Best time to visit Mexico, Guatemala and Belize

Mexico

Guatemala and Belize

The best time to visit Mexico is arguably in January. It’s less busy than December and February, and it’s in the heart of the dry season – so whether you’re lounging on white sand beaches or unleashing your inner Indiana Jones at ancient temples like Palenque, Chichen Itza and Calakmul, it’s the perfect month to visit.

Expect cloudless blue skies and plenty of sun across the Yucatan peninsula, from Isla Holbox and Cancun to Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. Or discover the sights of Mexico City, with temperatures peaking at around 22C, perfect for strolling in the sun, although be prepared to wrap up in the mornings and evenings. It’s warmer at around 27C in Oaxaca, but while it’s busier here, it’s well worth planning your visit for the start of the year as the weather only gets hotter over the next few months.

If you’re heading to the Pacific Coast, this is a great month to spot whales at Baja California as the migrating gray whales arrive to give birth along with some blue whales around Loreto. And millions of monarch butterflies begin their long journey north from central Mexico to Canada in January. The best place to see them is at one of the four sanctuaries open to the public, El Rosario and Sierra Chincua in the state of Michoacan.

It’s the coldest time of year at Mexico’s canyons, so that’s one experience to postpone if you can.

Festivals: January begins with two major festivals on New Year’s Day, which is a national holiday, and on January 6 for Dia de los Reyes (or Epiphany) where people will get together with family and friends to eat traditional food.

Merida International Arts Festival also takes place in January, marking the anniversary of the city’s founding with a series of events and festivities.

Best for: Perfect beach weather, exploring Mexico City, whale watching, monarch butterfly migration

February is right in the middle of the dry season across most of the country, so like January it’s the perfect time for a holiday in Mexico whether you’re planning to visit one of the cities, hit the beach or explore some of the ancient temples, such as Chichen Itza, Coba near Tulum, Calakmul or Palenque. The crowds are returning over school holidays and with Spring Break on the horizon so do book ahead.

Whale-watching is at its peak in Baja California with blue whales arriving, and countless gray whales migrating to give birth and mate off the coast. For an equally fascinating but much smaller natural phenomenon, the monarch butterfly migration is continuing, with a chance to see some of the millions which make their way from central Mexico to Canada at one of the sanctuaries in Michoacan.

The weather’s getting even milder in Mexico City, with purple jacaranda trees starting to blossom towards the end of the month, while it’s not too hot to explore Oaxaca and the surrounding countryside. Or head into the Chiapas Highlands where it’s one of the sunniest, driest months without being too busy, and discover indigenous culture and colourful streets at San Cristobal de las Casas.

Festivals: The annual Carnaval celebrations kick off across the country in February with parades, parties and giant papier mâché effigies being burned. You’ll be able to get involved everywhere, but Veracruz and Mazatlan are known for having some of the best festivities.

Or discover some of the ancient Aztec traditions woven into the Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas) celebrations on February 2, including eating tamales and drinking atole. Mexico City is a great place to observe the occasion.

Best for: Hitting the beaches, whale watching, monarch butterfly migration, Mexico City, Oaxaca

Temperatures are rising across Mexico this month, perfect if you’re planning some time by the beach, hitting around 29-30C at Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya and around Cancun at Isla Holbox. Expect a flurry of visitors from the US for Spring Break, as well as people heading to Chichen Itza at the spring equinox to see shadows shaped like a serpent slithering on the El Castillo pyramid. Teotihuacan near Mexico City and Guachimontones, not far from Guadalajara, are both popular at the equinox too.

Mexico City itself is pleasantly sunny, with temperatures rising to around 24C this month, and it’s still not too hot to make the most of Oaxaca. And on the Pacific coast, March is another great month to see whales off Baja California, including gray humpback and blue whales.

March is also one of the best months to visit northwest Mexico’s spectacular canyon country, including the dramatic Copper Canyon. The weather is perfect Goldilocks territory: not too hot at the bottom of the canyons, and not too cold at the top – just right for exploring.

It’s a good time to head into the Chiapas Highlands as well, for sunny, dry weather. Base yourself at San Cristobal de las Casas to discover indigenous culture and colourful villages.

Festivals: Semana Santa (Easter Week) is one of Mexico’s biggest holidays of the year, and can take place in March or April. Many businesses shut down, and the country sees some of its busiest days this month.

Best for: Hiking in the canyons, whale watching, beach time, equinox at the temples

April in Mexico usually marks the end of the dry season, and temperatures are shooting up even further before the rains move in.

It’s the last chance to see whales around Baja California, as most move on by the time May arrives, as well as the last good month if you’re planning to dive or snorkel the coral reefs, as visibility gets much worse once the rainier months begin.

Temperatures are perfect for exploring in Mexico City and the capital can actually be quieter than usual during parts of this month, with families heading for the coast around the Easter school holidays. By contrast Oaxaca can be a lot busier, with people travelling here during the holiday weeks, despite it being the hottest month of the year, hitting around 32C.

