Best Time to Visit Mexico

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By
Wesley
November 29, 2023
5 min read

The Best Time to Visit Mexico

If you're looking for a warm and sunny place to escape the cold winter season, Mexico might just be your perfect destination. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and exciting cities, many people come here all year round. To experience the best of what this beautiful country has to offer, it's important to know when is the optimal time to visit. 

The Weather in Mexico

To make the most of your trip in Mexico, I would suggest planning your vacation between September and January. During this time of year temperatures are milder on the coasts – usually around 25°C (77°F) – but still hot enough that you can enjoy spending time at the beach or by the pool without feeling too uncomfortable. The air is also less humid during these months so you can explore more comfortably and get out and about without feeling too sticky!

If you visit higher elevations, over 1000 meters, expect the temperatures to drop in the night. This was an experience for me since I always thought of Mexico as hot. However, temperatures can drop to below 10°C (50°F) especially in the mountains and canyons. If you’re at the beach you really won’t have to worry about this; however, keep in mind if you plan to visit any major cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey.

Get to know more about Mexico and all there is to discover here.

September

Mexico is an exciting country to visit, especially in the month of September. This is when Independence Day celebrations take place, making it a great time to experience the culture and festivities of this vibrant nation. 

Independence Day (El Grito de Dolores) takes place on September 15th, and involves a variety of activities including parades, fireworks and traditional Mexican music. Did I mention fireworks? It will be non-stop at night as the sky lights up with colors and bursts continue into the morning sky.

Chiles in Nogadas, the national dish to celebrate Mexican Independence
Chiles in Nogadas, the national dish to celebrate Mexican Independence

There are also lots of opportunities to try local cuisine such as Chiles in Nogadas - a dish made with pomegranate seeds and stuffed peppers cooked in a creamy sauce. It's not just foodies that will be entertained either - there are plenty of cultural events taking place too! From street parties and concerts to art galleries and museums, Mexico has something for everyone during the month of September. 

However, I would say traveling for the Chiles en Nogadas would be worth the trip itself. Words cannot even describe how good this meal is.

November

If you're looking for a destination with culture and excitement, Mexico in November is the perfect place to visit. Not only does this country offer stunning coastlines, majestic mountains and vibrant cities – it’s also the home of one of Mexico's most celebrated holidays: Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). This traditional holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year, and offers visitors a unique insight into Mexican culture. 

During Day of the Dead, locals honor their deceased relatives by decorating gravesites in bright colors; preparing special food offerings such as Pan de Muertos; gathering in cemeteries around candlelit altars; and taking part in lively parades featuring dancing skeletons. The atmosphere is both festive and spiritual – I highly suggest arriving during this time! It’s moving to see!

November is one of the best months to visit Mexico. Not only is it a month full of celebration and beautiful sights, but it’s also the perfect time to experience some of Mexico’s most beloved traditions. I recently had the privilege of traveling to Mexico in November and here are a few reasons why you should too! 

One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about visiting Mexico in November is “Day of the Dead” (Día de Muertos). This holiday honors deceased loved ones, gathering everyone together for music, dancing, food and colorful decorations like marigold flowers. The streets are filled with vibrant costumes, parades and traditional Mexican treats like Pan de Muertos. It’s an incredibly unique experience that you won’t want to miss!

Honoring family members in Mexico on Day of the Dead with Vigil
Honoring family members in Mexico on Day of the Dead with Vigil

Traditional Flower: Cempsasuchil

I can not overstate how great it is to see almost everywhere decorated with Cempasúchil (also known as the Mexican marigold or Aztec marigold). You will find it prominently in the cemeteries as family's celebrate the life of loved one's lost.

Cempasúchil is an important part of Mexican culture, with its roots tracing back to the ancient Aztec civilization. The term "cempasuchil" translates from the Nahuatl language as “twenty leaves” and is commonly used to refer to marigolds, a type of flower that was regularly used in Aztec ceremonies. Today, cempasuchil are still widely used in Mexico for both cultural and religious celebrations.

According to tradition, cempasuchil are believed to attract spirits and guide them back home during Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). As such, they are often placed on graves or around altars as a remembrance or offering of respect for those who have passed away.

Victoria beer seasonal brew with cempasúchil
Seasonal Victoria beer brewed with cempasúchil.

As a foodie, November is one of my favorite months to visit. There is even a beer that’s brewed with cempasúchil and I would consider it one of my top favorites. It’s produced by Victoria (one of the national brands) and is truly something unique.

Day of the Dead Celebrations - Patzcuro, Mexico
Day of the Dead Celebrations in Patzcuaro

December

December is a great time to visit Mexico because it's the month of Christmas (Navidad). This special holiday is celebrated with religious ceremonies, special food and drink offerings and traditional music and dances. There are also lots of festive events taking place throughout the country, including parades, concerts and marketplaces. If you're looking for a unique winter holiday experience, visiting Mexico in December is definitely worth considering.

