Weather in Mexico in December

Is December a good time to visit Mexico?

The weather in Mexico is fantastic in December, both for beach holidays and sightseeing, being mild and dry, and before Christmas week the resorts are fairly quiet. When it comes to appreciating Mexican culture, December is a special month because of the “Posadas” – a series of celebrations that are held on the nights leading up to Christmas, simulating Mary and Joseph’s Biblical search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The Posadas are held across the country, involving candlelit processions with chanting and songs, making their way to various houses.

December is also a great month to go sightseeing in Mexico, because it is relatively cool but bright and sunny.
 

Climate in Mexico in December

The middle to end of December brings almost perfect weather to Mexico. The rainy season is over and temperatures are mild to warm from the coast to the interior (although it is chilly at night). Popular resorts on the Caribbean coast, like Cancun, experience maximum average temperatures of around 28°C (82°F), with a low of 21°C (69°F) – pleasant in anyone’s terms. In Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta on the west coast temperatures are a few degrees warmer, and overall there is very little chance of rain in any of the coastal regions. Humidity levels remain high, particularly during the early part of the day.

In Mexico City in the Mexican highlands it is very dry in December, with very agreeable temperatures ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) maximum during the day to 6°C (42.8°F) at night.
 

What’s on in Mexico in December?

Apart from the aforementioned Posadas, which lead up to Christmas Eve and provide colour and entertainment in most towns and cities across Mexico in December, there are a host of other festive season fiestas and events.

The weather being cooler in December in Mexico, thousands of athletes of all abilities gather to run he Great Pacific Marathon in Mazatlan.

In Vallarta, Nayarit, December sees a gathering of film buffs and some celebrities for the local film festival, while in Oaxaca the Zocalo pays homage to – of all things – radishes! On 23^rd December local craftsmen carve radishes into all manner of shapes and there is plenty to eat and drink for the occasion.
 

What to pack for a holiday in Mexico in December                                    

A beach holiday in Mexico in December promises ample opportunity to show off your swimsuit and accessories. When visiting the local town or city streets opt for cool, casual outfits – preferably not shorts  or short skirts for women, as these are deemed too daring. Mexicans expect you to dress up in the evening, so if dining out or clubbing have something smart to wear, and a jacket or wrap to put on because it can be chilly after dark in December. Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses are essentials during the day, whether lazing on the beach or out shopping and sightseeing.