What’s not to like about Mexico? The incredible food, next-level beaches, and ancient ruins are just some of the reasons why it’s on so many people’s bucket lists! However, no one wants to head all the way out there only to be stuck indoors all day due to rain or scorching heat. So, when exactly is the best time to visit Mexico for good weather?
Mexico is a huge country coming in at an impressive 1.973 million km². It has landscapes of all kinds, from beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains! This means the weather varies depending on where in the country you are. But, generally speaking, the weather is warm and humid with an average of between 50°F and 90°F year-round (yes, please).
There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The dry season is typically between December and April, with some variability between regions. The coolest months tend to coincide with the dry season too, so if you’re not one for hot, balmy (and possibly rainy) weather, this may be the best time for you to take a trip over! Keep reading as we dive into the details of what the weather’s like in different parts of Mexico, and when the best time is to go!
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Best Time to Visit Baja California Sur For Weather
Baja California Sur is one of the warmest places in Mexico and a top favorite amongst holiday goers! Here, you will find places like the famous Cabo San Lucas (A.K.A. Los Cabos), a city with beaches to die for (and some 10/10 nightlife), plus up-and-coming destinations like La Paz.
The hottest month is in August where temperatures are on average 86°F, hitting a maximum of 93°F and a minimum of 79°F. The coolest month is February, with lows of 59°F, highs of 77°F, and an average temperature of 68°F.
Even taking into account the cooler months, Baja California Sur is warm all year-round with sea temperatures that remain around at 79°F, (peaking in August and dipping in March) so you’ll have no excuse whatsoever not to take a dip!
The waters in the Sea of Cortez tend to be warmer than other areas on the peninsula’s nearby Pacific coast, so during winter when water temperatures drop slightly, the eastern side of Baja California Sur is THE place to go for a beach holiday packed with underwater activities.
September is the rainiest month, with August falling in behind at a close second. Rainfall in September averages 2.4 inches. By far the driest month is May with zero rainfall, although March and April follow close behind with the fewest days of rain compared to the rest of the year!
Taking all this into account, the best time to visit Baja California Sur for weather is from December through to May. You will get to enjoy the relatively cooler temperatures (no one wants to get cooked on holiday, am I right?), and these months are some of the driest. To top it all off, you will be safe from hurricane season, which is between June and November, although Cabo San Lucas is the most at risk between August to October.
Best Time to Visit Mexico City For Weather
Mexico City is a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico! The mouth-watering street food, historical monuments, and wonderful museums are hard to beat!
The warmest time of the year in Mexico City is between late March and early June, with average daily temperatures climbing above 78°F. The hottest month is May with a maximum temperature of 80°F on average, and a minimum average temperature of 56°F. For cooler weather, mid-November to early February is the time to go, the coldest month being January, with average temperatures between 44 and 71°F.
Mexico City’s rainy season runs from May to October. July is by far the rainiest month, with an average of 4.9 inches of rain! The dry season in Mexico City lasts for the rest of the year. December is the driest month, getting a mere 0.1 inches of rainfall. So… does anyone fancy a Christmas in Mexico?
Luckily, due to its location 7350 feet above sea level, and to it being well inland, Mexico City isn’t at risk of hurricanes, although flights in and out of the city may be disrupted during hurricane season (June – November).
Given all of the above, the best time to visit Mexico City for great weather is between late March and May, or late October to November. The weather will be dry and the temperature will be mild.
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca City For Weather
Oaxaca City is the perfect place to go for some amazing cultural sites. If you’re looking for colorful buildings, beautiful handmade goods, and of course, off-the-charts food, then this Mexican city is the place for you!
The hottest month of the year to visit Oaxaca City is May. You’ll experience average temperatures between 85°F and 60°F. The warm season runs from late March to mid-May, lasting just under two months and racking up daily highs of around 85°F. If this doesn’t sound like an absolute dream to you, then consider visiting during the cool season. This spans from late June to late January, with average daily highs of 80°F (still kinda hot though…). The coldest month to visit Oaxaca city is January, with highs of 78°F and lows of 48°F (a bit more manageable).
The rainy season in Oaxaca city lasts just under 8 months and runs from late May until mid-October. You may want to avoid visiting in September, as this is by far the wettest month, receiving roughly 6.5 inches of rainfall! The dry season is just over 4 months long and lasts for the rest of the year. The month with the least rainfall is December, with the city only receiving 0.2 inches of rain.
Oaxaca city’s inland location and protection from the surrounding mountains mean the risk of hurricanes is extremely low. However, beaches in Oaxaca state on the Pacific coast can be vulnerable during Mexico’s hurricane season.
With the rainy season being wet and overcast and the dry season being warm and partly cloudy, the best time to visit Oaxaca City to take advantage of the sunny weather is from late February to mid-May. You’ll avoid the worst of the rain, and be able to take advantage of some slightly cooler temperatures. It’s the best of both worlds!
Best Time to Visit Yucatan Peninsula For Weather
The Yucatan Peninsula houses quite a few of Mexico’s top destinations, such as Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, not forgetting some incredible Mayan ruins! If you’re after sun, sea, and a lot of fun, it’s well worth giving this area a visit.
The hottest time of the year to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is from mid-March to May when average temperatures soar as high as 90°F. May is by far the warmest month with average highs of 92°F and lows of 69°F, although temperatures are known to have climbed as high as 104°F on occasion! The cooler season spans from mid-November to early February. During this time, temperatures can reach a maximum of 84°F. For the coldest month, head over in January, when highs are around 83 °F and lows are at 62°F.
Rain falls in the Yucatan Peninsula all year long, however, the rainiest period is from June to mid-October. September is by far the wettest month with an average of 6.7 inches of rain, and the driest month is March, which sees 1.3 inches of rain only.
Hurricane season in this area, like the rest of Mexico, is from June to November. But August to October has the biggest risk of heavy storms. Luckily, hurricanes in this area are rare, so if you’re traveling over these months, you’ll be unlikely to encounter any.
By far the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula for sunshine and comfortable weather are between late November and mid-March. You will miss out on the rainiest months, and be able to enjoy the marginally cooler temperatures!
For a more in depth guide when to visit the Riviera Maya (one of the TOP spots on the Yucatan Peninsula), check out the best and worst times to visit the Riviera Maya!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Mexico For Great Weather? : Conclusion
So as you have gathered, the best time to visit Mexico for weather kinda depends on where you’ll be going. If you’re planning to wing it and make it up as you go along, then some time between December and April will be your safest bet across Mexico for cooler, sunnier weather!
Otherwise, it’s best to tailor when you’ll visit your destination to make sure you get the most out of your vacation. For those of you who aren’t too fussed about rain or heat, we’d still recommend trying to avoid hurricane-prone destinations such as the Baja California Sur during hurricane season to avoid any disruptions.
Wherever you’re planning to go, hopefully, our quick little guide gave you some insight on the best time to visit Mexico for weather, no matter which top holiday destination you choose to visit.