The Best Time to Visit Acapulco in 2023 | When to Go

Known for some of the best beaches not only in Mexico but in the world, Acapulco is one of those places you visit and fall in love with head over heels right away. Be it the delicious tacos, water-based activities, or hiking, Acapulco caters to all travelers’ needs.

That said, knowing when to visit Acapulco is key to ensuring a lovely stay, as the weather can either make or break your stay. So, read on to learn about the best time to visit Acapulco, as well as some helpful travel tips along the way.

Why You Should Visit Acapulco in 2023

We believe everyone should visit Acapulco at least once in their life — here’s why:

• The beaches. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in Acapulco, but if you’d like to visit the best of the best, check out Condesa Beach, Pichilingue Beach, Barra de Coyuca, Caleta Beach, Majahua Beach, Icacos Beach, and Revolcadero Beach.
• The lagoons. Yet another beauty drawing in visitors to Acapulco, the city’s freshwater and saltwater lagoons are a must. If we had to pick one lagoon to visit, we’d go with Laguna Tres Palos.
• The nature. The Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico’s well-known mountain range, is in close proximity to the city, inviting hiking enthusiasts to pay Acapulco a visit and enjoy some stunning views.
• The food. While we provide specific foodie suggestions in the FAQ section, here we’ll just say that there’s nothing better than fresh seafood while sipping cerveza.
• The points of interest. There’s so much to explore in Acapulco, and our favorites include La Quebrada, Diana the Huntress, Plaza Álvarez, Capilla de la Paz, Fiesta & Bonanza yachts, Parque Papagayo, and Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.
• The aquatic sports. The main sport is cliff diving, which visitors can observe at La Quebrada. The area is famous for snorkeling, too — expect stunning marine sights. Other activities include jet skiing, fishing, power boating, and river rafting.
• The resorts. Spending time in some of the luxurious Acapulco-based resorts will make you disconnect from the hectic daily life and reconnect with your inner self in a meaningful way. That said, regardless of the price range, you’re bound to enjoy your stay in any of Acapulco’s resorts.

Overall Best Time to Visit Acapulco

The overall best time to visit Acapulco is in winter (December–March).  This is Acapulco’s peak tourist season, which translates into awesome weather, busy beaches, and bustling nightlife.

Plus, the winter months are the only time of the year with flights from the US available all the time; the rest of the time, visitors are required to catch a regional flight from Mexico City.

That said, note that, thanks to the high demand and warm weather, these months see higher airfare and hotel rates. One of the main events during this period is the December Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Featuring street parties, flowery ornaments, live performances, and costumes, the festival is not only a deeply religious holiday but also a joyous and entertaining one.

December visitors shouldn’t miss the Posadas de Navidad, either. An important aspect of the annual Christmas celebrations, these religious festivities are usually found around the town square.

The beginning of January has the Three Kings Day celebrations — a time for both giving and receiving presents. You can find plenty of buffets in local restaurants around this time.

A popular event, Candelaria features an afternoon parade at the beginning of February alongside marching bands, floats, fireworks, and costumes. One of the most popular sports events in Latin America, the Mexican Open is a must for all February/March visitors.

Besides sports fans, February sees an influx of visitors for The Carnival.

Held annually, Acapulco’s Carnival is known for its memorable performances, colorful costumes, and great food and drinks. These months see average temperatures between 72°F and 86°F.

Cheapest Time to Visit Acapulco

Hope to score some nice airfare deals and secure lower hotel rates? Then heading to Acapulco in spring, either in April or May, might be just what allows you to go easy on your wallet.

Acapulco’s shoulder season is known not only for the more affordable hotel/flight deals but also for pleasant weather (the temperatures at this time vary between 74°F and 87°F) and interesting events such as Semana Santa (April), featuring rituals, ceremonies, and processions, as well as the French Festival (May).

A multicultural event, Acapulco’s French Festival covers music, cinema, gastronomy, fashion, and literature. For Easter festivities, consider Holy Week — highlights include the confetti-filled eggs and parties in nearby clubs and beaches.

Music lovers should check out Festival de Música de Acapulco (May) and enjoy international and domestic music performances.

