While the idea of a vacation to Mexico might immediately bring to mind hot, sunny weather and endless beaches, the climate here is actually quite diverse. , you can experience not only the hot, humid temperatures we all tend to associate with Mexico travel, but also dry, clear days, tropical rainstorms, and maybe even some late-night freezes or snow. Find out more about traveling to Mexico in every season with our tips below.
December in Mexico brings big holiday celebrations, excellent wildlife viewing, and high-season crowds. In Mexico City, traditional Christmas festivals and events abound. Head to Bahia Magdalena for seasonal whale watching. And it's a great time for watersport activities such as kiteboarding and windsurfing in Los Cabo, along with snorkeling and diving.
Jungle exploration, warm-water swimming, and seasonal festivities: this is November in Mexico. It's quieter now than in the coming winter, and temperatures are pleasant on the Pacific Coast and in the Yucatán Peninsula. In Chiapas, head to the Agua Azul waterfall park or the less-visited Laguna Miramar. And Dia de los Muertos celebrations bring a joy to the whole country—the most fabulous parades are in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City.
October is an excellent month for both nature and culture. You could base your trip around cultural sightseeing in Mexico City: visit the famous La Merced market, take a walking through the historic streets, and day-trip to Teotihuacán to see the world's third-largest pyramid. Or, head straight to the beaches of Acapulco (especially during the quieter latter-half of the month), to enjoy the sunshine and some very daring cliff-diving performances. Read on for more options.
For the culture and beach lover, September in Mexico is a great time. You can choose between the warm weather in the south and dive into one of the 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, or go on an island diving tour along the Sea of Cortez. September brings some of the best conditions for snorkeling and exploring places such as San Miguel de Allende. Expect culture, a lot of fun in the water, and picturesque sceneries.
August in southern Mexico is quite hot—great for the traveler who loves 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 amazing Hierve el Agua waterfalls, and to experience sought-after regional culture. Read on for more about the weather and activities in August.
July in Mexico is all about beach time and water adventures. It is one of the hottest months, making it an ideal time to swim, snorkel, and dive in underwater caves. Take a trip to the Sea of Cortez to swim among beautiful reefs and whale sharks, cooling off in a cenote in Cancún. Go on exploration tours in the Sierra Madre, or head to one of the world's best diving reef sites in Cozumel. This month, you can also attend the annual Grape Harvest Festival, where you can bike between vineyards and enjoy some of the country's best wines.
June is an ideal month for the traveler who likes to explore authentic Mexico. If you want to experience a different Mexico - this is the time. Enjoy sightseeing and festival celebration in colorful San Miguel de Allende, go cenote diving in Cancún, and visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. June is the sea turtle nesting season, with several species making their appearance. Head to Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, or Cancún for the best sea turtle experience. To escape the heat, visit the Mexican Highlands and enjoy history, culture, and hiking.
May is a quiet month in Mexico, with great opportunities to enjoy famous sights with fewer crowds. It is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attend the jazz festival in Cancún or take a day trip to Isla Mujeres. You can also enjoy an abundance of water sports at El Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas—a true watersport mecca. If you are looking for physical activity, head to Copper Canyon which is great in May with good weather and hiking opportunities.
April in Mexico is a great time, filled with activities and fun. Enjoy some of the best manta ray diving on Socorro Island and go snorkeling and diving Riviera Nayarit. Visit Mexico City and see the beautiful garden and flower sculptures during the Festival de Flores and Jardines, and try something fun like boogie-boarding and body-surfing. Visit the beaches in the south and join the big parties in Cancún or head to Acapulco for adventure and relaxation.
Get ready for carnivals, beach parties, and Mayan dance performances at the Chichen Itza ruins in March. It is a great month not only to visit the beaches in the south but also go sightseeing in central and north of Mexico. Join one of Mexico's best music festivals and join the spring celebration in historical Teotihuacan. Enjoy a canal boat ride in Xochimilco and go on grand adventures such as ziplining above canyons.
