MEXICO WHEN TO GO?

Travel Seasons

Mexico has two principal travel seasons: high and low. High season begins around December 20 and continues to Easter, although in some places high season can begin as early as mid-November. Low season begins the day after Easter and continues to mid-December; during low season, prices may drop 20% to 40%. In beach destinations that are popular with Mexican travelers, such as Mazatlan, and Acapulco, the prices will revert back to shoulder season during the months of July and August, the traditional national summer vacation period. Prices in inland cities seldom fluctuate from high to low season, but may rise dramatically during the weeks of Easter and Christmas. Taxco and Pátzcuaro raise prices during Easter week due to the popularity of their Easter-week celebrations. In Isla Mujeres and Playa Del Carmen, both on the Yucatán Peninsula, high season starts earlier than in the rest of the country and includes the month of August, when many European visitors arrive.

Mexico has two main climate seasons as well: rainy (May to mid-Oct) and dry (mid-Oct through Apr). The rainy season can be of little consequence in the dry, northern region of the country. Southern regions typically receive tropical showers, which begin around 4 or 5pm and last a few hours. Though these rains can come on suddenly and be quite strong, they usually end just as fast and cool off the air for the evening. Hurricane season particularly affects the Yucatán Peninsula, especially from August through October. However, if no hurricanes strike, the light, cooling winds, especially from September through November, can make it a perfect time to more comfortably tackle the pre-Hispanic ruins that dot the interior of the peninsula.

June, July, and August are unrelentingly hot on the Yucatán Peninsula, though temperatures rise only into the mid-80s to 90°F. most of coastal Mexico experience temperatures in the 80s in the hottest months. Very high summer temperatures are reserved for Mexico's northern states that border the United States.

Elevation is another important factor affecting climate. High-elevation cities such as Mexico City, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Real de Catorce, or the joint volcano park of Popo-Ixta east of Mexico City can be surprisingly cold. Temperatures can drop close to freezing at night in winter even in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, which are at lower elevations than those cities mentioned above. In December 1997, snow fell in Guadalajara for the first time in some 80 years.

  WEATHER:

Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season.

Here's a regional climate overview:

Northern Baja California
Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers. The Sea of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C.

Southern Baja California
A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, cool winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures can be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C.

Northwest Coast
Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C.

West Coast
Known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather year round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November through May. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 27 degree C.

Central Plateau
Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions most of the year. Rain is frequent from June through September. Evenings can be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature: 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C.

The Yucatan Peninsula
In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature and humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler due to trade winds, while interior jungles are humid, with higher temperatures. Rainfall is frequent from April through May and September through January; temperatures can be higher. September and October sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions. Winters are very pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80 degrees F or 27 degrees C.

The Gulf Coast
Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool brisk northerly winds (nortes) from September through February. Annual average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C.