Best Times To Visit Mexico in 2024: Escape the Heat and Crowds

Mexico is one of the best and easiest destinations for U.S.-based travelers to visit. You’ll need to grab your passport, but the country is just a short flight away from most U.S. cities, with nonstop flights to and from numerous hubs.

Visiting Mexico at the right time can make or break your vacation. After all, no one wants to snorkel with seaweed, climb the steps of a Mayan ruin in 100-degree heat, or have their tropical beach vacation rained out. These are the best times to visit Mexico by season, interest, and destination.

Why Visit Mexico and Where To Go

Mexico is relatively close to the U.S. and an affordable country where U.S. dollars go further. Popular destinations include beach areas such as Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos; cities and cultural hubs including Mexico City, the country’s capital, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca; ancient ruins such as Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá; and charming villages including Bacalar, Tequila, and Cholula.

Mexico is massive in size and population and borders the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In addition to its beaches and ruins, it’s home to deserts, mountains, lush countryside, wine country, and much more. Of course, you can’t miss tasting all the spicy and delicious regional and national food delights that Mexico is famous for.

Hot Tip:

The new Tulum Airport (TQO) is up and running, which gives you an alternative to flying into the busy Cancún International Airport (CUN) for your next Riviera Maya vacation.

What To Know About Visiting Mexico

U.S. travelers don’t need a visa to visit Mexico for less than 180 days. The country’s currency is the Mexican peso (MX). Currently, 1 U.S. dollar is about MX$20. According to the CDC, travelers should avoid drinking tap water, be up-to-date on vaccines, and take care to prevent mosquito bites due to the prevalence of dengue and Zika.

It’s essential to check for travel advisories and warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State for each Mexican state. For example, there aren’t any travel warnings for Yucatan, while travelers should exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo, home to Cancún. Most of Mexico’s tourist destinations are now deemed safe for travelers.

Best Times To Visit Mexico by Season

The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, affecting destinations including the Yucatan Peninsula. The Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30, affecting destinations such as Mazatlán and the southern half of Baja California. During both seasons, the highest chance of a hurricane is usually between August and October. While hurricanes usually only affect coastal areas, much of the country experiences a rainy season between June and October, so visiting in the summer often brings tropical rain showers and hot, humid temperatures.

Low Season (Off-Peak Season, Hurricane Season) in Mexico

The hurricane season runs from June to November, but the country’s lowest travel season runs from August to October. This is Mexico’s most active part of the hurricane or rainy season, when visitors may experience drizzly, humid, and gray weather or full-on tropical rainstorms. This is also the hottest and most humid time to visit most parts of Mexico. If you visit during this time, getting travel insurance is best, especially for an important event like a wedding or honeymoon.

Hot Tip:

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Shoulder Season (Mid Season) in Mexico

Although hurricane season encompasses nearly half the year, the summer months of May, June, and July, plus the winter months of November and early December, make up the country’s shoulder season. Visiting at this time of year usually offers decent weather with the potential for showers and heat as the summer progresses, fewer crowds, and better prices.

High Season (Peak Season, Dry Season) in Mexico

The most popular, expensive, and crowded time to visit Mexico is during the dry season. This peak season runs from the Christmas holidays through Easter or the end of April. During this peak season, there are pleasantly warm and sunny temperatures, low humidity, and little rain.

Visiting Mexico in the Spring

One thing you can count on when visiting Mexico in the spring is dry and warm (even hot) temperatures, ranging from around 70 to 87 degrees. However, you’ll likely enjoy the prime weather alongside many other visitors. Spring break in Mexico is one of the most popular times to visit, particularly for partying college kids and families taking advantage of the Easter holiday school break. Prices are high, and you may face crowds visiting in the spring. For fewer visitors, head to Mexico in late spring, like May. Those looking for cultural trips may want to check out Holy Week processions and celebrations or visit around the Day of the Dead.

Visiting Mexico in the Summer

Visiting Mexico in the summer is hotter and more humid, as rain and storms are more likely. If you can handle the heat and humidity, you might be able to find better deals on hotels and activities, as this time of year is outside of the peak travel season. As summer goes on, there’s a higher chance your trip could get rained out by showers, tropical storms, or hurricanes.