February is a hot month with excellent beach time, adrenaline, and exploration. Jump into the cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, surf the waves in Puerto Vallarta, and visit the famous ruins of Chichen Itza. Enjoy an authentic tour in Coba and learn about the Mayan culture. Continue on a bike and explore Tulum's beautiful surroundings. See where the world's largest black turtle population is residing, and spend time enjoying adrenaline-filled activities, such as ziplining and parasailing,
Beach time, warm weather, and grand festivals make January one of the most appealing months in Mexico. It is perfect for families, adventurous travelers, explorers, and culture lovers. Spend days relaxing and whale watching on the Pacific Coast, go surfing in the colorful town Sayulita, and visit the Edward James Castle in the middle of the jungle, in San Luis Potosí. Explore the history and culture of the Mayan people in Merída, and embark on adventures in Copper Canyon—options abound this month.
If you have five days to spend in Mexico, you can get to know one region or major cultural hub. Focus your energy on exploring Mexico City, take a family-oriented vacation to the Riviera Maya, go snorkeling and kayaking in Puerto Vallarta, get off the beaten path in beautiful Chiapas, or trace the footsteps of the Mayan people on the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn more about what to do and where to go with these five unique itineraries.
If you have a week to spend in Mexico, you can do a deep dive into one region like the Riviera Maya, or hop between two cultural hubs like Mexico City and Oaxaca. Explore the Mayan ruins and cenotes of the Riviera Maya, go on a food-focused tour to Oaxaca and Puebla, or visit off-the-beaten-path nature reserves on the Yucatán Peninsula—learn how to structure your time and plan a trip with these five unique itineraries.
Get a full dose of sun and sea while learning about Mexico's rich Mayan history as you travel from the beaches of Tulum to the wonders of Chichén Itzá pyramid. This journey through a few regions of Mexico will give you ample time to relax while experiencing the country's mystical, handicraft, and culinary traditions, and seeing its significant architectural monuments.
If you have ten days to spend in Mexico, you have time to mix cultural sightseeing with outdoor activities, culinary tours, and relaxing on the beach. Focus your time on Mexico City and the idyllic Riviera Maya, explore the lakes and waterfalls of Chiapas, tour the foodie capital of Oaxaca and relax on the Pacific coast for a few days, or go snorkeling and swimming in the clear sea and cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula: learn how with these unique itineraries.
With two weeks in Mexico, you have plenty of time to delve into more than one region—pair Mexico City with the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, for example—and to build your trip around a particular interest. Spend two weeks touring Mexico's top highlights, focus on seeing as many UNESCO-honored ruins as you can, take a family-oriented trip that features outdoor activities like swimming with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, or eat and drink your way around Mexico on a foodie tour. Learn how with these five unique itineraries.
Work up an appetite for this food-focused tour of Mexico. You'll discover authentic cuisine at marketplaces, family-run restaurants, street food stands, and indigenous farms. Take a cooking class in Oaxaca, visit a traditional farm in the highlands outside the city, go on a walking food tour in Puebla, pedal around taco stands in Mexico City—and same some room for cultural sightseeing, too, as the itinerary takes you to Xochimilco and the National Anthropology Museum, among other highlights.
On this trip, you will discover the best of Mexico, from cosmopolitan Mexico City to colorful San Miguel de Allende and the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Bring the whole family along for an adventure that features fun in the sun, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding in a canyon, and climbing to the top of massive pyramids at Teotihuacán.
On this family-friendly two-week itinerary, you'll discover the diverse state of Chiapas, with its jungle waterfalls, colonial cities, and Mayan communities. Then you'll pick up a rental car and drive yourself around the Yucatán Peninsula, stopping to relax on the beach, swim in cenotes, and visit archaeological ruins perched high above the Caribbean Sea.
