The best time to visit Mexico

From June to October

Summer, from June to October, is, in theory, the rainy season in Mexico, but just how wet it is varies wildly from place to place.

• In the central states, heavy but short-lived rain falls almost every afternoon.
• There is practically no rain in the northern states of the country.
• Chiapas is the wettest state, and many secondary roads wash out in the fall.
• In the south and in the low-lying coastal areas, these months are very humid.

From September to mid-October

• Along the beaches, September to mid-October is hurricane season.
• In mountainous areas, it can then be very cold even during the daytime.
• November is the ideal time: the rains have stopped, and the ground is still fresh.

From December to April

Mexico experiences the least amount of rainfall between December and April. The average temperature during these months is a comfortable 24 C, the blue skies are clear, and little to no clouds.

• The Pacific Coast: surf-worthy waves and an impressive selection of water sports.
• The Caribbean Coast: calm turquoise waters that are ideal for snorkeling or swimming

From May to September

The coolest months in Mexico tend to vary by region, but generally, the rainy season runs from May to September. Rain tends to come in the late afternoon and is very short, so you’ll still enjoy sunshine for most of the day.

Additionally, light rain can reduce high humidity levels.

There are showers throughout the Caribbean during these months.

From June to the end of November

The official hurricane season in Mexico arises at the start of June and at the end of November. The highest risk of hurricanes is between September and October, due to higher sea temperatures.

There’s no need to panic, as this usually just means high winds and the occasional storm.

The best time to visit Mexico and its central region is, both the months of March and April and those of October and November. This way, you will avoid the rainy season and will not suffer the suffocating heat of the driest months.

The average altitude of the central region in Mexico is about 1,500 meters, so you can visit it during the dry season, in May, without being too hot and you should avoid the rainy season, which runs from June to October.

• Peak season in Central Mexico: December to February.
• Off-peak season in Central Mexico: June to August.

Mexico City and around:

• January: average 22°C – precipitations 9 mm
• February: average 24°C – precipitations 7 mm
• March: average 26°C – precipitations 11 mm
• Abril: average 27°C – precipitations 23 mm
• May: average 27°C – precipitations 54 mm
• June: average 26°C – precipitations 114 mm
• July: average 24°C – precipitations 129 mm
• August: average 25°C – precipitations 123 mm
• September: average 24°C – precipitations 107 mm
• October: average 23°C – precipitations 52 mm
• November: average 23°C – precipitations 8 mm
• December: average 22°C – precipitations 7 mm

The best period to visit Yucatan is between December and March, during the dry season, since the weather is still pleasant. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

• Peak season in Yucatan and Riviera Maya: December to April.
• Off-peak season in Yucatan and Riviera Maya: June to September.

Merida and around:

• January: average 28°C – precipitations 33 mm
• February: average 29°C – precipitations 27 mm
• March: average 32°C – precipitations 18 mm
• Abril: average 33°C – precipitations 22 mm
• May: average 33°C – precipitations 70 mm
• June: average 33°C – precipitations 142 mm
• July: average 32°C – precipitations 141 mm
• August: average 33°C – precipitations 149 mm
• September: average 32°C – precipitations 172 mm
• October: average 30°C – precipitations 97 mm
• November: average 29°C – precipitations 43 mm
• December: average 28°C – precipitations 36 mm

In the peninsula, temperatures increase considerably during the summer, up to 50°C. Therefore, the best months to visit Baja California states are between November and April.

• Peak season in Baja California states: October to April.
• Off-peak season in Baja California states: May to September.

Baja California:

• January: average 26°C – precipitations 14 mm
• February: average 26°C – precipitations 4 mm
• March: average 27°C – precipitations 1 mm
• Abril: average 29°C – precipitations 1 mm
• May: average 31°C – precipitations 0 mm
• June: average 32°C – precipitations 1 mm
• July: average 33°C – precipitations 22 mm
• August: average 33°C – precipitations 41 mm
• September: average 33°C – precipitations 71 mm
• October: average 32°C – precipitations 34 mm
• November: average 30°C – precipitations 12 mm
• December: average 27°C – precipitations 13 mm

Pacific Coast:

• January: average 33°C – precipitations 11 mm
• February: average 33°C – precipitations 1 mm
• March: average 33°C – precipitations 2 mm
• Abril: average 34°C – precipitations 3 mm
• May: average 34°C – precipitations 27 mm
• June: average 34°C – precipitations 231 mm
• July: average 34°C – precipitations 212 mm
• August: average 34°C – precipitations 262 mm
• September: average 33°C – precipitations 293 mm
• October: average 33°C – precipitations 118 mm
• November: average 33°C – precipitations 30 mm
• December: average 33°C – precipitations 7 mm

Northern Mexico is the region that benefits from a more benign climate. The northern states remain practically stable throughout the year except for the period between July and September, during which it usually rains frequently.

Those who are colder should avoid the months of February and March, which is when the temperatures are lowest (the thermometer reaches 5 degrees below zero).

• Peak season in Northern Mexico: October to April.
• Off-peak season in Northern Mexico: May to September.

The best time to travel to the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca is from November to May, as temperatures during these months are pleasant and the risk of precipitation is lower.

• Peak season in Chiapas and Oaxaca: December to April.
• Off-peak season in Chiapas and Oaxaca: June to September.

Oaxaca:

• January: average 26°C – precipitations 2 mm
• February: average 28°C – precipitations 5 mm
• March: average 30°C – precipitations 10 mm
• Abril: average 31°C – precipitations 32 mm
• May: average 31°C – precipitations 71 mm
• June: average 29°C – precipitations 158 mm
• July: average 28°C – precipitations 108 mm
• August: average 28°C – precipitations 108 mm
• September: average 27°C – precipitations 127 mm
• October: average 27°C – precipitations 41 mm
• November: average 27°C – precipitations 9 mm
• December: average 26°C – precipitations 3 mm

San Cristobal de las Casas:

• January: average 21°C – precipitations 24 mm
• February: average 21°C – precipitations 22 mm
• March: average 23°C – precipitations 27 mm
• Abril: average 23°C – precipitations 46 mm
• May: average 23°C – precipitations 114 mm
• June: average 22°C – precipitations 208 mm
• July: average 22°C – precipitations 165 mm
• August: average 22°C – precipitations 184 mm
• September: average 21°C – precipitations 215 mm
• October: average 21°C – precipitations 126 mm
• November: average 21°C – precipitations 53 mm
• December: average 20°C – precipitations 29 mm

Peak and off-peak seasons in Mexico can vary depending on the specific destination within the country and the type of tourism (e.g., beach, cultural, or eco-tourism). However, here are some general patterns:

Peak season in Mexico

Many tourists flock to Mexico, especially coastal areas like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, during the winter months (December to February) to escape colder climates.

March and April see a surge in tourism, particularly from American college students on spring break.

During the Easter Week (Semana Santa) period late March or early April is a peak travel time for both domestic and international tourists.

June to August is also considered peak season due to school vacations, making it a popular time for family travel.

Off-peak season in Mexico

In some regions, particularly coastal areas and the Yucatan Peninsula, the rainy season (June to October) can be considered off-peak due to frequent rain and humidity.

Coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean experience hurricane threats from June to November, making this period less popular for travel.

September to October may see a drop in tourist numbers due to the combination of heat, humidity, and the risk of hurricanes.

It’s important to note that the specific peak and off-peak periods can vary within Mexico, so it’s advisable to research the destination you plan to visit for more accurate information.

Additionally, some travelers prefer the off-peak seasons for fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, while others prefer the peak season for more vibrant cultural events and pleasant weather.