Visiting Mexico in the Fall

Most of the fall is the low season, with an increasing likelihood of a tropical storm disrupting your trip. That said, you can probably find deals at this time of year. Book refundable hotels, activities, and flights that at least allow you to change dates if you think the weather may disrupt your trip. November and December are nice times to visit, as the rain slows down, but the crowds aren’t prevalent. Day of the Dead celebrations in certain areas of the country can be especially memorable cultural experiences during your vacation.

Visiting Mexico in the Winter

Winter is the high season in Mexico. While it sees some of the nicest weather, prices and crowds are high at this time of year. Temperatures run from around 65 to 80 degrees in many areas of the country. That’s why it’s such a popular time to visit, especially for those escaping the snowy, cold weather that much of the northern U.S. sees during this season. Some parts of Mexico celebrate Carnaval, so head over at the end of February into early March if that sounds like your ideal vacation.

Best Times To Visit Mexico by Interest and Activity

Whether you visit Mexico to surf, snorkel, or explore ancient ruins, visiting at the right time can enhance your experience. Here are the best times to visit Mexico based on your interests and the activities you plan to do during your trip.

Best Time To Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

If you hope to enjoy an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico, you’re probably heading to coastal regions where all-inclusive resorts reign, such as Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit, Cancún, or the Riviera Maya. Visiting outside of hurricane season is best to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities. That said, Christmas to Easter is the most expensive time to visit this type of resort. If you’re looking for a deal and decent weather, opt for May, June, late November, or early December, when the likelihood of major storms is low, but the hotels aren’t too crowded yet.

Hot Tip:

Not sure what all-inclusive means or how to make the most of your next all-inclusive trip? We offer all the secrets for making your all-inclusive trip to Mexico (and beyond) successful.

Best Time To Visit Mexico for Surfing

Mexico has a long surf season for those wanting big swells, mostly coinciding with hurricane season. You can usually find surfable waves from April to November in Mexico. As hurricane season rolls along and the storms, wind, and rain pick up, waves get larger and better. Baja California is one of the most popular Mexican regions for surfing; Puerto Vallarta and Oaxaca are other prime spots to ride big waves.

Best Time To Visit Mexico for Beaches and Swimming

Mexico’s waters are warm year-round, especially on the Atlantic side. Though the water is slightly cooler in the dry season, the waves are calm and swimmable in many areas from December to April.

When it comes to beaches in Mexico, the dry season is also the winner. After all, relaxing on a beach on a warm and breezy day in February is much more pleasant than a hot, humid, and rainy one in September.

Hot Tip:

Beach breaks often go hand in hand with wellness travel. If you want to improve your health, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, consider a top wellness retreat in Mexico.

Best Time To Visit Mexico for Whale Watching

Whale-watching season in Mexico is from December to March. February is the best month to spot whales and dolphins. They migrate down to the warmer waters of Mexico from the Arctic to spend their winter there, just like humans do when it’s snowy and cold in the U.S. Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, Puerto Escondido, and Puerto Vallarta are the best places to see whales and dolphins in Mexico.

Best Time To Visit Mexico for Festivals

Mexico’s most famous and well-known festival is the Day of the Dead, which occurs every year on November 1 and 2. This festival celebrates the souls of those no longer with us with parades, offerings, and more. Here are some of the top festivals throughout the country. Check dates, which may vary by year, before planning your trip to catch your festival of choice.

Top 8 Festivals in Mexico

• Mérida Fest, January: This Yucatan festival lasts almost the entire month in the city of Mérida to celebrate its anniversary. Enjoy cultural events like music, dance, street parties, and food.
• Carnaval, February/March: The largest celebrations take place in Mazatlán and Veracruz, though other areas have parades, costumes, and street parties to celebrate.
• Feria Nacional de San Marcos, April/May (Aguas Calientes): This festival has musical events, a carnival, and parades dedicated to local traditions.
• Guelaguetza de Oaxaca, July: This traditional festival includes folklore, parades, and dancing and celebrates Indigenous culture in the Oaxaca region.
• International Mariachi Festival, August/September (Guadalajara): Experience parades and musical events featuring the top Mariachi performers worldwide in Guadalajara during this annual event.
• Festival International Cervantino, October (Guanajuato): Named for the small Cervantes plays the city would reenact, this festival is several weeks long and features theatre, film, and other artistic events.
• Hot Air Balloon Festival, November (Leon): More than 200 hot air balloon pilots come to Leon to fly their balloons during this yearly festival, complete with family-friendly events and live music performances by major acts like J Balvin.
• Day of the Dead, November: Give offerings and enjoy parades dedicated to the deceased throughout Mexico each year.
• International Cinema Festival, December (Los Cabos): Experience film screenings and events dedicated to the best in Mexican cinema during this event.

