Mexico › Cancun Things to Do
Updated: March 4, 2022

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Family Hotels in Cancun
• Best Airport Hotels in Cancun

9 Best Cancun Tours & Day Trips

All of the tours below are great but if I could only do one it would be the Cenotes Day Tour. Incredible! And super fun.

• Cenotes Day Tour from Cancún & Riviera Maya
• Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Aventuras
• Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour
• Cancún: Street Food and Urban Art Tour
• Xplor Park All Inclusive Full-Day Tour from Cancun
• Chichen Itza, Ik-Kil Cenote, and Coba: Private Tour
• Advance Tickets: Rio Secreto Underground River • Xcaret Park • Xel-Há Park

12 Best Things to Do in Cancun

1. Marvel at the Ruins of Chichen Itza

   
   The ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza, famous for its pyramid ruins, is both a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city dates back to the 5th century, though its most impressive structures were built later in the 9th through 12th centuries and are a mix of Maya, Toltec, and Puuc styles. El Castillo (aka the Temple of Kukulkan) is the best-known pyramid, designed according to the astronomical calendar so that during the equinoxes, the sunlight creates a vision of a feathered snake climbing down its sides. Travelers here will also find the Mesoamerican ball court, with its unique audio qualities and intricately carved rings. Several other impressive structures and landmarks are here, including the Sacred Cenote, a place of pilgrimage and sacrifice; the tzompantli, where skulls of captured warriors were displayed; and El Caracol, the ancient observatory, among many others. There are several tour operators running day trips from Cancun to Chichen Itza, many with stops along the way to cenotes, the Tulum ruins, or Valladolid.

2. Snorkel With Whale Sharks

   
   The Yucatan coast near Cancun is the most reliable spot worldwide to see endangered whale sharks. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, about the size of a school bus. Despite their immense size, adult whale sharks are completely docile and harmless to humans, while the youngest whale sharks as playful as overgrown puppies. Whale shark season runs roughly from June through September. Most tours follow similar rules for the safety of the whale sharks; divers are allowed in the water two or three at a time, for around five minutes. That group will exit the water, while the next group jumps in. Typically each guest will get three or four swims over the course of the tour. Snorkel gear is included in the rate. Booking a private tour will allow each guest more time in the water versus tagging along with a larger group.

3. Swim In The Cenotes

   
   Cenotes, sometimes written xenotes, are natural pools formed from collapsed limestone with sapphire, turquoise, and emerald waters. The entire coast of the Riviera Maya is dotted with cenotes, nearly 7,000 in total. Some cenotes are open to the sun and surrounded by tropical trees and hanging vines – great for a swim or snorkel, while others are parts of vast, underground cave and river systems, fun to scuba through on a guided tour. Many cenotes are easy to reach on your own by driving or taxiing, like Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote near Tulum or Ik Kil and Suytun near Chichen Itza. Access is usually granted for a small entry fee, with life jackets and snorkel masks to rent onsite; Dos Ojos even has flashlights for cavern snorkeling and diving. For a more in depth exploration of the underwater cave systems, contact Cancun Scuba Center.

4. Get Ready to Rumble with Lucha Libre

   
   Lucha libre is a uniquely Mexican version of pro-wrestling, emphasizing aerial maneuvers, choreographed acrobatics, wild personalities, and of course the famous masks. Each fight, whether one-on-one or tag team, pits the técnicos (good guys) against the rudos (bad guys), often with minis (dwarfs) or exóticos (wrestlers in drag) on either side. Events usually have around five bouts, with each fight lasting for three rounds and always spilling outside the ring. The crowd gets pretty rowdy, so if you’ve always wanted to learn how to swear in Spanish, this is where to practice! In Cancun, fights are held Downtown and sometimes on Isla Mujeres and coordinated by Lucha Libre TWS. Splurge for front row seats; they aren’t expensive, usually only 250 pesos ($12 USD). Beer, soda, and snacks are for sale throughout the event.

5. Swim the Underwater Museum

   
   MUSA is an underwater art museum in between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Over 500 sculptures by six artists were designed and installed to encourage the growth of coral and replenish the habitat of tropical marine life. Subjects include giant hands, naval mines, VW Beetles, and life-sized people modeled after Cancun locals. Already the largest artificial reef in the world, the museum is still expanding; as the older artworks become obscured by wildlife, new installations are added. The Enchanted Wood, featuring artworks blending land animals and trees, will make up the next permanent installation. There are a few ways to visit MUSA, including by glass-bottom boat or snorkeling for the two Cancun locations or by scuba diving in the Isla Mujeres portion. Contact MUSA directly or Aquaworld to schedule a visit.

6. Get Up Close to Sea Turtles

   
   The ocean and beaches of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and the Riviera Maya are some of the best spots in the world to see sea turtles. Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill sea turtles are the most common, though sometimes giant leatherback sea turtles (the largest turtle in the world and fourth heaviest reptile) make appearances, too. From May through October, female sea turtles come ashore every night to dig nests and lay dozens of eggs each. The eggs hatch and the babies swim out to sea in July through December. Most resorts in Cancun are involved in sea turtle conservation efforts, and allow guests to participate or watch in all stages, including gathering the eggs into a protective enclosure and assisting in a sunset release of the babies. Snorkelers and divers visiting Cancun during the summer and fall months may glimpse sea turtles mating in the ocean. Winter or spring visitors will still find plenty to see at Tortugranja, the turtle conservation center in Isla Mujeres. While there, visitors can see, feed, and interact with turtles at all stages of development, along with other local marine life, like conches, horseshoe crabs, and urchins.

7. Day Trip to Tulum

   
   Located about an hour and a half south of Cancun, Tulum offers a unique getaway from the city, with a blend of bohemian style, sparkling cenotes, Mayan ruins, and gorgeous beaches. Start with beachfront yoga at Sanará, followed by a healthy vegan breakfast at nearby Raw Love or a filling Mexican breakfast at Taqueria Honorio downtown. Head to the Ruins of Tulum next, before the sun gets too high and hot. The main entry to the ruins is off the highway, near the Artisan Mall, but strong swimmers can reach the ruins by swimming up from Santa Fe beach to the aptly named Ruins Beach. Entry is 65 pesos per person; add 600 for a guided tour. After the ruins, be sure to visit at least one of Tulum’s cenotes. There are three major cenotes in the area: Gran Cenote is the largest and busiest, made up of several small cenotes and filled with fish and turtles. Dos Ojos is two connecting cenotes, one a bright clear blue and the other a deep, dark cavern (they have flashlights to rent). Finally, Yal Ku is more of a lagoon, with a mix of fresh and salt water and tons of colorful, tropical fish.

8. Speed through the Jungle Lagoon

   
   Due west of Cancun’s main beach is Nichupte Lagoon, surrounded by a mangrove jungle, cut through with winding canals, and filled with wildlife. Tiny, two-seater speed boats are the most fun way to explore the lagoon once you get the hang of steering. Guests whip through the jungle waterways and make for the reef for a snorkel interlude before turning around. Most tours snorkel at the Punta Nizuc reef, sometimes in view of the underwater museum.

9. Visit the Maya Museum and San Miguelito Ruins

   
   The Museo Maya and the San Miguelito archaeological site share an 80-hectacre compound in the Hotel Zone. Opened in 2012, the museum holds some of the most important Maya artifacts from the Yucatan region, including many from Chichen Itza, as well as from Comalcalco and Palenque in Tabasco and Chiapas, respectively. Three main galleries cover various topics of Maya history, archaeology, and culture, especially in the pre-Hispanic era. Museum tickets also grant admission to the San Miguelito site, a collection of Maya ruins spread out through a jungle garden. Included in this site are a pyramid, temple, and the remains of family homes. Museo Maya and San Miguelito are open from 9:00am until 6:00pm every day except Mondays.

10. Learn to Scuba

    
    Cancun is the perfect spot for first-timers to try out scuba diving. It’s adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest reef system, and with the underwater museum, endless cenotes, and an abundance of marine life, the city has so many aquatic attractions that are really worth the up close attention that scuba gives over snorkeling. Two-hour intro classes are available at several locations in the Hotel Zone and Riviera Maya, and though patrons won’t leave there PADI certified, they will receive a certificate allowing them to join guided scuba tours all over the area. Aquaworld offers a package deal for a morning intro class, followed by an afternoon dive at MUSA, and Scuba Diving Cancun offers a lesson package that includes two reef dives. Children must be at least ten-years-old to attend most dive courses and at least sixteen to attend without parental guidance.

11. Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

    
    Isla Mujeres offers a laid back change of pace, just a fifteen minute ferry ride away from Cancun. Translating to “Island of Women,” the island’s name comes from it being the historical site if the Temple of Ixchel, the Maya fertility goddess. Now it’s a major destination, known for its main beach, Playa Norte, consistently ranked among best beaches in the world. It’s Downtown area has several amazing restaurants (try Rooster or Ruben’s) and street vendors on Hidalgo Street, while the South End of is home to Punta Sur national park, with Ixchel’s Temple ruins and a sculpture garden, plus Tortugranja, the turtle sanctuary, and Garrafon Natural Reef Park, with snorkeling, ziplining, kayaking, and more. The island is small, less than eight kilometers long and less than one kilometer across, so it’s easy to see the whole thing in a day. The preferred mode of travel here is by golf cart, with several rental shops directly across the street from the ferry terminal.

12. Explore the Shops and Food at Market 28

    
    Mercado 28 is a huge, maze-like, flea market in Downtown with over 600 vendors and restaurants. Stalls sell tons of trinkets and textiles, like maracas, blankets, and leather goods, with some great bargain prices and some unique handicrafts mixed in with the souvenirs. Salespeople can be a little pushy, but it’s all in the game, so be prepared to haggle and you can walk away with some great buys. The market is also a great spot to try more authentic, local foods at a fraction of the Hotel Zone cost. Try Restaurant Margely here, one of the best spots for local Yucatecan food; ask for the conchinita pibil or the parrillada yucateca. This place is easy to reach by bus from the hotel zone. Take the R-2 bus and ask to get off at Market 28; this is the stop right before Wal-Mart. Then take Avenue Coba to Avenue Tankah headed north. Mercado 28 will be right behind the Super Aki store. There are a few stores in the area that have a similar name to try to fool tourists into stopping there, like Plaza 28 or Market 23, so look for the Super Aki and a sign behind it that says Mercado 28!

