Best Time to Visit Mexico

Mexico › When to Go
Updated: April 10, 2026

My wife and I in Mexico.

My wife and I on a March trip to Mexico.

When to go to Mexico: Mexico is a massive country with distinct regional climates. Broadly speaking, the best time to visit for dry, sunny weather is between December and April. However, specific seasons vary by geography: the Pacific hurricane season officially begins May 15, while the Atlantic and Caribbean seasons begin June 1; both run through November 30. In the Central Highlands (Mexico City/Oaxaca), the rainy season often arrives in late May or June, while Baja remains extremely dry until late summer tropical storms arrive.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

  • Best Time for Beaches: For great weather and pristine beaches on the Caribbean coast (Cancun, Tulum), visit from December to early March. This window offers the lowest risk of sargassum (seaweed), which typically begins to accumulate in spring. On the Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita), the weather is most reliable from November through May. Los Cabos is at its best from November to May, with nearly guaranteed sunshine and refreshing, low-humidity air.
  • Best Time to Visit Mexico for the Bargains: The deepest discounts are found when the risk of rain and tropical storms is highest: September and October nationwide. In Baja, you may see prices drop as early as June as the desert heat becomes intense. For Mexico City, the best value is often during the cooler winter months (January and February), provided you avoid the Christmas holiday peak.
  • Best Time for Whale Watching: This is a Pacific coast highlight. In Los Cabos, the official season is December 15 to April 15, with peak sightings (and newborn calves) from January through March. In Puerto Vallarta, the season runs from early December through March. If you want the “friendly” gray whales of Baja, aim for February.
  • Best Time for Cities and Culture: For walking weather in Mexico City or Oaxaca City, October and November are ideal. The rains have ended, the air is crisp, and the scenery is green. March and April are also excellent for city trips but can be significantly warmer and hazier.
  • Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Avoid the two weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s, and the week of Easter (Semana Santa), when millions of domestic travelers head to the coast. The “Grito” (Independence Day) in mid-September also sees high occupancy in colonial cities.

Sargassum (Seaweed) in Mexico: What to Know

  • What is it?: Sargassum is a brown, floating macroalgae that washes up on the shores of the Caribbean. While it is a natural part of the ecosystem, large “blooms” can accumulate on the sand, making swimming difficult and producing a strong sulfur-like smell as it decomposes.
  • Where does it happen?: This is strictly an issue for the Caribbean coast (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya). It does not affect the Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo, Mazatlán) or the Sea of Cortez (Los Cabos).
  • When is it worst?: While sargassum can appear at any time, it typically follows a seasonal pattern. The lowest risk is during the winter (December through February). Arrivals usually begin in March or April and can remain heavy through the summer and early fall.
  • Tips for Travelers: If you are seaweed-sensitive, I recommend checking local beach webcams before you head out. West-facing beaches on islands (like the west side of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel) often stay clear even when the mainland is hit hard. If you want a 100% guarantee of no seaweed, head to the Pacific coast.

Mexico Travel Seasons

  • High Season (mid-December through Easter): The busiest time in most regions. The weather is spectacular: sunny, dry, and mild. Hotel rates are at their highest and booking 4 to 6 months in advance is essential for top resorts. Note that on the Pacific coast, the hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30, but conditions are generally very stable by mid-December.
  • Shoulder Season (May and November): These are transition months. November is one of my favorite times to visit as the summer rains have left the landscape lush and the hurricane risk is fading. May is hot and dry on the coasts but marks the start of the rainy season in many interior highlands. Prices are more moderate during these windows.
  • Low Season (June through October): This is the heart of the rainy season and the peak of hurricane risk (typically August to October). While a direct hit is rare, tropical storms can bring heavy rain for days. However, the rain often comes in short, predictable afternoon bursts. This is the best time for budget travelers to find luxury at a fraction of the cost.

Mexico Weather by Month (Illustrative Averages)

Weather varies a lot by elevation, coast, and microclimate, so use these as planning averages rather than guarantees.

Our December visit to Tulum.

