Determining the best time of year to travel to Mexico depends on your vacation goals, the destination you’re visiting, and the activities you’re planning on enjoying. After all, Mexico is a massive country with a huge number of tourists each year.

Its regions and corresponding climates include lowland jungles, highland deserts, sprawling beaches and remarkable mountain ranges. Furthermore, you may be considering trying to beat the crowds while still escaping the throes of winter up north.

Let’s break it down so you can enjoy the best time of the year to travel to Mexico.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Coast of Mexico

Starting with the most popular tourist destination in Mexico, the Mexican coast is enjoyed from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula to Oaxaca, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta.

In short, the best time of the year to visit Mexico’s white sand beaches is from November until April. November typically marks the end of the hurricane season and the beginning of the dry season. You’ll be able to bask in sunny, low-humidity days and sleep soundly through cool, breezy nights.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, we recommend waiting until April or May to visit.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Baja Peninsula

The Baja Peninsula makes for an incredibly scenic coastal drive. Situated next to the mountain plateau in the Northwest, across the Sea of Cortez, you’ll enjoy these desert beaches most from June through October. In the winter, Baja gets a little too chilly to enjoy the beach, and the farther south you go the greater the risk of heavy storms during the hurricane season.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Lowlands

For archaeology enthusiasts, the Lowlands is where you’ll be exploring the jungles of Chiapas, the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, and the archaeological sites of Palenque and Bonampak.

The best time of year to visit the Lowlands is during the dry season, from November to May. The summer in the Lowlands is rainy and humid due to its rainforest-like climate.

Best Time of Year to Visit Mexico’s Mountains

Elevation makes a big impact when considering the best time of year to visit. Because Mexico’s mountain ranges extend from the northwest to the southeast of the country, reaching elevations upwards of 10,000 feet above sea level, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

To avoid the bulk of the rainy season, you’ll want to visit the mountains between November and May. Fortunately, even during the rainy summer, the mountains remain drier than the Lowlands.

However, most mountain explorers tend to be interested in adventure activities that require dry conditions, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking. You may encounter lower temperatures during the dry season, but if you visit in November or May, you might just get the best of both worlds.

Best Time of Year to Avoid Crowds & Save Cash

By far, the summer is the best time of year to travel to Mexico if you’re looking to have the beaches all to yourself and save a ton of money on rentals. But be warned: Mexico’s beaches are intensely hot during the summer.

If possible, you may want to avoid traveling on school holidays like Easter and Christmas. Resorts are swamped and rates skyrocket during these times of year. However, if you do choose to visit during a holiday, the exuberant Mexican festivals will create memories to last a lifetime.

Choose Your Own Adventure

The simple answer to the question, “When should I visit Mexico?” is simply: it depends. Mexico has an adventure to offer everyone. From beach lovers to bike riders, explorers to archaeology enthusiasts, no one will be disappointed by their Mexico getaway. Just be sure that you choose the right time of year for your activity of choice.

If you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer them. Contact us today for more information.