Read More

• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Family Hotels in Cancun
• Best Budget Hotels in Cancun
• Best Airport Hotels in Cancun
• Best Time to Visit Cancun
• Best Restaurants in Cancun
• Mexico Travel Guide
• Mexico with Kids
• Best Time to Visit Mexico
• Best Beaches in Mexico
• Best Hotels in Isla Mujeres
• Best Family Hotels in Isla Mujeres
• Best Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Family Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Family Hotels in Mazatlan
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• Best Family Hotels in Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
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• Tulum Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum

Mexico › Bajío Itinerary
Updated: March 3, 2022

See Also

• Mexico – Where to Go
• Mexico – With Kids
• Mexico – Best Time to Visit
• Mexico – Best Beaches
• Mexico – Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen

7 Days in the Bajío – Traveling the Ruta de Plata

The Best of the Bajío

• Best Things to Do in the Bajío: Callejóneadas in Guanajuato • Art galleries in San Miguel de Allende • Sanctuary at Atotonilco • Hot springs • Visit Guanajuato from the Pípila monument • Old mine ruins at Mineral de Pozos
• Best Tours: Bici Burro Cycling Tours of San Miguel de Allende • Coyote Canyon Horseback Adventures • Mexico Street Food Tours (Guanajuato) • Catrina Tours (Mineral de Pozos, Atotonilco)
• Best Restaurants: Zibu Allende • The Restaurant • Casa Mercedes • Hacienda La Laborcilla
• Best Place to Learn Spanish: Academia Hispano Americana • Instituto Allende
• Best Nightlife: San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato
• Best Hotels: Casa de la Marquesa (Querétaro) • Casa de Sierra Nevada (San Miguel de Allende) • Casa de la Cuesta (San Miguel de Allende) • Casa Misha (San Miguel de Allende) • Matilda (San Miguel de Allende) • Mesón del Rosario (Guanajuato) • Edelmira Hotel Boutique (Guanajuato) • Quinta Las Acacias (Guanajuato) • Hotel Layseca (San Juan del Rio) • Posada de Las Minas (Mineral de Pozos)

Planning a Bajío Itinerary – Top 5 Bajío Highlights

1. San Miguel de Allende

The most beautiful town in the Bajío, San Miguel de Allende has retained its colonial charm, despite being crammed with posh boutique hotels, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and thousands of North American expats – strolling its hilly, cobbled streets is likely to the highlight of the trip. The city’s most famous sight is the town church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel on the Jardín Principal, the sleepy main plaza. Nearby, the Casa de Don Ignacio de Allende was the birthplace of the Independence hero Miguel Allende in 1769 and now operates as an absorbing history museum. The other big draw here is contemporary art – San Miguel has been attracting artists since the 1930s, and the town is known for its high-quality galleries. San Miguel also boasts the best hotels and restaurants in the region.

Recommended Hotels: Casa de Sierra Nevada • Casa de la Cuesta • Casa Misha • Matilda

2. Guanajuato

Bigger and busier than San Miguel – it’s a big university town – Guanajuato is a grand colonial city, with a dramatic setting in a deep valley and a cache of stately mansions and churches that recall old Spain. It’s a wonderful place for aimless wandering, though there are plenty of must-see attractions, from Diego Rivera’s birthplace (now a museum dedicated to the artist) to a slightly ghoulish museum of mummified corpses (Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato). The Teatro Juárez is perhaps the region’s most elegant building, while the period interiors and gardens of Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera show how the upper classes of Guanajuato once lived. Don’t leave without soaking up the views from the Pípila Monument, high above the city.

Recommended Hotels: Mesón del Rosario • Edelmira Hotel Boutique • Quinta Las Acacias

3. Street Food and Local Specialties

Foodies are in for a treat traveling in the Bajío. In addition to some of the best restaurants in the country, there are plenty of local specialties and street stalls to enjoy. Querétaro is known for its “sopa regional”, a lentil soup with slices of dried fruit, and “enchiladas Queretanas”, fried tortillas stuffed with chili sauce, onions, and cheese. San Miguel is famed for its gourmet restaurants, but Carnitas Bautista is a legendary no-frills canteen serving roast pig in tortillas and gorditas. In Guanajuato, locally celebrated “enchiladas mineras” and birria (goat or mutton stew), is served at stalls in the historic Mercado Hidalgo. Dolores Hidalgo offers wacky ice cream concoctions, everything from alfalfa and beer flavors, to avocado and shrimp.

4. Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco

The “Sistine Chapel of Mexico” is one of the most spectacular religious sights in the country and well worth the effort to get here. Constructed in the 18th century, the shrine was founded by Father Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro, and looks relatively plain from the outside. The interior, however, is plastered with murals, sculptures, and paintings, principally by Baroque master Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre. A trip here can be combined with bathing in hot springs at nearby Escondido Place and La Gruta.

5. Mineral de Pozos

The semi-ghost town of Mineral de Pozos makes for a fascinating day-trip, with much of the once-booming colonial mining hub now romantic ruins, from low-slung adobe houses and abandoned haciendas, to actual mine workings and crumbling kilns. Standouts include the ruins of the Hacienda de Cinco Señores, an abandoned mine complex, and the three pyramid-like hornos (smelters) of Santa Brígida. It’s not completely dead, though – artists have restored some of the buildings and established galleries here, and there are plenty of atmospheric boutique hotels and places to eat. Many tunnels in the surrounding countryside and not marked, so hikers should take extra care.

Recommended Hotel: Posada de Las Minas

7 Days in the Bajío (Ruta de Plata)

The “Ruta de Plata” or “Silver Route” was pioneered by the Spanish in the 17th century, one of the “Royal roads” that connected Mexico City with the rich silver mining towns of the Bajío. It originally went all the way to Zacatecas, but this 7-day itinerary takes in the picturesque section between San Juan del Río and Guanajuato – much of the route has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Renting a car will allow much more flexibility – the main roads are all well-maintained here – but it’s possible to follow the route via a series of buses.

Day 1: San Juan del Río

• Soak up the scene in the twin central squares of the Plaza Independencia and Plaza de los Fundadores
• Peruse the food stalls at Mercado Reforma
• Shop for gemstones (primarily local opals), handmade baskets, Hidalgo wine and local cheese
• Visit the Museo de la Muerte (“Museum of the Dead”) to learn about Mexican rituals surrounding death
• Eat or drink at colonial-style Café La Parroquia
Recommended Hotels: Hotel Layseca

Day 2: Querétaro

• Begin a tour of elegant Querétaro with breakfast on colonial Plaza de Armas
• Visit the Museo Casa de la Zacatecana and the Museo Regional de Querétaro
• Sample a torta (sandwich) at Las Tortugas
• Visit the Templo de Santa Clara and the Convento de la Cruz
• Catching sunset over city’s historic aqueduct from the Mirador de los Arcos
• Dinner at Chinicuil (helmed by chef Alan Rodríguez), followed by cocktails on Plaza de Armas
Recommended Hotels: Casa de la Marquesa (Querétaro)

Day 3: San Miguel de Allende

• Stroll the Jardín Principal; visit the church and Casa Allende
• Visit Jardín de San Francisco and its two colonial churches, as well as Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
• Peruse local art galleries or the handicrafts at the Mercado de Artesanías
• Dinner at The Restaurant
Recommended Hotels: Casa de Sierra Nevada • Casa de la Cuesta • Casa Misha • Matilda

Day 4: Atotonilco

• Drive, take a taxi or catch the local bus from San Miguel de Allende to view the mesmerizing art the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
• Spend the afternoon bathing in the outdoor mineral pools at La Gruta or Escondido Place

Day 5: Dolores Hidalgo

• Visit the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the church where Father Hidalgo issued his famous “Grito de Dolores” in 1810, signaling the start of the Mexican War of Independence
• Visit the Museo Histórico Curato de Dolores, Father Hidalgo’s home between 1804 and 1810, now a tribute to the “Father of Independence”
• Visit the Museo del Bicentenario, birthplace and former home of independence hero Mariano Abasolo
• Visit the Casa Museo José Alfredo Jiménez, which commemorates Mexico’s greatest ranchera singer – Jiménez was born in Dolores in 1926 and is buried here
• Sample the town’s quirky ice cream flavors around Plaza Principal

Day 6: Mineral de Pozos

• Dolores is the best departure point for Mineral de Pozos – day-trips are possible but it’s better to stay the night. Organized tours also run from San Miguel de Allende
• Start at the central plaza, Jardín Principal, and visit the church, Parroquia San Pedro
• Explore the streets of the old town
• Drive out to the hornos of Santa Brígida, on the east side of town
• Visit one of the old haciendas such as “El Triángulo” and the ruins at Mina Cinco Señores, on the west side of town
• Eat at acclaimed restaurant, La Fama
Recommended Hotels: Posada de Las Minas

Day 7: Guanajuato

• Ride the funicular up to Monumento al Pipila
• Drinks on Jardín de la Unión, the main plaza
• Visit Templo de San Diego and the Teatro Juárez
• Visit Museo Palacio de los Poderes and Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
• Eat at Mercado Hidalgo
• Visit Museo Regional de Guanajuato
• Dinner at Casa Mercedes
• Join a traditional callejóneada
Recommended Hotels: Mesón del Rosario • Edelmira Hotel Boutique • Quinta Las Acacias

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Best Baja Wineries
Updated: March 3, 2022

See Also

• Best Places to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Family Hotels in Cabo

Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe – Tips & Advice

Where is Valle de Guadalupe?
Valle de Guadalupe is a compact wine-growing region lying just inland from the Pacific Ocean, in the northern Mexican state of Baja California – 40 km northeast of Ensenada and 70 km (43 miles) south of the US-Mexican border. The villages of San Antonio de las Minas in the southwest and Francisco Zarco and El Porvenir in the northeast are the main settlements in the valley.

When To Visit Valle de Guadalupe
Wineries are usually open year-round for visits, but the busiest period for Guadalupe is during the Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival), late July through August when the grapes are picked and crushed. However, the valley is very hot at this time – climate-wise it’s more comfortable (and less busy) to visit in the Fall or Spring. The best time is late March to early May when the valley is bursting with flowers and the vines are beginning to bloom.

How to visit Valle de Guadalupe
The most convenient way to visit Valle de Guadalupe is with a vehicle (assuming there is a designated driver). Plenty of Americans and Canadians take their own cars, crossing the border in Tijuana or Tecate. From Ensenada, Hwy-3 (dubbed “La Ruta del Vino”) cuts inland into the valley; most of the wineries are located on dirt roads that branch off this highway (and most are well signposted). It’s also possible to rent a car in Tijuana or Ensenada (taking a rental car across the US border can be complicated/expensive).

In addition, a service dubbed “uberVALLE” offers day-long, round-trip Uber rides to the Valle de Guadalupe from Ensenada – just select “valleX” in the Uber app (the driver will wait at the various vineyards).

Guided tours in Valle de Guadalupe
Numerous guided tours offer a no-hassle, convenient way to visit Valle de Guadalupe’s wineries – tours depart Rosarito, Ensenada, Tijuana, and even across the border in San Diego. Our favorites include Baja Viajes, Baja Wine Tours, and the fun, bespoke tours at Valley Girl Wine Tours.

Do I need to speak Spanish in Valle de Guadalupe?
It’s always a good idea to know a little Spanish when visiting the wineries, though there are English-speakers at almost every vineyard in Valle de Guadalupe.

How much do wineries charge in Valle de Guadalupe?
Most wineries charge for tastings, but not always for tours – costs vary widely, from as low as 50 pesos to 600 pesos, with an average of around 200 pesos for a tasting of five wines. Though showing up at the major wineries without a reservation is possible, it is best to call before visiting.

Where should I stay in Valle de Guadalupe?
Our favorite spots to stay in Valle de Guadalupe include the Adobe Guadalupe, a charming six-room B&B, and stylish La Villa del Valle.

Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe
Our top pick for a gourmet Baja Med meal in Valle de Guadalupe is Laja, helmed by Chef Rafael Magaña Tinoco.

Safety in Valle de Guadalupe
The Valle de Guadalupe is one of the safest parts of Mexico, though care should be taken driving through the border cities of Tijuana and Tecate.

TIP – Get oriented at a couple of small but worthy museums in Valle de Guadalupe
The sleek Museo de la Vid y el Vino (just outside Francisco Zarco) introduces the history of wine-making in the region, while the Museo Comunitario Ruso in Francisco Zarco pays tribute to the valley’s Russian pioneers, settlers who came here in the early 1900s.

The 15 Best Wines and Wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe

1. Adobe Guadalupe

Their winery is one of the most atmospheric in the valley, with a Spanish Mission-style tasting room complete with bell tower and adobe arches. It’s also possible to stay in the charming B&B on site and have dinner at the restaurant.

Best Wine – Gabriel – This Bordeaux-style red (blend, with 55 percent Merlot), with a dry and fruity taste was created by Adobe Guadalupe owner Tru Miller with winemaker Daniel Lonnberg.
Location – Parcela A-1 S/N, Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings daily 10am–5pm (reservation recommended); 250–300 pesos
Where to Stay – Agua de Vida

2. Monte Xanic

To visit the elegant Monte Xanic winery advance reservations are required – guards will only open the gate once they’ve checked a reservation has been made. Inside a tranquil man-made lake, breezy covered patio, and cozy tasting room can be found.

Best Wine – Gran Ricardo – The connoisseurs choice for Bordeaux-style reds (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot) – pricey but worth it.
Location – Francisco Zarco S/N, Col, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings and tours daily 10am–5pm (reservations required); 250–300 pesos
Where to Stay – Casa Pan y Vino

3. L. A. Cetto

L. A. Cetto is one of the oldest producers in the valley, with roots that go back to 1928; it’s now the biggest producer of table wines in Mexico (also noted for Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel). The vineyard features a spacious tasting room with rustic wood ceiling, tiled floor, and floor-to-ceiling racks of bottles of wine, but gets very busy at the weekends.

Best Wine – ‘Reserva Privada’ Nebbiolo – Rich, barrel-aged red wine, similar to Italy’s Barolo.
Location – Carretera Tecate–El Sauzal Km 73.5, Valle de Guadalupe 22750
Details – Tastings daily 9am–5pm; 50 pesos (100 pesos for reserves)
Where to Stay – Encuentro Guadalupe

4. Casa de Piedra

French-born d’Acosta is generally credited with the renaissance of Mexican wine since the late 1990s. The vineyard name comes from the old stone building (Casa de Piedra is “Stone House”) in which the wine is now made – tasting takes place up the hill in a modest adobe building, with superb views of the vineyards below.

Best Wine – Vino de Piedra – The signature red wine (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon blend) from famed winemaker Hugo d’Acosta, aged 13 months in French and American oak barrels.
Location – Carretera Tecate–Ensenada Km 93.5, San Antonio de las Minas, Ensenada, Baja California 22755
Details – Tastings by appointment only (usually Sat & Sun 11am–6pm); Free
Where to Stay – Posada San Antonio

5. Château Camou

The all-white winery building makes a stunning contrast to the arid surroundings, looming above the vineyards like a giant fortress. The tasting room features tables made of old oak barrels.

Best Wine – Gran Vino Tinto – Very intense, ruby-red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend), produced at Château Camou in the Cañada del Trigo, a canyon in the northwest of the valley.
Location – Domicilio Conocido s/n, 22785 Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings daily 11am–4pm (reservations required at least 15 days in advance); US$12–30 (258–646 pesos)
Where to Stay – Casa Emiliana

6. Viñedos Bibayoff

The only Russian family-owned vineyard still open to the public – Bibayoff was established in 1906 by Russian emigres, and there’s an interesting history museum on-site.

Best Wine – Zinfandel – An old vine Zinfandel that is a bit like a Spanish Rioja.
Location – Rancho Toros Pinto, Ensenada
Details – Tours and wine tasting by appointment, Tues–Sun 11am–5:30pm; 100 pesos
Where to Stay – El Cielo Winery and Resort

7. Villa Montefiori (Vinos Paoloni)

Paoloni’s vines are all from Italian rootstock. His tasting room is sleek and contemporary, with two levels, floor-to-ceiling glass and a veranda.

Best Wine – Nebbiolo de Guadalupe – Signature 100 percent Nebbiolo (aged 15 months in French oak), made by Italian-born winemaker Paolo Paoloni (the wines are sold under the “Paoloni” label in the US).
Location – Parcela 26-1 s/n Ejido El Porvenir Km 9, Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings daily 11am to 5pm (reservations recommended); 200–450 pesos
Where to Stay – Villa Toros Pintos

8. Hacienda La Lomita

Owned by Fernando Perez-Castro, the winery itself features a rustic Spanish Mission style, with a tasting room on the second level, most notable for its stunning murals by Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche. Be sure to take a tour after the tasting to see more of his murals in the production area (he also designed the hip labels on the wine). Dine at the TrasLomita Restaurant on-site.

Best Wine – Tinto de la Hacienda & Pagano – Two much sought after wines recommended from Lomita; the Tinto de la Hacienda (a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, aged 10 months in second use French oak) is one of the best bargains in the valley, while the Pagano (100 percent Grenache) is a more full-bodied wine. It’s one of the few Mexican wines served at the celebrated French Laundry restaurant in California.
Location – Fracc. 3, Lote 13, Camino Vecinal Parcela 71, San Marcos, Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings Wed & Thurs 11am–4pm, Fri–Sun 11am–6pm; US$12–21 (258–452 pesos)
Where to Stay – Entrevalle Hotel Boutique

9. Viñas de la Erre

Winemaker and owner Ernesto Rochas’s tasting room stands like a large open-sided barn in the lee of a hill, furnished with wooden tables and chairs providing visitors with an expansive view.

Best Wine – Mezcla Bordalesa Gran Reserva – Highly prized blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85 percent), Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 28 months in French oak, from winemaker and owner Ernesto Rocha.
Location – Carretera Tecate-Ensenada 87.5 San Antonio de las Minas, Tecate
Details – Tastings Fri noon–6pm, Sat & Sun 11am–6pm; 250–300 pesos
Where to Stay – Casa Mayoral

10. Bodegas de Santo Tomás

The main vineyard actually lies south of the valley and Ensenada, but they operate a tasting room (“cava”) in San Antonio de las Minas (at the start of the Valle de Guadalupe).

Best Wine – Único – Luscious Cabernet Sauvignon (60 percent) and Merlot (40 percent) blend from Baja’s oldest existing winery, with roots in 1791 (commercial production began in 1888).
Location – (Cava San Antonio de las Minas); Carretera Federal No. 3, Ensenada–Tecate Km 94.7
Details – Tastings daily 10am–5pm (reservations recommended); 200 pesos
Where to Stay – En’kanto

11. Barón Balch’é

“Balch’é” means “sacred drink” in Mayan. Try and book a meal at on-site Tahal, an open-sided, breezy restaurant with stellar views across the surrounding desert and mountains.

Best Wine – Balché Uno Premium – This intense 100 percent Grenache (aged in French oak for 36 month) is one of our all-time favorites.
Location – Juanita Beltran s/n, Ejido El Porvenir, 22755 Ensenada
Details – Tastings daily 11am–7pm; 140–330 pesos
Where to Stay – Terra del Valle Bed & Breakfast

12. AlXimia

Helmed by mathematician Alvaro Alvarez-Parrilla, AlXimia is an eco-friendly winery that looks like a giant flying saucer – it’s a fun place to visit. Inside the giant dome, there are three floors where just about the whole process of wine-making takes place, from huge stainless steel fermenting drums to the French oak barrels in the underground “cava”.

Best Wine – Magma – Fabulous, complex blend of Carignan (Cariñena; two thirds) and Grenache (Garnacha; one third), aged 24 months in French oak barrels – it’s a bit like wines from the Spanish Priorat region.
Location – Camino Vecinal al Tigre Km 3 (enseguida rancho El Parral), Valle de Guadalupe 22766
Details – Tastings daily 11am–5pm; 250 pesos
Where to Stay – Rancho el Parral

13. Viña de Frannes

A boutique winery established by Ernesto Álvarez Morphy Camou, the founder of Château Camou (which is next door). The famed Bordeaux-based winemaker Michel Rolland acts as a consultant. Viña de Frannes winery is a little off the beaten path, where it can be enjoyed in solitude. The tasting room is a real highlight of the valley, a raised, minimalist-style wood and glass cube.

Best Wine – Pater – Limited production Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in French oak.
Location – Camino Vecinal al Rancho Cañada del Trigo, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings Wed–Sun 10am–5pm (call ahead); 130–240 pesos
Where to Stay – Ojo Azul Resort

14. Corona del Valle

Helmed by Hector Corona and family, Corona del Valle is a rustic chic winery – liberally decorated with distressed wood, antiques and recyclable items – known as the most family-friendly in the valley, with several play areas for kids. There’s also an excellent restaurant on-site (with kids menu) specializing in Baja Med cuisine.

Best Wine – Tempranillo/Nebbiolo – This prize-winning blend of Tempranillo (60 percent) and Nebbiolo (40 percent), aged for 12 months in French oak, is another favorite of California’s French Laundry.
Location – Carretera Tecate-Ensenada Km 89, 22760 Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings summer daily 1–9pm, winter 11am–7pm; 100–250 pesos
Where to Stay – Contemplacion

15. Vena Cava

Founded by Phil and Eileen Gregory, Vena Cava’s premises are as much an attraction as the wine. Designed by architect Alejandro D’Acosta, they are built from reclaimed fishing boats and wood, and recycled bottles and tires, with a large outdoor patio. Don’t miss the celebrated food truck here dubbed “Troika,” for tacos, tostadas, churros, and fresh oysters.

