Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday or an enriching cultural experience, Mexico delivers. Start exploring the wonders of our nearby neighbor with a tailor-made approach. We love travel to Mexico year-round. From fall wildlife migrations to colorful spring celebrations, Mexico shines in all seasons.
These are the best times to visit Mexico, based on region and experience. Use this Mexico year-round travel guide to inspire your next adventure, no matter the month of the year.
Mexico Year-Round Travel Guide
January | Three Kings Day (Nationwide)
In Mexico, Christmas celebrations continue in full force throughout January. In early January, Three Kings Day (Los Reyes Magos) celebrates the three Wise Men arriving in Bethlehem to present gifts to the baby Jesus.
Locals give presents to the children, and everyone shares a sweet bread known as Rosca de Reyes. Hidden inside is a small figure of a baby. Then, whoever gets the figurine must give another party on Candlemas on February 2nd.
February | Zona Maco Art Festival (Mexico City)
Every February, Mexico City transforms into an international arts hub. Indeed, the Zona Maco art fair takes over the city with three separate events. The fair takes place throughout the city and welcomes over 140 national and international exhibitors. Attendees will view everything from contemporary artworks and cutting edge photography to vintage and antique treasures.
March | Pink Flamingo Mating (Celestún Biosphere, Yucatán State)
Mexico year-round travel then continues in the Yucatán's Celestún Biosphere. With 147,500 acres of protected lands, the Celestún Biosphere Reserve comprises one of the largest areas of mangroves in the Gulf of Mexico. The unique eco-system causes more than 200 species of birds to flock to the area.
Of course, the most famous are the large colonies of bright pink flamingos, which are out in full force come the month of March. We suggest exploring Celestún by boat, winding through the canals of the mangroves with a local guide.
April | Festival of Spring and Peace (San Cristóbal de las Casas)
“Feria de la Primavera y de la Paz” (Festival of Spring and Peace) is the most important festival of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Spanning Easter Week, or Semana Santa, the festival features a range of culturally enlightening events. For example, it includes a gastronomic exhibition, the parade of allegoric floats, the nomination of the Queen of Spring and of Peace, and the traditional serenade of the city. Also, visitors will find a party taking place in each of the town’s many neighborhoods.
May | San Marcos National Fair (Aguascalientes)
The San Marcos National Fair offers one of the best times to visit Aguascalientes. Held in honor of St. Mark, the patron saint of the city, this festival has delighted locals and tourists since 1828. Around the globe, La Feria de San Marcos, better known as the “Fair of Mexico,” represents a highlight of any spring visit to Mexico.
During this time, you can get to know the locals, sample the best Mexican food, buy local arts and crafts, listen to great music by a wide variety of musicians, and take in numerous free museums and galleries showcasing hundreds of Mexico’s artists. Keeping with its 100+ years of tradition, travelers will also witness multiple livestock expositions. Additionally, take in the traditional Charreadas and skirmishes during a festival experience.
June | Whale Sharks (Isla Mujeres and Yucatán Peninsula)
Experience one of the highlights of Mexico year-round travel in the summer months. From June to September, the whale sharks make a visit to the warm waters off the Yucatán. Ker & Downey recommends pairing your whale shark adventure in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Contoy with a visit to the nearby ancient Mayan ruins for a unique and exhilarating journey. Swim with a whale shark will make even the biggest admirer feel small in comparison!
July | Guelaguetza Dance Festival (Oaxaca)
If you are a fan of cultural travel and traditional music and dance, la Guelaguetza cannot be missed. Guelaguetza means “offering” and “mutual exchange of gifts and services” in the ancient Zapotec language. Indeed, it is one of Mexico’s largest and most colorful festivals.
During the festivities, the state’s many indigenous peoples and cultures come together to celebrate the diversity of their traditions and cultures. The festival of La Guelaguetza dates back to 1932 and showcases traditional music, dancing, and events.
August | Sea Turtle Nesting (Pacific and Caribbean Coasts)
For generations, sea turtles have played a key role in Mexican culture in native coastal communities. In addition, they provide a significant part of the livelihood of a large number of coastal fishermen. The Mexican Government, in partnership with the NGO community and private businesses, has worked hard to protect Mexican Sea Turtles throughout the country.
As such, the Baja Peninsula and the Pacific Coasts play host to several sea turtle preservation programs. They offer extraordinary up close experiences for interested travelers. Hatchling releases, sea turtle monitoring, and open ocean sea turtle viewings allow visitors to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, they ensure the reptile's presence for generations to come.
September | Fall Equinox (Chichén Itzà)
The Maya built the pyramid at Chichén Itzà in honor of their serpent god Kukulkan. Indeed, during each equinox, the cast of the sun forms seven isosceles triangles that resemble a feathered serpent slithering toward its stone head at the base of the ancient ruins.
The Maya measured their lives by the sun, and as such, the equinoxes held practical importance for them as well. The spring equinox marked the time to begin planting the corn crop. Yet the autumnal equinox signaled the time to begin the harvest.
October | Whale Sharks (Baja Peninsula)
Mexico welcomes whale sharks nearly year-round, as they split their time between Mexico’s coasts. Therefore, this provides travelers with the chance to choose their own location for this incredible experience. However, October and November serve as the prime months to swim and snorkel with the whale sharks in the waters of Baja California Sur. Called the “world’s aquarium” by the famous Jacques Cousteau, this area is an ocean lover’s dream come true.
November | Dia de los Muertos (Nationwide)
One of the best times of year to visit Mexico takes place in the fall. From late October to early November, participate in one the most colorful, mystical, and misunderstood ceremonies in Mexico: Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died. The traditions vary widely throughout the different regions of Mexico. However, no matter where you go, you will have the opportunity to see the seasonal offerings, vibrant preparations, and altar creations leading up to this very special night.
December | Monarch Butterfly Migration (Michoacán and the State of Mexico)
In the winter months, the oyamel fir trees of Michoacan, Mexico transform into a breathtaking backdrop for one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world. During the Monarch Butterfly Migration, millions – perhaps even billions! – of monarch butterflies suddenly descend upon the branches of Mexico’s forest reserve.
Locals and visitors alike celebrate the arrival of the Monarch butterfly as they undergo the final stretch of the 5,000-mile journey from North America. Additionally, it coincides with migrations of the Humpback Whales around Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. It also takes place during the Gray Whale watching season in Baja. It therefore serves as the perfect time to witness Mexico’s wildlife up close and unhindered.
Travel to Mexico Year-Round
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Use our Mexico year-round travel guide to start planning your travel to Mexico. Then contact your Ker & Downey travel designer to begin creating your own custom experience. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily travel inspiration.
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