First, if you love soaking up the sun, there is no better place than Mexico. This great nation offers warm temperatures throughout the year and December is no exception. You can spend your days lounging on one of the many beaches of Cancun or take a dip in one of its crystal clear waters without worrying about being cold! 

Second, there are cultural experiences galore in Mexico during December. If you're a fan of Christmas music, you will love visiting the local markets where you can find all sorts of festive treats. There are also lots of festive events taking place throughout the country, including parades, concerts and all kinds of Christmas markets that sell everything from traditional treats to decorations and even the trees themselves. 

And if you're looking for something a little more traditional, don't miss a trip to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This popular pilgrimage spot is home to one of the most iconic representations of Christendom in the world and is always packed with tourists eager to take photos.

On a personal foodie note, this is also the time of year for another favorite seasonal beer: Noche Buena. Nochebuena literally means "good night," but it's actually used to refer to Christmas Eve – Spanish-speaking countries call it Nochebuena. The poinsettia, which decorates the bottle, is also called Nochebuena, and it has Mexican origins as a Christmas flower. 

This “bock” beer, which is said to have been brewed by German immigrants in the early 1920s, is a seasonal favorite and great tasting. The smell of chocolate, caramel and red fruit scents are welcoming on cool winter nights. When you take a sip, you'll get some prunes, toasted malts and herbal hops flavors too.

Picture of tasty Bunuelos on the street in Guadalajara
Tasty Bunuelos on the street in Guadalajara

Foodie Note: Buñuelos

Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican dish that is most popularly served during Christmas. These fried treats are made from a dough of all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt that is then deep fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. Buñuelos have a unique shape, with each one having several small holes. 

To give buñuelos their characteristic flavor, spices such as cinnamon and anise are added to the dough before frying them. This creates an aromatic treat full of flavor that often comes topped with sugar or honey. This is a must try, buñuelos are typically eaten by themselves or alongside hot chocolate or coffee for breakfast or late at night as a snack. A scrumptious treat for any time of day.

January

January is a great time to visit this vibrant country and enjoy cultural experiences like Dia de Los Reyes Magos. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings to Bethlehem and is celebrated with special parades and festivities. 

One major event in Mexico during this time is Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day). Celebrated on January 6th each year, Mexicans mark the day as a religious holiday where they honor the Three Kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus. 

During Dia de los Reyes Magos celebrations, people participate in activities such as parades, feasts and special church services. They also enjoy traditional treats like Rosca de Reyes bread which contains hidden figures of baby Jesus inside. 

One of its most popular traditions is Rosca de Reyes, where friends and family come together to eat sweet bread shaped like a ring with candied fruits scattered throughout. The person who finds the Jesus figurine inside the bread must host a party in February! 

What’s more, January also marks Tamale Season in Mexico! Head over to any Mexican market or street corner stand and sample these delicious treats made from corn dough filled with savory ingredients such as pork, cheese, beans or vegetables.

Foodie Note: Rosca de Reyes

Rosca de Reyes is an iconic Mexican bread that can be found in every bakery around this time of year. It’s a traditional bread made with sweet dough, decorated with candied fruit, and often comes with a plastic baby Jesus figure hidden inside. Rosca de Reyes plays an important role in the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th, which marks the arrival of the three Wise Men to Bethlehem to present gifts to Baby Jesus.

The ring-shaped dough is meant to represent the crown given by Herod as a trick for finding out where Jesus was born. As part of the tradition, whoever finds the Baby Jesus figurine in their piece of rosca is crowned king or queen for the day and must provide tamales for everyone else on February 2nd — Candelaria Day.

In Summary

I highly recommend you plan your visit to Mexico in the fall and winter. For starters, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Mild temperatures make it easy to explore Mexico's diverse landscapes of mountains and jungles.

The vibrant culture of Mexico is also something that every visitor should experience first-hand. You can take part in traditional festivals from Independence Day celebrations to Day of the Dead or sample delicious Mexican cuisine like tamales, pan de muerto or bunuelos from local vendors. It is truly a great time to visit and one of my favorites.

One quick way to learn more about this rich nation is by visiting museums. I put together this guide for Mexican museums here.

For further reading, check out this article to find out the largest cities in Mexico.

Sources:

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Written by:

Wesley
I consider myself a world-travelling nomad and a foodie at heart. Born in Germany and raised in East Tennessee, my passion for exploration has taken me all over the planet - exploring unfamiliar lands and cultures is what truly inspires my soul!
Sidra
I live outside of Doha and consider myself an inside expert on all things Qatar. I love exploring all the country has to offer and look forward to giving you valuable insights of where I call home!
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