Are you looking for the perfect escape? Does a cruise to Mexico sound like your idea of a dream vacation? A Mexican Riviera cruise is an experience unlike any other.
With its rich culture, warm climate, and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder it has become a popular cruise destination for travelers worldwide. But when is the best time to go?
We’ll explore the best time to take a Mexican cruise and provide insight into what makes each season unique. We’ll also discuss how to plan and prepare for your trip – including tips on weather considerations and more so you can make the most of your journey.
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Why Choose a Mexican Cruise?
Mexico is a colorful and diverse country that offers many activities for travelers of all ages and interests. From exploring ancient ruins to savoring local cuisine, Mexico never has a dull moment.
One of the most popular things to do is to visit the beautiful beaches along the Caribbean Coast, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These destinations are ideal for soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying various water sports.
Other must-do activities include:
- Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins.
- Exploring Mexico’s vibrant cities, such as Mexico City and Guadalajara.
- Attending festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
With so much to offer, Mexico is a destination with something for everyone. Let’s look at the best time of year to visit (and the times you might want to avoid!).
Weather Patterns And Seasons In Mexico
It’s a common belief that Mexico is a tropical paradise with perfect weather year-round. But the reality is, like all destinations, there are certain times of the year when conditions for cruising in Mexico are better than others.
Dry season
The most popular time for cruise ships to visit Mexico is during the dry season. The dry season runs from October to April, with little to no rainfall, making it a great time to soak up the sun on one of Mexico’s fantastic beaches or explore some of Mexico’s ancient history.
This time of year offers relatively low humidity levels, making it easier to explore inland areas without feeling too much discomfort due to heat or rain. This also makes it the high season for traveling, so expect plenty of dry, sunny days and higher prices.
Rainy season
The rainy season tends to be long and intense, with heavy rains and tropical storms occurring from May to November despite the warm temperatures. Few people visit Mexico during the rainy season, so expect some of the best prices at this time of year (but plenty of rainfall too!)
The rainy season also brings lush green landscapes and a refreshing cool down from Mexico’s hot temperatures. It’s a beautiful time to explore Mexico’s jungles, waterfalls, and natural wonders.
Just be sure to pack accordingly and watch the weather forecast.
Hurricane season
During the summer months of June through November (hurricane season), some parts of Mexico experience increased rainfall, making outdoor activities difficult. At this time, humidity levels are high, and there is always the risk of heavy rainfall and strong winds, mainly afternoons.
Showers can go on for hours, which can ruin any outdoor shore excursions planned, and even when it’s dry, the high humidity makes walking around and sightseeing uncomfortable.
While it’s possible to cruise Mexico at all times of the year, these months are the least popular for travel and some of the cheapest due to the low season.
Best Time To Cruise Mexico
Everyone loves taking a Cruise to Mexico for their warm Caribbean climate. The short cruising season is after hurricane season and before the summer months. The best time to Cruise
Mexico is based on your preferences, but if you are able to get on a cruise in February or April to avoid the early spring break crowd you will have the warmest weather with fewer crowds.
Driest months
The driest months in Mexico vary depending on the region, but generally speaking, the peak of the dry season falls between December and April. This is a great time for visitors seeking sunshine, clear skies, and warm water without the risk of rain.
These months have cooler temperatures, but daytime temperatures can still reach an average of 82°F. However, some of the highest prices come with the best weather, particularly if you travel over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Quietest months
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape to Mexico, plan your trip during the year’s quietest months. Generally, the quietest months to visit Mexico are May up to late June.
During this time, the crowds thin out as the peak tourist season ends. The weather is still mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore some of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations without battling crowds of tourists.
Cruise ships may be full of passengers, but the port will not have record-breaking number of guests like you would see during the winter months.
Shoulder season
Planning the perfect time to visit can be tricky, but savvy travelers know to consider the shoulder season. So, when is the shoulder season in Mexico?
This is the time between the high season (winter) and the low season (summer), which falls roughly in the late spring and fall. During this time, you can enjoy some of the same perks as the high season, such as sunny days and warm weather, but without the crowds and high prices. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Mexico’s treasures at a more relaxed pace while taking advantage of great deals on accommodations and activities.
Worst Times To Cruise Mexico
There is no “bad time” to visit Mexico on a cruise, but certain times of year are better than others.
Rainy season
The most obvious time to avoid Mexico is during the rainy season. While it may be tempting to visit during the off-season to avoid peak crowds and potentially save money due to lower prices, there are several things to remember before booking your trip.
During the rainy season, expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. This can put a damper on outdoor activities and make travel more challenging. On the other hand, the lush green landscapes and fewer tourists may be worth the tradeoff for some travelers.
Spring break
Spring break is another time when you should avoid cruising in Mexico. The United States spring break sees many young college students travel to popular beach destinations such as Playa Del Carmen and Cancun for a good time, which can lead to overcrowding.
Once the spring break season ends, late Spring (Usually the end of April) is an excellent time to visit, as fewer people are around after the students leave.
Sunset Chasers Recommendation
Suppose you want to visit Mexico on a Western Caribbean itinerary. In that case, you should aim to go in January, February, the end of April, and May if you want the potential for lower occupancy cabins.
