Best Time to Cruise to Mexico

Cruising to Mexico is a mix of sun, fun, tequila for some, and culture for all, making it one of the top vacation destinations for travelers around the world. But when is the best time to cruise to Mexico? 

Climate Overview

Mexico has two main seasons: the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to March, and each has its own advantages.

Rainy Season

Mexico's rainy season runs from June to October, but it's not as gloomy as it sounds. This season mostly means short afternoon showers broken up by long spells of sunshine. 

Hurricane season

Hurricane season officially starts in June and ends in November. Weather events are most likely to occur on the Atlantic side, especially in Tamaulipas and the Yucatán Peninsula, but always double-check conditions for your specific cruise ports.

Dry Season

The dry season, from October to April and peaking from December to March, has cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and less humidity. Use this time to explore popular beaches, hiking trails, and local festivals without the intense heat.

What Is the Best Month to Go on a Cruise to Mexico?

The best time to cruise to Mexico depends on what kind of experience you want. Some people prefer to travel when the weather is ideal, and crowds are manageable, while others want to get the most out of off-season prices. 

Now, let's break down the pros and cons of cruising to Mexico each month:

January

If you're looking for the perfect weather, January is a fantastic time to visit Mexico. The best time to cruise to Mexico from California is during the first couple of months of the year, so be ready for more people and higher prices.

Cabo San Lucas is a great spot in January, as it's the whale watching season (AKA Gray Whale migration season). You can also head to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas for a scenic boat tour. 

Mazatlán is another fantastic port to visit in January, with cooler temperatures making it ideal for sightseeing, which is great because the town gets very hot and humid for the rest of the year. Enjoy one of Mexico's biggest and most famous festivals, Mazatlán International Carnival, if you're cruising in late January.

February

February also has mild temperatures. This is the best time of year to cruise to Mexico for those who want pleasant weather, but it does come with a heavier price tag, as this is still a high tourism season.

It's also a great time for special events, including Carnival, which is celebrated in many coastal towns in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta in February is known for its warm temperatures and vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect time to enjoy the art event known as Festival Madonnari Puerto Vallarta or relax on the soft beaches. 

March

March is a popular month, especially around spring break. If you're looking for a lively time onboard, this might be the best time for you to cruise to Mexico. 

Visit Acapulco for spring break vibes, or enjoy the sensational views from the Cliff Divers at La Quebrada, where a few brave souls leap into the ocean from towering cliffs. Cozumel also makes a great port this time of year, with its crystal-clear holding waters for some of the world's best snorkeling.

April

April is a sweet spot for cruising to Mexico, as crowds are starting to thin, but the weather is still pleasant in most parts of the country.

Puerto Escondido is the perfect April choice, with great surfing conditions with fewer crowds. Watch the Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, with processions, parades, and local festivities around Easter. La Paz is another solid option for April, where you can enjoy stunning beaches and enjoy the start of Whale Shark season. 

May

May is the beginning of the shoulder season, so you'll finally start to see fewer crowds and lower prices. The best time to cruise to Mexico from California could be during this month if you're looking for deals and more relaxed excursions. This is also when many places start to see a few rain showers, so be prepared for the occasional tropical downpour.

Huatulco is perfect in May, with dry weather and beautiful beaches. It's a great time to explore the Parque Nacional Huatulco, with plenty of hidden coves to discover, and try out some snorkeling or diving in the see-through waters. Cozumel is a top cruise port in May, with its hidden coves and famous coral reefs.

June

By June, temperatures are heating up, and you'll be entering the summer. If you're planning to cruise to Mexico this month, expect the weather to be warm or hot at most ports. It's still a good time to cruise if you want to avoid the peak summer crowds, but keep in mind that it's also the beginning of the hurricane season in the Pacific, meaning occasional rain.

Cabo San Lucas is a reliable option in June when it's the very start of the Turtle Nesting season! You can also take a hike in the Sierra Madre Mountains to enjoy incredible views and cooler temps at higher elevations.

July

July welcomes summer temperatures, and the weather in Mexico can be hot and humid. This is one of the best times for families to cruise to Mexico, as schools are out and many people take vacations during this month. You'll find more crowded ships and higher prices compared to other months, but there are also hot deals.

Ensenada is a fun port to visit in July, as it offers fantastic weather and access to the Baja California Wine Route for wine lovers. Mazatlán is popular during the summer, with lively beaches and live outdoor concerts, events, and street food at Plaza Machado.

August

August is a hot month for summer getaways, both literally and when it comes to tourism. However, it's also one of the hottest months, so if you're sensitive to the heat, consider bringing extra sun protection and staying hydrated.

Cozumel in August is ideal for water lovers, with warm weather and calm seas for diving and snorkeling. Ensenada also shines in August, especially for wine lovers, as the Festival de la Vendimia (wine festival) starts on the last day of July and runs until mid-August.

September

If you're looking for the best time to cruise to Mexico at a lower cost, September could be the answer. This is the heart of hurricane season, so the weather is unpredictable, and cruises may be affected. While you'll find lower prices, many people avoid this month due to the potential for storms. If you're flexible and willing to take the risk, you can score some excellent deals during this season.

La Paz in September is quiet, with fewer tourists. It's also the beginning of the Whale Shark season, so if you're lucky, you might get the chance to spot these rare creatures in the Sea of Cortez. Puerto Escondido is perfect for a more laid-back trip in September, as it's the off-season with fewer crowds.

October

October is still part of the hurricane season, but it tends to be a bit quieter compared to September. This month is a great time to cruise to Mexico for those looking for lower prices and fewer crowds. 

Mazatlán in October is the start of the dry season, making it an ideal time to visit. Head to the Mazatlán Cultural Festival, which has been putting on theater performances, live music, and exhibitions celebrating Mexican culture every year since 1993. For those who love sport fishing, October is prime time in Cabo San Lucas. The Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament, one of the biggest sport fishing events in the world, is there every year!

November

November is one of the best months to cruise to Mexico. As the hurricane season ends, the weather is usually fantastic, and the crowds haven't reached the peak holiday season yet. This is a great time for a peaceful cruise with perfect weather and a mix of great deals. November is the best time for wine lovers, who want to sip without crowds, to visit Ensenada.

December

December is a fantastic time to cruise to Mexico, especially if you're looking to escape cold weather from other parts of the world. The holiday season brings extra excitement to Mexico's ports with Christmas celebrations and festive decorations. However, December can be more expensive due to the holiday travel rush and because this is the start of Mexico's high tourism season.

Cozumel is a great port for Christmas, swimming in the crystal-clear waters and holiday-themed activities like local parades. Speaking of holidays, the streets of coastal towns like Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta come alive with festive decorations, parades, and Christmas markets.

When is the Best Time to Cruise to Mexico? You Tell Us

Choosing the best time to cruise to Mexico depends on your budget as well as your preferences for weather, activities, and crowds. So, we always advise you to plan your trip around what matters most to you. Have you cruised to Mexico before? Let us know in the comments what your favorite time to visit was and why!