Tulum during a December visit.

January

  • Cancun & Tulum (Caribbean): Coolest month, but still warm. Seaweed risk is low. Highs around 28°C, lows 21°C. Rainfall: 43mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas (Baja): Crisp desert air. Excellent for whales. Highs 26°C, lows 14°C. Rainfall: 13mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta (Pacific): Perfect winter sun. Highs 29°C, lows 16°C. Rainfall: 23mm.
  • Mexico City (Highlands): Bright and sunny, but very cold at night. Highs 21°C, lows 6°C. Rainfall: 10mm.

February

  • Cancun & Tulum: Perfect tropical weather. Highs 29°C, lows 21°C. Rainfall: 46mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Peak gray whale encounters. Highs 29°C, lows 15°C. Rainfall: 4mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Dry and sunny. Highs 29°C, lows 16°C. Rainfall: 10mm.
  • Mexico City: Warm afternoons, cold nights. Highs 23°C, lows 7°C. Rainfall: 20mm.

March

  • Cancun & Tulum: Spring break peak. Highs 30°C, lows 22°C. Rainfall: 40mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Dry and warm. Highs 30°C, lows 16°C. Rainfall: 2mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Heating up. Highs 30°C, lows 17°C. Rainfall: 4mm.
  • Mexico City: Jacarandas in bloom. Highs 25°C, lows 9°C. Rainfall: 10mm.

April

  • Cancun & Tulum: Very hot and sunny. Sargassum risk increases. Highs 32°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 27mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Sweet spot for weather and crowds. Highs 30°C, lows 17°C. Rainfall: 4mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Quiet and pleasant. Highs 32°C, lows 18°C. Rainfall: 5mm.
  • Mexico City: Warmest month. Highs 27°C, lows 11°C. Rainfall: 20mm.

May

  • Cancun & Tulum: Humidity rises. Highs 33°C, lows 24°C. Rainfall: 28mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Start of the Pacific hurricane season (May 15). Highs 32°C, lows 18°C. Rainfall: 0mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Hot and dry before rains start. Highs 33°C, lows 20°C. Rainfall: 18mm.
  • Mexico City: Rains begin late in the month. Highs 27°C, lows 12°C. Rainfall: 40mm.

June

  • Cancun & Tulum: Rainy season starts. Atlantic hurricane season begins (June 1). Highs 33°C, lows 25°C. Rainfall: 109mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Very hot and dry. Highs 33°C, lows 20°C. Rainfall: 10mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Humid with frequent showers. Highs 33°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 227mm.
  • Mexico City: Predictable afternoon rains. Highs 25°C, lows 13°C. Rainfall: 120mm.

July

  • Cancun & Tulum: Sizzling and wet. Highs 33°C, lows 25°C. Rainfall: 115mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Heat and humidity spike. Highs 34°C, lows 24°C. Rainfall: 12mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Lush and rainy. Highs 33°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 330mm.
  • Mexico City: Cool and rainy. Highs 23°C, lows 13°C. Rainfall: 160mm.

August

  • Cancun & Tulum: Hottest month; hurricane risk climbs. Highs 34°C, lows 25°C. Rainfall: 181mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Storm activity increases. Highs 35°C, lows 24°C. Rainfall: 52mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Tropical and wet. Highs 33°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 310mm.
  • Mexico City: Very similar to July. Highs 24°C, lows 13°C. Rainfall: 150mm.

September

  • Cancun & Tulum: Peak hurricane risk; wettest month. Highs 33°C, lows 24°C. Rainfall: 279mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Highest risk for tropical storms. Highs 34°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 116mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Rainiest month. Highs 32°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 370mm.
  • Mexico City: Rainy and festive (Independence Day). Highs 23°C, lows 12°C. Rainfall: 140mm.

October

  • Cancun & Tulum: Hurricane risk remains high. Highs 31°C, lows 23°C. Rainfall: 177mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Storm season winds down. Highs 33°C, lows 22°C. Rainfall: 30mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Rainy early, sunny late. Highs 32°C, lows 21°C. Rainfall: 131mm.
  • Oaxaca City: End of rains; best for walking. Highs 26°C, lows 13°C. Rainfall: 50mm.