This 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Cancun. In between, you'll enjoy a journey through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, learning about Mayan history at Chichén Itzá, visiting colorful seaside villages, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling around the coral reef off Puerto Morelos, and taking a boat to Isla Holbox for a few days away from civilization.
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Oaxaca on this ten-day itinerary around the region. You'll explore colorful marketplaces, see a 2,000-year-old tree, feel the spray of crystal-blue waterfalls, visit traditional villages in the Northern Highlands, learn how to make mole in a private cooking class, and spend the last few days on Oaxaca's idyllic Pacific beaches.
Experience the best of Chiapas with this 10-day itinerary. Start with a mix of nature and culture in San Cristobal de las Casas with a walking tour of the city and day trips to Sumidero Canyon and Montebello Lakes National Park. From there, spend four nights in Palenque, where you’ll visit craft markets and archeological sites, and learn about the indigenous Tzotzil people.
On this colorful trip plan, you'll experience Mexican culture in an authentic way. See the highlights of the Yucatán Peninsula, visit the archaeological sites of Chichen Itzá, Cobá, and Xcambó, and view flamingos at Río Lagartos before finishing up in Mérida, where you'll go on a kayak tour and relax on the beach.
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: the schedule features visits to archaeological sites and other places of interest, including the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colonial city of Puebla.
Enjoy this getaway to the Riviera Maya with its mix of culture and relaxing on the beach. Base yourself in lively Playa del Carmen as you explore Mayan ruins, swim in picturesque cenotes, snorkel in family-friendly water parks, and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea along the white sandy coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula.
The largest pyramid in the world is in Mexico, as are some of the world's mysterious pyramids—at Cholula and Teotihuacán, respectively—and you'll visit both places on this wide-ranging cultural tour. Learn about pre-Hispanic, Mayan, and Aztec cultures as you explore Mexico City, Mérida, Puebla, and Chichén Itzá, and take a break for a refreshing dip in a cenote. And a taco or two, of course.
On this itinerary, you'll dive into Mexico City and explore everything from the city's historic center to the canals of Xochimilco. Travel back in time to learn about the history of pre-Hispanic people at the Museum of Anthropology, discover the mysterious temples of Teotihuacán, relax in the wilderness of Jungapeo, see a wide variety of butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and get inspired in the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera used to live.
Take a step back in time to explore ancient Mayan cities shrouded in mystery—some of which were inhabited since around 1800 BCE—on this five-day adventure. You'll visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Wonders of the World, as well as Izamal and Mérida, which will offer insight into the transition from ancient Mayan civilization to contemporary Mayan ways of life.
On this quick tour of Chiapas, you'll explore the region around San Cristóbal de las Casas: highlights include striking natural landscapes, indigenous communities, the imposing Sumidero Canyon, azure-colored waterfalls, and the many lakes of Montebello Lakes National Park. You'll also roam vibrant markets, try traditional food, and visit historic colonial town centers.
Puerto Vallarta inspires travelers with its natural beauty and colorful cultural history. See the best of both on this five-day itinerary that features outdoor activities—swimming, boating, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling through caves—and indigenous artistry, from dance to music to acrobatics, at a spectacular live show.
Bring the whole family on this relaxing holiday on the Yucatán Peninsula. On this short but satisfying itinerary, you'll sunbathe and swim on the white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, spot wildlife in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and explore the water-filled natural cave formations of Rio Secreto.
On this itinerary, you'll dive into Mexico City and explore everything from the city's historic center to the canals of Xochimilco. Travel back in time to learn about the history of pre-Hispanic people at the Museum of Anthropology, discover the mysterious temples of Teotihuacán, and get inspired in the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera used to live.
Take in the views from atop ancient Mayan pyramids and underneath waterfalls with this two-week trip through some of the region's top spots. You'll wander through complex Mayan ruins, along turquoise shores, and into jungles as you learn about Mexican history and ecosystems.
