My Best Tips for Visiting Mexico in February: Weather, Top Destinations & More
Planning a trip to Mexico in February?
You’re in the right place because I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and I’m going to share everything I know about traveling to Mexico in February with you!
A year-round destination, you can visit Mexico anytime, but February is ideal for certain places more than others — which you’ll soon discover.
February is warm and dry in most of Mexico, especially on the beaches.
It’s also whale season on the Pacific coast and monarch butterfly season in central Mexico.
In this article, you’ll learn about the 10 best places to visit in Mexico in February, including Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum and Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos).
You’ll also learn about the weather in Mexico in February, and the Mexico holidays in February.
Ready to learn all about visiting Mexico in February? Let’s get to it!
Typical Mexico February Weather
You’re likely wondering, What is the weather like in Mexico in February? — so you can plan the best trip possible.
You’re in luck because Mexico’s weather in February is amazing! It’s one of the dry season months, and the cool weather in Mexico in February is basically perfect.
When is the rainy season in Mexico?
The rainy season Mexico months include May through October.
You have a slim chance of rain in Mexico in February, but there’s always at least some chance of rain on the coast.
Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ends November 30, so you likely won’t see any storms in February.
When is the Mexico busy season?
The busy season in Mexico runs from about mid-December to April.
February is calmer than the holidays, but it’s still high season, so book ahead.
Average temperatures in Mexico in February
Want to know, How hot is Mexico in February?
There is no set average daily temperature in Mexico in February, as it fluctuates in different parts of the country.
In general, expect mild temperatures and low precipitation — but know Mexico is still on the warmer side, even in February.
☀️ Mexico Fun Fact: The warmest beaches in Mexico in February are on the southern Pacific coast, where Acapulco averages about 87°F (30°C) during the day.
The beaches in Mexico on the coast will be much warmer than the cities in Central Mexico, like Mexico City, Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende.
In fact, nighttime in cities can be cold, and if you’re visiting the Central or North Mexican cities, pack a jacket and layers🧣
No matter where you’re headed, check the Mexico February weather forecast for that destination.
There are plenty of weather apps and sites out there, like weather.com from The Weather Channel, Accuweather and Weather Spark, so you can check Mexico temperatures in February.
Mexico February Holidays
Valentine’s Day in Mexico: February 14
Valentine’s Day isn’t a national holiday, and most businesses don’t close, but if you want to go out to dinner that night, restaurants will be very busy.
As with many other countries, many restaurants in Mexico will have prix fixe Valentine’s Day menus, and you’ll need reservations.
Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas): February 2
Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas AKA Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, or the Feast of the Holy Encounter), is a Catholic holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Jerusalem Temple.
It falls 40 days after Christmas, on February 2nd. For devout Catholics, this is a major holiday, but for most, it’s a time to gather with friends and family to share a meal.
On Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day), January 6th, families share a ring-shaped sweet bread called rosca de reyes, that’s similar to an Italian Panettone cake.
Inside each rosca, there are a few small, plastic figurines in the shape of a child — called a muñeco (little doll).
If your slice of rosca has one of these muñequos, you’ll have to buy the tamales for the Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) meal on February 2.
Carnival in Mexico: Early February 2027
Carnaval is a multi-day event, culminating on Martes de Carnaval, known as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” in the United States.
In 2027, Easter is early, so Carnaval ends on Fat Tuesday, February 9, and Mazatlán’s Carnaval runs from February 4 to 9.
Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnaval in Brazil, there are parades, festive floats, dancing, elaborate costumes and street parties in Mexico as well.
The largest celebration takes place in the state of Veracruz, but there’s also a huge, elaborate Carnaval in the coastal city of Mazatlan.
Additional festivals take place in the Yucatan Peninsula city of Merida, on the Baja Peninsula in Ensenada, in Tepoztlan near Mexico City, and more.
Carnival in Veracruz
Carnaval de Veracruz, which takes place in the city of Heroica Veracruz (AKA Port of Veracruz or Veracruz City), is the largest Mexico Carnaval celebration.
In fact, it is the second most famous Carnaval in Latin America, after the massive one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The nine-day Carnaval de Veracruz starts off in the city’s Zocalo (Town Square), with the Quema del Mal Humor, meaning “burning the bad mood.”
As the name implies, there’s a large effigy of a human figure that’s burned, to symbolically cleanse the world’s negative energies.
10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico in February
Wondering where to go in Mexico in February?
