What country do you think has the largest pyramid by volume? The answer is not Egypt. While the Great Pyramid of Giza is perhaps the most renowned Pyramid in the world, the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Puebla, Mexico, is the largest. Now that we’ve settled the pyramid debate, let’s move on to what this article is actually about.
The best time to visit Mexico is the dry season, from December to April, with warm, sunny days and little rain across most regions. This is peak season on the Caribbean coast around Cancun and Tulum. The wet and hurricane season runs from June to November, when prices drop and crowds thin
Mexico has over 9,000km of coastline and 11 different climate zones. The air might be cold at the top of Mexico City, while it is humid and hot in Chiapas. So, it is very important to plan your trip based on the weather and the cities you are visiting to optimise your experience. The time to visit Cancun is different from the time to visit Oaxaca or Mexico City. This guide covers the best months by region, what to expect from the weather, and practical money tips for getting more out of your trip.
Mexico's seasons at a glance
Mexico's weather varies by region, but most of the country experiences two main seasons:
- The dry season (temporada seca)
- The rainy season (temporada de lluvias)
If you're visiting the Caribbean coast, such as Cancún or Tulum, you'll also need to consider the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Here's what to expect throughout the year.
| Month |
Season |
Conditions |
Good for |
| January |
Dry |
Warm, sunny, low humidity |
Best overall |
| February |
Dry |
Warm, sunny |
Beaches, cities |
| March |
Dry |
Warm, beginning to heat up |
Beaches, Oaxaca |
| April |
Dry |
Hot and sunny |
Peak beach season |
| May |
Transition |
Hot, humidity building |
Shoulder, some value |
| June |
Wet/hurricane season begins |
Hot, storms possible |
Budget travel |
| July |
Wet/hurricane season |
Rain and storms possible |
Budget travel |
| August |
Wet/hurricane season |
Rain and storms possible |
Budget travel |
| September |
Peak hurricane risk |
Highest storm risk on coast |
Avoid Caribbean coast |
| October |
Wet season continues |
Rain easing, cooling |
Day of the Dead |
| November |
Transitional |
Rain easing |
Day of the Dead, shoulder |
| December |
Dry season returns |
Warm, dry, festive |
Peak season returns |
Mexico City and the central highlands (also called the Mexican Altiplano), like Guanajuato, Querétaro, and San Miguel de Allende, are comfortably warm year-round due to altitude. But it rarely exceeds 28°C. Temperatures might fall under 10°C in the winter, especially at night. The Coastal areas on both the Caribbean and Pacific remain hot and humid year-round, especially from May to October. Northern Mexico is generally hotter and drier, with summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Best time for the Caribbean coast
Most visitors looking to explore Mexico’s beach life head to the Caribbean coast. It has a tropical climate and includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. However, the weather conditions here change significantly throughout the year.
The best time to visit is from December to April
This is the dry season and offers the best beach weather. Expect sunny days, warm temperatures between 26°C and 30°C, low humidity, and calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. It is also the busiest and most expensive period, particularly during Christmas, New Year, and Easter, so book well in advance. The Caribbean coast at its best is January through March, when humidity is low and rainfall is minimal.
Check out Visit Mexico as you plan your trip.
Hurricane season (June to November)
The Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November. The highest risk is usually around August and October, and especially in September. Direct hurricanes are not so common, but tropical storms usually bring heavy rain, rough seas, and temporary beach closures. If you are travelling during this period, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers weather-related disruption.
Sargassum seaweed (May to October)
Between January and July 2026, Mexican workers picked up over 96,000 metric tons of sargassum, a new record. The Caribbean coast has been experiencing high amounts of sargassum seaweed in recent years, especially between Cancun and Tulum. The severity varies each year, and by location, so it's worth checking recent beach conditions before booking if spending time on the beach is your priority.
Best months for the Caribbean coast: January, February, and March.
Best time for the Pacific coast and central Mexico
The best time to visit the Pacific coast and central Mexico depends on where you are going.
- Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán (Pacific coast): The best time to visit is November to May, when the weather is dry, warm, and sunny. The rainy season lasts from June to October, bringing heavy afternoon showers, although mornings are often clear. Tropical storms occasionally affect the Pacific coast, but the risk is generally lower than on the Caribbean side.
- Oaxaca: It is best to visit Oaxaca City between November and April. This is when temperatures are pleasant, and rainfall is minimal. Late October and early November are particularly popular because of the famous Day of the Dead celebrations. Coastal destinations such as Puerto Escondido and Huatulco are also driest during this period.
- Mexico City: Thanks to its high altitude, it enjoys mild temperatures year-round. The dry season (October to May) offers clear skies and comfortable sightseeing weather. During the rainy season, from June to September, showers usually arrive in the afternoon, while mornings remain suitable for exploring.
