Short answer: the best time to visit Mexico is November to April, the dry season, when the Caribbean coast, the Pacific resorts and the colonial highlands are sunny and the beaches are at their best; late October and early November add the Day of the Dead. The trade-off is that mid-December to early January, March spring breaks and Easter week are the busiest and most expensive times. May and June are hot but good value, and June to October is the rainy season and hurricane season on both coasts, with the cheapest prices in September and October.
Mexico is big and varied: Mexico City, at 2,240 m (7,350 ft), is mild all year, while Cancún and Los Cabos are hot, and the desert of Baja hardly sees rain. This page goes through the weather, prices and events month by month and region by region, as of October 2026. For entry rules, money and getting around, see our Mexico travel guide, and plan your days with our AI trip planner.
Best time to visit Mexico at a glance
| Goal | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best weather overall | November–April | Dry season almost everywhere; sunny days on both coasts |
| Caribbean beaches (Cancún, Riviera Maya) | December–April | Driest months and the least sargassum; March is driest |
| Pacific beaches (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos) | November–May | Dry, sunny and calm; very little rain until June |
| Mexico City and the colonial highlands | October–April | Dry, sunny days of about 22–27 °C (72–81 °F); cool nights |
| Lowest prices, fewest crowds | September–mid-November (outside Day of the Dead) | Low season on the coasts; peak of the rainy and hurricane seasons |
| Good value with good weather | Late April–June | After Easter, before the rains settle in |
| Swimming with whale sharks | June–September (Caribbean), October–April (La Paz) | Official Caribbean season 15 May–17 September, busiest in July and August |
| Humpback whales | December–March | Bahía de Banderas (Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit) and Los Cabos |
| Surfing | May–September | Big south swells at Zicatela in Puerto Escondido |
| Festivals | Late October–early November; July; September | Day of the Dead, the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, Independence on 15–16 September |
Mexico weather month by month
Weather month by month
The table shows average daily highs and lows and monthly rain from the climate normals of Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN-Conagua), 1991–2020 unless noted. Rain, not temperature, makes the seasons. In Mexico City, rain falls from about 5 mm (0.2 in) in December and February to about 175 mm (6.9 in) in July and August, when it rains on most afternoons; highs only range from 22 °C (72 °F) in January to 27.5 °C (82 °F) in April, and January nights drop to about 8 °C (47 °F). Cancún has highs from 29 °C (84 °F) in January to 35 °C (95 °F) in August, with its driest month in March, about 39 mm (1.5 in), and its wettest in October, about 277 mm (10.9 in). On the Pacific, Puerto Vallarta gets almost no rain from February to May (about 4 mm, 0.2 in, in April) but about 430 mm (17 in) a month from July to September. San José del Cabo, in the desert of Baja, gets only about 360 mm (14 in) a year, mostly in August and September. Inland Mérida (1981–2010 normals) is hottest in May, about 37 °C (99 °F).
Mexico month by month
January
Dry and sunny almost everywhere, with highs of about 22 °C (72 °F) in Mexico City and 29 °C (84 °F) in Cancún; highland nights are cold. Three Kings’ Day on 6 January ends the holiday rush, and after it prices ease a little on the coasts. Whale season is in full swing in Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, and Mérida celebrates its founding with a cultural festival.
February
One of the driest, sunniest months, with almost no rain on the Pacific or in the highlands. Carnival comes early in 2027 (Fat Tuesday is 9 February), with the biggest parades in Mazatlán and Veracruz. Constitution Day is marked on Monday 1 February 2027, a long weekend. It is high season on every beach.
March
The driest month in Cancún, about 39 mm (1.5 in), and warming up everywhere. US spring breaks fill Cancún and Los Cabos for much of the month. Crowds gather at Chichén Itzá around the spring equinox (about 21 March) to watch the serpent of light on the Castillo. In 2027, Semana Santa (Holy Week) runs from 21 to 28 March, and with the following week it is a national school vacation, so beaches and buses fill with Mexican families; Benito Juárez’s Birthday falls on Monday 15 March 2027.
April
Hot and dry: it is among the hottest months inland, about 35 °C (95 °F) in Oaxaca, and Mexico City reaches its yearly high of about 27.5 °C (82 °F). After the Easter holidays, prices drop on the coasts. It is still dry on the Pacific, with almost no rain in Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos.
May
The hottest month in the Yucatán, about 37 °C (99 °F) in Mérida and 34 °C (94 °F) in Cancún. The eastern Pacific hurricane season begins on 15 May, and the Caribbean whale-shark season opens the same day off Isla Mujeres and Holbox. Prices are low, and the first storms arrive in the south late in the month. Surf picks up at Puerto Escondido.