November

  • Cancun & Tulum: Best value month; rains end. Highs 30°C, lows 22°C. Rainfall: 104mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Dry and pleasant. Highs 30°C, lows 18°C. Rainfall: 11mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Excellent weather returns. Highs 31°C, lows 18°C. Rainfall: 24mm.
  • Mexico City: Cool and dry. Highs 22°C, lows 8°C. Rainfall: 19mm.

December

  • Cancun & Tulum: Peak season begins mid-month. Highs 28°C, lows 21°C. Rainfall: 87mm.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Whale season starts Dec 15. Highs 27°C, lows 15°C. Rainfall: 15mm.
  • Puerto Vallarta: Perfectly clear skies. Highs 30°C, lows 16°C. Rainfall: 21mm.
  • Oaxaca City: Cold nights, warm days. Highs 25°C, lows 8°C. Rainfall: 10mm.

Mexico Events and Festivals

Mexico in January

  • New Year’s Day – A quiet day for recovery and family gatherings. Tourist businesses remain open.
  • Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) – January 6. Families eat “Rosca de Reyes” bread. Finding the plastic baby inside means you host the tamale party on February 2.
  • Mérida Fest – A massive cultural celebration in mid-January featuring concerts and art throughout the Yucatan’s capital.

Mexico in February

  • Día De La Candelaria – February 2. Religious processions and tamale parties marking the end of the holiday season.
  • Carnaval – The week before Ash Wednesday. Mazatlán and Veracruz host the biggest, rowdiest parades in Mexico.

Mexico in March

  • Night of the Witches – First Friday of March in Catemaco, Veracruz. Shamans and healers gather for traditional rituals.
  • Guadalajara International Film Festival – Mexico’s most prestigious film festival held in mid-March.
  • Vinoma Fest (Puerto Vallarta) – Early March. A premier wine and food pairing festival held at the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal.

Mexico in April

  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) – The week before Easter. Massive beach migration for locals. Book 6 months ahead for any beach town.
  • Soleita Festival (Sayulita) – A week-long journey of music, wellness, and connection held in mid-April. Check the official site for final event dates as they vary by year. (Official Site)

Mexico in May

  • Cinco de Mayo – Only a major holiday in Puebla. Most of Mexico treats it as a standard day.
  • Vallarta Pride – Mexico’s most exciting Pride celebration runs May 17-24, 2026. The theme for this thirteenth annual edition is “A New Era: A Very Mexican Pride.” (Official Site)

Mexico in June

  • Día de la Marina – June 1. Coastal towns celebrate Navy Day with maritime parades and fireworks.
  • National Ceramics Fair (Tlaquepaque) – Late June. The best time to buy high-end pottery near Guadalajara.

Mexico in July

  • Guelaguetza (Oaxaca) – The most important cultural festival in Oaxaca, traditionally held the last two Mondays of July (July 20 and July 27 in 2026). (Official Site)

Mexico in August

  • Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest) – Mid-August in Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
  • International Mariachi Festival (Guadalajara) – Late August/Early September. Musicians from around the world compete in the home of mariachi.

Mexico in September

  • Independence Day – September 15-16. Huge parties in town squares across the country.

Mexico in October

  • Festival Internacional Cervantino (Guanajuato) – Latin America’s most important arts festival. The 2026 dates are October 8-24. (Official Site)
  • Día de la Raza – October 12. Commemorates the fusion of Spanish and indigenous cultures.

Mexico in November

  • Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 1-2. Celebrated nationwide, but most intensely in Oaxaca and Janitzio.
  • Festival Internacional del Globo (FIG León) – The world-renowned hot air balloon festival in León runs November 13-16, 2026. (Official Site)

Mexico in December

  • Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe – December 12. The most important religious holiday. Massive pilgrimages to Mexico City.
  • Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) – December 24. The main Christmas dinner and celebration for Mexican families.