The best time to visit Mexico (and when to stay clear)

Are you thinking of taking a trip to Mexico but also want to be sure to go at the right time to enjoy every beauty this country has to offer? Well, that’s what we’re here for. So, let’s do it. Here you will find all the information on the best period to visit Mexico!

Mexico is not just a travel destination: it’s a dead cert. The cradle of Mayan culture, it is one of the most fascinating places in the world and still, one of the most mysterious. This Central American country attracts thousands of travellers from all over the world every year. Here you get warmed equally by the sun and the warm character of Mexicans, while discovering a country rich in miscellaneous landscapes, from the Yucatan region with its postcard-perfect sea to the inland, made of canyons and spectacular parks.

One thing is certain: to fully enjoy everything that Mexico has to offer, you need to go there at the right time. So … when should you go to Mexico? Fortunately, we are here to give you all the right tips: I mean, it is what we do best.

What is the best period to visit Mexico?

Spoiler alert (we don’t like to keep you on your toes): the best time to visit Mexico is from December to May. These months will bestow fabulous weather and bright sunshine. The perfect months are February and March, which correspond to the peak season – and therefore be ready for an invasion of tourists. Two other moments of the high season coincide with the Christmas-New Year holidays and Easter, including its run-up week. So, act accordingly when you have to choose the period to plan your trip.

Mexico: which period to avoid?

To understand when to avoid Mexico, go by exclusion. But since we are being good, we will spell it out for clarity’s sake. We recommend avoiding the months from June to October when the rains arrive and the risk of hurricanes increases – in this sense, the worst months are September and October, the ones mostly affected by such phenomena. In June, July and August there are quite violent but short-lasting downpours, so if your availability is restricted to those months, just make sure you bring a raincoat!

Now, that you know when to go, it’s time to find out what to see! Read our article about the 15 places not to be missed.

Mexico’s climate

The climate is hot and humid more or less all year round in Mexico. There are essentially two seasons:

• the wet or rainy season, which corresponds to the summer months, from June to October
• the dry season, which corresponds to the winter months, from November to May

Depending on the region, humidity and temperatures change: in the north and on the Pacific coast, the climate is arider and in some areas of the highlands winter temperatures can also approach zero due to altitude. In the south, the climate becomes more tropical, with higher humidity and maximum temperatures that almost always exceed 30°C.

When to visit South Mexico and the Yucatan

Best period: from November to May

The south of Mexico, which also includes the stunning Yucatan region, the cradle of the Mayan civilization, has a tropical climate that’s warm all year round – and even the sea always has more than pleasant and inviting temperatures. The southwest coast, home to cities such as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, is dry from November to May, as is the Yucatan Peninsula. This area of Mexico is the most affected by hurricanes during the rainy season, especially between September and October.

Baja California and the Gulf of California: when to visit them

Best period: the beginning of summer, between May and June

Baja California, as the name suggests, is the peninsula that is the extension of American California. In the north, the climate is mild all year round, with winter temperatures of 20°C and summer temperatures of 25°C – with some peaks that can reach 40°C. However, the climate is tropical with very hot summers and pleasant winters in the south.

Things change when you pass the part of the coast overlooking the Gulf of California, which is actually protected by the Baja California peninsula. The temperatures are higher because there are no cold currents – in summer the average is 35°C.

When to visit North and Central Mexico

Best period: from November to April

In the north, we find that delightful Mexican desert and here the temperatures range massively from 35°C in summer to 2°C in winter, with possible rains during the summer months. Rain in the desert? Yeah, we thought it a little weird, too. Going east on the Atlantic coast overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, summer rains increase and winters become milder.

On the other hand, Central Mexico is rich in plateaus where the temperature fluctuation between day and night can be fairly intense. Like the rest of Mexico, the rains arrive between May and October, while from November to April the season becomes beautiful (for us and for all travellers who come here). Mexico City, which is located at a high altitude, is affected by the temperature fluctuation we mentioned earlier, but in general, it has a pleasant climate all year round, with rainfall in the months between June and September.

PRO TIP: a special occasion could be to come here during the feast of Dias de los Muertos, the most characteristic of all Mexico.

Mexico: what you should pack in your rucksack

There is no perfect recipe for the ideal backpack when you are leaving for Mexico. Consider the area where you are going thoroughly and the temperatures you will encounter.

Dry season

For the dry season, from November to April, if you are heading north or in the area of Mexico City bring warm clothes, a windbreaker and everything you need to withstand the low nocturnal temperatures.

If you are travelling to Baja California or the Yucatan, then bring light clothes but don’t forget a sweatshirt or jacket for the evening. If you can fit them in your backpack, then even a diving mask and snorkel will come in handy for snorkelling. And, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses!

Rainy season

For the rainy season, from May to October, you really need a waterproof jacket. Remember full-length clothes in your backpack to cover you in the evening and if you spend time in the north. For the south – assuming you want to venture out here this season – lightweight and breathable clothes are fine. Even in this case, sunscreen and sunglasses should always be at hand!

Discover other destinations in Central and South America and read the latest articles. Also, now that you know the best time to take a trip to Mexico, don’t miss our itinerary to discover the Yucatan!

Want to explore Central America? Then also discover the best time to go to Cuba!