Who knows a country better than a local? That is why it is such a great idea to contact a local who knows everything there is to make your trip memorable while not missing out on what Mexico has to offer. Many of us have gone traveling on a whim, perhaps creating a multi-stop trip without looking at the best seasons for each place, or researching what festivities are happening, which has impacted our trip significantly.
Weather & Festivities
So that is why we have an overview of the best time to travel to Mexico and the main festivities, which we encourage you to get involved in if you happen to be there at the right time. Of course, one of the main reasons to get an insight into all these aspects is, so you can be prepared, one of the critical things to do when traveling.
Preparation is key!
WEATHER
When you think of Mexico, you might be thinking of a lovely, warm beach, however just like in the United States, it can vary from region to region, so it is worth checking the weather for each area you plan to visit. For example, In the Baja Peninsula, the high is around 80 degrees while the low is in the ‘40s. The Peninsula gets 9 inches of rain annually. However, it rains the most in the mountains.
In Northern Mexico, the weather varies greatly, and there is even occasional snowfall in the winter.
In Central Mexico expect mild weather. The nights, however, can drop to 40 degrees, so pack accordingly.
The Mexican Riviera has warm weather, with the annual high being 90 and the low being 75.
Southern Mexico has higher altitudes than other parts of Mexico. Temperatures can be in the low 40s especially up in the mountains.
If you plan to visit the gulf coast of Mexico, expect humidity. The annual low is just 60 degrees, while the high is 90 degrees.
Lastly, the Yucatan Peninsula is very dry and flat, so expect warm temperatures. Be careful while visiting this region because it is often where hurricanes occur.
SEASONS
In Mexico, there are two seasons; the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season impacts the majority of Mexico from May through September. In addition to these two seasons, be aware of potential hurricanes from June to November.
Check the weather forecasts ahead of time and always be prepared with appropriate footwear, layers for cold weather, and waterproof clothes if you will be there in the rainy season, which goes without saying.
ANNUAL FESTIVITIES
Like any other country, Mexico is rich with holidays and celebrations, which is a great way to explore the culture and traditions of any country. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of these, if you are in the right place at the right time, below we have a list of festivities to be aware of.
Dia de Muertos
Dia de Muertos translates to the day of the dead and is a beautiful celebration that honors both life and death, despite the name.
It is celebrated on November second and takes place in Mexico and Central America. Some of the main traditions are setting up an altar at home with offerings to loved ones who have passed, painting faces to represent loved ones, and cooking special meals on the day.
The holidays have their origins dating back to the indigenous cultures and are celebrated for thousands of years.
As you can imagine, if you are in Mexico during this festivity, you will get a taste of authentic Mexican culture.
With this fantastic Day of the Dead trip, you won’t miss out on an incredible experience.
Cinco De Mayo
Cinco De Mayo is a day of rich culture, celebration, and national pride. It translates to the 5th of May and marks Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.
Expect parades, live music, re-creations of the battle, mariachi bands, plenty of food, and other cultural events all over Mexico, primarily in Puebla, where it all originated.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas marks the beginning of Christmas in Mexico and many other Latin American countries from December 16th to December 24th.
The festivities commemorate Joseph and Mary’s journey, trying to find a place for Baby Jesus to be born. Locals celebrate by singing traditional songs, enjoying many sweet treats, and listening to religious stories. If you are a lover of Christmas stories and festivities, you will be happy to be in Mexico over the holidays.
Semana Santa is another religious holiday from March 28th to April 4th. This is a catholic celebration that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Locals celebrate with a 5-day carnival which ends with a firework display.
Mexican Independence Day
This is, of course, a day you want to be in Mexico, considering how the Mexicans love a good fiesta. They do just this on Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th every year.
Mexican pride comes alive on this day by wearing Mexican colors and showcasing parades, fireworks, and hosting parties almost everywhere in the country. You don’t know a country that well until you have been there on Independence Day.
Carnaval
Of course, Carnaval is generally associated with Brazil and a handful of other countries; however, if you find yourself in Mexico, in the region of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, or Veracruz, to be precise, you cannot miss out on the local Carnival which takes place every March.
The festivities last nine days, and as you can guess already, they involve lots of dancing, tequila, parades, music, performances, and good food. So what is not to love?
Vive Latino
If you are a music lover, you will love this festival held every year in Mexico City, which hosts some huge names in the music industry, so you never know who you might get to see live.
If you find yourself in some other regions and don’t want to miss out on a music festival, then be sure to check out Hellow Fest and Pa’l Norte in Monterrey and Bahidora in Morelos (February) and finally Ceremonia in Toluca (Spring).
Feria Internacional del Libro
If you are a bookworm, then you do not want to miss this festival in Guadalajara, which is, in fact, Latin America’s largest book fair. There are many songs and dance performers and special guests, and each year, the book festival honors a different country or region.