If you want to head out hiking, April is when to go to Mexico’s canyons – the weather at the Copper Canyon is pleasant whether you’re at the top or the bottom – and a good month if you’re planning any hiking in Mexico’s mountains and volcanic peaks.

Or for a more laid-back break, the beaches are bathed in sunshine, with temperatures over 30C on both coasts this month, so you can sunbathe to your heart’s content, whether you prefer to do to do it at Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Holbox or the Pacific coast beaches . Surf season is also beginning this month, with good waves to go alongside the warm water and sunny weather.

Festivals: Semana Santa (Easter Week) is one of Mexico’s biggest holidays of the year, and can take place in March or April. Many businesses shut down, and the country seems some of its busiest days this month.

Feria San Marcos also takes place this month (or sometimes May) in Aguascalientes, one of the oldest festivals in the country, and one of the biggest, with millions visiting over several weeks.

Best for: Beaches, festivals, hiking, exploring Mexico City

This month marks the start of the country’s rainy season, with the first of the wet weather hitting the south of the country and creeping further north over the month. The official start of the low season, you’ll escape the crowds but if you visit towards the start of May, you could still have some lovely weather.

It’s a great time for surfers to visit Mexico, with the surf season well underway this month. As the year goes on, the swells can get more intense, but May ticks all the boxes for decent breaks, warm water and generally good weather. Ensenada in Baja California is one of the country’s best surf spots, but the Riviera Maya is a good option for beginners, as well as having plenty to tempt more advanced surfers.

The cities are hot, with temperatures spiking to around 28C in Mexico City, and still above 30C in Oaxaca, while it’s well over 30C on the beaches as well – with only a few more days rain in May than April around Cancun and the Riviera Maya, it can be worth the risk of travelling in shoulder season to have beaches like Tulum almost to yourself.

Festivals: Despite what you might expect, Cinco de Mayo isn’t a huge celebration across Mexico, although it is a public holiday. The exception is in Puebla, where a battle between the Mexican army and the French is re-enacted, with fireworks, parades and dancers performing in colourful costumes.

Best for: Surfing, beaches, exploring without the crowds

The rains really kick in this month, with the weather getting hotter and steadily more humid. That doesn’t mean you can expect torrential downpours all day though; an afternoon storm is more likely, so it’s easy to dodge inside for some downtime while it does.

The tropical and central regions are most affected, so while beach trips aren’t entirely out, be prepared to have to abandon the sand from time to time. This is also the month when you’re most likely to find large amounts of sargassum, the brown seaweed which covers the beaches of the Riviera Maya and around Cancun.

What tempts most people to the coast this month is the start of whale shark season in Cancun, with the first of these gentle giants arriving in June.

It’s peak surfing season too, with bigger swells whipper up by the official start of hurricane season. While you’d be unlucky to encounter a hurricane this month, the conditions are better for more experienced surfers than novices.

If you’re happy to brave the afternoon rains, it’s a good time for a holiday in Mexico City and Oaxaca if you want to escape the crowds. The rains help improve air quality in Mexico City although you’ll find more mosquitoes around, while the temperatures drop below 30C once more in Oaxaca.

Festivals: The Festival del Mole Poblano in Puebla takes place in June, with a whole string of events and activities along with plenty of chances to taste Mole Poblano, the city’s famously thick creamy sauce. Expect talks, art exhibitions and a Best Mole contest.

Best for: Surfing, whale sharks, exploring without the crowds

July is firmly in the middle of Mexico’s rainy season, although as in June, you’ll often find that these arrive with a violent afternoon downpour before the sun comes back out again. While it can be humid and hot hot hot during the daytime, the rainfall often makes the evenings cooler.

It’s one of the best times of year to see a whale shark off Cancun, with the peak of the season in Mexico. And if you head to Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Maya, it’s a great month for turtle lovers, with baby turtles hatching; some hotels have special schemes to help release them into the ocean.

With school holidays this month, you’ll find bigger crowds despite the mixed weather, so be prepared to share the sights as well as having to dodge the rains. Temperatures are starting to drop once more in Mexico City, if you’re looking to escape the worst of the heat at the coast, although pack your bug spray as you’ll find more mosquitoes here during the rainy months.

Festivals: Head to Oaxaca for La Guelaguetza this month, a celebration dating back to before the Spanish Conquest, thanking the gods for the rains. Today, it’s a celebration of indigenous culture, including costumed dancing, parades featuring local music, a chance to try traditional foods and displays of artisan crafts.

Best for: Whale sharks, turtles

Rains are heavier again this month, especially on the Pacific Coast, where it’s almost like a monsoon, plus there’s a higher chance of tropical storms as hurricane season progresses.

It’s peak season for whale sharks on the east coast though, with some of the best chances to see the world’s largest fish off Cancun this month. Baby turtles are still hatching on both coasts too, especially around Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya.

Temperatures and humidity are still high across Mexico, although Mexico City is cooler, with the rains helping to keep the city air clear.

Festivals: Visit Guadalajara this month to see the International Mariachi Festival, a 10-day event beginning in August that’s part of the city’s month-long music and arts festivals. There’ll be performances galore, as well as parades with Mariachi floats, plus the world’s largest Mariachi competition.

