Mexico is a country of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and stunning destinations that offer something unique in every season. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches in the winter, vibrant festivals in the spring, lush jungles in the summer, or breathtaking autumn scenery, Mexico has the perfect getaway year-round. To help you plan your trip, here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Mexico by season, ensuring you experience the country at its finest no matter when you go.
Winter (December to February) – Beach Escapes
Where to Go:
- Cancun & Riviera Maya – White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts.
- Los Cabos – A perfect mix of desert landscapes, beaches, and whale-watching opportunities.
- Puerto Vallarta – A charming coastal city with excellent nightlife and scenic views.
Where to Stay:
- Nizuc Resort & Spa (Cancun) – A luxurious oceanfront resort with private beaches.
- The Cape, a Thompson Hotel (Los Cabos) – Modern elegance with stunning ocean views.
- Casa Kimberly (Puerto Vallarta) – A romantic boutique hotel with historical charm.
Spring (March to May) – Cultural & Historic Destinations
Where to Go:
- Mexico City – Explore ancient ruins, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Oaxaca – A foodie’s paradise with rich traditions and beautiful colonial streets.
- San Miguel de Allende – A picturesque town with stunning architecture and artsy vibes.
Where to Stay:
- Four Seasons Mexico City – Luxury and comfort in the heart of the city.
- Quinta Real Oaxaca – A former convent-turned-hotel with colonial charm.
- Rosewood San Miguel de Allende – A high-end hotel with rooftop views of the city.
Summer (June to August) – Adventure & Nature
Where to Go:
- Holbox Island – A secluded paradise with bioluminescent waters and whale sharks.
- Chiapas – Explore waterfalls, lush jungles, and Mayan ruins like Palenque.
- Copper Canyon – A breathtaking canyon system best seen via train ride on El Chepe.
Where to Stay:
- Villas Flamingos (Holbox Island) – An eco-friendly beachfront resort.
- Hotel Bo (Chiapas) – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
- Hotel Mirador (Copper Canyon) – A stunning cliffside hotel with panoramic views.
Final Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Book Early: The peak season (November to April) requires advance booking for flights and hotels.
- Consider the Weather: The rainy season (June to October) can bring heavy downpours, especially in coastal regions.
- Watch for Deals: If you’re flexible, you can find great deals in the shoulder seasons (May and late October).
- Stay Safe: Stick to well-known tourist areas and follow travel advisories.
money saving hacks when traveling to Mexico
Book Flights Strategically
- Use Mexican Airlines: Look for deals on Volaris, Viva Aerobus, and Aeroméxico, which often have cheaper fares than U.S. airlines.
- Book on Mexican Websites: Sometimes, booking directly on the Mexican version of an airline’s site (e.g., Aeroméxico.com.mx) gives lower fares.
- Use Google Flights & Skyscanner: Set price alerts and look for flights midweek (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) for the best deals.
- Fly From Border Cities: If you’re near the U.S.-Mexico border, consider flying from Tijuana (using CBX), which can be significantly cheaper.
ATMs are usually the best way to exchange money in Mexico, but here are some hacks to get the best exchange rate and avoid high fees:
1. Best Way to Get Pesos: ATMs
- Use Bank ATMs (Not Airport or Standalone ATMs): Stick to major banks like BBVA, Banorte, Santander, HSBC, Scotiabank, or Citibanamex for the best rates and lowest fees.
- Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When the ATM asks if you want to be charged in USD or MXN, always choose MXN to get the bank’s exchange rate instead of a worse tourist rate.
- Withdraw Larger Amounts: Most ATMs charge a fixed withdrawal fee, so taking out more at once reduces fees.
- Use a No-Fee Debit Card: Cards like Charles Schwab, Revolut, or Wise reimburse international ATM fees.
2. Where NOT to Exchange Money
🚫 Airport Currency Exchange Booths: Worst rates and highest fees.
🚫 Hotel Front Desks: Super low rates.
🚫 Tourist Areas & Exchange Kiosks (Casas de Cambio): Better than airports but still worse than ATMs.
3. Best Alternative: Casas de Cambio (If No ATM Available)
- If you bring USD cash, exchange it at a Casa de Cambio in the city (not at the airport).
- Rates vary, so compare a few locations before exchanging large amounts.
- Best places to exchange cash: Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Guadalajara, and Tijuana tend to have good exchange houses.
4. Credit Cards – Use Wisely
- Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for hotels, restaurants, and big purchases.
- Always pay in pesos (MXN) if given a choice, never in USD.
5. Bonus Tip: Bring Some Pesos from the U.S.
- If you arrive late or need cash right away, bring at least 1,000-2,000 MXN from your home bank to avoid bad airport exchange rates.
2. Save on Hotels & Accommodation
- Book in Pesos: Some sites let you switch currencies—check if booking in Mexican Pesos (MXN) is cheaper than USD.
- Use Mexican Booking Sites: Sites like BestDay.com.mx and Despegar.com sometimes offer better deals than Booking.com or Expedia.
- Check All-Inclusive Resorts: They can be more cost-effective since food and drinks are included, especially in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos.
- Stay in Boutique Hotels or Airbnbs: Avoid chain hotels in touristy areas and opt for Airbnbs, hostels, or locally owned hotels for better prices.
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3. Transportation & Getting Around
- Use ADO Buses Instead of Flights: The ADO bus network connects major cities for a fraction of the cost of flying (e.g., Cancun to Mérida for $20 instead of a $150 flight).
- Rent a Car in Pesos: When renting a car, compare prices in pesos vs. dollars—you might save money by booking in the local currency.
- Use Local Rideshares: Uber is cheaper than taxis in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, while DiDi is even more affordable in some cities.
4. Best Times to Travel for Cheap Prices
- Avoid High Season: Prices spike during Christmas, Easter (Semana Santa), and summer (June-August).
- Travel During Shoulder Season: The best budget-friendly months are April-May and September-November, when crowds are low and flights are cheaper.
- Book Last-Minute for Resorts: Some all-inclusive resorts drop their prices 1-2 weeks before if they haven’t filled up.
5. Food & Activities on a Budget
- Eat Where Locals Eat: Skip tourist restaurants and look for fondas, mercados, and taquerías for authentic and cheap meals.
- Use Pesos, Not Dollars: Always pay in pesos, as businesses often overcharge when paying in USD
Whether you’re craving a beach getaway, cultural immersion, or an outdoor adventure, Mexico has something to offer year-round. Choose the best time that fits your travel style and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer!
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