Best Wine – Preventa Big Blend – Another one of our absolute favorites, a dark and smoky blend of five different grapes; Syrah (25 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (25 percent), Petite Syrah (19 percent), Zinfandel (17 percent) and Grenache (14 percent), aged 13 months in French and American oak.
Location – Rancho San Marcos, Toros Pintos s/n, Ejido Francisco Zarco, Valle de Guadalupe
Details – Tastings Thurs–Tues 11am–5pm (reservations required); 150–230 pesos
Where to Stay – Santulan

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Baja California Beaches
Updated: March 3, 2022

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cabo
• Best Hotels in Cabo
• Best Family Hotels in Cabo

Baja California Beaches – Tips & Info

• When to Visit Baja California: Baja’s beaches are at their best from November through May when there’s great weather (and whale-watching Jan–Feb). Much of the peninsula shuts down during the broiling hot summers, though Los Cabos tends to be an all-year destination. Skip Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break (Feb/March) to avoid the crowds.
• Los Cabos has the most development and most luxurious resorts, and some of the best beaches overall; the top beaches for quiet and solitude are along the Bahía Concepción, and Cabo Pulmo. The best beaches for surfing are around Todos Santos and Playa Acapulquito. The best beach for families is Playa Balandra near La Paz. The best beach for partying is El Médano in Cabo San Lucas.
• Arrival: Other than Tijuana on the US border, Baja’s biggest international gateway is Los Cabos International Airport, 19 km north of downtown San José del Cabo, and a further 32 km from Cabo San Lucas. All the major car rental companies have desks here; otherwise, reserve a taxi or shared minibus in advance with Transportistas Josefinos, Cabo Transfers, or Los Cabos Airport Shuttle. Airport taxis are very expensive and will charge US dollars – local buses are a cheaper alternative. Buses also link the airport with La Paz (via Los Barriles, or via Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos).
• Car rental is relatively straightforward and cheap in Baja California – beyond the congested roads of La Paz and Los Cabos, highways are generally empty and easy to navigate. Many beaches are hard to access without a vehicle, though buses do run up and down the Baja peninsula.
• Time Zones: The state of Baja California (the northern half of the peninsula) follows Pacific Time (GMT-8) while Baja California Sur is one-hour ahead on Mountain Standard Time (GMT-7).
• Cash is King: Most locally run beach restaurants and bars take cash only – take a wad of pesos to be safe (some places will accept US dollars but invariably at bad exchange rates). You’ll need cash to rent beach chairs and umbrellas.

The 18 Best Beaches in Baja California

All along the Baja coast, you’ll find turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, but Bahía Concepción, La Paz, and the remote settlements on the East Cape are the standouts. In complete contrast, right at the end of the peninsula, the booming resort of Los Cabos offers its own raucous blend of boutique hotels, watersports, gourmet restaurants, and nightlife.

Our favorite is Playa El Requesón, on the Bahía Concepción. A magical setting on the edge of the desert, with wonderfully calm and warm water. Playa del Rosarito and Playa El Médano have a deserved reputation for partying and a vibrant nightlife. While El Saltito and Cabo Pulmo are great for beach lovers looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. Plenty of shallow, calm beaches will appeal to families: Playa de Balandra and Playa el Chileno are the best.

1. Playa El Requesón, Bahía Concepción (43 km south of Mulegé)

A dazzling sandbar poking into the pristine, calm waters of Bahía Concepción. Perfect for kayaking and swimming (it’s warm and shallow). Camp on the beach (around 150 pesos) or stay in the nearest town, Mulegé. No freshwater (pit toilets only), but locals often swing by selling water, snacks, and fresh seafood. Note that parts of the beach are submerged at high tide, and it is popular with the RV crowd. Best accessed with your own transport.

2. Playa de Balandra (27 km north of La Paz)

Superb option for families, featuring a sheltered, shallow bay (no more than waist deep) and warm water for swimming and snorkeling. No facilities and few vendors, though you can rent kayaks and shelter under small palapas set on the beach. Can get very busy at weekends. Stay in La Paz and take the local bus (45min), or drive (it’s a 2hr 30min drive from Cabo San Lucas).

3. Playa el Chileno (15 km northeast of Cabo San Lucas)

Best of the family-friendly beaches between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. There are toilets here (the only beach on this stretch that has them) and a shop that rents watersports equipment. Excellent for swimming, diving, and snorkeling, but gets very busy in high season and at weekends. Local buses regularly run down the highway between Cabo and San José – the beach is just off the road.

Recommended Hotel: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences (luxury)

4. Playa Santispac, Bahía Concepción (21 km south of Mulegé)

Gorgeous beach on the Bahía Concepción, just off the main highway, with calm water and heaps of soft white sand. Attracts the usual cluster of winter RVs (Dec-March), but there’s plenty of space to camp (under palapas) plus basic toilets, showers, and simple food options (Ana’s Restaurant plus local mobile vendors). You can also rent kayaks and snorkeling gear. Vehicles charged around US$10 for parking/camping per night.

5. Playa del Amor (Lovers’ Beach), Cabo San Lucas

This small wedge of sand near the tip of the Baja peninsula is incredibly picturesque, accessible only by boat from the Cabo marina or Playa El Médano. You can swim at Playa del Amor (facing the bay), but the beach on the Pacific side of the point – known as Playa Divorcio – experiences dangerous riptides. There’s excellent snorkeling at nearby Pelican Rock.

Recommended Hotels: Hotel Tesoro (mid-range) • Casa Bella (boutique) • Hotel Maria Elena (budget)

6. Bahía Santa María, (12 km northeast of Cabo San Lucas)

Snorkel over reefs (rays and turtles hang out here) at both ends of this enchanting horseshoe cove, and swim at the warm, protected beach in the center. There’s a parking lot a short walk from the beach (signposted from the Cabo–San José highway).

Recommended Hotel: Montage (luxury)

7. Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s premier swimming beach is the place to party. The main strip is heaving with beach bars, vendors, jet skis, and sunbathers. It’s an entertaining scene, but note that the main beach is over 3 km long, and usually deserted at either end. Baja Watersports organizes activities.

Recommended Hotels: ME Cabo (luxury) • Bahia Hotel & Beach House (boutique) • Riu Palace (luxury)

8. El Saltito (30 km northeast of La Paz)

Remote wilderness beach for travelers who like a little adventure. Getting here involves a bumpy ride on dirt roads that can become impassable when wet. There are no facilities and very few people. Good for strong swimmers only, with a steep drop-off and riptides, but with a stunning desert backdrop and wide swaths of virtually empty sand. Some people camp here, but independent transport is required – La Paz is the nearest main town.

9. Playa El Coyote Bahía Concepción (28 km south of Mulegé)

Popular bone-white beach (6.5 km south of Santispac), facing an idyllic crescent bay with crystal-clear water and gliding pelicans. Expect a small charge for camping and/or use of the beach palapas. The southern end is the best spot for swimming, while the northern end catches the best sunrises. Pit toilets only and no freshwater, but locals sell drinks and seafood.

10. Beaches of Cabo Pulmo, (60 km northwest of San José del Cabo)

The pristine beaches of the protected Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, offer a wilder experience with a rare hard coral reef just offshore. Playa Los Arbolites (entry around 40 pesos) is ideal for snorkeling, with a huge variety of marine life, plus palapas, toilets, and showers (and snorkel rentals). About five minutes further south by car is Playa Los Frailes (free, no facilities), a picturesque cove with equally sensational snorkeling. There is no public transport to Cabo Pulmo – rent a car in Cabo or La Paz.

Recommended Hotels: Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort (budget) • Bungalows Cabo Pulmo (budget)

11. Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero (12 km south from Todos Santos)

Wonderful, wide sandy beach justly popular with surfers and whale-watchers – whales are often visible from the shore. Rarely busy, despite being known for jaw-dropping sunsets. Mario’s Surf School rents surfboards and offers lessons. Rent a car in Cabo San Lucas (1 hr drive), or stay in the village.

Recommended Hotels: Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa (mid-range) • Olas de Cerritos (mid-range) • Cerritos Beach Hotel (mid-range/luxury)

12. Playa Acapulquito (5 km south of San José del Cabo)

Tiny but beautiful sandy beach just south of San José’s hotel zone. AKA Old Man’s, this is an ideal surfing beach for beginners, while just around the headland lies the celebrated Zippers and La Roca breaks, with some of the best surfing in the region. Swimming is best during the late winter and early spring (the waves get bigger in the summer).

Recommended Hotels: Cabo Surf Hotel (luxury) • Hotel Casa Costa Azul (mid-range)

13. Playa San Felipe

San Felipe is a remote town on the Sea of Cortez, best known for sportfishing and off-road motorsports, but it also has a long, crescent beach and warm, emerald waters – it’s the best place to swim in northern Baja. It’s also known for its fish tacos and shellfish cocktails. Note that the upper reaches of the Sea of Cortez experience the world’s third-largest tides. There’s no airport – it’s a 2 hr 30 min bus ride or drive from the US border.

Recommended Hotels: Stella del Mar (mid-range) • Sandollar Condotels (mid-range) • Hotel San Borja (budget)

14. Playa de Tecolote (29 km north of La Paz)

Fine sands and excellent snorkeling right off the beach, just another 2 km north from Balandra. Unlike Balandra, this is a long, straight strip, facing Isla del Espíritu Santo and the open Sea of Cortez. There are also lots of places to eat and drink here, with a party atmosphere at weekends. Stay in La Paz and take the local bus (45 min) or drive (it’s a 2 hr 30 min drive from Cabo San Lucas).

15. Playa Palmilla, (7 km south of San José del Cabo)

Clean, safe 1.5 km-long beach close to San José’s hotel zone, though there are decent point and reef breaks when the surf’s up here (summer). It’s also popular for standup paddleboarding and whale-watching. Access the beach by following signs to the One & Only Palmilla resort and take the only dirt-road cut-off to the left.

Recommended Hotels: One&Only Palmilla (luxury) • Villas Del Mar (luxury)

16. Playa del Rosarito

The beaches of northern Baja are generally inferior to the south, but Rosarito deserves a shout out for its proximity to the US border (25 km) and great party atmosphere. It’s a wide swath of well-maintained and clean sand, lined with bars, hotels, and restaurants. With big Pacific swells, it’s also a popular surf location.

Recommended Hotels: Rosarito Beach Hotel (mid-range) • Rosarito Inn (mid-range) • Del Mar Inn Rosarito (budget)

17. Los Barriles

Low-key resort town with wide, often empty sandy beaches. It’s primarily a sportfishing and windsurfing/kiteboarding (winter) hub, some 66 km north of Los Cabos airport, but the clear waters are also perfect for swimming and kayaking.

Recommended Hotels: Martin Verdugo’s Beach Club (mid-range) • Hotel Palmas De Cortez (mid-range)

18. Playa Hotelera (San José del Cabo)

The long, wide strip of sand that makes up the waterfront and hotel zone of San José del Cabo is rarely crowded – despite the line of hotels, there’s plenty of space for walks, fishing, sun-bathing, and horseback riding. However, it’s not good for swimming: there’s a steep drop-off, rip-tides, and lots of surf (in summer). Some of the hotels will allow non-guests to use their pools and facilities if you purchase a day-pass.

Recommended Hotels: Cabo Azul Resort (luxury) • Hyatt Place (luxury) • Posada Real (budget–mid-range)

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Where to See Works of Frida Kahlo
Updated: March 3, 2022

See Also

• Mexico – Where to Go
• Mexico – With Kids
• Mexico – Best Time to Visit
• Mexico – Best Beaches
• Mexico – Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen
• Mexico City – Travel Guide
• Mexico City – Best Time to Visit
• Mexico City – Itinerary for 1, 2, 3, & 7 Days

Who is Frida Kahlo?

Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico’s greatest artists and a feminist icon, known for her deeply personal paintings, many of them self-portraits. She was born in 1907 in Coyoacán (Mexico City) and died in 1954, having lived with the painful effects of childhood polio and a traffic accident at the age of 18, when she broke her back (which made her unable to have children). Her work takes inspiration from Mexican folk art, blended with surrealistic elements.