Best Time To Visit Mexico for Turtle Hatching

Turtle nesting in Mexico takes place from April through October, and the best time to experience turtle hatching is August, September, and October — even occasionally November. You’ll see loggerhead and green turtles if you’re in Cancún or the Riviera Maya. You may spot loggerheads, green, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles on the Pacific side.

Mexico has many coastal turtle-hatching conservation centers. If you observe this heartwarming phenomenon, do so at a safe distance to avoid harming the turtles or disrupting the process. Don’t use flash photography if you take photos of the turtles, as this can harm them.

Best Time To Visit Mexico To Avoid Sargassum

Sargassum tends to get worse during extreme heat, so the cooler and drier winter and spring seasons (November through April) are the best times to visit Mexico to avoid this pesky seaweed. However, seaweed levels depend greatly on temperatures, ocean currents, the year, and climate change. Some hotels have methods to keep out sargassum, while others don’t. Usually, the west coast has less sargassum than the Caribbean side of the country.

Cheapest Time To Go to Mexico

The cheapest time to go to Mexico is during the low season, the wet season. The shoulder seasons may not be the cheapest but are usually more affordable than the dry, peak season.

Heading inland or to smaller coastal areas may mean lower prices than popular resorts in tourist hubs like Cancún or Los Cabos. Mexico City is fairly affordable year-round and easy to visit on a budget. Make sure to weigh safety, ease, and cost when planning your trip. For example, heading 3 hours from the Cancún airport to save $200 on a hotel may not be worth it when you factor in transportation costs.

Best Time To Visit Mexico by Destination

Mexico is the 14th-largest country globally, and your visit may differ depending on where you visit. Weather patterns vary by location, so visiting at certain times of the year may be better. Here’s where and when to go.

Best Time To Visit Cancún, Riviera Maya, and Tulum

If you’re visiting this popular coastal region of Mexico, it’s best to head over in the dry or shoulder season to experience the best weather. These areas are known for cenotes, ruins, and all-inclusive beachfront resorts, so it’s better to visit during the dry season to enjoy the beach and the region’s outdoor activities.

Best Time To Visit Los Cabos

The Pacific hurricane season starts slightly earlier than the Atlantic hurricane season. Though the odds of a hurricane happening so early are few, there’s always a chance, and this is the start of the rainier time of year. For this reason, if you want the best weather, head over from December to April, which coincides with the area’s whale-watching season.

Best Time To Visit Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City under sunny skies is spring, from March to May, though you will encounter crowds during this time. However, this time of year also sees a lot of air pollution and blooming foliage, so those with allergies may not want to visit in the spring.

The rainy season sets in during the onset of summer and can last throughout fall, though rain tapers off starting in October. If you don’t mind a bit of rain and slightly cooler temps, this is a good time to visit, as you may see lower prices for this shoulder season. Winter sees colder temperatures, so you should plan to travel with layers and a jacket, though it’s milder than snowstorms in the northern U.S.

Mexico City has festivals throughout the entire year. Visit in February for the contemporary arts festival, Zona Maco, April for the Holy Week processions and celebrations at Easter, September to experience Mexican Independence Day, and November for the Day of the Dead festivities.

Best Time To Visit Oaxaca

Because the region of Oaxaca has many cultural activities and beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to do, even if you get some tropical showers. November to April is the high season, May and October are the shoulder seasons, and the low or rainy season runs from June to September. If you visit Oaxaca’s coastal areas during the rainy season, you’ll see bigger waves, which are especially apt for experienced surfers.

Best Time To Take a Cruise To Mexico

Taking a cruise to Mexico is usually a great idea year-round. Cruises will typically divert the ship elsewhere in the Caribbean to avoid the affected area if there is a major hurricane risk. Still, you’ll probably feel less heat and humidity if you cruise during the dry or shoulder seasons, like October to April. If you tend to get seasick during rough seas, the wet season has choppier waters, another reason why cruising in the drier months may be best.

Final Thoughts

Mexico is a huge country with things to do and places to see year-round. While the country has dry and wet seasons, don’t expect pouring rain 24/7 during the rainy season or completely avoid rain during the dry season. Weather is unpredictable, so plan your vacation to Mexico at a time that works best for you. Get travel insurance so you’re covered if you have to change your trip or there’s a weather-related incident.