Travel to Mexico — everything you need to know
When to go to Mexico?
- November – February — Dry season : Best time to visit the whole country: pleasant climate in the highlands, turquoise sea in Cancún, comfortable weather for archaeological sites.
- March – May — Spring : The dry season continues, with rising heat. Ideal for the Yucatán and the Riviera Maya before the rains arrive.
- October – November — Día de Muertos : The Day of the Dead (2 November) is one of the most beautiful cultural celebrations in the world, especially in Oaxaca and Mexico City.
Weather in Mexico
Check the weather city by city, starting with Mexico City.
- Mexico: daytime highs from 22 to 28 °C depending on the season, 71 mm of rain per month on average.
- Cancún: daytime highs from 27 to 32 °C depending on the season, 108 mm of rain per month on average.
- Oaxaca: daytime highs from 29 to 35 °C depending on the season, 71 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 28 to 33 °C depending on the season, 111 mm of rain per month on average.
- Tulum: daytime highs from 29 to 32 °C depending on the season, 95 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Mexico?
Mexico is a mosaic of civilisations: Aztec and Maya pyramids, baroque colonial architecture in Oaxaca and San Cristóbal, turquoise beaches in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, UNESCO-listed cuisine, tequila and mariachis. A country of endless cultural richness.
Mexico
One of the largest megacities in the world, built on the ruins of Aztec Tenochtitlán. Exceptional Museum of Anthropology, the Coyoacán neighbourhood and world-class cuisine.
Highlights : National Museum of Anthropology, Teotihuacan — Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Centro Histórico & Zócalo, Coyoacán — Frida Kahlo's house.
Cancún & Riviera Maya
White sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean sea, mysterious cenotes (flooded caves), Maya ruins of Tulum and Cobá. An international beach resort with unspoiled nature.
Highlights : Maya ruins of Tulum, Cenotes (Gran Cenote, Ik Kil), Xcaret / Xel-Há Park, Cozumel Island — diving.
Oaxaca
Mexico's culinary capital, with its moles, tlayudas and artisanal mezcal. Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and extraordinary indigenous textile markets.
Highlights : Monte Albán — Zapotec city, Tlacolula Market, Craft villages (Teotitlán, Arrazola).
Chichén Itzá & Yucatán
The El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Yucatán peninsula is packed with Maya sites, cenotes and colonial towns.
Highlights : Chichén Itzá — El Castillo, Uxmal — Maya site, Mérida — colonial capital, Ik Kil Cenote.
Baja California & Copper Canyon
The Baja California peninsula and northern Mexico offer spectacular desert landscapes, from Copper Canyon, larger than the Grand Canyon, to the lagoons where grey whales come to calve. Colonial missions, deserts and the Sea of Cortez combine to create a raw, unspoiled wilderness.
Highlights : Copper Canyon, Whale sanctuary of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco Javier Mission, La Paz & kayak trips.
Travel budget for Mexico
Mexico offers excellent value for money for Europeans. Street food is delicious and cheap, and quality accommodation remains affordable. Cancún is pricier than the rest of the country.
- Backpacker : 35–60 €/j — Hostel + tacos + local transport
- Comfort : 85–140 €/j — Comfortable hotel + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 250 €+/j — 5-star resort + fine dining + private excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Mexico
- Flight from Paris : ~11–12h direct (Aeroméxico, Air France)
- Visa : No visa required for French citizens (180 days)
- Currency : Mexican peso (MXN) — ATM withdrawals recommended, cards not widely accepted outside cities
- Language : Spanish — English spoken in tourist areas (Cancún, Mexico City)
- Electricity : Type A/B — 127V (adapter recommended)
- Mobile network : Cheap local SIM (Telcel) or international eSIM
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled water is essential
- Health : Hepatitis A vaccine recommended, mosquito repellent (dengue), expect the odd bout of Montezuma's revenge
Compare Mexico with other destinations