While there’s no definitive “best place in Mexico to visit in February,” you have plenty of options to choose from.
In reality, you can go anywhere you’d like, as the weather in Mexico in February is near-perfect.
Below, you’ll find the Top 10 most popular places to travel in Mexico in February, with some info about what to expect and things to do.
After reading through the list, you’ll be able to determine your own best place to go in Mexico in February.
1. Cancun in February
For more information on visiting Cancun Mexico, check out this Cancun Travel Guide.
Cancun is the top travel destination in Mexico all year — but the difference between Cancun in January vs February is that February is less busy.
If you want to enjoy a calmer Cancun with smaller crowds, plan for mid- to late-February.
Looking for the best things to do in Cancun in February?
Don’t miss swimming in the Cancun cenotes, and the Mayan Ruins in Cancun.
If you want to stay at one of the best Cancun all inclusive resorts, book ASAP because February is one of the busier months in Cancun, Mexico.
What’s the average humidity in Cancun in February?
The Cancun humidity in February averages about 75% — so put clothing that doesn’t show sweat on your Mexico packing list.
Though 75% may seem high, you do get a nice ocean breeze, but to really escape the heat, plan for water activities in the afternoons.
Wondering, What’s the average temperature in Cancun in February?
You can expect about 85°F (29°C) during the day, and 69°F (21°C) at night. In short: It’s still somewhat hot.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated with this Water-To-Go bottle, and even this misting fan to cool your skin.
Does it rain all day in Cancun in February?
Usually, no. If it rains at all, it’s typically for an hour in the afternoon, and then the sun will come back out.
It barely rains in February, but if it does, it should pass quickly. If you happen to be visiting during a rare February storm, then there is a chance it rains all day.
RELATED ARTICLE 🏖️ Cancun in February: Weather Info and Travel Tips
Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ends on November 30 (it runs June 1 to November 30), so there’s virtually no chance of a hurricane in Mexico in February.
By no means is February the wettest month in Cancun, but there’s always a chance of rain anywhere on the Mexican coast.
Cancun Weather in February
2. Mexico City in February
For more information on visiting Mexico City, check out this Mexico City Travel Guide.
Considering a Mexico City February trip? Not many know this, but the winters in Mexico City are on the colder side (even cold for some).
If you don’t like the cold, March is a great month to visit Mexico City because it will be Spring, and won’t be as cold as January or February.
February is part of the dry season in Mexico City, which runs from November to April.
There is still a chance of the occasional afternoon shower, but as one of the world’s biggest cities, right up there with New York City, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Mexico City when it rains.
There are more than 100 museums in Mexico City to explore, as well as Bosque de Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
Looking for the best things to do in Mexico City at night? You must see a Lucha Libre wrestling match.
What’s the best time to visit Mexico City?
This will depend on your preferences, but the Mexico City rainy season is from about April to October, so many want to avoid that.
It doesn’t usually rain much (if at all) in Mexico City in February, but of course, many prefer visiting in the dry season.
If you like cooler weather, Fall and Winter might be the best bet for you.
Nighttime temperatures can drop into the high 40°Fs (about 9°C) in February, and stay on the lower side all winter long. For warmer nights, Spring and Summer work best.
🦋 Monarch Butterfly Season in Mexico: One of the best experiences is visiting the Piedra Herrada Butterfly Sanctuary during the annual butterfly migration in Mexico, from about mid-November to March.
Book this Mexico butterfly tour to see millions of butterflies in the mountains near Mexico City.
Weather in Mexico City in February
3. Cabo San Lucas in February
For more information on visiting Cabo San Lucas, check out this Cabo Travel Guide.
Cabo San Lucas and nearby San Jose del Cabo are located in the Los Cabos Municipality.
In Spanish, los cabos means “the capes,” (as cabo means “cape”). These are the top two destinations in Los Cabos Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas is the more popular of the two Cabos, though the airport you’ll fly into is in San Jose del Cabo, about 40 minutes away.
With a more relaxed vibe, San Jose del Cabo offers a nice alternative to lively Cabo San Lucas, so some travelers stay there.
With warmer weather all year, Mexico is great year-round — and Cabo even more so.
It averages 300 days of sunshine each year (though some say it gets 350 days of sunshine ☀️), so you can expect to have a nice trip to Los Cabos in February.
In fact, the Cabo rainy season only runs from about August to September, followed by 8-10 months of sunshine.
