Mexico States
Get to know the 32 states in Mexico… because Mexico travel is always a good idea!
Mexico Destinations GUIDE CONTENTS
All Mexico States | Top States | Lesser-Visited States | Travel Safety | Travel Insurance | Mexico Blogs | FAQ
Where is Mexico located?
Mexico is just south of the U.S. It has about 5,000-miles of coastline, so most of Mexico borders the Pacific Ocean to the south. Besides the U.S., it shares a border with Guatemala and Belize in Central America.
What continent is Mexico on?
A common mistake, many think Mexico is part of Central America. However, it is part of North America, along with the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean island nations.
To clarify further, Central America isn’t a continent at all. Rather, it’s the part of the North American continent that’s located south of Mexico, and includes countries like Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama.
How many Mexico states are there?
There are 32 states in Mexico, and you can check out the complete Mexico states list below.
- Aguascalientes (AGU)
- Baja California (BCN)
- Baja California Sur (BCS)
- Campeche (CAM)
- Chiapas (CHP)
- Chihuahua (CHH)
- Coahuila (COA)
- Colima (COL)
- Durango (DUR)
- Estado de Mexico (MEX)
- Guanajuato (GTO)
- Queretaro (QUE)
- Quintana Roo (ROO)
- San Luis Potosi (SLP)
- Sinaloa (SIN)
- Sonora (SON)
- Tabasco (TAB)
- Tamaulipas (TAM)
- Tlaxcala (TLA)
- Veracruz (VER)
- Yucatán (YUC)
- Zacatecas (ZAC)
The 4 Most-Visited Mexico States
1. Quintana Roo, Mexico
Though you might not know this state by name, Quintana Roo is home to many of the best beach towns in Mexico and top Mexico travel destinations — including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel.
The state also has cenotes, Mayan ruins, and more.
Quintana Roo is one of three Mexico states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula, along with Yucatan and Campeche states.
Of the three, it is the most popular state for Yucatan travel, especially for a Mexico beach vacation.
2. Mexico City DF
You might be wondering, Is Mexico City a state? In fact, Mexico City is both the country’s capital city, and one of the 32 Mexico states.
You might see it written as Mexico City DF, which stands for Distrito Federal, meaning Federal District.
The “DF” is similar to the “DC” in Washington DC — though unlike Washington DC, Mexico City DF is a separate state.
3. Baja California States
Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is located on the west coast, and consists of two states — Baja California Sur and Baja California.
They both have popular destinations, like Tijuana and Ensenada in Baja California, and Cabo San Lucas and La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Travelers looking to relax on gorgeous beaches by day and party by night, will love Baja. It has laid back California vibes, perfect weather, historic sites, and whale watching in winter.
4. Jalisco, Mexico
Jalisco is one of the Mexico Pacific States, as its southern end sits on Banderas Bay, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean.
This is where you’ll find Puerto Vallarta and the other Jalisco beaches.
Further inland, there’s Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico after Mexico City.
There are also several Jalisco pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns), like Tequila, Ajijic, San Sebastián del Oeste, Tlaquepaque, and more.
Lesser-Visited & Off the Beaten Path Mexico States
Love venturing off the beaten path? Want to get away from the crowds to see a the Mexico hidden gems!?
There are so many Mexico states, which you may or may not have heard of, but that provide more of an authentic travel experience than some of the big name destinations — like these:
Is Mexico safe for travelers?
For the most part, YES, If it safe to travel to Mexico.
The vast majority of visitors simply have a nice trip — but remember to keep safety top of mind by always staying aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, and you should be 100% safe in Mexico.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? and Is Mexico safe? are the two most asked questions in the Mexico travel-sphere — which is great because it means people are keeping personal safety as an important topic.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
—Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source: Forbes)
As with traveling anywhere, you’ll need to follow general travel safety measures, like not walking home alone at night and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
For an added safety measure, pack these travel safety items, dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card.
For a deep dive into the topic of safe travel in Mexico, check out Is Mexico Safe to Visit: 25 Mexico Travel Safety Tips
Is Mexico safe for solo travelers?
On a personal note, I traveled to half the states in Mexico by myself, and felt quite safe.
Now, this wasn’t magic; I made it a priority to stay safe by not walking home alone at night, never drinking too much, etc. Check out my Mexico Solo Travel Guide for more info on Mexico travel safety for solo female travelers.
What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?
This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you, consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.
🏆 In general, I only ever recommend two companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from. You can click on any of the links below to get a FREE quote on a policy.
- SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
- Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
Mexico Blogs: Learn more about Mexico travel 🇲🇽
Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
- 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
- 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
- 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
- 🔌 Electricity Socket: You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this this universal travel adaptor.
- 📲 Mexico SIM Card: Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards.
- 🚙 Car Rentals: The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption.
However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico. So what can you do?
- If you’re renting an Airbnb with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
- You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more.
I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.
Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download!
What’s the Mexico weather like?
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in central and northern Mexico are on the colder side.
However, Mexico is a big country — the 5th largest on Earth, in fact — so it’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
The best thing to do is check the Mexico weather report right before your trip.
Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September, so most people try to avoid those months. If you can only travel in those months, don’t worry, you’ll still have a nice trip.
Here’s are Mexico travel guides, listed month by month. They will go over what to expect in Mexico during the month(s) you want to visit, the best place to visit in Mexico during those month(s), and fun things to do in Mexico during those month(s) as well:
What’s the best time to visit Mexico?
Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico, so expect the largest crowds and highest price tags.
Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September.
Do keep in mind that June 1-November 30 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beach towns on the coast are all susceptible.
Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to late-November and February to early-April.
🏢 Best time to Visit mexico cities
The majority of cities in Mexico that travelers frequent (like Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro City and Oaxaca City) are located in central Mexico.
This part of the country has what’s called the Eternal Spring climate — so you can expect springtime weather year-round. The best time to visit is from October to March, during the dry season.
🏝 Best Time to Visit Mexico beaches
The best time to visit the beaches of Mexico is from November to April, when you get mild temperatures and low humidity, and the mosquitoes are at bay.
In some parts of the country, especially the Pacific Mexican States (like Oaxaca, Baja California Sur and Jalisco) and cities (like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Escondido) this is also the annual whale migration, when pacific gray whales, humpbacks, orcas and more migrate past the coast.
Is Mexico worth visiting?
Yes — There is something for everyone in Mexico!
From historic sites, ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colorful colonial cities and pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns), history buffs will love to visit Mexico.
As the sixth most biodiverse country on Earth, there’s everything from desserts and beaches, to rainforests and waterfalls.
🗣 Mexico Language
Mexico Fun Fact: There’s actually no official language of Mexico!
Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico.
☀️ Mexico Weather
Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.
✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season
• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.
• Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.
• Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.
🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!
Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.
Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:
• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.
• Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.
• Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.
• Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.
Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.
• Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.
The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🤔 What is the mexico FMM?
When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.
In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!
🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times
Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card, it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.
🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.
Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.
If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.
If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.
As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer (I wish it did!), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.
Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.
💃 Mexico solo travel guides
Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers.
In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.
🎧 solo travel podcasts
• Ep. 34 | Planning your first Mexico solo trip
• Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico
• Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1
To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES, it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.
The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!
🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!
As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.
If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
🗣 Here are some options:
- Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish, so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
- Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
- Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
- Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.