If you want to sail on the west coast, Summer is the perfect time to do one of these sailings, even if there is a summer crowd. You do not need to worry about Hurricane Season on the Mexican Riviera.
Popular Destinations And Itinerary Options For Mexico
If you’re itching to sail off to Mexico on a cruise, then it’s best to plan and book ahead. Booking early offers you the chance to get the best deals, secure the cabins you prefer, and avoid last-minute price surges.
You can often find great deals for Mexico and Caribbean cruises that depart from cities such as San Diego in North America.
Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line offer some of the most popular itineraries for cruising around Mexico. From May-August, there are 7-night voyages with stops at cruise port towns such as Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and La Paz, which offer plenty of sightseeing opportunities in addition to relaxing days at sea.
For those looking for something shorter, 3 & 4-night getaways are available in the spring and fall months, going between Los Angeles and Ensenada with day trips to Catalina Island off the coast of California.
We are still trying to decide which cruise line to sail out of. Check out this table to see where cruise ships sail to.
Western Caribean Cruise Ports that include Mexico
| Cabo San Lucas | Costa Maya | Cozumel | Progreso, Yucatán | |
| Carnival Cruise Line | x | x | x | x |
| Celebrity Cruises | x | x | x | |
| Disney Cruise Line | x | x | x | x |
| Holland America Line | x | x | ||
| MSC Cruises | x | x | x | |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | x | x | x | x |
| Oceania Cruises | x | x | x | |
| Princess Cruises | x | |||
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | x | x | x | |
| Royal Caribbean | x | x | x | x |
| Seabourn | x | x | ||
| Virgin Voyages | x | x | ||
| Windstar Cruises | x | x |
Special Events And Major Holidays In Mexico
Mexico is a great place to cruise and experience unique holidays. If you want an adventure, the Day of the Dead celebration occurs in the first week of November. This colorful event honors deceased loved ones with traditional food, music, decorations, and costumes.
Cinco de Mayo marked the Mexican victory over French forces near Puebla in early May. It’s celebrated everywhere, from small towns to large cities, with parades and festivals that include local cuisine, artisans selling crafts, and live entertainment.
Late fall brings El Grito celebrations on September 15th-16th commemorating Father Hidalgo’s call for freedom from Spanish rule in 1810. You can enjoy Independence Day festivities throughout Mexico with fireworks displays, military parades, and special concerts at many locations nationwide.
Early December brings another holiday – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the 12th, celebrating Mary’s appearance before Saint Juan Diego in 1531. Religious processions occur throughout the country, accompanied by vibrant music and decorated floats where everyone sings traditional songs about faith and hope.
Whale Watching in Mexico
Mexico is a country that boasts an abundance of marine life, making it a top destination for travelers who are eager to explore the world beneath the waves and see the incredible coral reefs.
Mexico offers unique opportunities to witness the majestic whale up close, and you may even swim with them. Peak whale shark season is during the summer months of July and August (although they can be seen all year round).
You can book a guided tour to swim with whale sharks, but it must be done according to Mexican laws and regulations for their protection. At up to 10 meters long, they are the world’s largest fish – but don’t worry, they are entirely safe! These “gentle giants” might look scary, but they are filter-feeding fish and only eat plankton and krill; their teeth are tiny!
The best time to go gray whale watching in Mexico is during the winter months, from December to April when the gray whales migrate from the Arctic to the warmer waters of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Some of the best places to spot these giants of the ocean include Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada. While you’re out on the water, keep an eye out for humpback whales and blue whales, which can also be seen in Mexican waters during certain times of the year.
Best Cruise Lines & Deals For Mexico
Cruising in Mexico is a great way to explore the beauty of its coastlines, mountains, and jungles. From Los Angeles to San Francisco and Long Beach to New England, there are many ports with major cruise lines offering trips to Mexico for those looking to take a break from everyday life.
One of the best seasons for cruising in Mexico is winter. This time of year sees mild temperatures with little chance of rain or storms. December through March is peak season, so that prices can be higher than other times, but as long as you book early enough, you’ll still get great deals!
Princess Cruises offers year-round cruises from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Mexico with a Cabo San Lucas Getaway, Mexican Riviera cruise, Baja Peninsula, and Sea of Cortez Cruise. This cruise line is perfect for multi-generational cruises for the whole family.
Norwegian Cruise Line cruises to Mexico start from various ports in the United States, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami. From the stunning beaches of Cabo San Lucas to the vibrant culture of Puerto Vallarta, the Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to some of the most iconic and breathtaking spots Mexico offers.
Holland America Line has several routes around this beautiful coastline, offering everything from snorkeling excursions to beach parties!
No matter what vacationer you are, there’s something special about exploring Mexico by sea. With all the incredible sights and experiences waiting for you, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next cruise!
When is the best time to cruise to Mexico?
Mexico is an excellent place for a cruise vacation, with many options for travelers. The weather patterns and seasons can influence when you choose to visit and which type of itinerary is most suitable for your group or family.
Consider special events or holidays in Mexico, as these can affect availability and even routes available to cruise ships.
Cruise lines often offer off-season discounts, so if you’re flexible about dates, it’s worth researching to find the best deal. You never know what gems might be found!
Ultimately, no matter when you decide to go cruising in Mexico – during peak season or off-peak times – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
