Traveling To Mexico In December: A Good Idea?

If you're thinking of travelling to Mexico in December, you're in for a treat. December is one of the best months to visit Mexico, falling within the dry season, which lasts from December to April. During this time, there is little rain and lots of sun.

December in Mexico is warm in the south and cold in the north. In the Yucatán Peninsula, temperatures are around 80-85 °F, while in Mexico City, temperatures are cooler at around 70-75 °F during the day and 40 °F at night.

December is a great month to visit Mexico if you want to experience traditional Mexican festivals and celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. It's also a good time for watersports and wildlife viewing, including whale watching in Bahia Magdalena.

Keep in mind that December is a busy month in Mexico, especially as Christmas approaches. If you're looking for better deals on accommodation and flights, it's best to travel at the beginning of the month.

Overall, December is an excellent month to visit Mexico, offering a mix of cultural experiences, beach activities, and the chance to see amazing marine life.

Weather in December

December is Mexico's winter season, and the weather varies across the country. Generally, you can expect milder temperatures compared to the summer months. The central and northern regions tend to be cooler, while the southern coastal areas remain relatively warm.

The average daily temperatures in Mexico during December range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). However, temperatures can vary depending on the specific location. Northern regions, such as Mexico City and Guadalajara, can drop to as low as 10°C (50°F) or lower at night. In contrast, popular tourist destinations along the coast, such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya, maintain pleasantly warm temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).

December in Mexico is characterised by clear skies and minimal rainfall, marking the onset of the dry season in many regions. Coastal areas, such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya, tend to have lower rainfall, with averages ranging from 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100mm). Inland cities, like Mexico City and Guadalajara, experience a decrease in rainfall, with averages ranging from 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50mm).

The Yucatán Peninsula and Baja California offer warm beach weather in December, with temperatures in the 80s°F (26-29°C). In contrast, Mexico City and San Cristobal are mainly cold at night and in the evenings, with daytime temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C). The Pacific Coast experiences some of the warmest days in December, with temperatures reaching 85-90°F (29-32°C).

December is a busy month in Mexico, with the Christmas season and various festivals and events, including whale watching in Bahia Magdalena and Los Cabos. It is also a popular time for watersports activities such as kiteboarding and windsurfing in Los Cabos.

Christmas celebrations

Christmas in Mexico is a month-long affair, with celebrations taking place from 12 December until 6 January. The holiday season is marked by candlelit processions, nativity scenes, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing, fireworks, and family feasts.

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe

On 12 December, Mexican pilgrims from all over the country travel to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to visit la Virgen Morena (the Virgin Mary). This religious feast day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and live musical performances. Street vendors sell buñuelos, crispy fried fritters sprinkled with sugar or slathered in syrup.

Las Posadas

From 16 to 24 December, processions re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Children walk from house to house singing the traditional Las Posadas song and asking homeowners to let them in. Each night, the procession ends at a different house for a fiesta with food, drink, and piñatas.

Nativity Scenes

Many Mexican families and towns display elaborate nativity scenes in their homes or town centres. On Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus is placed in the crib, and on 25 January, the Three Kings are added to the scene.

Pastorelas

Pastorelas are theatrical productions about the shepherds' journey to see the baby Jesus. The plays feature devils and angels trying to influence the shepherds' path.

Christmas Carols

In Mexico, Christmas carols are called "villancicos". Some are translations of popular English carols, while others, like "The Fishes in the River" (Los Peces en el Río), are unique to Mexican culture.

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day in Mexico. Families attend midnight mass and share a late-night dinner. Fireworks are common, and poinsettia flowers are found all over city centres and homes.

Dia de Reyes (Three Kings' Day)

On 6 January, children in Mexico receive gifts to symbolise those brought by the Three Wise Men. Families and friends share a customary Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread baked in the shape of a wreath, with baby Jesus figurines hidden inside. Whoever finds one is expected to host a party on 2 February.

Dia de la Candelaria

On 2 February, locals take their Christ figurines to church to receive a blessing. They then head to the house of the person who found the baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes for a Mexican-style feast, often including tamales.

