Mexico is a vast country that boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, whether you’re a beach lover or prefer cool mountain climes. Owing to its sheer size and geographic diversity, visitors will encounter different microclimates and weather patterns from coast to coast, which should be taken into consideration when planning a family vacation or romantic escape.
If you’re wondering about the best time of year for a Mexico vacation, the answer will hinge largely on your personal preferences and the various destinations that you’ll be visiting. Some travelers (especially those seeking a winter vacation) crave warm, sunny weather and don’t care too much about tourist crowds. Others may be looking for a more wallet-friendly trip with great discounts on condo rentals and tours, and don’t mind the occasional downpour.
Although temperatures fluctuate greatly depending on location and elevation, Mexico’s weather is generally marked by a dry season and a rainy season.
High tourist season in Mexico
December through April are the driest months in Mexico, which also coincides with peak tourist season. Average day time temperatures along popular beach towns like Cancun range between 82 and 91 degrees F, offering travelers perfect weather for a host of outdoor and water activities.
If you’re not keen on spending your vacation among hordes of Spring Breakers, which descend upon Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen each year, plan your vacation so that it doesn’t coincide with the busiest spring break period (March and April). Keep in mind that Easter (locally known as Semana Santa) is another peak time for travel in Mexico, as local families flock to the coast for a few days of rest and relaxation. Accommodation prices during Easter week and other holidays tend to go up considerably, so if you’re watching your budget, consider a trip during the “rainy” or transition period.
Low tourist season in Mexico
The rainy or “wet season” spans from May/June through November throughout most of the country. Depending on the location, you may experience occasional drizzles or frequent late afternoon showers. A little rain shouldn’t deter you however, as there is plenty of time to squeeze in fishing tours and sightseeing excursions.
One of the biggest advantages of this time of year is the lush, green vegetation and fewer tourist crowds.
If you’re planning to visit Baja California Peninsula, note that Mexico’s hurricane season officially starts in June, which can bring heavy showers and the threat of storms to both the Pacific and Gulf coasts.
Planning for seasonal wildlife activities
If there’s a certain activity or festival on your bucket list, you may want to tailor your vacation dates accordingly.
- Best times for whale watching on the Pacific coast: January to March
- Best time to view sea turtles nesting: September and October
- Best time to swim with whale sharks along the Yucatan Peninsula: May through September
- Best time to see monarch butterfly migration: Late January through March
Additional “Best Times to Visit Mexico” Resources:
- GoMexico, 5 Amazing Wildlife Encounters in Mexico http://gomexico.about.com/od/adventureecotourism/ss/wildlife-encounters.htm
- OnTheGo, THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MEXICO https://www.onthegotours.com/Mexico/Best-time-to-visit
- GoMexico, Mexico Month By Month http://gomexico.about.com/od/planningandinformation/tp/mexico-by-month.htm