Diego Rivera

Frida Kahlo had a famously tempestuous relationship with Mexican muralist Diego Rivera; they married in 1929 but both had affairs and they finally divorced in 1939 – only to re-marry the following year and live happily but separately thereafter.

Where to see her work

The place with the best museums for Kahlo paintings is Mexico City; the best art museum overall for Frida’s work is the Museo Dolores Olmedo, though the most popular is the Museo Frida Kahlo, set inside her former home.

Museum entrance fees

Museums in Mexico are relatively cheap, with most entrance fees ranging from 60 to 80 pesos (US$2.80–3.80) – bring peso cash, as they often will not accept credit cards or foreign currency. The main exception here is the Museo Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s most popular museums – expect to pay 250 to 280 pesos (US$11.80-13.30), and to book tickets in advance.

Museum opening times

Museums in Mexico tend to open from around 10am to 4.30–6pm daily, though most close all day on Mondays. Museums also tend to have convenient, clean bathrooms.

Get to know Frida Kahlo

Get a thorough understanding of Frida Kahlo’s life and work from Hayden Herrera’s Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo. It’s also worth watching the 2002 biopic Frida, starring Salma Hayek.

Where to see her work outside of Mexico

Frida Kahlo’s work can also be seen in galleries around the world, notably in the USA: New York’s MoMA, Detroit’s DIA, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. all hold Kahlo paintings.

Some of the largest collections of Frida’s work in Mexico are private, though paintings from them are almost continually on display through traveling exhibitions.

The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection is organized by the Vergel Foundation – its next stop is the Denver Art Museum (October 2020 to January 2021). The Gelmans were Eastern European refugees to Mexico who started collecting Frida’s work in the 1940s – they purchased Self-Portrait as a Tehuana, among several others.

The 8 best places to see the work of Frida Kahlo in Mexico

1. Museo Frida Kahlo

It’s always busy, but this museum is a must-see for Kahlo fans. Better known as the Casa Azul (Blue House), this is where Frida was born and grew up, lived for a time with Diego Rivera, and where she died in 1954. The house is crammed with all sorts of personal effects and items used by Kahlo, from her collection of religious retablos and signature folk dresses to her last wheelchair. In terms of artwork, the museum holds one of our all-time favorites: Viva la Vida, aka Watermelons, her last painting. The collection of red, ripe cut watermelons and its simple message of defiance in the face of suffering inspired a Coldplay album. There’s also the grim but powerful Frida and the Cesarean, the unfinished My Family; El marxismo dará salud a los enfermos (with Frida throwing off her crutches); a portrait of Frida’s father (Guillermo Kahlo); and the unsettling Stalin and Frida, among many others.

Location: Londres 247, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacán, México City
Phone: +52 (55) 5658 5778

2. Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City

Mexico City’s premier modern art showcase makes this list primarily on the basis of one painting: Los dos Fridas (The Two Fridas), justly regarded as one of Kahlo’s greatest works. The painting depicts two versions of Frida: on the left in a white traditional Tehuana dress, her heart torn, and on the right, dressed in modern European-style clothes, holding a locket with a picture of Diego Rivera as a child.

The museum holds several other Kahlo paintings, including the still life Los Cocos.

Location: Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi s/n, Bosque de Chapultepec, México City
Phone: + 52 (55) 8647 5530

3. Museo Dolores Olmedo, Xochimilco

The largest private collection of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is another must-see for fans – there are some 27 paintings and drawings by Kahlo here alone, displayed inside a stunning 17th-century hacienda on the outskirts of Mexico City. The showstoppers here include The Broken Column (in which Frida’s torso is split and her spine replaced with an Ionic column in reference to her streetcar accident), the harrowing Henry Ford Hospital (painted after a miscarriage in 1932), the equally disturbing A Few Small Pricks and poignant The Deceased Dimas, where the dead son of one of Frida’s servants is dressed like a little prince.

Location: Av México 5843, La Noria, Xochimilco, México City
Phone: +52 (55) 55550891

4. Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

Though there’s not much to see in terms of Frida’s actual work here, fans will want to visit the twin houses in which Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo lived and worked “together but apart” from 1933 to 1941 (Frida used the bridge connecting the two houses to bring Rivera his meals). Kahlo painted Los dos Fridas (The Two Fridas) here, and there are several photo portraits of her on display, along with a few minor works by the artist herself.

Location: Diego Rivera 2, San Ángel, México City
Phone: +52 (55) 86475470

5. Museo Robert Brady

This colorful, quirky museum in Cuernavaca – some 85 km south of Mexico City – proudly displays Frida’s Self-Portrait with a Monkey, featuring the artist with a spider monkey, both with ribbons in their hair, sitting in front of a dead tree stump.

The museum occupies the former home of American artist Robert Brady, a 16th-century convent he purchased in the 1960s. Paintings by Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and Rafael Coronel are also featured.

Location: Netzahualcóyotl 4, Cuernavaca, Morelos
Phone: +52 (777) 3188554

6. Museo de Arte de Tlaxcala

This regional museum – 120 km west from Mexico City – contains a small but fascinating Frida Kahlo collection, mostly early works. Many are simple watercolors, such as Smalltown Girl. Échate l’Otra (Have Another One) is a cityscape, named after the blue pulquería in the painting, likely based on Frida’s hometown of Coyoacán. There are also two versions of Frida in Coyoacán, one a watercolor and the other in pencil. Oil paintings in the collection include the unfinished and enigmatic Pancho Villa y la Adelita, and an experimental portrait of Miguel N. Lira.

Location: Plaza de la Constitución 21, Tlaxcala ee Xicohténcatl, Tlaxcala
Phone: +52 (246) 466 0352

7. Museo Nacional De Agricultura

Hardcore Kahlo fans can make the journey to Texcoco (35 km northeast from Mexico City) to see Frida’s portrait of Marte R Gómez, former Mexican Minister of Agriculture. The painting is displayed in the Fototeca section of the National Museum of Agriculture on the campus of Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, a highly respected agricultural college (the painting was actually commissioned for the college). The college chapel here is smothered by fabulous Diego Rivera murals, further justifying a trip.

Location: Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Texcoco, State of Mexico
Phone: + 52 (595) 952 1500

8. Galería Arvil

This private art gallery in Mexico City is one of the premier dealers in Frida Kahlo works, organizing shows all over the world and often displaying rare paintings in its main showroom, just off Av. Paseo de la Reforma.

Location: Cerrada de Hamburgo 7, Col. Juárez, Mexico City
Phone: \ +52 (55) 5207-2900

Read More

• Mexico Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Mexico
• Best Beaches in Mexico
• Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Isla Mujeres
• Best Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Hotels in Playa Del Carmen
• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Hotels in Punta de Mita
• Best Hotels in Sayulita
• Best Hotels in Tulum

Mexico › When to Go
Updated: March 3, 2022

When to go to Mexico (summary): The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April when there is little rain and lots of sun. The coolest months are December, January, and February, although it’s usually still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing. The wet season begins in May and lasts until October on the West Coast and November on the East Coast.

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres
• Where to Stay in Cabo
• Where to Stay in Mexico City
• Where to Stay in Oaxaca
• Where to Stay in Guadalajara

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

• Best Time to Visit Mexico for the Beaches and Good Weather: The best time to visit Mexico’s beaches for warm weather, comfortable sea temperatures for swimming and smaller crowds, is generally December to May. On the Pacific side (Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta), the rainy season comes to an end around mid-October, but tourists won’t start arriving in droves for at least another month or so, which means good weather and thin crowds through early December. The Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum) is still pretty wet until late November, but good bargains and pleasant weather can generally be found around the last couple of weeks of November and into early December. Travelers who prefer balmy days and cooler nights would do best to visit in January or February.
• Best Time to Visit Mexico for the Bargains: If you’re searching for the very best deals, the best time to visit most areas of Mexico is during the heart of the hurricane or wet season: July through mid-November in the Yucatan, and August/September along the Pacific Coast; in some areas, like Baja, you might find good discounts beginning in mid-June with the onset of searing summer heat. During this time, everything from hotels and airfare to excursions will be at their cheapest prices of the year and you can potentially save hundreds of dollars. Mexico City and the interior is the exception, with the best bargains typically found during the colder months of the year, from November through mid-February, outside of the holiday period around Christmas through New Year’s.
• Best Time to Visit Mexico for Whale Watching: Whale watching is popular along the Pacific coast of Mexico in places like Puerto Vallarta, where humpback whales begin to arrive in November, though peak time is in January and February, when you’re likely to see the humpback whale babies that are born in the area. The Baja Peninsula sees many whales during this time as well, and is especially known for gray whales, referred to as “friendlies,” as they frequently come close to boats to get a look at the passengers inside. Other whales that may be spotted include the humpbacks as well as minke, blue, long-finned pilot, fin, northern Pacific right and sperm whales.
• Best Time to Visit Mexico to Party: The biggest party crowds come to Mexico, mainly to places like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta around spring break, which can fall during various weeks mostly throughout the month of March, though sometimes into early April. This is when you’ll find the most happening nightlife and have the opportunity to meet up with college-age visitors. There’s often another spike in partygoers around late May through early July, when many high school graduates arrive, particularly in Cancun.

Mexico Travel Seasons

• High Season (mid-December through Easter): High season in most regions other than Mexico City and the interior, begins just before the Christmas holiday and extends through Easter. This is when the crowds are at their peak, room rates and airfare tend to be higher, and the weather is generally the best of the year, bringing an abundance of sunshine and little rain in most areas, with highs in the mid- to upper-20s and lows around a mild 21°C.  Destinations that are inland and above 6000 feet, however, can get quite cool this time of year, and high elevation mountain peaks usually see at least a dusting of snow.
• Shoulder Season (November and May): Mexico doesn’t have much of a shoulder season, though November is somewhat of a transition between the low and high season; you may see a few more tourists, and there is some risk of a late hurricane or tropical storm (though these are more likely to occur between August and October). While it’s likely to be warm at any time of the year across Mexico, it’s often just right in November and May, with highs around 30°C, and sea temperatures a pleasant 28°C, ideal for swimming. In either month, there is likely to be some rain, but it often comes only in short spurts, with plenty of sun in between.
• Low Season (June through October): Low season is generally hurricane season, with its peak in August, September and October – other than in the interior of Mexico, which experiences its busy season in the summer months. The rain can be intense, but it’s typically over as quickly as it begun, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy soaking up the sunshine on the beach. This is the best time of the year for avoiding the crowds and saving money, as properties are eager to fill up empty rooms and airfares are often at their lowest.

