Mexico in August: Beaches Beckon
It is hot and rainy in Mexico in August, with some of the highest temperatures of the year, especially in southern Mexico, and there is a possibility of hurricanes too. Given the weather condition, it is best to include a lot of water-based activities in your itinerary if you are traveling to places like the Yucatán Peninsula and Baja California. Having said that, some of the best places to visit with plenty of things to do in Mexico in August are Guadalupe Island, where you can see great white sharks; the pretty beaches of La Paz; Tulum, with its laid back vibes and snorkeling opportunities; and Mexico City, the country’s political and cultural capital. So make sure to not miss out on them while planning your Mexican vacation.
- Georgina Lowe
- From England
Mexico Weather in August
The mercury shoots through the roof across most places in Mexico in August. Cancun, one of the most popular destinations among holidaymakers in the country, sees an average high of 34°C and an average low of 25°C. Though it does rain in this area, it will not hamper your day out on the beach. Similarly, temperatures in Tulum range from 26°C to 32°C. By comparison, Mexico City’s weather is pleasant during this time of year, with temperatures hovering between 11.3°C to 22°C.
In general, the Pacific coast sees more rain in August compared with other parts of the country. Also, keep an eye on the weather report for storms if your trip falls during this month as this is a hurricane season. For an in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Mexico.
Weather in Mexico in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 70 | 72 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 72 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 41 | 43 | 45 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 45 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 40 | 90 | 20 | 20 | 10 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 22 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 72 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 54 | 54 | 54 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 90 |
Why Visit Mexico in August
Despite high temperatures and humidity levels, there are some good reasons to visit Mexico in August. Check out a few of them below.
- Low costs: August is a low tourist season in Mexico. Book a trip for this month and you can get excellent deals on hotel tariffs and air travel.
- Fewer people: Few travelers mean more breathing space inside museums and attractions along with fewer queues. Explore Oaxaca, or discover Mexico City without being surrounded by massive crowds.
- Waterway: Soaring temperatures and high humidity levels make August an ideal month to indulge in water-based activities. Whether it is scuba diving during a La Paz tour, swimming with whale sharks while visiting Cancun, or liveaboard-diving off Guadalupe, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
- Pleasant capital: Mexico City’s weather in August is ideal for a walking tour of the city. Plus, with fewer travelers, you have highlighted for yourself. Make sure that you delve deep into the history of this city during a trip to Mexico in August.
- Festivities galore: Mexico’s August calendar has a fascinating lineup of events and festivals. Some of the top-rated ones include Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y de la Charreria, which features mariachi music, performances and parades in Guadalajara; Fiestas de la Vendimia in Guadalupe Valley, which includes visits to wineries, great food, wine tastings and music; and Exposicion Nacional de Artesanias, where Mexican artisans display their work.
Where to go and what to do
Dealing with the weather in Mexico in August can be a challenge—and that explains why tourists tend to avoid coming here this month—but despite that, you can pack in a surprisingly large number of superb destinations and activities. Besides the top sights within the city, the areas around Mexico City are also worth exploring. In particular, do not miss out on a trip to the stunning ruins of Teotihuacan, a Unesco World Heritage site, and the beautiful canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco, where you can go on boat cruises.
If you are planning on visiting Cancun, you should be aware that its weather is admittedly on the hotter side, but this also means that you can laze on the beaches in the mornings and early evenings. Dive into the otherworldly cenotes of Playa del Carmen and marvel at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Take a trip to Tulum, the quiet resort town about 130 kilometers to the south of Cancun, where you can pamper yourself in a wellness center, enjoy laid-back beaches, dive into the ocean to cool off, and explore Mayan ruins. If you are a party animal, do not worry. Tulum has DJs and nightclubs, too. Head for the isolated Guadalupe Island if you wish to get away from crowds. Soak up its awe-inspiring landscape and see magnificent great white sharks while cage-diving.
What to bring
In addition to heat, you will have to contend with rains while traveling to Mexico in August. Make sure that you pack lots of light, comfortable clothes, ample beachwear, a rain jacket, and an umbrella. A sturdy pair of walking shoes will also come in handy.
Take advantage of a low tourist season with a trip to Mexico in August. If you want more ideas to plan your trip, take a peek at our travel guide on how many days to spend in Mexico. We would recommend a 10-day stay for the ideal trip but if you have limited time in your schedule, you could opt for a 7-day itinerary so that you don't miss out on any of the must-see highlights. Our local travel experts in the country can help you design a personalized itinerary to Mexico.
So look no further to start planning your trip to Mexico in August.
Our other similar travel guides that may interest you:
