August in southern Mexico is quite hot—great for travelers who love water-based activities—while cooler northern Mexico offers plenty of culture and outdoor activities. On Guadalupe Island, you can dive with the great white sharks that arrive in abundance this month. Or, visit Oaxaca to see the fantastic Hierve el Agua waterfalls and experience the sought-after regional culture. Read on for more about the weather and activities in August.

Weather

August in southern Mexico is warm, humid, and generally rainy. In the north, the weather is more dry and hot. The summer is hurricane season, with a higher probability of hurricanes in August. It is always a good idea to keep track of the weather forecast. The average temperatures are around 90°F-100°F (32°C-38°C), particularly in the south. 

The Yucatán Peninsula is the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Hurricanes are not common here, with only two storms in the past 30 years, making it a safe place to travel to in August. The warm weather and the humidity make for a great time on the water, with many opportunities to enjoy water-based activities. 

In Baja California, it can get sweltering, so time in the water is almost a must. Temperatures sometimes reach 110°F (45°C), where averages are around 95°F-100°F (35°C-38°C). If you want to enjoy more sunny days with less rain, it is better to travel at the beginning of the month. The risk for hurricanes is pretty low but can occur. 

There is a lot of rain on the Pacific Coast in August, but the weather is warm. You can expect days around 95°F (35°C) with milder evenings at 70°F-75°F (21°C-24°C). The rain usually comes and goes but tends to be heavier than in other places in Mexico. In Mexico City and central Mexico, it rains a bit less than in June and July, with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) during the day, dropping to 55°F-60°F (13°C-16°C) at night. 

Crowds & Costs

August tends to be quieter than June and July, with fewer international tourists and more national visitors. If you plan on visiting the Pacific Coast, you can find great deals on accommodation and flights. It can get a little busier when the school holidays occur, and schools and families visit the coast. Popular beaches and attractions draw more travelers, but it doesn't get nearly as busy as in the winter months. 

Where to Go

A great place to visit in August is the uninhabited Guadalupe Island, which attracts a lot of great white sharks following the colder waters (expect waters to be about 70°F/21°C). The ocean is also at its calmest, adding to the excellent diving conditions. Since you can only access the island by liveaboard, it is wise to book in advance. This is also the month to enjoy liveaboard diving in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). The waters here are warmer, at approximately 80°F (27°C). You have the best chance to encounter hammerheads from August to November, and the coastal city, La Paz, offers lovely beaches.

If you are looking for exciting water adventures, then take a trip here in August. It is quieter than Cabo, and you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, which are the highlights of the month. Head to Balandra beach to snorkel with stingrays or visit the family-friendly El Tesoro beach. In Cancún, you have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Spend time at Ziggy beach with some of the most incredible coral reef systems, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Meanwhile, head to Oaxaca to visit the fantastic waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. There's also Monte Alban, one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica and one of the important cultural centers of the Zapotecs. Surrounded by mountains, there are ancient ruins all over the place with some great views of the valleys below.

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What to Do

Water-based activities are the highlights of August in Mexico. It is a perfect time to enjoy snorkeling, diving with sharks, and swimming—particularly in the south. A mix of culture, exploration, and water fun is a great vacation mix in August. It is also an excellent time to enjoy summer events, such as the Monterrey International Film Festival and the Fiestas de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) in Guadalupe Valley. 

If you want a cultural and traditional event, join the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y de la Charreria in Guadalajara. If you are after a quieter time with a lot of history and culture, Mexico City is great. You can escape the rain while cooling off from the heat in the south. Or, walk around the capital and visit museums, such as the Museo del Estanquillo or the Soumaya Museum of art. Most museums are free to enter either daily or at least once a week. 

Events in August

Fiestas de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), Guadalupe Valley. At the start of the month, this event celebrates the grape harvest and includes visits to wineries, fine dining, wine tasting, and concerts. The celebration starts with a show at the Centro Cultural Riviera del Pacífico in Ensenada, focusing on local cuisine and vintage wines. 

Exposicion Nacional de Artesanias (ENART), Tlaquepaque. During this event, over 130 Mexican artisans gather from across Mexico to display their work in the middle of the month. You will find everything from wood accessories and furniture to ceramics and candles. 

Monterrey International Film Festival, Monterrey. This festival is great for adults and children, where filmmakers present their work come mid-August. Enjoy a lot of film-watching of different genres throughout the city. 

Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y de la Charreria, Guadalajara. During the last week of August, you can see the streets of Guadalajara come to life with mariachi music and performances. It is the most significant cultural event in the city with musicians from all over the world. There are also auditions, parades, and music competitions. 

Traveling to Mexico in August? Check out these great itineraries

Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta & Mexico City - 14 Days. During this two-week itinerary, you will visit many exciting places, including the coolest neighborhoods in Mexico City. You will indulge in colonial architecture, experience mariachi music, and relax on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta.

Culinary Tour Through Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca - 7 Days. On this food-focused tour, you'll discover authentic Mexican cuisine at marketplaces, family-run restaurants, street food stands, and indigenous farms. The itinerary isn't only about food, though: you will visit several archaeological sites and other places of interest, including the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colonial city of Puebla.

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