Mexico Weather by Month

January

• Yucatan Weather in January: The Yucatan Peninsula enjoys a tropical climate and warm weather with fairly consistent temperatures year-round, though January is the coolest month of the year. It’s also one of the driest, a time where you’ll see plenty of sunshine and only a minimal amount of rain. You won’t have to worry about sea temperatures either, as the water averages a warm 27°C. The high temperature hovers around 28°C, and it generally won’t get any cooler than 21°C, even at night. You’ll avoid the hottest time of the year, but you’ll still need plenty of sunscreen, along with lightweight clothing, like shorts, skirts, tank tops, short-sleeved t-shirts and a swimsuit, as you would any time of year. You may also want to bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt and long pants, if you’re coming from a warm climate, as it might feel a bit cool in the evening. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 43mm.)
• Baja Weather in January: January is the coldest month of the year in Baja, though it still enjoys pleasant average temperatures of 23°C, and afternoon highs may climb to 26°C. Expect an abundance of sunshine during the day for enjoying all of those outdoor activities, and little to no chance of rain, with just 13mm of precipitation this month. If you’re coming from a warm climate, you might find it a little too chilly for taking a dip in the water. Nights can get rather cool, even though the temperature only drops a few degrees, it can feel a lot colder when a breeze blows in. When visiting this month, pack lightweight clothing for warm days, as well as a light jacket or sweater for those cooler evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C. Average Precipitation: 43mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in January: January on Mexico’s Pacific coast is one of the coldest months of the year like most other destinations in the country, but it still boasts fairly warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, due to its location near the equator. Afternoons reach an average high temperature of 29°C, and there is little chance for rain with just 23mm falling over two days this month. Nights will be cool, however, with temperatures dropping as low as 14°C. It’s a great time to visit for warm winter sun – which is why many other people are likely to be joining you. Pack for warm, sunny days and cool nights, by bringing sun protection, lightweight clothing and a light jacket or sweater. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C. Average Precipitation: 43mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in January: January is the second coldest month of the year in the interior region of Mexico, including Mexico City, but if you’re coming from a northern climate it’s likely to feel quite pleasant. While the average temperature hovers around 13°C, afternoons usually get quite warm, with high temperatures climbing to 21°C, and occasionally a few degrees higher. As this is the dry season and the sun is almost always shining, it often feels much warmer than what temperature reads. Nights, and especially early mornings, are likely to be quite brisk, as lows dip down to just 5°C, and frost is common. Pack a mix of clothing, including both short- and long-sleeve shirts along with a jacket and perhaps a couple of sweaters for those chilly mornings and late evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 10mm.)

February

• Yucatan Weather in February: There isn’t a noticeable change between January and February. Precipitation is just 3mm more at 46mm on average, and temperature increases only a degree to 29°C. There will be plenty of sunshine and warm water for swimming, which is why this month is another very popular time for tourists to arrive. Pack as you would for January, with perhaps an item or two for cooler evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 29°C. Average Precipitation: 46mm.)
• Baja Weather in February: Although January and February are quite similar, temperatures do warm several degrees this month. The high climbs to 29°C, while the average still hovers around a comfortable 20°C. There is even less of a chance of rain interrupting your activities with just 4mm of precipitation on average, thanks to Baja’s desert climate. Pack for lots of sun, and throw in a sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler evenings, or boat excursions, as this is the peak time for whale watching, Many people do enjoy swimming now, though some may find it a little too cool for their liking. (Average Max Temperature: 29°C. Average Precipitation: 4mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in February: There is very little change in February, in fact that high temperature remains the same as it was in January, at 29°C and lows dip down to 14°C. There is even less of a chance for rain with 10mm falling on just one day this month. This is t-shirts, tank tops and shorts weather, and it usually feels warm enough for ocean swimming too, with sea temperatures around 25°C. With the big difference between daytime and nighttime temps, don’t forget that sweatshirt or light jacket. (Average Max Temperature: 29°C. Average Precipitation: 10mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in February: The trend of mild, comfortably warm days and cold nights continues in Mexico’s interior region this month, with the average high temperature climbing a bit to 22°C, though some years it can get as warm as 30°C. It’s still the dry season with just 20mm of precipitation falling over three days in February, so you can look forward to an abundance of sunshine and blue skies. Pack as you would for January, with a mix of clothing, and don’t forget the sunscreen, especially in high elevation areas where the sun can get quite intense. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 20mm.)

March

• Yucatan Weather in March: Temperatures are slightly increasing with the arrival of March. Afternoons may reach 30°C, while the average temperature has risen two degrees to 25°C. This month is even drier than February, seeing just 40mm of precipitation over four days. March is the most popular time to visit, especially in places like Cancun that tend to draw students who come to party during their spring break. With the low temperature at 22°C, you’re unlikely to need any cool weather clothing, but if you plan on going sailing, it might be a good idea to toss in a sweatshirt. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 40mm.)
• Baja Weather in March: There isn’t much of a change over February, with afternoon highs now reaching 30°C and only 2mm of precipitation throughout the entire month. This is another very popular time to be in Baja, so don’t expect to find too many crowd-free spots unless you venture into the smaller towns up north or into the mountains. Pack as you would for last month, with mostly lightweight clothing and a few items for cooler nights and jaunts out on the water. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 2mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in March: Things are starting to heat up now even more now, with afternoon highs averaging 30°C, and occasionally a few degrees hotter, though nights are still cold, with the low remaining 14°C. Rain is unlikely with just 4mm of precipitation on average. The clubs and bars are likely to be packed with tourists, and beaches filled with lots of visitors too. Pack as you would anytime during the winter season, with a mix of mostly lightweight clothing, plenty of sunscreen and a sweatshirt or two for nighttime. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 4mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in March: It’s warming even more noticeably now, with the arrival of spring this month. Not only can you expect to enjoy very pleasant temperatures, with highs now reaching 24°C and occasional afternoons close to 30°C, but the beautiful flowering jacarandas will be in bloom. Late nights and early mornings will still be quite cold, however, with lows down to 7°C. Bring a mix of clothing, with a focus on warm weather items and sun protection, and be sure to toss in a sweatshirt, sweater or jacket too. With just 10mm of precipitation this month, there’s no need to worry about rain. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 10mm.)

April

• Yucatan Weather in April: April is the driest month on the Yucatan Peninsula, with just 27mm of rainfall over three days. The weather is noticeably warming now, with afternoons climbing to 32°C. Expect lots of heat and endless sunshine, which means you’ll need to really lather on the sunscreen and bring a wide-brimmed hat for protection too. Think shorts, tank tops, breezy dresses, sandals and beachwear now. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 27mm.)
• Baja Weather in April: April can be a sweet spot, with the biggest crowds beginning to dissipate, the weather still pleasantly warm, and the average high the same as last month at 30°C. Rain is still basically non-existent with just 4mm this month, and, as always, sunshine is plentiful. Because of the dry desert climate, you will still need to pack a sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings that can dip down to 15°C. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 4mm.)
• Pacific Coast in April: April is noticeably warmer, with temperatures often rising to 32°C or even higher this month and lows have now increased two degrees to 16°C. The tourist season is beginning to wind down, though there are likely to still be quite a few visitors this month. Those who are there will enjoy cooling off in the ocean, with temperatures usually just slightly lower than what they are on land, at around 25°C. Bring that sun protection, as you’ll definitely need it, along with the mix of mostly lightweight clothing, swimwear and a sweater or light jacket for evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 5mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in April: April is another very pleasant month, with very little chance for rain and frequently bright, sunny skies. In fact, this month, along with May are actually the warmest of the year in central Mexico. Look forward to afternoon temperatures in the mid to upper 20s, and slightly warmer nights, with the low now at 10°C. With just 20mm of precipitation over 11 days this month, if it does rain it probably be very light and pass quickly. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat may be a good idea too, for protection against that intense sunshine, and you’ll still need a jacket or warm sweater for chilly evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C. Average Precipitation: 20mm.)

May

• Yucatan Weather in May: May is generally the last month of the dry season, and weather will be hot, with the average high now creeping up to 33°C. There is just 28mm of rainfall on average, and more endless sunshine as well as warm evenings, with even the low temperatures a rather balmy 24°C. With the heat and humidity now getting rather intense, you may want to bring lots of lightweight clothing, some of which includes dry-wicking material to keep from feeling too sticky. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 28mm.)
• Baja Weather in May: The average high temperature in May now climbs two degrees to 32°C, and there is almost no chance for rain, with an average of zero precipitation this month. Expect sunny, hot, dry days and relatively cool nights, with temperatures dropping to 16°C. This is a great time to be in Baja, with few crowds and often discounted rates, and temperatures plenty warm enough for swimming. Be sure to bring your bathing suit and some sun protection, along with that lightweight summery clothing and a sweater or sweatshirt. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 0mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in May: May is a great time to visit the Pacific coast, with the tourist crowds thinning, temperatures rising, but not miserably hot. The daily average is 26°C, though afternoon highs can climb to 33°C or a bit above. The nights are warmer too, with temperatures generally not dipping lower than 18°C. Though the rain increases a bit to 18mm in May, you’re unlikely to see much in the way of precipitation. You’ll still need to pack as you would for the previous months, with mostly warm weather, summery clothing for days and a couple of long-sleeve shirts or a light sweater for after dark. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 0mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in May: May is more like summer than the official summer months, bringing warm temperatures with highs in the mid to upper 20s, making it an ideal time to visit. The chance of rain increases slightly, with 30mm falling over 16 days in May, though much of it is likely to come during the latter part of the month and you’ll still see an abundance of sunshine. With the low temperature at 11°C, you will need something to keep you warm at night, along with lightweight, summery clothing for daytime. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)

June

• Yucatan Weather in June: The rain makes its comeback in June, which marks the start of the hurricane season. Precipitation increases 81mm to 109mm, which falls over eight days. That means you’re likely to still enjoy an abundance of sunshine, but there is a greater chance for rain too. A hurricane this month is rare, so it may be a good time to visit while enjoying mostly pleasant weather and discounts too. When the rain comes, it’s usually in short bursts. Humidity can be really intense though, as high as 96% and sometimes even 100%, so be prepared to feel hot and sticky, no matter what you wear or don’t wear. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen is an absolute must for avoiding a sunburn. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 109mm.)
• Baja Weather in June: There is little difference between May and June in Baja. Though it may get slightly warmer, the average high temperature remains 32°C and there is little chance for rain. The average low does creep up a couple of degrees now, to 18°C, making evenings quite comfortable. Still, just as you would in May, plan to bring plenty of sunscreen, lightweight clothing, a bathing suit and a sweater for those cooler evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 0mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in June: June marks the beginning of the rainy season, as well as the low season, which means few tourists and the chance to find some good bargains on hotels and airfare too. It will be warm, with afternoon highs climbing to 33°C, sometimes reaching a few degrees higher. With 227mm of precipitation this month, the odds of encountering rainfall are high, though you can expect plenty of sun breaks in between showers as well. With the low temperature now 21°C, nights are fairly warm, so you may want to skip tossing in that sweater or jacket, and instead focus on sun protection, lightweight summer clothing and perhaps something for the rain – or, just plan to enjoy an afternoon snooze when it hits. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 227mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in June: Unlike many areas of Mexico, the high temperature actually dips a degree in June, to 24°C. This is also the start of both the busy season and the rainy season, though rainfall is typically confined to an hour or so in late afternoon. This month averages 61mm of precipitation over 18 days, so you can expect plenty of sunshine too. Nights will be a bit warmer than last month, though not by much with lows at 12°C, so you’ll still need to bring a jacket or warm sweater for outdoor activities after dark, and you may want to toss in a portable umbrella too. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 61mm.)

