Mexico is a culinary dream destination. Try a quesadilla with creamy Oaxacan cheese, a spicy taco from a street stand in Mexico City, or top-shelf tequila served on the edge of agave fields: gourmet food and drink await travelers throughout the country. Read on to find out where to sample Mexico's tastiest offerings, from Baja California to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Whether you’re peeling yourself off of your Cancun beach chair after four straight days of sun or just arrived in the Yucatan, the towering structures of Chichen Itza are calling. Combine a visit to this Wonder of the World with a swim in a cenote and hands-on food and art experiences to educate yourself about Mayan culture both past and present.
Beach time, warm weather, and grand festivals make January one of the most appealing months in Mexico. It is perfect for families, adventurous travelers, explorers, and culture lovers. Spend days relaxing and whale watching on the Pacific Coast, go surfing in the colorful town Sayulita, and visit the Edward James Castle in the middle of the jungle, in San Luis Potosí. Explore the history and culture of the Maya people in Merída, and embark on adventures in Copper Canyon—options abound this month.
February is a hot month with excellent beach time, adrenaline, and exploration. Jump into the cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, surf the waves in Puerto Vallarta, and visit the famous ruins of Chichen Itza. Enjoy an authentic tour in Coba and learn about the Mayan culture. Continue on a bike and explore Tulum's beautiful surroundings. See where the world's largest black turtle population is residing, and spend time enjoying adrenaline-filled activities, such as ziplining and parasailing,
Get ready for carnivals, beach parties, and Mayan dance performances at the Chichen Itza ruins in March. It is a great month not only to visit the beaches in the south but also go sightseeing in central and north of Mexico. Join one of Mexico's best music festivals and join the spring celebration in historical Teotihuacan. Enjoy a canal boat ride in Xochimilco and go on grand adventures such as ziplining above canyons.
April in Mexico is a great time, filled with activities and fun. Enjoy some of the best manta ray diving on Socorro Island and go snorkeling and diving Riviera Nayarit. Visit Mexico City and see the beautiful garden and flower sculptures during the Festival de Flores and Jardines, and try something fun like boogie-boarding and body-surfing. Visit the beaches in the south and join the big parties in Cancún or head to Acapulco for adventure and relaxation.
May is a quiet month in Mexico, with great opportunities to enjoy famous sights with fewer crowds. It is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attend the jazz festival in Cancún or take a day trip to Isla Mujeres. You can also enjoy an abundance of water sports at El Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas—a true watersport mecca. If you are looking for physical activity, head to Copper Canyon which is great in May with good weather and hiking opportunities.
June is an ideal month for the traveler who likes to explore authentic Mexico. If you want to experience a different Mexico - this is the time. Enjoy sightseeing and festival celebration in colorful San Miguel de Allende, go cenote diving in Cancún, and visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. June is the sea turtle nesting season, with several species making their appearance. Head to Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, or Cancún for the best sea turtle experience. To escape the heat, visit the Mexican Highlands and enjoy history, culture, and hiking.
July in Mexico is all about beach time and water adventures. It is one of the hottest months, making it an ideal time to swim, snorkel, and dive in underwater caves. Take a trip to the Sea of Cortez to swim among beautiful reefs and whale sharks, cooling off in a cenote in Cancún. Go on exploration tours in the Sierra Madre, or head to one of the world's best diving reef sites in Cozumel. This month, you can also attend the annual Grape Harvest Festival, where you can bike between vineyards and enjoy some of the country's best wines.
August in southern Mexico is quite hot—great for travelers who love water-based activities—while cooler northern Mexico offers plenty of culture and outdoor activities. On Guadalupe Island, you can dive with the great white sharks that arrive in abundance this month. Or, visit Oaxaca to see the fantastic Hierve el Agua waterfalls and experience the sought-after regional culture. Read on for more about the weather and activities in August.
For the culture and beach lover, September in Mexico is a great time. You can choose between the warm weather in the south and dive into one of the 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, or go on an island diving tour along the Sea of Cortez. September brings some of the best conditions for snorkeling and exploring places such as San Miguel de Allende. Expect culture, a lot of fun in the water, and picturesque sceneries.
October is an excellent month for both nature and culture. You could base your trip around cultural sightseeing in Mexico City: visit the famous La Merced market, take a walking through the historic streets, and day-trip to Teotihuacán to see the world's third-largest pyramid. Or, head straight to the beaches of Acapulco (especially during the quieter latter-half of the month), to enjoy the sunshine and some very daring cliff-diving performances. Read on for more options.
Jungle exploration, warm-water swimming, and seasonal festivities: this is November in Mexico. It's quieter now than in the coming winter, and temperatures are pleasant on the Pacific Coast and in the Yucatán Peninsula. In Chiapas, head to the Agua Azul waterfall park or the less-visited Laguna Miramar. And Dia de los Muertos celebrations bring a joy to the whole country—the most fabulous parades are in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City.
December in Mexico brings big holiday celebrations, excellent wildlife viewing, and high-season crowds. In Mexico City, traditional Christmas festivals and events abound. Head to Bahia Magdalena for seasonal whale watching. And it's a great time for watersport activities such as kiteboarding and windsurfing in Los Cabo, along with snorkeling and diving.