June
The rainy season starts across most of the country, with short, heavy afternoon storms, and the Atlantic hurricane season begins on 1 June. Cancún gets about 184 mm (7.3 in) of rain, Oaxaca about 188 mm (7.4 in) and Mexico City about 133 mm (5.2 in), but mornings are usually bright. Sargassum is often heavy on the Caribbean coast from about May to late summer. Good-value month for Mexico City and the highlands.
July
Green and wet inland; Mexico City has rain on about 22 days, usually in the afternoon. Mexican and European summer holidays bring a second, smaller peak to the beaches. Oaxaca holds the Guelaguetza, its festival of regional dance, on the last two Mondays of the month (19 and 26 July in 2027). Whale-shark tours are at their busiest in July and August.
August
Hot and wet: Puerto Vallarta gets about 427 mm (17 in) of rain and Cancún is near its hottest, about 35 °C (95 °F). The hurricane peak begins; according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, both the Atlantic and eastern Pacific seasons are most active from about August to October. Late August to early September is the season for chiles en nogada in Puebla.
September
The quietest, cheapest month on the coasts and the wettest on the Pacific (about 438 mm, 17.2 in, in Puerto Vallarta, and 168 mm, 6.6 in, in San José del Cabo). Independence brings the “Grito” at 11 p.m. on 15 September in every main square, led by the president on Mexico City’s Zócalo, and parades on the 16th. The Caribbean whale-shark season ends on 17 September.
October
The wettest month in Cancún, about 277 mm (10.9 in), and still within the storm peak, but the rains end inland during the month and the highlands turn sunny and green. Whale-shark season begins in La Paz Bay. Late in the month, towns build altars and marigold markets for the Day of the Dead; Mexico City’s big parade is usually on the weekend before 1 November.
November
The dry season returns almost everywhere, and the Day of the Dead (1 and 2 November) is the highlight of the year in Oaxaca, Mexico City and Mérida, where the Maya version is called Hanal Pixán; book these cities months ahead. Revolution Day is marked on Monday 16 November 2026. In Los Cabos, the World Wide Technology Championship golf event runs from 2 to 8 November 2026. Hurricane season ends on 30 November, and beach prices are still reasonable until the holidays.
December
Dry, sunny and pleasantly warm on the coasts, about 29 °C (84 °F) in Cancún and 28 °C (82 °F) in Los Cabos, and cool in the highlands. Millions of pilgrims go to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City on 12 December, the posadas run from 16 to 24 December, and whale season starts on the Pacific. The weeks from Christmas to early January are the most expensive of the year on the coasts.
Best time to visit by region
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the rest of the Riviera Maya are best from December to April, with highs of 29–31 °C (84–87 °F) and few rainy days. September and October are the wettest months and the peak of hurricane season. For reefs, Cozumel is also best from December to April, while Isla Mujeres and Holbox add whale sharks in summer. Bacalar‘s lagoon is clearest in the dry season.
Mérida and the Yucatán
Mérida is best from November to March, with highs of 30–32 °C (86–90 °F), the most comfortable time for Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and the cenotes. April and May are very hot, and June to October is humid and rainy. Arrive at the ruins at opening time in any season.
Mexico City and the central highlands
Mexico City is pleasant all year, but best from October to April, when days are dry and sunny. The same goes for San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Puebla; December and January nights can fall to about 5 °C (41 °F) in San Miguel. From June to September, plan sightseeing for the morning; afternoons often bring storms.
Oaxaca and its coast
Oaxaca city is best from October to March for dry, sunny weather, in late October and early November for the Day of the Dead, and in July for the Guelaguetza. On the coast, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are best from November to April, when the sea is calmest; surfers come from May to September.
Puerto Vallarta and the central Pacific
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are best from November to May, dry and sunny, with humpback whales from about December to March. Mazatlán is best from November to May, and Acapulco from November to April. July to October is hot, very humid and rainy.
Los Cabos and La Paz
Los Cabos is best from November to May, with highs of 27–32 °C (80–90 °F) and almost no rain; whales pass from about December to April. La Paz is best from October to May, with whale sharks in the bay in the cooler months. August and September are the hottest and stormiest months in Baja.
Guadalajara, Tequila and the north
Guadalajara is best from October to April, dry and sunny, with May the hottest month. Tequila is most comfortable from November to February. In the north, Monterrey is best from October to April, and the Copper Canyon from March to May and October to November, when days on the rim are clear and mild.
Best time for beaches, wildlife, surfing and the Day of the Dead
Beaches
November to April on both coasts. On the Caribbean, December to April also has the least sargassum; on the Pacific, the dry season runs a little longer, to May. The Gulf beaches of the Yucatán and the Pacific coast don’t get the Caribbean’s sargassum.