- Yucatán Peninsula (Mérida and Chichén Itzá): The best time to visit is October to May, when temperatures are lower and humidity is more manageable. During the summer months, the intense heat can make exploring archaeological sites uncomfortable, particularly around midday.
Cheapest time to visit Mexico and festivals
If you are travelling on a tight budget, then it is better to travel outside the peak tourist seasons. Since there are fewer people visiting, you'll often find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds, although you'll need to be more open-minded about the weather.
Low season (June to September)
This is generally the cheapest time to visit Mexico. Flights and accommodation are often 30% to 50% cheaper than during the peak season, especially outside major Mexican school holidays. Expect hot, humid weather with regular afternoon showers, particularly along the Caribbean coast. If you're willing to trade perfect beach weather for lower prices, this is an excellent time to visit.
Shoulder season (May and October to November)
If you are trying to balance travel cost, weather, and crowds, you should consider the shoulder season. Prices are lower than during the peak season (but more expensive than the low season). The weather conditions are, however, better than in the wet months. By October and November, the rains start reducing, and the country starts preparing for one of its most famous cultural celebrations.
Festivals worth planning around
- Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), 1 to 2 November: One of Mexico's most iconic celebrations. Cities such as Oaxaca and Mexico City come alive with colourful parades, elaborate altars (ofrendas), candlelit cemeteries, and cultural events.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week, before Easter): Held in the week leading up to Easter. It is one of the busiest travel periods for tourism in Mexico. Beaches and popular destinations fill up quickly, and accommodation prices rise. Book well in advance if travelling during this period.
- Christmas and New Year (24 December to 2 January): This is another peak travel season. Beach destinations such as Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos are especially busy, with some of the year's highest hotel and flight prices.
Money tips for Mexico
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). Having some cash in pesos is essential, even though card acceptance has improved significantly in tourist areas.
- Paying by card: Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops in destinations such as Mexico City, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta generally accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. However, many street vendors, local markets, taxis, and smaller businesses still prefer cash.
- Using ATMs: ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist destinations and usually offer better exchange rates than airport exchange counters or hotel currency desks. To reduce withdrawal fees, it's often better to withdraw a reasonable amount at once instead of making several small withdrawals.
Read our guide on how to avoid foreign transaction fees before you travel.
- Tipping: Tipping is a popular practice in Mexico. You can leave 10% to 15% in restaurants unless a service charge has already been added. It's also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, drivers, and anyone providing personal service. Carry small peso notes to make this convenient.
- Using a Grey while travelling: Paying with a Grey Plus Card lets you spend from your USD, GBP, or EUR balance wherever Visa is accepted in Mexico. This can help you avoid the foreign transaction fees that many traditional bank cards charge on international purchases. You can spend abroad with a Grey Card wherever Visa is accepted in Mexico, from resort hotels to city restaurants.
- Sending money to Mexico: Whether you are supporting family or paying a local vendor in advance, you can send money from the US to Mexico with Grey at transparent rates, and convert to MXN at 1% conversion fee.
Spending while you explore Mexico is easier with a multicurrency account. Send money to Mexico with Grey at transparent rates before and during your trip, and pay with your Grey Card wherever Visa is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cancun?
January, February, and March are the best months for Cancun. The weather is warm and dry, seas are calm and clear for snorkelling and diving, and the sargassum seaweed problem is at its lowest. Avoid September, which carries the highest hurricane risk of the year.
When is hurricane season in Mexico?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. The peak risk period for the Caribbean coast of Mexico is August through October, with September carrying the highest statistical risk. The Pacific coast also has a hurricane season from June to October, though storm frequency and intensity tend to be lower than on the Caribbean side.
What is the cheapest month to visit Mexico?
June, July, and August are typically the cheapest months, particularly for the Caribbean coast. Accommodation prices drop significantly, and flights are often cheaper outside school holiday periods. The trade-off is the wet season, with afternoon rains and hurricane risk on the coasts.
Is Mexico expensive to visit?
Mexico offers a wide range of price points. The all-inclusive resort areas around Cancun and Los Cabos are expensive by regional standards. Budget travel in Oaxaca, Merida, and Mexico City is very affordable. A mid-range traveller in Mexico City can eat and get around comfortably on $50 to $80 per day. Beach resorts during peak season cost significantly more.
What currency does Mexico use?
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). USD is accepted at many tourist-facing businesses in Cancun and border towns, though the exchange rate applied may not be favourable. Paying in pesos rather than USD at places that accept both generally produces a better outcome.
Can I pay by card in Mexico?
In major tourist areas, cities, and mid-range and upscale establishments, yes. In smaller towns, local markets, street food stalls, and budget accommodation, cash is expected. Always carry pesos for situations where card payment is not accepted. Tell your bank or card provider that you are travelling to Mexico to avoid transactions being blocked as suspicious.
.svg){kind=small}
