Mexico has been a tourist destination hotspot ever since the 1960s. While Acapulco was once the glamour capital of the Mexican Riviera back in its heyday, in recent years Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun have become the most popular beach destinations for tourists wishing to escape the cold of winter and get their tan on. So, if you are wondering, is winter a good time to visit Mexico, the answer is, yes, it is! But then, pretty much any time of year is a great time to visit.
When is a Good Time to Visit Mexico?
Mexico has two main seasons. It has a dry season and a rainy season. However, it can vary since it is a land of microclimates and has one of the world’s most diverse and spectacular topographies.
So, if the question is “When is the best time to go to Mexico?”, the answer is simple: It depends on what you are looking for.
If you are planning a trip to Mexico there is something certain, that no matter what you are looking for, Mexico offers a variety of climates, ecosystems, and lots of fun.
The Best Time to Visit Mexico for The Climate
Winter is coming… Are you looking to escape the cold and celebrate some warm winter festivities?
Well then, a good time to visit Mexico is from December to May, also known as the “winter months.” During these months, you will enjoy warm days and cooler nights. There is little rain, lots of sun, and a lot of fun.
It’s high season and many tourists come during this time, so the best hotels run winter campaigns with special deals and discounts. Plus, there are many festivities and activities during this season. You will have a great time in a great climate!
Winter in Mexico is something different. Something special.
The key holidays in Mexico during this period are:
- Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe “Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe” – December 12
- Las Posadas “Christmas Parties” – December 15 to 24
- Nochevieja “New Year’s Eve” – December 31 to January 1
- El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos “Three Kings Day” – January 6
- Día de la candelaria “Candlemass” – February 2
- Día de la Constitución “Constitution Day” – February 5
Low Season In Mexico
The low season for tourism in Mexico is during the summer months from June to September, since the weather is hotter and the summer months also coincide with hurricane season and rainy season.
While it generally rains every day during rainy season, the rain usually starts in the late evenings and visitors can still look forward to hot and sunny days. The average daily high temperature in the popular beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos during the summer is between 89°F and 91°F with an average low of 78°F. The rain actually provides a nice respite from the heat and cools things right down.
During rainy season, very few days are rainy all day, unless there is a tropical storm, but if you travel to Mexico during summer, you can still plan for some sightseeing and beach fun, just be sure to check the weather forecast each day, and don’t forget to bring your rain jacket and umbrella in case you do get caught in the rain.
In July, Oaxaca in the south of Mexico hosts one of the most important celebrations, La Guelaguetza, a week-long festival of dance, music, and culture also referred to by locals as “Mondays on the Hill”. Visitors can expect colorful parades, several food stalls serving up Oaxacan delicacies, and dances and songs of the region, representing its cultural heritage.
On September 15th and 16th, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated, marking the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. It is a national holiday in Mexico and is filled with parties, food, an array of performances, an incredible atmosphere, fireworks, and good vibes!
The key holidays in Mexico during this period are:
- La Guelaguetza or Los lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill) – July 18 to 25
- Día de la Independencia “Mexican Independence Day” – September 15 to 16
- Vacaciones de verano “Summer Break“ – July to August
Shoulder Season in Mexico
Mexico has two shoulder seasons during the year. From March to May and from October to November
Beginning in March, the crowds decrease considerably, and it becomes quieter. If you like to watch whales, you should go to the Pacific Coast to Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta and take advantage of this time as it is the best time to watch whales teaching their calves how to breach and preparing them for the long journey back to Alaska.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) occurs between April 10th and April 16th in 2022. It is an enjoyable time to visit full of spring breakers, a great mood, and lots of fun.
October and November are magical months in Mexico, where friendliness, mysticism, and folklore come together to create a wonderful time.
One of the best reasons to go to Mexico in November is Day of the Dead. On November 1st and 2nd, each town in Mexico celebrates in various ways and the traditions in each state also vary slightly, but one thing they all have in common is that it is a time to celebrate and honor the lives of deceased friends and relatives.
In Mexico City, there is an annual Day of the Dead Parade and in Puerto Vallarta, giant catrines and catrinas are put on display along the Malecon along with an exhibition of altares de muertos or ofrendas “altars of the dead“. Various other cities celebrate in their own unique way.
It is also a time where families come together and visit the cemeteries of the departed, and it is thought that during these days the souls of the dead come back to visit the land of the living to reunite for one day only. It is a time of happy celebration rather than mournful gloominess.
Fresh flowers or marigolds are placed on the graves and family members and friends bring offerings for the departed, which are items that they enjoyed in life. Some families even bring grills to grill up meat and share a meal around the gravesite. It is a celebration of life rather than death and definitely worth experiencing.
The key holidays in Mexico during this period are:
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) – April 10 – April 16, 2022
- Día de la Raza or “Day of the Race“ – October 12
- Día de Muertos “Day of the Dead“ – November 1 & 2
- Día de Revolución “Revolution Day“ – November 20
- Fiesta de Santa Cecilia “Saint Cecilia’s Day“ – November 22
Best Time to Visit Mexico to Explore the Cities
The big cities of Mexico are beautiful, no matter what type of trip you take. If you want to plan a vacation full of activities, you will find endless things to do, new people to meet, and a lot of fun. If you are looking to relax, Mexico offers plenty of lavish upscale resorts where you can spend your days being pampered by the resort’s staff, lounging by the pool, and savoring diverse flavors both from Mexican and world cuisine.
November is one of the perfect months to visit the cities of Mexico thanks to the festivities and parades that are organized. A wonderful and famous Day of the Dead parade is organized in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and others.
The spring months are also an excellent option. April or May has perfect weather and there are not many tourists apart from during Holy Week when the whole country is busy (especially the beaches).
If you are looking to party all year round, there is a lot of energy and places to go out. If you are looking to party on the beach, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta are your best bet. If you are looking to explore bigger cities, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are your best options. This is where you will find the best nightlife. If you are looking for a unique and magical experience San Miguel de Allende, Chiapas, and Querétaro are also wonderful places to visit with a cooler climate than Mexico’s beach towns.
Cheapest Time to Travel to Mexico
Here is a special consideration if you are researching when is the cheapest time to go to Mexico.
The weeks of summer are one of the best times to go, also the cheapest, since it is low season and a time when the best flight deals can be found.
Also, during the low season or on weekdays, you can find hotels and tours at lower prices. Many restaurants and bars also offer attractive deals for people to go during these slow months.
The cheapest months to travel are February, where airfares can go down 29%, August, where you can save up to 50%, or September and October, where flights can be up to 35% cheaper!
If you want to save, you should book your flight in advance to find the best prices and offers applicable to the season.
For example, flights to Cancun need to be booked further ahead, up to 14 weeks in advance, to cut costs. While if you want to go to Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta, you must book at least 10 weeks in advance. This will be your best bet.
The Best Time to Visit Mexico in General
So, when is the best time to go?
If you’re traveling for the sole purpose of taking a break from the cold and don’t mind splurging on a good place to stay, December through March is a good time to visit Mexico. You can enjoy warm weather and sunny days in Mexico’s best beach destinations.
If you plan well in advance and are not bothered by the crowds, the week of Christmas and New Year’s are incredible times to visit Mexico.
If you want to go and soak up the culture, October to November are incredible months, and you can experience the beautiful festivals that take place.
Finally, if you want to enjoy the outdoors, go hiking in Mexico, or visit the ruins without the crowds, April, just after Easter, is your best option.
You already have the best guide for your next vacation regardless of when you go and whether you will go alone, with your partner, friends, or family.
