The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can still reach averages of 28°C during the dry season.
The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. A heavy shower during this period usually clears the increased humidity before it builds up again. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Mexico is a huge country, and the weather varies by season and by region. It’s worth checking the local forecast for your chosen destination.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Mexico
Visiting Mexico in January - February
January and February are part of the dry season across most of Mexico. Although this time of year is technically mid-winter, they are still warm months across the country — ideal for exploring or for time on the beach. January to March are the months to visit Baja California to see the visiting whales.
Events & Festivals
- Butterfly migration (January and February): Millions of beautiful monarch butterflies which have settled in Mexico's central areas begin their journey north to Canada — a magnificent sight for any wildlife lover.
- Whale watching (January to March): This is the best time to spot the whales that migrate to Mexico's coast, with humpbacks, blue and gray whales all making an appearance at this time of year.
Visiting Mexico in March - April
Usually the last months of the dry season, temperatures in March and April are picking up and they can be excellent choices for some relaxation on the hot and sunny Yucatán Peninsula. Mexico City and the surrounding colonial towns and villages are also becoming pleasantly warm.
Events & Festivals
- Whale watching (January to March): This is the best time to spot the whales that migrate to Mexico's coast, with humpbacks, blue and gray whales all making an appearance at this time of year.
Visiting Mexico in May
A hot month to visit Mexico, May is also the start of the country's rainy season, although rains tend to make a slow start in the south, gradually creeping northwards over the coming months.
Visiting Mexico in June
The rains make their presence known in June, although often only in the form of an afternoon storm, which can be timed with a 'siesta'. Temperatures and humidity levels are high across the country.
Visiting Mexico in July
July is the heart of Mexico's rainy season, although showers often only arrive in the afternoon and shouldn't affect touring plans. It's a hot month — ideal for those seeking a beach stay. The Mayan Riviera is ideal at this time of year. The hot days are cooled by rain showers late in the afternoon, and the temperatures in the evenings drop to a more pleasant level. Inland areas around Mexico City remain cooler.
Visiting Mexico in August - September
Considered low season across the country, rains in August and September do become heavier; particularly on the Pacific Coast, where it is almost monsoon like. This is the middle of hurricane season. Temperatures are generally high across the country, although the central interior is cooler.
Events & Festivals
- Independence Day (September 15 and 16): Mexico celebrates its Independence Day with crowds across the country gathering to eat, drink, dance, and shout 'Viva Mexico' while enjoying military parades and firework shows.
Visiting Mexico in October
Officially the last month of the rainy season, with rains starting to ease a little. However, high temperatures, heavy showers and humid conditions remain across much of the country.
Visiting Mexico in November
A good month for a visit to most destinations within Mexico. The rains have generally eased (although haven't completely disappeared), days are hot, and the crowds that appear later in December are yet to arrive.
Events & Festivals
- Day of the Dead (November 1): Mexico's 'Day of the Dead' celebrations sees festivities take place in central and southern Mexico to honor friends and relatives who have died. Expect candles, elaborately decorated skull-shaped masks and music.
Visiting Mexico in December
December is a popular month for travel to Mexico, with the weather generally warm and dry across the country. It can get particularly busy around Christmas and New Year, so plan your travel well in advance.
Mexico Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baja California | 26°C 14mm | 26°C 4mm | 27°C 1mm | 29°C 1mm | 31°C 0mm | 32°C 1mm | 33°C 22mm | 33°C 41mm | 33°C 71mm | 32°C 34mm | 30°C 12mm | 27°C 13mm |
Cerocahui | 19°C 51mm | 20°C 27mm | 22°C 22mm | 26°C 7mm | 29°C 8mm | 31°C 105mm | 28°C 293mm | 28°C 257mm | 28°C 157mm | 26°C 64mm | 23°C 30mm | 20°C 59mm |
Chichén Itzá | 30°C 37mm | 31°C 36mm | 33°C 33mm | 35°C 46mm | 35°C 108mm | 34°C 174mm | 34°C 168mm | 34°C 169mm | 33°C 202mm | 32°C 146mm | 31°C 50mm | 30°C 42mm |
Mexico City | 22°C 9mm | 24°C 7mm | 26°C 11mm | 27°C 23mm | 27°C 54mm | 26°C 114mm | 24°C 129mm | 25°C 123mm | 24°C 107mm | 23°C 52mm | 23°C 8mm | 22°C 7mm |
Oaxaca | 26°C 2mm | 28°C 5mm | 30°C 10mm | 31°C 32mm | 31°C 71mm | 29°C 158mm | 28°C 108mm | 28°C 108mm | 27°C 127mm | 27°C 41mm | 27°C 9mm | 26°C 3mm |
Pacific Coast | 33°C 11mm | 33°C 1mm | 33°C 2mm | 34°C 3mm | 34°C 27mm | 34°C 231mm | 34°C 212mm | 34°C 262mm | 33°C 293mm | 33°C 118mm | 33°C 30mm | 33°C 7mm |
Palenque | 28°C 130mm | 31°C 93mm | 32°C 78mm | 34°C 74mm | 36°C 149mm | 35°C 276mm | 33°C 224mm | 34°C 300mm | 33°C 449mm | 31°C 331mm | 30°C 190mm | 29°C 148mm |
San Cristóbal de las Casas | 21°C 24mm | 21°C 22mm | 23°C 27mm | 23°C 46mm | 23°C 114mm | 22°C 208mm | 22°C 165mm | 22°C 184mm | 21°C 215mm | 21°C 126mm | 21°C 53mm | 20°C 29mm |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Mexico, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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