The temperate climate of Mexico makes it an ideal vacation destination any time of year. And while the white sand beaches offer the chance to do nothing but relax, there's plenty more to explore such as ancient archeology, spicy cuisine, and bustling cities. Mexico's famous beaches are a year-round draw for vacationers seeking rest and relaxation. And with sandy shores along the Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of options to choose from. The beaches of the Caribbean offer white sand and warm temperatures, helping to cement Cancun as a popular Mexican resort destination. But tourists can also take advantage of golf courses and go scuba diving among the more than 500 species of marine life. Near the Pacific Coast, water skiing and surfing are popular activities, and Oaxaca and Sinaloa are celebrated for their big waves. On the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and other beach areas feed visitors' imaginations with pirate stories, and their bellies with unique seafood. The rich history of Mexico can be explored around the country at archeological ruins that date back 3,000 years, while the natural beauty of rural areas enchant tourists and locals alike. On the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can take in a stunning combination of desert, mountain, and water scenery. The Mayan city of Chichen Itza and the Aztec city of Teotihuacan and its Templo Mayor ruins will appeal to both casual and serious historians. In contrast to the peaceful beaches, Mexico's cities offer history, shopping, and lively atmospheres. Mexico City, the oldest metropolis on the American continent, provides museums detailing Mexican heritage, historic palaces, cosmopolitan boutiques, and old-fashioned bazaars. In Guadalajara, visitors can experience mariachi music and join in the vibrant nightlife that only the birthplace of tequila can provide. There are more than 50 airports that handle flights to Mexico, including the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, the Cancun Airport International, and the General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport in Acapulco.

With endless white beaches and a pleasant climate year-round, Mexico is a favorite vacation destination. The most popular time to visit is the spring for dry weather and the summer because of school vacations. However, visitors can relax under a palm tree or tour a colonial city anytime of year, since the weather is generally warm and accommodating. Weather aside, be aware of travel dates that may coincide with a holiday or spring break because crowds may be a potential hassle.

high season: December to April, June to August
low season: September
shoulder season: May, October to November

Weather Information

Mexico has distinct wet and dry seasons. While the ideal time to visit is during the dry months of November through April, many tourists vacation during the rainy summer months of May through August. Temperatures never drop below freezing at any time of the year. Hurricanes are most likely to touch down between August and October.

Crowd Information

The Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Los Cabos draw large numbers of tourists throughout the year, but Cancun produces the densest crowds with millions of visitors annually. Local tourists crowd the beaches during Holy Week (usually the last week in March or one of the first two weeks in April) and the last week in December. Festivals are also a popular time for tourists, especially the Historic Center Festival of Mexico City in March, Guelaguetza in Oaxaca in July, the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca and Patzcuaro in October and November, and the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City in December.

Closure Information

Hotels, restaurants, and attractions remain open throughout the year. Many shops stay open on holidays.

When to Save

The most expensive times to visit are spring break and from Christmas through New Year's. The least expensive time to visit is September through November.

Information provided by the Mexico Tourism Board