July

• Yucatan Weather in July: While July also falls within hurricane season, hurricanes aren’t near as likely to hit until September or October, so it’s still a relatively safe month to visit, and you’re likely to find bargains galore, but it will be sizzling hot. The average high temperature is the same as June, at 33°C, but it generally doesn’t get cooler than 25°C at night, which means booking an air-conditioned room this time of year is really a must. You may have some rain to contend with, as it slightly increases at 115mm over five days, but again, it’s typically in short bursts with plenty of sunshine to enjoy swimming and lounging on the beach. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 115mm.)
• Baja Weather in July: July is the second hottest month of the year in Baja, with the average high temperature reaching 34°C, and it’s not unheard of for it to climb over 40°C, and the humidity makes those numbers feel even hotter. Still, if you want to spend lots of time in the water, this is one of the cheapest times to visit and crowds will be few. Just plan on bringing loads of sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat, as well as that lightweight summer clothing. It doesn’t usually get cooler than 24°C, even in the middle of the night now, so you won’t need a sweater or jacket, but you will want to book an air-conditioned room. (Average Max Temperature: 34°C. Average Precipitation: 12mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in July: Temperatures in July are similar to June, but the big difference is the rain. The rain increases even more to 362mm on average, though the city empties out, with tourists avoiding the wet weather, making it a good time to come for bargains as well as to enjoy cultural attractions without the crowds. The average high remains 33°C and the low at 21°C, so plan to pack as you would for June, there’s no need for cool weather clothing now, though you might want to toss in a portable umbrella. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 362mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in July: July is the peak of both the busy season and the rainy season, but mornings are nearly always pleasant and sunny, or at worst, partly cloudy. Typically, on any given day this month, you’ll see rain in the late afternoon, making it easy to plan outdoor activities around it. The average high temperature remains a rather pleasant 24°C. Pack as you would for June, and be sure to book accommodations well ahead of time due to the high amount of visitors that are likely to be here now. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 70mm.)

August

• Yucatan Weather in August: August is the hottest month of the year in the Yucatan, with average highs now at 34°C. There are big discounts now, and even though it’s closer to peak hurricane season, there have only been two major hurricanes to hit this region in nearly 30 years – the most recent was in October of 2005 and the other was in September of 1988. This is the time when you’ll want to spend lots of time in the water when the sun is hot, as those high temperatures combined with high humidity makes it feel even hotter. Heavy rain is likely to come to help provide some relief, with an average of 181mm over six days in August. Bring your lightweight clothing, some with dry-wicking material, beachwear and sun protection. (Average Max Temperature: 34°C. Average Precipitation: 181mm.)
• Baja Weather in August: The hottest month of the year in Baja, highs average 35°C in August, and it can sometimes reach as high as 44°C, while lows remain a fairly warm: 24°C. The hurricane season arrives in mid-August, though odds are still fairly low, the first known landfall of a tropical cyclone in this region was on August 15th. If you want to avoid the risk and don’t mind the searing heat, plan to come during the first half of the month. Rain is more likely from mid-month on as well, with an average of 52mm of precipitation, though typically coming in short bursts. (Average Max Temperature: 35°C. Average Precipitation: 52mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in August: It’s the heart of the rainy season now, with a whopping 380mm of rainfall on average this month. It will still be hot, however, with temperatures remaining just as they were in June and July, highs reaching 33°C or slightly higher, and evenings mild with lows at 21°C. Days are typically characterized by tropical downpours that come in between intense sunshine. This is also a great time to visit for avoiding crowds and enjoying discounted airfare and hotel rates. If you don’t want to get caught in the rain, be sure to bring a portable umbrella. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 380mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in August: There is very little change in the weather from July, with afternoon highs hovering around 24°C and nights dropping down to 12°C. Some days the temperature may climb into the upper 20s, but once the clouds and rain come it cools off instantly. The rain does decrease a bit with 50mm of precipitation over 19 days, most, again, falling in late afternoons with more during the first half of the month. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 50mm.)

September

• Yucatan Weather in September: Things are gradually beginning to cool, though only slightly, with high temperatures still averaging 33°C and the humidity remains high. If you plan to visit this month, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it is now peak hurricane season, and it’s also the wettest month in the region, with some 279mm of precipitation over 10 days. As it so often does, the rain usually falls in short, intense bursts, providing some cool relief before the sun returns. The best news of all? Accommodation rates are typically at the lowest, and crowds are few. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 270mm.)
• Baja Weather in September: Visiting in September will put you smack dab in the middle of the storm season. It was September of 2014 when Hurricane Odile hit Los Cabo, and tropical storms have become increasingly common this time of year. If you go, expect to find big discounts and few tourists, along with sizzling heat as the average high temperature drops just a degree to 34°C, and temperatures of 44°C have been recorded this month as well. Precipitation increases significantly to 116mm, and a rain jacket is likely to feel much too warm with those high temps, so bring an umbrella, plan to get wet or be prepared to spend some time inside, though you should still see quite a bit of sunshine in between showers. (Average Max Temperature: 34°C. Average Precipitation: 116mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in September: September is one of the hottest and wettest months on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, but the good news is that unlike some other areas of the country, hurricanes are rare. To compare, Cancun sees one about every seven years, whereas Puerto Vallarta along the Pacific coast is closer to once every 35 years. The afternoon high does dip slightly this month to 32°C, though the low actually increases to 22°C and precipitation is still very heavy at 358mm on average. If you go during this time, you won’t have to worry about bumping elbows with tourists, and you can expect to find some good discounts too. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 358mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in September: If you plan to visit Mexico’s interior in September, prepare for some rain and cool evenings. Like last month, rainfall mostly comes in the afternoon, so you can usually avoid it by planning outdoor activities in the morning. As September 15 and 16th bring Independence Day celebrations, be sure to book early if you plan to visit then, and be aware that many shops and restaurants will be closed. Pack as you would for the summer rainy season, bringing a portable umbrella and a mix of clothing for both warm days and cool nights. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 60mm.)

October

• Yucatan Weather in October: October brings more noticeably cooler temperatures, with the average high now a bit more comfortable at 31°C. As mentioned, this is peak hurricane season, however, and it’s also the second wettest month, with an average of 177mm of precipitation that falls over 11 days. The latter half of the month generally experiences less rain, but throughout October, and really year-round, you can still expect lots of sunshine. If you plan to do a lot of swimming, be aware that during the monsoon season, beaches may close when the surf is too dangerous. The tradeoff is cheaper hotel rates, and a generally low number of tourists. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 177mm.)
• Baja Weather in October: Mid-October marks the end of the hurricane season, and the second half of the month can be an ideal time to visit Baja, with few crowds and often discounts too. The average high temperature drops another degree to 33°C, and the later in the month you arrive, the more pleasant it’s likely to be. While there is a chance for rain, it’s fairly minimal now, with just 30mm on average, and plenty of sunshine for enjoying those outdoor activities, including ocean swimming. Sea temperatures are still quite warm at 27°C. (Average Max Temperature: 33°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in October: October brings a slight change to the Pacific coast, with temperatures beginning to fall, even if it’s ever so slightly with the mercury creeping to 32°C during the hottest part of the day. Rainfall is diminishing, with the rainy season coming to an end, although there is still quite a bit this month with an average of 131mm. Most will come during the first half of October, so if you hope to avoid the crowds, visit from mid-month on, when temperatures are pleasant, sunshine is abundant, and there are still relatively few tourists too. Even after dark it’s quite mild with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C. Pack your summer clothes, including lots of lightweight clothing and sunscreen, you’re unlikely to need a jacket or sweater unless you plan on taking a sunset cruise as it can get a little chilly out on the water. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 131mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in October: October sees the end of the rainy season, with precipitation dropping significantly to an average of just 20mm this month. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, with afternoon highs still around the mid-20s. There are fewer visitors here now as well, so you might find some discounted hotel rates and attractions are likely to be less busy too. The nights are getting quite cold, dropping down to at 10°C, so be sure and pack a warm jacket or sweater for those cold evenings outdoors. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 20mm.)

November

• Yucatan Weather in November: November officially marks the end of the hurricane season, and the amount of rain is beginning to decrease with an average of 104mm of precipitation. The high temperature averages a relatively pleasant 30°C, and the sea will still be warm enough to swim – in fact, during this month it may even feel warmer than it does on land. As this is somewhat of a shoulder season, transition from the low to high season, you can still expect rates to be lower than what they will be at their peak, and big crowds are unlikely. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 104mm.)
• Baja Weather in November: November is the transition into the busier season, slightly cooler temperatures, and the sea begins to lose its warmth. Still much of this month can be a fabulous time for a Baja visit, with little chance of rain, abundant sunshine and not as many tourists to bump elbows with as there will be next month. The average high is now a pleasant 30°C and nights have gotten much cooler, at 17°C. This is still a time for plenty of sunscreen and summery clothing, but now you may need that light jacket or sweater for evenings outside. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 11mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in November: November marks the beginning of the dry season, though earlier in the month heat and humidity may still be quite high. There’s likely to be little, if any rain, especially if you come from mid-November on, with just 24mm of precipitation on average this month. You may still find some good deals, but as November progresses, the crowds begin to thicken and you’ll start to see more action at the beach and attractions are busier too. The average high temperature is still fairly warm at 31°C, just a degree lower than last month, and evenings are mild too, with lows at 18°C. As the sun will be out in force much of the time, bring plenty of sunscreen and summery clothing, including swimwear, with ocean temperatures hovering around 28°C. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 24mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in November: November marks the start of the low season, cooler weather, and little rain. Mornings and evenings will feel crisp and cool, with low temperatures falling to just 7°C, though afternoons are likely to feel especially pleasant with highs averaging 22°C and sunshine abundant. Rain is fairly rare, with an average of less than 20mm falling over just five days this month. Plan to bring a few items for warmer weather like short-sleeve shirts, focusing more on clothing like long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters. While you won’t need an umbrella, you will need sunglasses. Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 19mm.)

December

• Yucatan Weather in December: By mid-December, the busy season will be in full swing, though the first half of month can still be a good time to visit the Yucatan for avoiding sizzling heat and the biggest crowds. There will be plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, as well as warm water for swimming. The average high temperature is at its lowest of the year at 28°C, and precipitation averages 87mm. Just be aware that as the holidays get closer, the prices increase along with the tourist crowds. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 60mm.)
• Baja Weather in December: The increase in tourists is noticeable now, as is the dip in temperature, with highs dropping to 27°C and lows a chilly 14°C, though some afternoons may get quite warm, occasionally hitting the mid-30s. It may still be possible to enjoy a dip in the ocean, with sea temperatures at 25°C, so be sure to bring your bathing suit. Pack as you would for last month, making sure to plan for the cooler weather after dark. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 15mm.)
• Pacific Coast Weather in December: Although December ushers winter in, it won’t feel like it along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The weather is still quite warm this month, with afternoon highs around 30°C, and sometimes a bit higher. Nights are now cool enough, with lows dipping to 15°C that you’ll definitely want to bring a sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings. During the day, expect lots of sunshine and virtually no rain, which makes December a very popular time to visit, particularly around the holidays. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 21mm.)
• Mexico City and Interior Mexico Weather in December: December is the coldest month of the year in this region, but it’s likely to feel quite mild to those who are used to northern climates. Afternoon highs average 20°C, but there are usually few days that climb closer to 25°C, as well as days where it doesn’t get warmer than 10°C. Nights and mornings, again, will be cold, and there is a strong possibly of frost with lows down to just 5°C. While earlier in the month can bring discounted hotel rates, as it progresses closer to the holidays, expect bigger crowds and a spike in prices too. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 21mm.)