This exciting Mexican road trip covers a whopping number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—perfect for culture enthusiasts. Starting in Mexico City, you'll visit historic colonial towns, architectural sites, nature parks, and gorgeous interiors while making your way to both coasts with free time each evening to explore markets, restaurants, and art galleries on your own. This two-week itinerary is best suited for those who like to be on the move (a private driver and transfers are included).
This off-the-beaten-track adventure kicks off in Mexico City where you'll learn the area's pre-Colombian history and visit mysterious temples built by the Aztecs and Mayans. From here, fly to the Riviera Maya to ramble in the colonial streets of Valladolid and Mérida, dine on fresh cuisine, and chill out on the Caribbean Sea. Expect private guides and transportation throughout (except for your free day in Tulum).
Experience three distinct areas of Mexico on this exciting two-week itinerary. Get your fill of colonial architecture and mariachi music in Guadalajara, relax on the palm-studded Pacific beaches of Puerto Vallarta, and explore the coolest neighborhoods and best eats in Mexico City. This trip includes a mix of public and private transport (both excellent in Mexico), as well as guided tours and free time for the ultimate adventure.
Mexico is a culinary dream destination. Try a quesadilla with creamy Oaxacan cheese, a spicy taco from a street stand in Mexico City, or top-shelf tequila served on the edge of agave fields: gourmet food and drink await travelers throughout the country. Read on to find out where to sample Mexico's tastiest offerings, from Baja California to the Yucatán Peninsula.
On this fascinating 9-day trip in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca, you will discover traditional dishes from different regions of the country, participate in cooking workshops, and tour numerous urban and rural attractions, from archaeological sites to the country's best museums—all while meeting friendly locals along the way.
This week-long cultural adventure covers the highlights of Western Mexico's vibrant Guadalajara and nearby popular attractions. Wander the state capital, the birthplace of mariachi music, and visit impressive historic sites, eat delicious local food, and enjoy the exciting nightlife. Break up the urban exploration with day trips to nearby ancient ruins, a tequila distillery, quaint lakeside communities, and secluded waterfalls.
On this quick itinerary of Chiapas, you'll explore the highlights in and around San Cristóbal de las Casas, featuring striking natural landscapes and culturally significant indigenous communities. Discover the imposing Sumidero Canyon, trek to azure-colored waterfalls, and tour the many lakes of Montebello Lakes National Park. You'll also roam vibrant markets, try traditional food, and visit historic colonial town centers.
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine from exotic markets and fine restaurants to street food vendors and indigenous farms. This culinary itinerary is designed for the traveler passionate about learning the history and culture of Mexcian gastronomy. You will try traditional dishes from different regions of Mexico and participate in cooking workshops all the while exploring the cultural highlights of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
Step back in time on this two-week itinerary featuring ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins of Morelos and the Yucatán Peninsula. Along the way, you will explore Mexico City, the colonial towns of Valladolid and Mérida, and the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya. You will snorkel in freshwater cenotes, climb stone steps of Aztec pyramids, and meet with indigenous locals to learn about Maya history and culture firsthand.
This festive 8-day itinerary offers visitors an intimate look into one of Mexico's biggest holidays with the Day of the Dead. You'll begin your tour the end of October in Mexico City, discovering the history behind the tradition before exploring the canals of Xochimilco and the stoney ruins of Teotihuacan. You'll end your stay in Oaxaca where you will celebrate like a local: join in processions, visit cemeteries, and marvel at elaborately decorated altars in honor of the deceased.
This family-friendly itinerary of southern Mexico combines cultural activities with plenty of natural exploration. The first half of your trip will see you exploring Chiapas' Sumidero Canyon, el Chiflón and Misol-Ha waterfalls, and the impressive ruins of Palenque. From there, you will head to colonial-era Campeche where you will pick up your rental car and tour the Yucatán: from modern Mayan communities to ancient ruins, from refreshing cenotes to the white sands of Holbox Island.
