Rainy Season in Mexico: What to Know + Travel Tips
Are you planning to travel during the rainy season in Mexico and worried about the forecast?
I’ve lived and traveled in Mexico for five years, experiencing rainy seasons from the beaches to the mountains. And I’m about to share everything you need to know about what the wet season in Mexico is really like.
Spoiler alert: A quick look at the weather report can be misleading. While rain during Mexico’s rainy season is common, it usually comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day.
Keep reading to learn what to expect, how the rainy season varies by region, and the best ways to enjoy Mexico—rain or shine.
When is the Rainy Season in Mexico?
The rainy season in Mexico runs from June to October, but don’t let that scare you off. Most days start out sunny, with dramatic afternoon storms that pass quickly—often leaving behind cooler air and vibrant sunsets. Knowing what to expect can help you plan around the rain and make the most of your trip.
As you plan your trip to Mexico in the rainy season, consider the pros and cons below. Whether visiting during the rains in Mexico is right for you will depend on your destination and what you plan to do during your trip.
Pros of Traveling During Mexico Rainy Season
- Lower Prices – During Mexico’s rainy season, you’ll find lower prices at hotels due to fewer tourists.
- Fewer People – Popular destinations feel more relaxed, letting you enjoy top sights without the usual crowds.
- Lush Scenery – The rain in Mexico brings its landscapes to life, bringing out the vibrant greens in the mountains and valleys.
- Beautiful Skies – Rainstorms also often bring incredible cloud formations that create beautiful skies and sometimes rainbows.
Cons of Traveling During Mexico Rainy Season
- Rain and Storms – Sudden downpours and thunderstorms are common, so packing a raincoat or umbrella is essential.
- Limited Activities – While many outdoor activities are still possible, some may be affected by heavy rain. For example, some of the waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina swell dramatically, making them unsafe for swimming.
- Hurricanes – The rainy season coincides with hurricane season, mainly impacting coastal areas. But even inland, storms can bring prolonged rain.
- Heat and Humidity – Higher humidity levels during the wet season in Mexico can make the heat feel more intense. If you’re out exploring, staying hydrated is key.
Duration and Intensity of Rain in Mexico
I often see travelers worry about the weather forecast before their trip, expecting nonstop rain. But after years of traveling in Mexico during the rainy season, I can tell you—it’s not as bad as it looks.
Yes, showers can happen daily, but they’re usually short and predictable. Mornings are often sunny and dry, leaving plenty of time to explore. And when the afternoon storms roll in, they bring a refreshing break from the heat
Does Rain in Mexico Last All Day?
No, rain in Mexico rarely lasts all day. Showers usually come in short bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening, leaving the rest of the day dry. When heavier storms do roll through, they can actually cool things down, making the air more comfortable afterward.
That said, humidity tends to rise, especially near the coast and the Yucatán Peninsula. And while hurricanes primarily affect coastal areas, their remnants can bring prolonged rain to central Mexico.
Traveling During the Rainy Season in Mexico
While Mexico’s rainy season does bring increased precipitation in most areas, it can be a great time to travel. Let’s look at the best time to visit Mexico as well as a few rainy season activities.
Best Time to Visit Mexico
For most people, the best time to visit Mexico is November through March. However, the best time to travel to Mexico for you will depend on where you are traveling and your priorities.
As I’ve discussed, there are advantages to traveling during the rainy season in Mexico, such as lower prices and fewer people. So, if you don’t mind afternoon rainstorms, traveling to Mexico during the rainy season could be the best time to visit for you.
That said, every region has its particularities. For instance, the rainy season in Mexico City, Cancun, Baja, and Oaxaca differ, so it’s best to research your desired destination ahead of time.
Mexico Rainy Season Activities
While the rainy season might not seem like the ideal time for a vacation for some, you can still enjoy many unique experiences in Mexico during this time. This is especially true if you start your adventures early in the morning, and take a siesta in the afternoons.
- Cenotes: While I find cenotes to be refreshing throughout the year, the summer months are perfect for dipping into these underground water formations, especially after a visit to one of the many Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan.
- Museums: As in most destinations, museums are a great place to explore when it rains in Mexico. During my travels, the museums in Merida Yucatan have provided both relief from the sun and shelter from the rain.
- Cuisine: I find that restaurants can also provide a great hideaway while traveling during the rainy season. Whether you seek out the traditional foods of Mexico or want to hunker down in the cantinas of Mexico City, this can be a great rainy day activity with friends.
Preparing for Mexico’s Rainy Season
Tips For the Wet Season in Mexico
To make the most of your trip during Mexico’s rainy season, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some key tips to help you enjoy the country’s beauty, rain or shine.
- Check the Hourly Forecast: A glance at the weekly forecast can be misleading, often showing rain every day. Instead, check the hourly forecast to get a better idea of when rain is expected and plan your activities accordingly.