Mexico Events and Festivals

Mexico in January

• New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day, referred to as Ano Nuevo in Mexico, is a national holiday, and a time where most businesses will be closed, though there are usually at least a few restaurants and other places that remain open for tourists. Most people stay home, resting and recovering from New Year’s Eve festivities, though in traditional indigenous communities, new tribal leaders will be inaugurated with colorful ceremonies that can be fascinating to watch.
• Día de los Reyes/Three Kings’ Day – This day is commemorated nationwide, a time when children receive gifts and friends and family gather to share a special cake that is baked with a small doll inside the represents the Christ Child. The recipient must then host a party that includes tamales and hot chocolate on February 2, known as Candlemas.
• Mérida Fest – This festival hosted in the Yucatan’s city of Merida, a destination renowned for its rich year-round cultural scene, takes place for over two weeks in early January. It includes a wide range of concerts, art exhibits and cultural events.
• León, Guanajuato Regional Fair/Feria de León – This three-week fair celebrates the founding of León, a leather-craft and shoemaking city. It runs throughout most of the month of January, features some of the year’s most famous entertainment, bullfights, games, concerts, parades, craft exhibits and more.

Mexico in February

• Día De La Candelaria – Celebrated nationwide during the first week of February, this holiday brings music and dancing, processions, feasts and other festivities that culminate in a blessing of seed and candles in a ceremony mixing pre-Hispanic and European traditions to mark the end of winter. Those who attended Día de los Reyes, reunite to share the hot chocolate and tamales at a party hosted by the recipient of the doll found in the cake. The colonial riverside city of Tlacotalpan hosts a music festival simultaneously during this time which showcases traditional Veracruz-style music.
• Carnaval – Carnaval is hosted in many cities throughout Mexico over the weekend before Lent, typically in early February. It’s a big event that mixes Easter images with traditions from pre-Columbia times. The elaborate festivities include parades, floats, costumes, music and dancing in the streets. Mazatlan and Veracruz are the most popular Carnaval destinations, though you’ll find numerous smaller celebrations hosted across Mexico.
• Festival Sayulita – From February 1st to the 5th, the bohemian surf town of Sayulita on Riviera Nayarit hosts a film festival that includes beachfront and private screenings of films, live music, a lecture series, master tastings, as well as tequila and food pairings.

Mexico in March

• Night of the Witches/Noche de Brujas – Hosted on the first Friday of March annually in Catemaco, Veracruz, this event features fortune tellers, healers and shamans, providing the opportunity to have your palms or cards read as well to learn more about non-conventional healing methods.
• Wine and Food Festival Cancun-Riviera Maya – This festival, held alternatively at Cancun and Riviera Maya venues in mid-March, celebrates star chefs and Mexican gastronomy. It includes winemaker and celebrity chef dinners; wine and spirit tastings with offerings from Mexico and well beyond, as well as cooking demonstrations, after-dark cocktail parties and more.
• Guadalajara International Film Festival – The oldest and most important film festival in the country is hosted for a week in mid-March and includes the top Mexican and Latin American films of the year.
• Inception Music Festival, Cancun – This massive music festival is held throughout March for spring breakers. It’s nonstop partying with 30 days and 30 nights of headlining talent hosted at some of the top clubs and resorts in Cancun.
• Mexico City Festival/Festival de México en el Centro Historico – This event is considered one of the most vibrant celebrations of art and culture in all of Mexico. It runs for two weeks in mid- to late-March and includes a wide range of events like theater, concerts, opera, dance productions, art exhibits and lots of gourmet cuisine.

Mexico in April

• Holy Week/Semana Santa – Holy Week is celebrated nationwide, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, which typically falls in early to mid-April. During this time, you may see reenactments of biblical events, food and craft fairs and some somber religious processions. The most important thing is to be aware that you’ll need to book your reservations well ahead of time if you plan to here now.
• San Marcos National Fair, Aguascalientes – The largest fair in the nation, the San Marcos National Fair takes place 22 days in mid-April and includes rodeos and bullfights, mariachis, dancing and music. There are also markets, craft exhibits and fireworks.
• Festival de San Luis, San Luis Potosí – Held for a week in early April each year, this cultural festival features performances in all fine arts disciplines, including theater, opera, music and dance. There are a wide range of activities, workshops, exhibitions and conferences as well.

Mexico in May

• Día de la Santa Cruz/Day of the Holy Cross – This celebration that dates back to colonial times is a nationwide event in which construction workers throughout the country decorate crosses with flowers and mount them on buildings that are under constructions. That’s followed by a picnic at the site, and then fireworks.
• Cinco de Mayo – Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is a national holiday that commemorates the country’s defeat of the French in the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862, though you won’t see much in the way of celebrations here like there are in the U.S.
• Festival Cultural de Mayo/May Cultural Festival – Held throughout most of May in Jalisco state, including Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara, this event includes film screenings, exhibits, concerts, dance performances and food tastings.
• International Gay Festival, Cancun – Held for 5 days in mid-May, Cancun welcomes gay and lesbian visitors from across the globe to celebrate peace and freedom. It includes a welcome mariachi party, beach barbecue festivals, plenty of bar-hopping and a Caribbean cruise.
• Pride Vallarta – Held for two weeks during the second half of May, Pride Vallarta is an annual LGBT event hosted in Puerto Vallarta which includes beach parties, music festivals, fashion shows, a mass commitment ceremony and more.

Mexico in June

• Día de la Marina – Mexico’s Navy Day is celebrated on June 1 with fireworks and military parades in all coastal towns throughout Mexico to acknowledge the country’s maritime service men and women.
• National Ceramics Fair and Fiesta, Guadalajara – This artisan festival hosted over four days in mid-June showcases Mexican pottery and features competitions and parades. It’s an ideal time to pick up a beautiful handmade object made by the locals.
• Día de San Pedro y San Pablo/Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day – June 29th is feast day and is celebrated throughout Mexico, wherever St. Peter is the patron Saint. The biggest festivities tend to be at San Pedro Tlaquepaque, and includes parades, mariachi bands and folk dancers.

Mexico in July

• Guelaguetza Dance Festival, Oaxaca – One of the most popular events in Mexico, this festival hosted in late July draws visitors from across the globe to see the villagers who come from seven different regions in the surrounding area to gather in Oaxaca’s amphitheater donning traditional costumes and often colorful masks too.
• Durango National Fair – This fair held for three weeks starting in mid-July celebrates the ranching and agricultural roots of Durango with equestrian events, pop music concerts and a variety of other cultural events.
• Guanajuato Film Festival – Hosted over a week in late July this is the biggest film festival in the country, celebrating and promoting film in Mexico and throughout Latin America.

Mexico in August

• Fiesta de la Vendimia/Grape Harvest Festival, Ensenada, Baja– For two weeks in August, the grape festival celebrates all things grape, and wine. It includes winery visits, wine tasting, concerts and fine dining.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary – Celebrated nationwide in mid-August, there are special masses held throughout the country, with some cities hosting processions.
• International Chamber Music Festival, San Miguel de Allende – This festival showcases international, award-winning classical music ensembles throughout the first half of August.
• Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y de la Charrería/Mariachi Festival – Beginning in late August and running for 10 days, this is the most important cultural event in Guadalajara. It includes musicians from across the globe who come to audition and compete, with performances in the streets and in multiple venues around the city.

Mexico in September

• Feria Nacional Zacatecas – This fair held for two weeks during the first half of September features big-name musical performances, theater performances, amusement rides and lots of regional fare.
• Independence Day – On September 15 and 16, the liberation of Mexico from Spain is celebrated throughout the country. It includes parades, picnics and locals gathering at midnight to ring the bell of freedom and shout “Viva Mexico” over and over. A dance and other festivities follow late into the night and early morning hours of the next day.

Mexico in October

• Fiestas de Octubre/Octoberfest, Guadalajara – Held throughout the month of October, this event includes concerts, dances, food and cultural exhibits.
• Festival Internacional Cervantino/International Cervantes Festival – This festival held for nearly three weeks in October, has become one of the foremost arts extravaganzas in Latin America, and one of the most important cultural events in Mexico. The streets of the colonial town of Cervantino are filled with performers as well as visitors from all corners of the world, which means you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit this area in October.
• Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) – This holiday celebrated nationwide on October 12 commemorates the fusion of the Spanish and Mexican peoples. In many cities, there are colorful parades.
• Halloween/Eve of All Saints Day – Traditionally on this day, residents bring flowers and candles to the graves of loved ones on the evening of October 31. Today, in many places throughout Mexico, especially destinations popular with tourists, it’s celebrated like it is in the U.S., with bars and clubs hosting costume parties as well as children trick-or-treating.

Mexico in November

• Día de los Muertos – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the most colorful annual festival of the year in Mexico, commemorating departed loved ones. The living welcome the souls of those who’ve passed with offerings that incorporate favorite foods and drink. You’ll see shops selling candles and skull pastries, and often there are all-night fiestas.
• Feria Nacional del Tequila/National Tequila Fair – Held for two weeks during the second half of November in Tequila, Jalisco each year, this fair celebrates the nation’s drink with demonstrations, rodeos, cockfights, mariachi serenades and fireworks.
• Día de la Revolución Mexicana/Mexican Revolution Day – November 20 commemorates the anniversary of the 1910 Mexican Revolution with parades, rodeos and other festivities throughout Mexico.
• Festival Internacional del Globo – The largest festival of its kind in Latin America features some 200 hot air balloons and pilots from 15 different countries in late November.

Mexico in December

• Feast of the Virgin Guadalupe – This nationwide celebration honors the patroness of Mexico with street fairs, religious processions, dancing and fireworks. Some of the biggest festivities are hosted in Mexico City with thousands of pilgrims converging on the Basilica de Guadalupe, and the square in the front featuring dancing, singing and other festivities. Puerto Vallarta, hosts festivities starting December 1 and extending through December 12, with the final days featuring processions around the clock and a massive fireworks display on December 12.
• Las Posadas – Every night between December 16 and Christmas Eve there are street processions throughout Mexico which culminate in house parties, or posadas.
• Noche Buena/Holy Night – The most important day during the Christmas holidays isn’t December 25 in Mexico, it’s Nochebuena, or Holy Night on December 24. This is when most families gather to eat a traditional midnight dinner.
• New Year’s Eve – On December 31, there are New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout Mexico. Most are just like they are in the rest of the world, with parties and fireworks at midnight. There are special festivities in Tlacolula, including commemorative mock battles, and in Santa Clara del Cobre, which is known for its candlelit procession of Christ.

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