are greater chances of tropical storms. However if you're travelling on a budget and you don't mind a bit of rain, the low season can offer some great deals.
In cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca, at the higher altitudes, temperatures during the low season are a bit cooler with daytime highs ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30°C) with cooler evenings.
Overall, the low season in Mexico will give you a more budget-friendly travel experience with fewer tourists, but be prepared for rain, especially in the afternoons, and consider packing a light rain jacket or umbrella to make the most of your trip.
Things to in Mexico during the low season
One of the advantages of travelling during the low season is the smaller crowds so you can enjoy quieter times at popular attractions like Chichen Itza, the Mayan ruins, and of course the beautiful beaches.
- Try street tacos, tamales and lots of other Mexican dishes. Low season can be a great time to find hidden restaurants with shorter wait times.
- Learn about the country’s history and traditions by exploring the rich culture of Mexico by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites.
- Check out local festivals and events while you are there as some events are held during the low season and can provide unique insights into Mexican culture and traditions.
- Go to the Beach, try snorkelling, scuba diving and go whale watching. The ocean is calmer during the low season, making it a great time for these activities.
- Go shopping and make the most of off-season discounts by grabbing a bargain, there should be great deals on souvenirs, clothing, and lots of other items at local markets and shops.
- Low season is the perfect time to explore less-visited areas of Mexico by heading to smaller towns and rural regions.
- Practice your Spanish, and learn more about Mexican customs by engaging with the local people.
- Bear in mind that the low season can bring unpredictable weather so it's a good idea to have a flexible itinerary just in case you need to adjust your plans due to bad weather.
Remember that while there are some advantages to travelling during the low season, it's important to check the specific weather conditions in the region you plan to visit.
Shoulder season in Mexico (April to early June) ( September to November)
The shoulder season in Mexico typically falls during the spring and autumn months when the weather is nice.
Spring shoulder season
In April, temperatures range from around 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C), depending on where you are increasing slightly in May from 75°F (24°C) to 90°F (32°C) with June is a bit warmer, ranging from 78°F (26°C) to 93°F (34°C).
Autumn shoulder season
As for the autumn shoulder season, September starts off with temperatures between 75°F (24°C) and 90°F (32°C) cooling gradually in October with temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 86°F (30°C) and November marking the beginning of a cooler period, with temperatures ranging from 63°F (17°C) to 81°F (27°C).
Choosing to travel during these shoulder seasons will be a more comfortable experience with the better temperatures, avoiding the sweltering heat of summer and the peak crowds of the winter high season.
Things to do in Mexico during the shoulder season
- Visit archaeological sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum and Palenque and enjoy learning about the history without all the crowds of the peak season.
- The Mexican coast is perfect if you love the water. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, or even windsurfing along the Riviera Maya or in Baja California.
- Many cultural events and festivals take place during the shoulder season like the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in late October to early November.
- Try the local food, tacos, enchiladas and mole dishes with some tequila and mescal!
- Explore the wildlife and go whale-watching in Baja California or visit the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán.
- Relax on the Beach as Mexico has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Whether it's the turquoise waters of Cancun, the coves of Puerto Vallarta or the fantastic surfing in Sayulita, there’s a beach for every taste!
- The shoulder season has the best weather for hiking in the Copper Canyon or exploring the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve. There are also plenty of opportunities for adrenaline junkies like zip-lining and off roading.
- Mexico has a rich artistic heritage and is home to Frida Kahlo's house and the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes.
- If you just fancy a relaxing break then unwind at one of Mexico's many world-class spa resorts.
When should i go to Cancun?
The peak tourist season in Cancun is from December to April, the weather is dry and a great time to sunbathe and go snorkelling and scuba diving. Temperatures are in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, which is nice.
If you prefer to visit when it is a bit quieter then look to visit in the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November when though the weather is warmer and more humid, there are fewer people so you can spread out your towels on the beach with impunity!
The summer months, in particular July and August, can be quite hot and humid, but if this doesn’t bother you then it’s a great time to find some good deals.
Overall, it really depends on what you prefer,– the lively atmosphere of the peak season or the quieter, more budget-friendly options during the shoulder months. Cancun is worth a visit at any time.
Worst time to visit Mexico
If you don’t like hot and humid weather then you might want to avoid travelling to Mexico during the peak of summer, from June to August as these months can be extremely hot especially in regions like the Yucatan Peninsula and the Pacific coast. It's also the rainy season in some areas, which can bring heavy downpours and occasional hurricanes.
However if you don’t like crowds and are looking for cheap deals then it's best to avoid major holidays like Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas as these are popular times for both domestic and international tourists, attractions can get crowded with higher prices for travel accommodation.
So, it's all about what you prefer. If you can handle the heat and want to avoid the crowds, then the shoulder seasons like spring or autumn, when the weather is more pleasant, and you can still enjoy the beauty of Mexico without the peak-season hustle and bustle is a great choice.
Best time to visit Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is a stunning destination with a lot to offer, but you need to make sure you choose the right time to go.
The best time is probably between November and April during the dry season when the weather is at its best. These months have warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and low humidity, perfect for going to the beach and also for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins.
However, this is the high tourist season, so there will be a lot of other people visiting at the same time and the prices will be higher. If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly trip, then think about going in May or early June when the weather is still nice.
Alternatively, if you love nature and want to see the sea turtles nesting, July to October is the time to go. This is the rainy season, but the opportunity to see turtles can make it worthwhile.
Conclusion
Mexico is an amazing country to explore, every type of terrain and climate to suit any traveller, just pick the right time to visit and guarantee yourself a fabulous trip!!