February is still warm, with average highs of about 81°F (27°C) and cool nights around 55°F (13°C), but you can always hop in your Cabo beach resort pool or the ocean for a refreshing swim.
Swim With the Whale sharks in Cabo
Whale sharks are sharks, but they are a docile and harmless variety, similar to a nurse shark.
They are also the largest fish in the sea at about 40- to 50-feet-long (12 m-15 m).
Whale shark season in La Paz Bay, about two hours north of Cabo, usually runs from about December to March, and the exact dates change every year.
If you want to experience this bucket list activity, book your Los Cabos Whale Shark Tour ASAP because they do sell out.
Cabo Weather in February
4. Tulum in February
For more information on visiting Tulum Mexico, check out this Tulum Travel Guide.
Once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the most popular and best places to visit in Mexico.
In recent years, it has also become one of the most expensive.
Since February is one of the Tulum busy season months, you’ll want to book your Tulum beach resort ASAP.
Weather-wise, it likely won’t rain at all, though a brief afternoon shower isn’t uncommon anywhere on the coast.
Since the weather in Tulum in February is so great, this is a busy month for Tulum travel, so do expect large crowds throughout February in Tulum.
If you were planning to travel to Tulum on a budget, your money will definitely stretch further in the summer months, during the Tulum slow season.
December and January will both be pricey, but you might find some good Tulum travel deals in late-February, and still enjoy the nice weather.
With the money you can save visiting Tulum in February vs January, you may even want to extend your trip beyond Mexico and into Central America.
Just a few hours south of Tulum, you can do a land crossing into Belize near Lake Bacalar, Mexico.
Tulum Weather in February
5. Oaxaca in February
For more information on visiting Oaxaca Mexico, check out this Oaxaca Travel Guide.
🗣 How do you pronounce Oaxaca? Before we talk about visiting Oaxaca in February, let’s clear up the Oaxaca pronunciation — it’s waa-haa-kah.
Oaxaca State is one of the most culturally-rich places in Mexico and all Latin America.
Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca State, is well known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico thanks to its delicious Oaxacan cuisine.
There are also colorful festivals, like Day of the Dead and the Guelaguetza.
When most people say “Oaxaca,” they are referring to Oaxaca City (AKA Oaxaca de Juarez), in the central part of the state.
The beaches of Oaxaca, like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Zipolite and Huatulco, are also popular, but they are located on the Pacific Coast.
Oaxaca City weather is more of a desert-like climate, versus the beaches that are quite tropical.
Though a desert, Oaxaca City does have a rainy season which runs from about May to September, so if you visit in February, you’ll have beautiful weather.
Oaxaca Weather in February
6. Riviera Maya in February
The Riviera Maya is the stretch of Caribbean coast that runs south from just below Cancun, through Playa del Carmen, to Tulum.
It is the most posh area in the Yucatán Peninsula, where you’ll find many of the best resorts in Mexico and even the nicest Mexico overwater bungalows.
Given its location, you can expect similar weather to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, which is to say it’s on the hotter side.
Of course, you’ll be right on the Caribbean Sea, so you’ll likely have a nice breeze, but you can also jump in the sea to cool off in the afternoons.
🏝 Costa Maya in February: Located about 3.5 hours south of Tulum, you’ll be in the beach town of Mahahual, Mexico on Costa Maya. The weather in Riviera Maya and Costa Maya is similar, but the vibe is much more laid back in Costa Maya.
Besides the Caribbean, there are so many other places to cool off and swim near Riviera Maya.
From the cenotes in Tulum and cenotes near Cancun, both close to Riviera Maya, you also have water parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, and underground rivers, like Rio Secreto.
For a truly memorable experience, head about 40 minutes south to the beach town of Akumal.
It’s between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and one of the more up-and-coming Mexico resort towns.
However, the real claim to fame is that you can swim with the turtles in Akumal Beach.
Riviera Maya Weather in February
7. Puerto Vallarta in February
For more information on visiting Puerto Vallarta Mexico, check out this Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico, and best beach towns in Mexico.
It appeals to all types of travelers, from solo travelers to honeymooners, families and LGBTQ+ travelers — as Puerto Vallarta is the gay capital of Mexico, AKA the San Francisco of Mexico.
If you’re looking to go on a cruise to Mexico in February, see if there are any to Puerto Vallarta.