Whale sharks and whales
Whale sharks gather off Isla Mujeres and Holbox in the official season from 15 May to 17 September, with the most sightings in July and August, and in La Paz Bay in the cooler months. Humpback whales winter on the Pacific coast from about December to March in Bahía de Banderas and to April around Los Cabos. Monarch butterflies fill their forest sanctuaries west of Mexico City from about mid-November to March.
Diving and snorkeling
December to April for calm, clear water around Cozumel and the Riviera Maya’s reef, and for cenote diving in any season. The Sea of Cortez off La Paz and Cabo Pulmo is warmest and clearest in late summer and fall, but that is also storm season.
Surfing
May to September for the big south swells at Zicatela in Puerto Escondido, for experienced surfers only; the dry season brings smaller, friendlier waves for learning.
Day of the Dead and festivals
Arrive by late October for the Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November, in Oaxaca, Mexico City, Mérida or Michoacán. Other highlights: Carnival in February, Holy Week processions in March or April, the Guelaguetza in July and Independence on 15–16 September.
Seasons to plan around
- Hurricane seasons: the Atlantic season, which affects the Caribbean coast, the Yucatán and the Gulf, runs from 1 June to 30 November, and the eastern Pacific season, which affects Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and the Oaxaca coast, from 15 May to 30 November; both peak from about August to October, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center. Most days, even in season, are fine. Follow the SMN and the NHC, keep plans flexible and consider travel insurance that covers weather.
- Rainy season: about June to October, with heavy afternoon showers inland and on both coasts; Baja stays mostly dry outside August and September.
- Sargassum: on the Caribbean coast, it usually builds from about April or May, peaks in summer and eases in late fall; 2026 has been a heavy year. The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) publishes a daily bulletin with forecasts and a traffic-light level by beach.
- Holidays: Christmas to early January, Semana Santa and the week after (21 March to early April in 2027), the long weekends of the national holidays and late October to 2 November in Oaxaca and Mexico City fill hotels, flights and buses.
How long to stay
Five days covers Mexico City and Teotihuacan; seven to ten days suits the Yucatán loop from Cancún via Tulum, Valladolid and Mérida; ten to fourteen days lets you combine Mexico City, Oaxaca and a beach. In the rainy season, plan outdoor sights for the mornings. Our Mexico travel guide has sample itineraries from five days to three weeks.
Best time to visit Mexico: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Mexico?
March is a strong all-round choice: it is the driest month in Cancún, dry on the Pacific and warm in the highlands. Book early around spring break and Holy Week (21–28 March in 2027), or choose late February or early April for fewer crowds.
What is the cheapest time to go to Cancún?
September and October, the low season, have the lowest hotel rates, but they are also the peak of hurricane season and the wettest months. Late April to June is a good compromise.
When is hurricane season in Mexico?
From 1 June to 30 November on the Caribbean and Gulf side, and from 15 May to 30 November on the Pacific, with the most activity from about August to October.
What is the rainiest month in Mexico?
It depends on the region: October in Cancún, about 277 mm (10.9 in); September in Puerto Vallarta, about 438 mm (17.2 in); July and August in Mexico City, about 175 mm (6.9 in) each.
Is December a good time to visit Mexico?
Yes: the dry season has begun, the beaches are warm and whale season starts on the Pacific. The weeks around Christmas and New Year are the most expensive, so book early.
When is the best time to see the Day of the Dead in Mexico?
On 1 and 2 November, arriving a few days before to see altars and markets being prepared. Oaxaca, Mexico City and Mérida are the best-known places, and hotels fill months ahead.
When can you swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
Off Isla Mujeres and Holbox from 15 May to 17 September, with the best chances in July and August; in La Paz Bay in the cooler months, roughly October to April.
Sources · last reviewed 4 Oct 2026
Researched and last reviewed by TravelerCenter on 8 October 2026. Temperatures and rain come from the climate normals of Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN-Conagua) for Tacubaya (Mexico City), Cancún, Mérida, Oaxaca, El Cuale (Puerto Vallarta) and San José del Cabo; hurricane seasons from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; sargassum from the Mexican Navy’s daily bulletins; the Caribbean whale-shark season from the federal management plan for the Mexican Caribbean; Los Cabos events from the Los Cabos tourism board; public holidays from Mexico’s Federal Labor Law. Whale, monarch, surf and festival seasons, the 2026 Guelaguetza and the La Paz whale-shark season come from press or general references and are flagged in our sources file. Check official sites before you travel.
Also: SMN normals 1991–2020, Tacubaya (Mexico City) (climate)
Data: Natural Earth (PUBLIC DOMAIN) · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)