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Best time to visit Mexico

You’d be mad to turn down a trip to Mexico any time of year, let’s face it. But for most people, the best time to visit Mexico actually depends on the region you want to visit. Because this isn’t just ‘down Mexico way’ – this is four time zones in one country way. And a long way from one to the other. Read more of our thoughts and tips below.

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Best time to visit Mexico

Mexicans know how to fest. Christmas is rich in ritual, Day of the Dead is disarming and Cinco de Mayo in Puebla is, as locals say, simply 'chido'.

Mexico is mammoth, with four time zones, four deserts, two oceans and mountains at every turn. So, the weather is as convoluted as a Mexican cocktail menu. It is important, therefore, to talk to your tour operator about specific regions to know the best time to visit Mexico. On the coast, winter months are best. However, you’ll get snow in the mountains during this time. The rain is more prolific from May onwards, making your Mexico vacation more humid, but with short, sharp rainstorms adding to the tropical feel of it all, as late as October.

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Oaxaca Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

140

JUL

AUG

103

SEP

125

OCT

NOV

DEC

When to visit Mexico

The coast is generally dry and sunny from the end of November until the end of April. Although during these times, the hot weather attracts a lot of tourists. Booking a tailor made vacation during this time will enable you to stay clear of the crowds, and head down a more tranquil Mexico way. There is snow in the northern mountains December, January and February, which makes for an interesting trip if you want to combine hot and cold. Winter months are also perfect times for bird watching in Mexico, when migrant species abound. The rainy season hits southern Mexico between May and October, but during this time the forests and valleys are green and luscious. As are the jungle covered ruins, yet free from big crowds of tourists. In the northern mountainous regions, you’ll hit snow December – February. February - mid April is key for cruise ships (and Spring Breakers) if you want to avoid a bruising from the cruising. Rain heads south May – October, adding to the humidity, but rainstorms are short and sharp. The rain brings out the glorious wildlife though. For whale watching in Baja, early February to the end of April the seas are, literally, singing. Calves join the chorus in February. Hurricanes do happen, but are thankfully pretty rare. June - November is the time when local people on the Caribbean coast, in particular, prepare to batten down the hatches if necessary. Many people resist visiting during July and August, as it is hot and humid, with a risk of hurricanes. You do get rainstorms but they are brief, and the ocean will always keep you cool. And remember, this is when Mexicans vacation and party. Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) is celebrated on 16th September, with most of the partying taking place on the evening of the 15th and going on through the night.

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Responsible Travel recommends

Vicky Rodford from our leading supplier in Mexico, Intrepid Travel, shares her best time to visit Mexico: “Spring is an amazing time to go, around March and April. The weather is lovely, warm enough so that you need to put on sunscreen, flights are well priced and it is just a lovely time to go out there. But you do want to be wary of the USA Spring Break along the Mayan Riviera, as there is a massive influx of US college students who are out to drink as much as they can in a two week period. On our sort of tours it doesn’t really impact you as much, as we stay off the beaten track, but if you just want to do beaches, the US Spring Break will have an impact on your vacation. Autumn is also lovely in Mexico, not too hot and so for exploring it is spot on. You aren’t in the middle of school vacations either, which works for me.”

Festivals & events

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead, or El Día de Muertos, is a festival that happens all over Mexico at the end of October, to remember the dead. Made even more famous by the opening scene in the Bond movie, Spectre, this is a time to see Mexico, ironically, very much alive and kicking.

More about Mexico

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Mexico is a concoction of culture, cuisine, coast and carnival. This Mexico travel guide aims to show you all the ingredients of its special cocktail, from the ancient Mayan traditions and archaeology to the many different indigenous communities.

Mexico map & highlights

When you take a look at our Mexico map and highlights you will see that they tend to focus on the south of the country.

Things to do in mexico

Mexico is falling down with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Palenque and cultural itineraries will always fit some of these treats in to your vacation.

Cooking and food vacations in Mexico

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Grey whale watching in Baja, Mexico

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Day of the Dead festival

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Family vacations in Mexico

Family vacations in Mexico are a cocktail of Mayan culture, Mexican food, beaches, adventures in the jungle and wildlife.

Mexico travel advice

As well as some health and safety tips, our Mexico travel advice is all about keeping it local, local, local.

Responsible tourism in Mexico

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More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

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Photo credits: [Page banner: ryan harvey] [Day of the dead: Rama] [San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Jezael Melgoza] [Day of the dead celebrations: jaredzimmerman]

Best time to visit Mexico