A top destination for cruises in Mexico, there’s no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta when you venture off-boat.
🏝 Sayulita in February: Located about one hour from Puerto Vallarta, many visit or even take a day trip to Sayulita, Mexico. This bohemian beach town has the same great weather as Puerto Vallarta in February, and it’s absolutely worth checking out.
On one side of the city, there’s Bahía Banderas (Bay of Banderas), a tranquil inlet off the Pacific Ocean great for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching (winters only).
The Sierra Madre mountains are just behind the beach, so you really get the best of all worlds.
As with all Mexico beaches in February, you can expect hotter, somewhat humid weather, but little rain.
If it does rain, the showers usually pass quickly, and then you can go back to enjoying all the Old World charm, beautiful nature, and best beaches Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Puerto Vallarta Weather in February
8. Playa del Carmen in February
For more information on visiting Playa del Carmen Mexico, check out this Playa del Carmen Travel Guide.
Though some call Playa del Carmen the mini-Cancun, it’s a destination in its own right.
Now, to get there, you do have to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (or just “Playa,” as the locals call it), but it’s just a one hour drive.
Once you arrive in Playa, it’s much more of a beach town than Cancun, which is a resort town.
Now, there are some beautiful resorts in Playa del Carmen, but it has a small town feel.
It’s much more walkable than Cancun, which is great because Uber isn’t reliably available in Playa del Carmen.
What these two cities do share, is their weather. Much like Cancun, you can expect warmer days and cool, breezy nights.
There’s not much humidity in winter, but to avoid it entirely when traveling to Playa del Carmen in February plan to be indoors, or in the water, in the afternoons.
If you want to visit the nearby Mayan Ruins in Mexico, arrive early in the morning when they open, and you’ll be done touring the site by midday when the humidity can roll in.
When in the Yucatan Peninsula, don’t miss Chichen Itza Pyramids — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Playa del Carmen Weather in February
9. Puerto Escondido in February
For more information on visiting Puerto Escondido Mexico and all the best beaches of Oaxaca, check out this Oaxaca Beaches Travel Guide.
Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Escondido is the most famous of all Oaxaca Beaches.
It is popular with surfers, artists, backpackers, and solo travelers in Mexico, but there’s really something for everyone in “Puerto,” as the locals call it.
🏄♀️ Want to learn to surf in Puerto Escondido? Book some surfing lessons now so you can learn how to in one of the best places to surf in Mexico.
Some will start in Oaxaca City, then make the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido journey, for a complete Oaxaca state trip.
There are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido, however, that you can easily spend your whole trip there.
When in town, you’ll want to visit the best beaches in Puerto Escondido, like Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Zicatela, Playa Bacocho, Playa La Punta and Playa Puerto Angel.
February is the middle of Mexico’s whale season, so you may even see some whales from the shore.
You can also take this Puerto Escondido boat tour to see the dolphins that hang out near Puerto.
When the sun is setting, join the baby turtle release experience to send these adorable creatures into the sea for the first time.
At night, head to the famous Manialtepec Lagoon to see the bioluminescence.
Puerto Escondido Weather in February
10. Cozumel in February
🚢 Planning to take a Mexico cruise in February? Cozumel Island is one of the best Mexico cruise ports, especially for snorkelers and divers.
Cozumel is a Mexican Caribbean island, located about 30 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen.
There are also flights to Cozumel, and you can land right on the island at Cozumel International Airport.
It’s also quite easy to travel from Cancun to Cozumel.
Some say Cozumel is the best place for snorkeling in Mexico, and the best place for diving in Mexico as well.
Just off-shore, there’s the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef.
There are plenty of ways to see the reef, even if you don’t want to swim.
That’s right, the Cozumel Submarine Tour is an unforgettable experience to see these coral reefs in an actual submarine.
Cozumel also has beautiful beaches, and Mayan Ruins as well.
You likely won’t get rain when traveling to Cozumel in February.
However, the vast majority of all these best things to do in Cozumel involve being in, on or near the Caribbean Sea, which makes the (possible) afternoon showers more tolerable.
Cozumel Weather in February
Weather in Mexico in February: FAQs
Does it rain in Mexico in February?
It can, but it’s rare — February weather in Mexico is as close to perfect as it gets.
There is a very slim chance of rain, though Nature does what it wants!
If you’re visiting the beaches on the Mexican coast, an afternoon shower is always possible, though it would likely pass quickly.
