Wondering when to visit Mexico? While Mexico is primarily thought as of an exotic, winter-escape destination, there are plenty of reasons why Mexico is also a fantastic getaway for summer — especially for families! Colorful festivals, unique wildlife opportunities, and low-season rates make for memorable travel experiences in the summer in Mexico.
Colorful Festivals
Mexico comes to life during the summer with an array of activities that only take place from late June through the end of September. In Oaxaca, the lively and vibrant Guelaguetza Festival is a yearly cultural celebration with traditional dances representative of indigenous groups from across the state. In Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Baja California the summer is wine harvesting season, and the vendemia celebrations are on-going with wine stomping, folk music, festival games, and of course wine tasting! In Guanajuato, the GIFF Film Festival (July) and Cervantino Festival are internationally recognized events; and if you’re anywhere in Mexico on September 15th and 16th, get ready for a green-white-and-red party of a lifetime as the entire country unites together in the streets, plazas, and hotels to celebrate their patriotism on Independence Day!
Unique Wildlife Experiences
The summer lends itself to some pretty amazing animal migrations. From May to September, whale sharks can be found off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun. These 11ft long, 40 ton gentle giants are completely harmless to humans making swimming beside whale sharks an incredible lifetime memory. The summer is also season for sea turtle nesting, when thousands of mother turtles nest and lay their eggs on the beach. Many hotels have sea turtle rescue and release programs, protecting the eggs from harm and allowing tourists to release the baby turtles into the sea once they hatch.
Hotel Promotions
Compared to Christmas and Spring Break, the summer months are considered low season for Mexico, especially on the coast. That means hotels have lower rates or sweeten the deal with value-saving promotions. In the Riviera Maya, you can find deals at Banyan Tree Mayakoba (lower rates), Belmond Maroma (4th night free), Grand Velas Riviera Maya (summer package) and the Viceroy (resort credit). In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are hot summer discounts at each of the five luxury Haciendas; and in Los Cabos, the newly modified One & Only Palmilla is offering the 4th night free!
Exchange Rate
This year in general has proven to be one of the best times to travel to Mexico as money extends further due to the current exchange rates against the peso. What typically was once a 10 to 1 rate (10 MXN:1 USD) has now increased 50% to an approximate average of 15:1. That means shopping, fine dining, theatre, tickets for musuems and events, and select tours are more accessible than ever!
If you’re ready to plan your summer vacation to Mexico, contact a Journey Mexico travel planner today.