- Be Prepared for the Rain: Pack a lightweight raincoat, waterproof shoes, and a travel-sized umbrella to stay comfortable. If you’re in a tropical area, quick-dry clothing can also be useful.
- Explore in the Early Morning: Mornings are usually sunny and dry in Mexico, so plan outdoor activities before afternoon storms roll in. An afternoon siesta or a long lunch is a great way to wait out the rain.
- Research Indoor Attractions: Have a list of museums, art galleries, or cozy cafés in mind for rainy afternoons. Mexico has no shortage of historic sites and cultural spaces that are perfect for a wet day.
- Be Flexible – Traveling during the rainy season in Mexico requires a little spontaneity. If an afternoon storm disrupts your plans, embrace the slower pace—relax with a book, grab a coffee, or enjoy a long meal at a local restaurant.
Safety Precautions For Rain in Mexico
While Mexico’s rainy season is generally easy to navigate, storms can bring certain risks. Here are some tips to stay safe and prepared.
- Stay Updated on Local Weather – Check real-time weather updates, especially in areas prone to heavy rain, flash floods, or hurricanes.
- Beach and Ocean Safety – Even if the rain seems mild, ocean currents can become dangerously strong. Lightning also poses a risk, so it’s best to stay off the beach until the storm has passed.
- Flash Floods and Landslides – Flash floods are common during the rainy season in Mexico, especially in mountainous regions which are also prone to landslides or road washouts.
- Watch for Slippery Sidewalks – Cobblestone streets and tiled walkways can become dangerously slick in the rain.
- Prepare for Power Outages – Storms can occasionally knock out electricity, especially in coastal and rural areas. I like to keep a portable charger handy, which I also use daily when out exploring.
Regions of Mexico: Rainy Season Characteristics
I’ve created a general guide to Mexico’s rainy season for different areas of the country. However, you should consider that there are microclimates within these regions that may have more of an impact than these general weather guidelines.
Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya, which includes popular destinations like Cancun, experience a rainy season that usually spans from May through November.
This region is one of the most humid places in Mexico. I lived in this area of Mexico for more than two years and the heat and humidity can be stifling.
You will find some relief if you are staying in an area with coastal breezes, but in general, it’s incredibly hot and humid during the rainy season.
You should also be aware that the Yucatan and the Riviera Maya also have a high risk of hurricanes and tropical storms during the rainy season. If you’re visiting during this time, it is essential to keep up to date with the weather.
Despite the heat and humidity, the coastline along the Caribbean coast and the Mayan Riviera remain some of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico.
Central Mexico
In Central Mexico, including Mexico City, the rainy season follows a similar pattern, generally occurring from June through October.
This elevation of this region tends to keep humidity at bay and temperatures cooler. Although during the rainy season in Mexico City, I have experienced unexpected downpours that lasted several hours.
My advice is to keep a small umbrella or rain gear with you when you go out, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Southern Mexico
In Southern Mexico, the rainy season typically brings higher humidity levels than in the other regions. The benefits of the increased rain and humidity are the lush landscapes during the wet season.
Northern Mexico
In Northern Mexico, the rainy season generally lasts from June through October.
While many areas of Northern Mexico are not as humid as other regions, storms can still develop during this time, especially in mountainous areas.
Although it is believed that the Sierra Madre mountain range helps to develop the North American monsoons in June, the climate during the rainy season in northern Mexico varies.
The modern city of Monterrey in Northeast Mexico for instance receives more precipitation throughout the year and tends to be quite humid during the rainy season.
On the other hand, Ciudad Juarez in the northwest tends to receive less rain and humidity even during the rainy season. The Baja Peninsula differs even more (see below).
Pacific Coast of Mexico
Similar to other coastal areas in Mexico, the Pacific Coast is characterized as hot and humid during the rainy season.
Although rainfall along the Pacific coast of Mexico is generally more concentrated into a few summer months, peaking in September.
During this time, it’s common for these areas to receive 9 inches or more of rain in a single month! This is especially true in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, along the northern Pacific coast.
Baja Peninsula
The rainy season in the Baja Peninsula differs from the rest of Mexico, mainly due to its drier climate.
The rainy season in Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and other parts of the northern Baja Peninsula lasts from roughly November through mid-April. This part of the Baja Peninsula receives virtually no rain from May through October.
As you travel further south in the Baja Peninsula to coastal destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, the wet season follows a similar pattern to other parts of Mexico, although with less total rain.
While there tends to be less annual rainfall throughout the Baja Peninsula, you should still be prepared for occasional storms, especially in coastal areas of the southern peninsula.
Final Thoughts on Mexico Rainy Season
Traveling during the rainy season in Mexico offers unique advantages—fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush, vibrant landscapes. While rain in Mexico is common from June to October, it’s usually brief and predictable, allowing you to plan around it.
By packing smart, staying flexible, and knowing what to expect in different regions, you can still enjoy incredible experiences—whether that’s a misty jungle hike, watching a dramatic thunderstorm from a café, or catching a breathtaking sunset after the rain clears.
