Best time to visit Mexico from UK

If you’re dreaming of a destination that blends colourful traditions, stunning landscapes and bustling cities, Mexico is a fantastic choice. The country offers everything from ancient ruins to tropical beaches and welcoming locals. Although you can enjoy Mexico at any time of year, the weather can influence what you see and how much you spend.

Wondering when is the best time to visit Mexico from the UK? This guide covers seasonal weather, travel costs and ideas for things to do. With a little planning, you can fit your trip around your budget and avoid the busiest crowds.

We’ll also mention the Wise card, a cost-effective option for spending in Mexico. It allows you to spend in 150+ countries, with low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

When is the best time to visit Mexico from UK

The best time to visit Mexico depends on what you want to experience. The best weather is generally found in the warm, dry season between December and April. These months are ideal for sightseeing and exploring the coast, although they also attract the largest number of visitors.

If you prefer quieter attractions and cheaper accommodation, the rainier period between June and October can be a great choice. Mexico is a large country with multiple climate zones and there’s always somewhere worth visiting regardless of the season.

We’ll break down the seasons and help you decide the best time to visit Mexico, as well as suggest activities throughout the year.

Winter: December to February

Winter is one of the most popular times to visit Mexico, especially if you’re looking to escape the cold temperatures in the UK. The weather is warm and dry across most of the country, making this a perfect time to explore Mexican nature.

In coastal areas such as Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, daytime temperatures are perfect for sunbathing and water sports. If you’re interested in whale watching, humpback whale migration can be seen around Banderas Bay and the Baja California Peninsula.

Winter months are also great for cultural destinations, like Mexico City’s museums and Chichen Itza. For travellers interested in festivals, February is the month of the biggest carnivals in Mexico, particularly in Veracruz and Mazatlán. These events feature parades, music and plenty of street food.

You could witness the migration of millions of monarch butterflies. This spectacular event peaks in January and February and is best observed at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.¹

As this is the high season, accommodation prices rise and flights from the UK fill up quickly, so booking early is advisable.

Spring: March to May

Spring is another excellent time to visit Mexico due to the warm and dry weather. However, it coincides with spring break and Easter, meaning larger crowds in coastal areas.

March and April are popular months for exploring Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Palenque. During the spring equinox, a famous light illusion draws thousands of visitors to the El Castillo pyramid. The sunlight creates the shadow of a feathered serpent on the steps of the pyramid, resembling a Mayan deity called Kukulcán.

One of the highlights of the spring months is the jacaranda season in Mexico City. From late February to April, the trees bloom in vibrant purple and transform Mexican parks into colourful landscapes.

Another important event in spring is Semana Santa, the Holy Week leading up to Easter. Many cities host processions and ceremonies that attract large crowds, so if you decide to travel during this period, book your accommodation and transport early.

May tends to be one of the hottest months of the year. Since it also marks the start of the rainy season, it’s one of the cheapest months for travel. This is a great time to visit the attractions that were crowded during Semana Santa and witness the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Puebla.

Summer: June to August

Summer in Mexico is warm, humid and rainy, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this can be an excellent time to visit. Hotel rates are lower than in winter, crowds aren’t as big and many landscapes become lush and green.

For those interested in surfing Mexico’s Pacific coast, the summer months bring the best conditions. Destinations such as Puerto Escondido become busy with surf enthusiasts who come for the strong swells, especially along the Mexican Pipeline.

Keep in mind that summer is also hurricane season for the Caribbean and parts of the Pacific coast, so it’s wise to monitor forecasts before travelling. You might also want to consider insurance that covers weather disruptions.

Autumn: September to November

If you prefer fewer tourists and more budget friendly travel, the best time to visit Mexico is autumn. September is typically the wettest month, but by late October the rains ease off.

One of Mexico’s most important cultural events, the Day of the Dead, takes place from late October to 2 November. Celebrations in Oaxaca, Pátzcuaro and Mexico City include altars, candlelit cemeteries and colourful parades.

Autumn is also a good time for exploring regions such as the Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Hiking and train journeys along the famous El Chepe railway are more enjoyable in this season and the views of one of the deepest canyons in the world are unforgettable.

What to do in Mexico

There’s something for everyone in Mexico, from ancient civilisations to modern cities and natural wonders. Let’s go over some experiences you can add to your itinerary.

Swim in a cenote

If you’re on the Yucatán Peninsula, cenotes should be on your itinerary. These natural sinkholes filled with turquoise water can be found both in caves and in the open. You can dive and snorkel in some, like in Dos Ojos, or just admire the natural beauty.

Enjoy Mexican cuisine

Mexican food is an essential part of the travel experience and every region has its own specialties. From tacos and tamales to mole and ceviche, the country’s cuisine is diverse and full of flavour. You can join food tours or cooking classes to learn more about local ingredients and traditions.

Visit the colonial cities

If you move away from the coast, you’ll find charming colonial towns with colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. Some of the most picturesque ones are Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Valladolid.

Planning a trip to Mexico from the UK

Whether you are planning to explore Mexico City’s historic centre, visit the ruins of the ancient Maya or relax on one of the beaches, preparing ahead will help everything go smoothly.

Mexico visa requirements

British passport holders can enter Mexico without a visa for stays of up to 180 days for tourism. However, travellers must complete an immigration form online and have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. Longer visits or work related stays require the appropriate visa.²

Flights to Mexico from the UK

You can fly to Mexico from multiple cities in the UK, such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. On average, flight time is around 10 hours and the most popular airline is TUI. Other airlines operating this route include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Garuda Indonesia.³

The cheapest month to fly to Mexico from the UK is currently January, with fares starting at around £350.³ Flight prices vary depending on a wide range of factors including how far in advance you book, and your departure airport, so it’s important to do your research beforehand.

Visiting Mexico soon? Get the Wise Card for low-cost international spending

Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise debit card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 150+ countries.

It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Sign up with Wise for free

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Sources last checked on date: 09-Dec-2025