Want to visit Mexico and unsure when’s the best time to go? With so much to see and do throughout the year, there’s really no bad time to visit this Central American icon, but we get that makes locking in a departure date even harder. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
Whether you want to fiesta, go whale watching, or simply soak up the most sunshine, we’ve got the lowdown on Mexico’s weather, festivals, and wildlife encounters to help plan your dream trip.
Mexico weather
Mexico has a tropical climate with hot temperatures year-round and two main seasons: wet season and dry season. Guaranteed hot weather and plenty of sunshine is one of the biggest draws for travellers — particularly to its Caribbean coast where the mercury rarely dips below 28℃ (82℉) year-round.
The most popular months to visit Mexico are between December and April as it’s the dry season and the risk of hurricanes is low. It’s also prime time for certain wildlife encounters. But that’s not to say you couldn’t visit other times of the year especially if you’re looking to join in on a fiesta, such as Día de los Muertos.
When is Mexico’s rainy season?
Mexico’s wet season falls between May and September. In these months, the average maximum temperature hovers between 23℃ (74℉) at the start of the season and 27℃ (81℉) towards the end, depending on where you go. But as the name suggests, there are frequent rain storms during the wet season and it’s also the hurricane season (June to November).
The wettest month in Mexico is July when there’s around 130mm rainfall. That said, these tropical storms fall hard and fast, meaning they can clear up as quickly as they come.
When is Mexico’s dry season?
The dry season in Mexico falls between December and April. During these months, the temperatures are slightly higher, sliding somewhere between 22℃ and 27℃ (72℉ and 81℉) on average, depending on where you go.
In the northernmost regions of Chihuahua, Sonora and Baja, it’s slightly cooler with highs of between 18℃ and 27℃ (65℉ and 81℉).
Further south, in the Yucatan peninsula and the Caribbean coast, you’re looking at between 28℃ and 32℃ (82℉ and 90℉) in dry season. The good news is there’s around 6,000 cenotes (underground springs) to jump into and cool off.
What’s the best time to visit Mexico for festivals?
Mexicans love to party and Mexico celebrates various holidays and festivals throughout the year, the most famous being Día de los Muertos falling on November 1 and 2. In fact, it’s so famous, we run a dedicated Day of the Dead in Mexico City tour. There are fiestas everywhere as Mexican people honour their deceased loved ones with colourful parades, traditional costumes, and feasts. In addition to Mexico City, Oaxaca and Mérida are some of the most popular places to experience the festivities. But wherever you go, you won’t be far from the action.
Another important celebration in Mexico is Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) on September 16. Schools, offices, banks, and government buildings close and everybody is out celebrating with street parades and ceremonies.
Other key festivals on the Mexican calendar include Cinco de Mayo on May 5, Fiesta de Santa Cecilia, a festival dedicated to the patron saint of musicians on November 22, and Catholic celebrations such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April and Epiphany on January 6.
Best time for diving in Mexico
Mexico’s shores boast some of the most colourful and biodiverse reef habitats and fortunately, there isn’t really a bad time to go diving in Mexico (just avoid the hurricanes).
Famed diving hubs include Playa del Carmen, popular for its reefs and bull sharks, Isla Mujeres where you can swim among sailfish, and the Sea of Cortez, the stretch of water between Baja California and mainland Mexico that’s teeming with dolphins and sea lions.
Alternatively, head inland to cave dive in the cenotes, which were created thousands of years ago by a meteor strike. You won’t see much wildlife down there but it’s spectacular all the same.
Best time to go whale watching in Mexico
The wildlife-rich Sea of Cortez between Baja and mainland Mexico is the best place to see whales, including blues, greys, and humpbacks. You’re most likely to see these gentle giants between December and April when they migrate from the Bering Strait near the Arctic to see out winter in Mexico’s balmy Caribbean sea (we’re not the only ones chasing the warm weather). Cabo San Lucas and Oaxaca are particularly renowned for whale watching opportunities.
Best time to see flamingos in Celestún
The fishing village of Celestún on the Yucatan coast is a hot spot for flamingo sightings with upwards of 35,000 birds er… flocking to its shores each year. Be sure to pack your zoom lens as these pink beauties can be quite bashful.
The best time to see them in large numbers is nesting season between December and February. But we have it on good authority from local naturalists that outside these months can be better for pictures as they’re more relaxed and less on guard. For a quieter place to spot flamingos in Mexico, look to Rio Lagartos or Sisal further along the Yucatan coast.
When is Mexico’s high season?
Mexico’s high season is generally between the months of December and April, particularly around Easter, Christmas, and Spring Break. Expect to be waiting longer to visit attractions like Chichen Itzá — and share the view with lots of others when you do.
That said, if you book a G Adventures tour to Mexico in high season, all excursions and included activities are planned for you so no need to worry about getting into key sights. Our local guides also have plenty of secret spots up their sleeves.
Best time to visit Mexico in low season
Mexico’s low season is generally between the months of May and November which is largely because it’s the rainy season and hurricane season between June and October. However, if you visit on the edge of that period, such as in September, October, or May, you could hit the sweet spot between good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
