Jacomergo/Shutterstock
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?
The best time to visit Mexico is between May and June (late spring) and September to October (early fall). These shoulder season bookends are when you’ll find the most enjoyable weather in different regions, smaller crowds of tourists, and lower prices for a more affordable trip.
Here are some of the benefits of visiting Mexico during late spring and early fall:
- Mild weather: Mexico’s size and varied geography means its regions experience different climates, but during the late spring and early fall, the weather is prime across the country. Expect warm (not hot) temperatures, minimal rainfall, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, and strolling through the cities.
- Smaller crowds: Crowds can make trips to Mexico a little less enjoyable, so visiting during the less-busy shoulder seasons of spring and fall is the best option. From better hotel and flight availability to shorter lines and less-crowded beaches, these two periods are ideal to beat the crowds at popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta.
- Lower prices: Prioritizing your budget on a trip to Mexico doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality of your trip when you go during a cheaper time of year. From May to June and again between September and October, there’s a noticeable dip in hotel and flight prices in Mexico. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy the country without blowing your budget.
- Diverse cultural experiences: May to June and September to October are packed with Mexican festivals and cultural holidays that give you an up-close look at what makes this country so vibrant and unique. From Cinco de Mayo (May 5) to the International Mariachi Festival (September), these are great periods to experience the cultural of Mexico.
Check out the best time to enjoy some of the most popular activities in Mexico below.
- Beaches: The winter dry season (December to April) is generally the best time to visit Mexico’s beaches. The weather is reliably sunny and the water is warm. Tourism is at its peak during these months, so crowds and higher prices can make time on the beach a little less enjoyable.
- Sightseeing: The winter dry season is also a prime time for sightseeing around Mexico’s cities and the ruins deep in the jungles or along the coasts. The balmy weather is near-perfect, but you’ll prefer the late spring or early fall for weather that’s almost as nice with much lower prices and smaller crowds.
- Hiking: Dry season hikes can be idyllic in Mexico, thanks to the warm sunshine with minimal rain. But if you’re okay with the possibility of rain showers and a little mud, hiking in the spring and fall can be just as nice and much less expensive.
- Urban exploration: Cities like Mexico City and Cancun are best explored during the less-busy late spring and early fall months due to lower numbers of tourists. The winter dry season can be a great time with minimal rain, but expect crowds and higher prices.
Overall, May to June and September to October offer the best travel experience for a Mexican vacation. The weather is nice, the rain isn’t too bad, and the smaller crowds and lower prices make these periods an excellent choice.
Average Temperatures by Month
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Acapulco |
87°
|
88°
|
89°
|
90°
|
90°
|
89°
|
88°
|
88°
|
88°
|
88°
|
88°
|
87°
|
| Cancun |
81°
|
82°
|
83°
|
84°
|
85°
|
86°
|
87°
|
88°
|
87°
|
85°
|
83°
|
82°
|
| Guadalajara |
74°
|
75°
|
78°
|
82°
|
84°
|
84°
|
82°
|
82°
|
81°
|
80°
|
77°
|
74°
|
| Los Cabos |
73°
|
73°
|
75°
|
78°
|
82°
|
86°
|
89°
|
90°
|
88°
|
84°
|
79°
|
74°
|
| Mazatlan |
70°
|
70°
|
71°
|
74°
|
78°
|
82°
|
84°
|
84°
|
83°
|
80°
|
76°
|
72°
|
| Merida |
88°
|
90°
|
93°
|
96°
|
97°
|
95°
|
94°
|
94°
|
94°
|
93°
|
90°
|
88°
|
| Oaxaca |
79°
|
82°
|
85°
|
88°
|
88°
|
886°
|
85°
|
85°
|
84°
|
83°
|
81°
|
79°
|
| Puerto Vallarta |
80°
|
80°
|
81°
|
83°
|
86°
|
89°
|
91°
|
91°
|
90°
|
88°
|
84°
|
81°
|
| Riviera Maya |
81°
|
81°
|
83°
|
85°
|
87°
|
88°
|
89°
|
89°
|
88°
|
86°
|
84°
|
82°
|
| Tijuana |
63°
|
64°
|
65°
|
67°
|
68°
|
71°
|
75°
|
76°
|
75°
|
71°
|
67°
|
63°
|
Climate in Mexico
Summer Season in Mexico
Summer in Mexico runs from June to August with warm to hot temperatures from 75°F to 95°F. Rainfall is common in the summer months and humidity is higher. While it's a great time to visit the beach, go diving around coral reefs, or try your hand at adventurous water sports, it can be a little too toasty and muggy for hikes or urban exploration.
Rainy Season in Mexico
Mexico's rainy season is between June and September for most of the country. Rainfall is widespread throughout Mexico this time of year, but is heaviest in the southwest (like Puerto Vallarta) and to a lesser extent in the central south (Mexico City) and southeast (like Cancun). It's not the best time for strolling through the cities, hiking, or hanging out on the beach, but it's beautifully lush and green this time of year.
Winter Season in Mexico
Winter in Mexico is a dry season between December and February. This period has mild temperatures ranging from 68°F to 85°F, so don't expect traditional winter weather! It's a perfect time for sightseeing and exploring the outdoors with little rain to slow you down. Venturing out to the ruins of Chichen Itza, trekking through the jungle, visiting the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, or attending cultural festivals, fairs, and feasts are nice this time of year.
Our Recommendations
Best
Good
Okay