Summers can be exhausting with their extreme heat. A beach with a cool breeze and palm trees protecting you from the sun or the tall mountains standing proudly to keep the weather cool, which one would you choose? The good news for you is that Mexico City has it all. With its diverse destinations, Mexico can be your ideal place for summer vacation. But which place in Mexico would you go to? Follow this guide to make your decision!
Weather in Mexico
Mexico in Summer is very hot and humid. In some places like the Sierra Madre, frequent rain showers accompany the hot weather. The weather is pleasant (73-75F), and appropriate for sightseeing without sweating too much. Hot weather means fun beach times with swimming and diving to cool your bodies.
Best Places to Visit Mexico In Summer
There are numerous places in Mexico that you can visit during Summer. Here are some of the popular Mexico destinations:
1. Sierra De Lobos
Sierra De Lobos is a hilly region filled with lush greeneries in Guanajuato. The temperature is around 25°C with light rain sometimes. There is a loop trail called “Ruta Circular” near Leon where you can do activities like mountain biking, rappelling, horse riding, and camping. There’s also an archaeological site called El Coporo.
2. Cancun
Cancun is a Mexican city bordering the Caribbean Sea on the Yutacan Peninsula. If you are curious about one of the world’s ancient civilizations, you might want to visit Cancun first. Located in Chichén Itzá, the Mayan ruins are also one of the seven wonders. Apart from its archaeological significance, Cancun is also well-known for its exciting nightclubs, underwater museums, and luxurious hotels.
The best time to go to Cancun is summer since you can enjoy bathing and swimming in the turquoise ocean with crystal-clear waters, bordered by white sand beaches. Other places you can visit in Cancun are El Templo Del Alacrán, Xel Ha, Xibalba and Xcaret.
3. Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara is a western Mexican city, known for its Tequilla, Birria (a popular Mexican dish), and Mariachi music. Jalisco is the state in which Guadalajara city is located, with it being Jalisco’s capital. The temperature in July is around 18°C with 79% humidity. Among all the places in Mexico, Guadalajara has the most cultural significance. This city also hosts important events like the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Guadalajara is your destination if you want to taste world-class Tequilla and see some intricate ancient architecture.
4. Puerto Vallarta
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a resort town embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains in Jalisco state. Major tourist attractions are
- Malecon Boardwalk
- Romantic Zone
- Marina Vallarta
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Cuale River Island
Puerto Vallarta also has tourist activities like Zipline tours, Horseback riding, Rappelling, Scuba Diving, Simming with Dolphins, Surfing, Flyboarding, Jet Skiing, Wave Running, and Sky Diving.
5. Cozumel
Cozumel is a Mexican island surrounded by the Caribbean sea. Although it’s known for Scuba Diving and Snorkelling, it offers other activities like Rappelling, Wind Surfing, Fishing, and Kite Surfing. If you want an idyllic place to relax and enjoy the beach, you can try visiting Cozumel. Tropical summers are ideal for visiting Cozumel, but you should be beware of the hurricane season.
6. Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a city located in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Its temperature in Summer is around 26°C with 74% humidity. Cabo San Lucas is known for
- El Arco (Land’s End): A tourist spot perfect for lovers wanting to view a romantic sunset.
- Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
- Whale Watching (the best time to watch is from December to April)
- Golf Courses
- Iglesia de San Lucas and Town Square
7. Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains. It has 23 micro-destinations that include exotic beaches, villages, shopping districts, towns, and small islands. This long coastline has over 70 hotels and restaurants and 8 golf courses. Tourists can participate in activities and events like Polo, Circus, Surfing, Fishing Tournaments, etc. Apart from these, Riviera Nayarit has archaeological sites in places like Alta Vista, Aticama and Bucerías.
