The best time to travel to Mexico depends on several factors. Before booking your trip, it’s important to know the ideal time to go. When is the rainy season? When are airfare prices the lowest? When are there the most tourists and when is it more peaceful? In this article, you’ll find all the information and tips you need about the best travel time for Mexico.
Mexico is a huge country with different climates. This article focuses on the best time to travel to Southern Mexico.
Best travel time Mexico in short
Southern Mexico experiences year-round tropical temperatures averaging between 24 °C to 28 °C or 75°F to 82°F. The summer months can get a bit warmer and there may be more rainfall. However, the period from December to March is considered the best time to visit Mexico as it experiences the least amount of rain during these months. September and October have the highest risk of hurricanes and are considered the least favorable time to visit due to the possibility of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The best time to visit Mexico also happens to be peak season, so expect to see a lot of other travelers during this time. December and January, in particular, tend to be busier and more expensive compared to other months.
The rainy season in Mexico
The rainy season in Mexico typically begins in April, but this doesn’t mean it rains nonstop from then on. If you want to avoid peak season, the transitional months of April and November, which are between the dry and rainy seasons, often have good weather. July and August can be a bit busier due to summer vacations and, as a result, slightly more expensive despite the rainy season.
During the rainy season in Mexico, you can expect short and heavy showers that often happen in the late afternoon. These showers may temporarily interrupt your plans and you may have to stay indoors, sometimes it is possible to have days of continuous rain, it’s not always common, but something to keep in mind. In general, you can still travel comfortably during the rainy season in Mexico.
The hurricane season in Mexico
Officially, the hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to December 1. However, in Mexico, hurricanes are most commonly experienced in September and October. Additionally, it typically rains more frequently during these months. If you have the option, we recommend traveling to Mexico during other months. Nonetheless, there are some advantages to traveling during this period. The number of tourists is low, which means that you can have the place to yourself and travel more affordably. Moreover, the average temperature is still around 30 degrees, making it an appealing time to visit.
Best travel time for activities in Mexico
The west coast of Mexico is ideal for surfers, while the east coast offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
The best travel time for surfers
Undoubtedly, the best place to surf in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. Surfing is possible here throughout the year, but the biggest and best waves can be found during June, July, and August. If you’re a beginner, the dry season between December and March is a better time to surf since the waves are smaller during this period.
The best travel time for diving and snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling are possible throughout the year. The underwater visibility is at its best when the sun is shining, making December, January, February, and March the optimal months. Additionally, the water is calmer during these months, resulting in better clarity.
Holidays and special events in Mexico
Almost every month in Mexico, there is a holiday, so it is possible that you will experience a holiday during your trip to Mexico. Celebrations like Dia de los Muertos and Carnival are often celebrated grandly and colorfully. It is an unforgettable experience to be a part of. On national holidays, most businesses are closed. The most important days celebrated in Mexico are:
- New Year (Jan. 1)
- Constitution Day (Feb. 4)
- Carnival (Every year on a different date in February and/or March)
- Birth of Benito Juaraz (March 21)
- Holy Week (Thursday and Friday before Easter)
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Cinquo de Mayo (May 5)
- Independence Day (Sept. 16)
- Día de Muertos (Nov. 1 and 2)
- Day of Revolution (Nov. 20)
- Día del Virgen de Guadalupe (Dec. 12)
- Christmas (Dec. 25)
Are you traveling through Mexico in February and March? Then, you might have the chance to experience the Carnival! Carnival is celebrated in a grand and unique way every year in Southern Mexico, especially in Merida, Cozumel, Oaxaca, and Campeche, where many events are organized. The exact date of Carnival varies each year, so make sure to check online when you need to be in Mexico to join this celebration.
Whale shark season
Isla Holbox is one of the few places on earth where you have a 95% chance of seeing whale sharks between mid-June and mid-September. These giant creatures can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long, and it is a unique experience to swim with them. Have no fear because even though the word “shark” may sound a bit dangerous, these giants only eat plankton.
How do you travel through Mexico?
Mexico is a very easy and safe travel destination that you can explore perfectly well on your own without a tour operator. By planning your own trip, you save a lot of money and have complete freedom in choices for destinations and hotels. We have visited Mexico three times and have always had a fantastic time here. With all these experiences, we created two cool itineraries through southern Mexico. Check out The Ultimate Beach Destinations Itinerary and The Alternative Itinerary and choose which itinerary suits you best. In doing so, here we share all the tips you need to organize your own crazy trip to Mexico!
