There are two primary seasons in Mexico – the rainy season and the dry season. You’ll find that temperatures are similar year-round apart from occasional coolness in the winter months, but that precipitation and wind can change drastically between the two seasons.
RAINY SEASON – May, June, July, August, September, part of October
This is the warmer half of the year in Mexico, but not exactly“wet” season – while the rains in Mexico are mainly concentrated during these months, it’s still quite dry in many parts of the country and the water is soaked up very quickly. Visiting during the rainy season can be quite delightful. Plants bloom and colors pop, and the rains usually are sporadic in the afternoon, offering a beautiful rainbow and romantic ambiance without interfering too much with your exploring. That said, Mexico does have a hurricane season from June to November, so be sure to check travel advisories and weather forecasts before you go.
Obviously you’ll want a good, breathable rain jacket that will allow heat and moisture to escape while still keeping the rain out, and you should absolutely carry a travel umbrella with you as well. For clothing, focus on breathable, quick-dry fabrics.
Airy tops, sundresses, fun shorts, and active-wear fabrics will suit you well. A swimsuit and a cute cover-up that you can throw on over your suit are perfect for beach and pool time. I also highly recommend bringing an eco-friendly sunscreen. Temperatures average between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), sometimes up to 95°F (21°C) depending on the region.
DRY SEASON – October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Remember, Mexico is largely covered by desert or arid temperate plains. There are absolutely lush, rainforest areas, but much of Mexico is dry with seasonal rains. When traveling in this diverse climate, sun protection and skin hydration are crucial. You lose a lot of your hydration through sun exposure and sweating, and you’ll want to minimize that when possible. Also, the sun in Mexico is incredibly strong even when it’s cold – almost everyone I know who has gone to Mexico suffered at least one sunburn while visiting.
A quality sun hat, sports sunglasses with a high UPF factor, and good layers to protect your skin from overexposure are 100% vital, and can still be fashionable if that’s your concern.
Linen pants and shirts, plus a good pair of nicer-looking jeans will get you far. High-comfort walking flats will keep your feet cozy and cute, and flip-flops will be handy to have as well, just in case.
Remember that hiking in any kind of sandal is not a good idea – bring enclosed hiking shoes if that’s an activity you plan to do. Most areas don’t get too cold – a light jacket will be plenty. However, some areas inland can get very chilly and may even cause you to want a scarf and a pair of gloves at times. Temperatures average between 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C) but can get down to 45°F (7°C) depending on the region.