Here’s the lowdown on Mexico’s seasons
The best time to visit Mexico will be determined by what you’re hoping to do while you’re there.
The months of December – April see the most number of tourists visiting the country with Christmas and Easter being the busiest periods. Due to its position on the Tropic of Cancer, Mexico experiences two distinct seasons – the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November through April. Rainy season brings heavy humidity and downpours that are not ideal if you want to relax on the beach. The east coast and Yucatan areas can be vulnerable to cyclones during the latter half of the rainy season – June to November.
For fewer crowds but more manageable weather conditions, arrange your trip during the shoulder season May or November, just before or after the peak season.
Best Time To Visit
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- Work on your tan in beautiful Playa del Carmen
- Go on a street food tour in Mexico City
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- Witness the beautiful monarch butterfly migration in a butterfly reserve
- Swim in the fresh waters of an underground cenote in Quintana Roo
- It’s the best time to go whale watching in Baja California
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- Visit the ruins of Chichen Itza during the Spring Equinox
- Walk under a purple canopy of jacarandas in Mexico City
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- Soak in the sun at Puerto Vallarta
- Get a feel for the country’s culture at the biggest state fair in Aguascalientes
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- Head to Puebla to be part of the Cinco de Mayo festival
- Experience Oaxaca – the culinary capital of Mexico
- Enjoy the beaches of Cancun – sans the crowds
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- Sign up for a surfing lesson at Punta Mita
- Head to San Miguel de Allende for the Día de Locos – the Day of the Crazies
- Explore the ruins of Tulum
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- Unwind in the Mayan Riviera
- Visit Oaxaca for the colorful Guelaguetza festival
- Head to Cancun to swim with whale sharks
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- Tour the many impressive museums of Mexico City
- Sign up for an authentic Mexican cooking session
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- Join locals in cheering ‘Viva Mexico’ as the country celebrates Independence Day
- Stay in an 18th-century Mexican hacienda, full of old-world charm
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- Revel in the colorful festivities of El Cervantino in Guanajuato
- Hike the Copper Canyon
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- Enjoy the Day of the Dead celebrations in the Island of Janitzio, Michoacán.
- Sign up for a surfing lesson at Punta Mita
- Explore the ruins of Tulum
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- Head to Mexico City’s Basílica de Guadalupe for the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations
- Ring in the New Year beachside at Puerto Vallarta
- Walk the cobbled streets of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit Mexico by Region
As Mexico is such a large country – it stretches for nearly 800,000 square miles and is split up into 32 different states – you’ll find the climate differs depending on where you go.
North: Desertous northern Mexico is known for its extremely dry climate with temperatures rising to around 100°F during the summer. In the winter, the thermometer can frequently dip below freezing at night in the highlands. Tourists flock to Baja California around February-March for whale sighting and sea kayaking.
Center: Mexico City is a year-round destination though November is a particularly great month to visit Mexico City as are the months from March-May. The capital city and the central regions surrounding it enjoy a more moderate climate all year round. Even in the cooler months, daytime temperatures rarely drop below 59°F.
Coast: The best time to visit the coastal resort towns of Mexico are the months from November to April. The weather is dry, humidity is low, days are warm and nights are cool. Cities such as Mérida, Cancun and Playa del Carmen along the Gulf of Mexico, and the western regions on the Pacific Coast, enjoy a hot and humid climate during the summer months. However, heavy rainfall is not uncommon between July and September.
South: The months from June-August and mid-December – Jan is peak tourist season in Oaxaca. If you want to deal with lesser crowds, then the months of April-May and September-October are also good bets. You can expect warm subtropical temperatures all year round in the lowlands, while mountainous areas are typically a more pleasant 68-77°F during summer

What to Pack for Mexico
What you’ll need to pack for Mexico will depend on the region and time of year you’re visiting. If you’ve selected to go during the drier season, loose, cool clothing will be key. The rainy season can bring on chillier nights so warm layers and a good quality raincoat is a must.
No matter when you visit, packing essentials will include comfortable shoes for exploring, sunscreen and a sun hat to protect your skin, and insect repellent if you’re planning a trip into the mountains or jungle. You may also want to bring medication for headaches, stomach pain or colds from home so you know you’re using a trusted brand.
If you are traveling to cities or regions located high above sea level, such as Mexico City, it is important to be prepared for altitude sickness. It’s best to consult your doctor for medicine to combat altitude sickness. While traveling, we recommend that you take a little time to adjust to the altitude, and do keep yourself hydrated at all times!
We’re happy to help you decide on the best time to visit Mexico, so you can make the most of your time discovering the country’s spectacular cultural and historical wonders.

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