Best for: Whale sharks, turtles

There’s a bigger risk of hurricanes in Mexico this month, particularly on the Caribbean coast around the Yucatan peninsula. The middle of low season, it’s also the wettest month of the year, with heavy rain on the Pacific Coast and regular downpours across the country.

It’s not the best time of year for a holiday in Mexico if you’re looking to relax on the beach. While there’ll be sun between the showers, water visibility isn’t great, and it’s not the best month to see marine wildlife or enjoy any activities out on the water either.

Mexico City is the exception, with fewer rainy days this month than August, and pleasant temperatures of around 25C for exploring the city. You won’t escape the wet weather entirely, but if you head out to sightsee in the morning, you should dodge the worst of it.

The Autumn equinox also inspires visitors to head to Chichen Itza to spot serpent-shaped shadows slithering on the El Castillo pyramid, as well as to visit Teotihuacan near Mexico City.

Festivals: Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 15 and 16. Expect fireworks, military parades, chillies in walnut sauce to eat, drink, dancing and countless opportunities to shout ‘Vivia Mexico’!

Best for: Celebrating Mexican independence, exploring Mexico City

The wet weather is finally starting to ease with the end of the rainy season this month. However it’s the height of hurricane season, with the Caribbean coast and Yucatan Peninsula among the areas most at risk of being affected.

There’s a good reason to head to the west coast and Baja California though, with whale sharks arriving in La Paz to take advantage of the feeding frenzy. You won’t escape the rains entirely here and you can still expect heavy showers, high humidity and equally high temperatures across much of the rest of the country.

It’s drier in the north, making October a good month to explore canyon country as the weather hits that sweet spot – not too hot at the bottom and not too cold at the top. As well as sites like the Copper Canyon, the area’s waterfalls are at their most dramatic after the months of rain.

Celebrations start ramping up for Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead in late October, especially in the cities. It’s also cooler and much less rainy in the capital, with temperatures in the low 20s in Mexico City. Oaxaca is also cooler and drier this month, but without the crowds which descend during peak season, so it’s a great time to explore the city.

Festivals: Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations begin on October 31 (until November 2), remembering and honouring the dead, including huge parades, intricate sweets to eat and a giant party to finish. Mexico City and Oaxaca have some of the country’s best celebrations, but you’ll be able to join in the fun everywhere.

Best for: Whale sharks, exploring canyons, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Dia de los Muertos

One of the best times to visit Mexico, as the worst of the rains are gone, the end-of-year crowds haven’t arrived and days are pleasantly hot without being scorching.

As well as being a fantastic time to hit the beach on both coasts, whether you fancy sun-worshipping at Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Holbox or the Pacific Coast, it’s also perfect for seeing whale sharks at La Paz in Baja California. Make the most of Mexico’s scenery too by getting outdoors to hike in the mountains and volcanoes, or to explore canyon country in Mexico’s north-west.

Oaxaca’s Dia de los Muertos celebrations are some of the best in the country, and you can expect the party to continue beyond November 2. It’s also a great month to explore Mexico City, not only for the festival, but with pleasantly warm, dry days to see the sights, including nearby Teotihuacan.

Festivals: Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations take place on November 1 and 2, remembering and honouring the dead, including huge parades, intricate sweets to eat and a giant party to finish. Mexico City and Oaxaca have some of the country’s best celebrations, but you’ll be able to join in the fun everywhere.

Best for: Beaches, whale sharks, Dia de los Muertos, hiking, Oaxaca, Mexico City

Any last lingering rain is long gone in December, with some of the year’s best weather – warm, dry but not too hot. Visit early in the month, and you shouldn’t have to share it with too many people, although you can expect everywhere to be busier towards the end of December, especially around Christmas and New Year.

The beaches are bathed in sunshine on both coasts, and there’s still a good chance of spotting whale sharks off the Pacific Coast at La Paz, in Baja California, the last month before numbers start to dwindle again. You’ll also find whales off this coast, especially at Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, with babies being born this month.

The Monarch butterflies have begun arriving in Mexico this month too after their migration back from Canada. Head to one of the public sanctuaries for the best chance of seeing them, including El Rosario and Sierra Chincua in the state of Michoacan.

It’s also one of the coolest and driest months of the year in Mexico City and Oaxaca, perfect for some sightseeing and exploring in the cities, as well as at the ancient temples of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Calakmul.

Festivals: Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca is definitely one of the country’s most unusual festivals, held on December 23, with a competition to carve various scenes out of oversized radishes. The event’s origins date back centuries, with links to the city’s wood-carving heritage.

December 12 is also the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint, with the main celebrations in Mexico City around the Basilica de Guadalupe itself, including singing, dancing and eating.

The pre-Christmas celebrations get underway from December 16-24, with processions ending in house parties known as posadas, enacting the journey to Bethlehem. Christmas Day itself is a public holiday, while you can also enjoy the celebrations on December 31 for New Year’s Eve, including fireworks.

Best for: Festivals, great weather across the country, whale sharks, monarch butterflies, beach days