8. Oaxaca
Oaxaca is the largest capital city of the state of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. The temperature is comparatively cooler with high humidity. The historic center of this city is a world heritage site. Places that you can visit in Oaxaca city are
- November 20 Market (important spot: the Smoke Aisle)
- Benito Juárez Market
- Former Convent of Santo Domingo
- Hierve el Agua
- Monte Albán archaeological site
- Textile Museum
- San Pablo Cultural Centre
- Basilica of the Virgen de la Soledad
9. Mexico City
The capital city of Mexico holds great cultural significance. One of its districts was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. With its dense population, Mexico is bustling all around the year. There isn’t an ideal time to visit Mexico City as you can go there any time of the year. However, if you visit Mexico in Summer, make sure to see Xochimilco. Also, check out the Chapultepec Castle, Templo Mayor, and the Mega library.
10. Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a name that’s slowly making its way up in the tourism world with its milky white vast sand beaches, fresh seafood, and a neoclassical vibe. The weather is relatively warmer and humid, making it an ideal place for fishing. It has luxurious hotels, open-air bistros, and aquatic sports for tourists.
11. Chiapas
Chiapas is a southern Mexican state covered with highlands and dense forests. If you like History and greeneries, you might like Chiapas. Some places you can visit here are
- Palenque Ruins
- Yaxchilan
- Bonampak
- Templo de las Inscripciones
- Acropolis Sur
7 Activities to do in Mexico
Now that we already know the 11 places that you can visit in Mexico in Summer, let’s discuss some of the activities you can do while you visit those places.
1. Watch the Sea Turtles
Summer is the best time you can observe the lives of these reptiles closely. The female sea turtles lay their eggs on the Mexican beaches in summer. There are several turtle rescue teams and programs where you can participate to save these extinct yet exquisite creatures.
2. The Whale Shark Festival
Summers are a time to swim with sharks in the ocean. If you are brave enough to dive with the sharks, you can participate in the whale shark festival in Isla Holbox in July. You can still swim with the sharks even after the festival is over till November.
3. Swim in a Cenote
Cenotes are natural reservoirs formed when a cave ceiling made of limestone collapses. It exposes the water underneath. You can find Cenotes near the Yucatan Peninsula in forests. Hence, you can find them in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. You can swim, dive or snorkel in these small lakes.
4. Visit the Underwater Museum
Also known as the Museo Subacuatico de Art (MUSA), the Cancun Underwater Museum has over 500 sculptures. You can dive, snorkel or use a glass bottom boat to visit the museum.
5. Fly with the Flamingoes
From November to February, the Celestun Biosphere Reserve witnessed around 35000 Flamingoes gather in its water bodies. See these majestic birds go at their lives and fly high in this watery wildlife sanctuary. You can take a boat ride for sightseeing. Who knows, you might even see one or two baby crocodiles on your way!
6. Participate in the Mayan Spiritual Ceremony
The spiritual ceremony is also called “Temazcal” which means “House of Heat”. The ceremony involves you sitting inside a stone hut where a Shaman chants some spells to purify your mind and body. It is said that this ritual healed the sick and helped women with childbirth. Do not visit here if you’re claustrophobic or have heart disease as this ritual involves fire which releases a lot of smoke.
7. Explore the Yellow City of Izamal
Izamal is also called “Pueblos Magicos” which means a magical town. It’s called the yellow city because all the buildings are painted bright egg-yolk yellow. The locals decided to paint everything the colour of the yellow stripe in the Vatican Flag since the Pope of the Vatican visited the town in 1993.
Tips to travel Mexico in Summer
- Since you’re visiting Mexico in Summer, remember to carry sunscreens, sunglasses, and hats. Stay hydrated at all times and if possible, carry a water bottle with you if you go out in the morning or afternoon.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes of light colour, made of cotton for proper air circulation. Wear insect repellents to keep away those pesky mosquitoes.
- Don’t eat American food. Try Mexican cuisine. Each region has its specialty. Try the Chilaquiles, Machaca, and various other exotic dishes available only in Mexico.
- Activities are fun and all but know your limits. If you think something is dangerous, don’t go too far into it.
- Always do your bookings in advance, whether it’s for plane tickets, any event, or hotels.
Conclusion:
Mexico in summer has amazing places to visit and local places which reflect the Spanish culture. Hopefully, you will have a great time and it will inspire you to travel more.