Whale watching

Baja California

Baja California is a great place to see a variety of whale species, including grey whales, humpback whales, and blue whales. The town of Loreto, located in Baja California, is home to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its diverse marine life. The town of Guerrero Negro, also in Baja California, is another spot to see grey whales, as they migrate from Alaska to mate in the salt lakes surrounding the town.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a popular destination for whale watching, with humpback and grey whales coming to the warm, protected waters to give birth. The rock arches just off the coast provide a stunning backdrop for whale watching. Whale-watching tours are available, and it is even possible to book a tour on a zodiac boat for a more adventurous and up-close experience.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico's west coast known for its beautiful beaches and shopping. Banderas Bay, located in Puerto Vallarta, is the winter home of migrating humpback whales. The whales are typically around the bay from December to March, with babies being born in December and January.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and is known for its diverse marine life. Whale-watching trips in La Paz are organized from December to March and offer the chance to see blue whales, humpback whales, and grey whales.

Oaxaca Coast

Along the Oaxaca Coast, particularly in the areas of Puerto Angel-Mazunte, Santa Maria Tonameca, and San Pedro Pochutla, there are opportunities to see humpback whales during the months of January and February. Puerto Escondido is another popular spot for whale watching, with the possibility of seeing whales from December to February.

Magdalena Bay

Magdalena Bay is a protected area with one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in the world. It is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from La Paz and is known for its friendly grey whales, which are accustomed to human presence and will often come close to boats.

When planning a whale-watching trip to Mexico, it is important to book with reputable companies that prioritize the whales' comfort and safety and do not disturb their natural behaviors. Additionally, it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and sun protection for the boat trips.

Travel advisories

Covid-19

As of 2022, Mexico did not require proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test results to enter the country. However, an online health form must be filled out within 12 hours of your scheduled flight departure time, declaring that you are free from Covid-19 symptoms.

Crime

The US State Department warns that violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico. While most tourist zones are highly policed, travellers should not display signs of wealth, including expensive watches or luxury jewellery.

There is a "Do Not Travel" advisory in the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping.

Weather

December is one of the coolest months in Mexico, though it is usually still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing. The Pacific Coast experiences some of its warmest days of the year in December, with daily temperatures around 85-90 °F. In contrast, Mexico City and San Cristobal are mainly cold at night and in the evenings, with daytime temperatures reaching around 70-75 °F.

Tourism

December is a busy month for tourism in Mexico, with Christmas and New Year celebrations. If you are looking for better deals on accommodation and flights, travel at the beginning of the month.

Wildlife

December is a great time for wildlife viewing in Mexico. Whale watching is popular along the Pacific coast, especially in Puerto Vallarta, where humpback whales begin to arrive in November, though peak time is in January and February.

Festivals and Events

December brings big holiday celebrations in Mexico, including Christmas festivities and events in Mexico City, such as more than 35,000 lights displayed around the Aztec square, Zocalo.

The Tropico Music Festival in Acapulco usually takes place in the first week of December, featuring music, dancing, fashion events, pool parties and art displays.

Before travelling to Mexico, it is important to check the latest government advice for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements, health and safety, and local laws and customs.

Crime and safety

Mexican drug trafficking rings play a major role in the flow of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana between Latin America and the United States. Drug cartels and gangs have branched out to conduct other illegal activities, including sex trafficking. The state of Guanajuato has been labelled one of the world's most violent cities, with extortion from criminal groups now commonplace.

Mexico has a high murder rate, which was 23.3 per 100,000 in 2023. The country also has a high rate of femicide, with 25% of women's killings considered femicides in 2021. Assault and theft make up the vast majority of crimes.

The US State Department has issued "do not travel" advisories for five Mexican states as of November 2021: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas. However, tourists are rarely the targets of violent crime, which usually occurs between rival gangs and/or the police. Pickpocketing and other forms of petty theft are the main concerns for travellers to Mexico.

Mexico has a complex organisation of police forces, with different levels of jurisdiction and authority. Low pay for police officers makes them more likely to accept bribes to protect criminals or ignore crime. This problem is especially pronounced in northern border areas such as Tijuana.

Mexico's army has been accused of crimes against humanity by several NGOs in its fight against organised crime.

Despite the high crime rate, December in Mexico is a popular time for tourists, with Christmas celebrations and excellent wildlife viewing.

Frequently asked questions