Then, there’s the annual boat show organized at the Acapulco Yacht Club. Skimfest is yet another May event worth checking out if you’re a fan of surfing competitions. The end of the month draws in visitors for Acafest, a yearly music festival.

Least Busy Time to Visit Acapulco

The least busy time to pay Acapulco a visit is in the fall, either in October or November.  Just like spring’s shoulder season, this one has ideal weather conditions — add the dispersed crowds in the mix, and you have yourself the perfect Acapulco stay.

October and November see average lows of 75°F and highs of 85°F. That said, note that October is one of the most humid months in the entire year, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

In terms of events worth mentioning at this time, note there’s Dia de la Raza (October), a national holiday with large crowds on the streets enjoying colorful parades and fireworks.

Wish to learn more about Acapulco’s past? Mark your calendar for the Guerrero State Anniversary. A yearly event, the Guerrero State Anniversary comes with discounted admission to the Museo de Historia.

November sees the Revolution Day (Aniversario del Inicio de la Revolución Mexicana) festivities. Celebrated yearly, Revolution Day has large parades and civic ceremonies.

Honoring the dead, Dia de Los Muertos is one of the most unique holidays in the entire country.

With people heading to their loved ones’ graves, skulls being sold at every corner, and the plethora of dances, Dia de Los Muertos is a long-lasting tradition. If you fancy Halloween, keep an eye out for All Hallows Eve, a Mexican version of the well-known Halloween holiday.

Worst Time to Visit Acapulco

We don’t recommend visiting Acapulco during the rainy season, especially during the months of June, July, and August. 

Your beach plans can easily get ruined, as when it rains, it usually pours, and you certainly won’t get to experience Acapulco in all its glory. If you go to Acapulco at this time, expect average temperatures between 76°F and 87°F.

The rainy season goes hand in hand with the annoying summer humidity, which is more than enough to make you reconsider your outdoor plans. That said, if you do decide to visit Acapulco at this time, you’ll come across fewer crowds, emptier hotels, and reasonable prices.

Still, if you decide to visit during Acapulco’s rainiest months, you can always add a cultural touch to your itinerary to compensate for the lack of great weather.

At the beginning of June, there’s the Black Film Festival, or Festival de Cine Negro, where you can enjoy film screenings in numerous theatre venues. There’s also Dia de la Marina (June), honoring the Mexican Navy.

Things to Consider

Knowing the best time to visit Acapulco is just the start of a great journey, so here’s what else you need to keep in mind:

• If you’re an American citizen, you don’t need a visa or ESTA to enter Mexico if you stay for up to 180 days.
• Acapulco isn’t the safest destination at the moment. It has a high crime rate, and unfortunately, criminals may target foreigners — not just locals — which is why many foreign governments advise against traveling to Acapulco. That said, many do end up visiting but are urged to exercise a high degree of caution.
• Be careful of pickpockets, especially in busy areas such as shopping malls and public transport. Also, don’t wander alone, especially late at night.
• Acapulco’s currency is the Mexican peso. Most businesses accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash with you at all times for snacks, water, and bus rides.
• Tipping around 10-15% of the bill is customary.
• Don’t be taken aback by the strong police presence in Acapulco. There’s even designated tourist police on local beaches. They might even ask you to stop and search you, so simply follow their instructions, and you’ll be fine.
• Many restaurants and shops close between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid dealing with the heat. 
• Drink only bottled water to avoid stomach troubles.
• Acapulco is infamous for its chaotic traffic, so avoid driving and stick to taxis.
• Buses are a reliable means of transportation. They’re especially great if you’re traveling short distances, such as to and from the beach. That said, they’re usually very crowded and may lack air conditioning, which makes things even worse.
• Local banks give the best exchange rates, but exchange houses work extended hours and are much easier to come across at random times.
• Bartering for one’s souvenirs is highly advisable and very common. 
• Get travel insurance before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!

👍 Best Time to Visit	December to March
💲 Cheapest Time to Visit	April to May
🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit	October or November
👎 Worst Time to Visit	June to August

All in all, visiting Acapulco is bound to be a special experience, and now you’re armed with the necessary information to choose the period that works for you the most.

So what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Acapulco has to offer. Happy travels!