What’s the best time of year to visit Mexico?
Weather-wise, the best time to travel to Mexico is from November to March.
This is during the dry season, when you’ll see very little (if any) rain, low humidity, and few mosquitoes.
This is also the high or busy season in Mexico, when most people visit so they get the best weather.
For travelers who want to escape the crowds, the summer months also give you more bang for your buck.
You can still find cheap flight prices and hotel deals in late-February, but you have to look.
If you want to treat yourself to a fancy resort in Mexico, opt for February over January.
How hot is it in Mexico in February?
You might want to know, Is Mexico warm in February? Yes — It is still quite warm in Mexico, even in February.
If you don’t like tropical weather, plan to visit the cities in Mexico in February, not the beaches, which are considerably warmer than the cities.
❄️ Mexico Fun Fact: The coldest city in Mexico is the small pueblo of Ciudad Madera, Chihuahua, located in North Mexico. Ciudad Madera sees a few inches of snow each year.
Many are surprised that February is still one of the warmer months in Mexico, especially if you’re visiting the Mexico beach towns.
Average temperatures in Mexico in February hover around 80°F (26°C) on the beaches, but it can feel a few degrees hotter because of the humidity.
Is it sunny in Mexico in February?
Yes — It tends to be sunny in Mexico year-round, even in the Winter season, but since February is not a Mexico rainy season month, it likely won’t rain at all.
In the event it does, just know that even if storms, cloud cover and rainfall rolls in, the sun often comes back in an hour.
What is the average temperature in Mexico in February?
Wondering, Is Mexico hot in February? It Depends — The average weather in Mexico in February is on the warmer side, but it’s not very humid.
If you’re visiting Mexico City in February, the temperatures cool down considerably at night, but this isn’t the case on Mexican beaches.
On Mexico’s beaches, expect days in the low to upper 80s°F (27–31°C) and nights between about 55°F and 74°F (13–23°C), depending on the coast. With the humidity factored in, it might even feel hotter.
Inland, the cities are considerably cooler.
Mexico City, for example, averages about 76°F (24°C) during the day and 49°F (9°C) at night.
If you’re debating on when to visit, know it’s usually a bit warmer in March compared to February, because March is in the Spring.
For travelers who enjoy the cooler weather, winters in Mexico are perfect, so plan to visit between December and February.
Should I go to Mexico in February?
Yes — Mexico February weather is ideal, and you can expect sunny, cool days.
If you’re traveling at the end of February, you will have nice weather and smaller crowds.
Crowds are quite large during New Year, but continue to lower throughout the first months of the year.
Can you go to Mexico in February?
Yes — February is one of the Mexico busy season months (or, high season months).
With warm, but not hot, weather in February, many visit Mexico in February to escape the cold.
February is much calmer than December or January (the other high season months), especially at the end of the month.
Are there any major Mexican holidays in February?
Yes — There’s Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2, and Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
They were both discussed at the beginning of the article, and in case you missed it, use this link to read more about the Mexico February holidays.
Though these are the major holidays, there are a few more minor holidays as well.
These include Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) on February 5 (the day off is the first Monday of February, which is February 1 in 2027), Día de la Bandera (Flag Day) on February 24, and Dia del Ejercito (Army Day) on February 19.
Mexico Festivals in February
- Carnaval: Similar to Mardi Gras in the U.S., Carnaval in Mexico has parades, festive floats, dancing, elaborate costumes and street parties. It takes place in several cities, including Mazatlan and Heroica Veracruz, in early February in 2027 (Mazatlán: February 4–9).
- Son Jarocho Music Festival: Held in early-February in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, this festival showcases traditional dance and Veracruz-style music.
- Sayulita Festival (formerly Sayulita Film Festival): A five-day film, music and drinks festival in Sayulita on the Riviera Nayarit, usually held in late January and early February.
Are there mosquitoes in Mexico in February?
Yes — Mosquitoes are a way of life everywhere that has tropical weather, from Mexico and Costa Rica, to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The mosquitoes are at their worst in the Mexico rainy season, but you can still get bit in the dry season.
You’ll want to pack insect repellent when visiting Mexico, and apply it more than once during the day.
I recommend this eco-friendly mosquito spray from Repel, or this combo reef-safe sunscreen/mosquito repellent from Bullfrog.
My Final Thoughts on Traveling to Mexico in February
If you’re going to Mexico in February, you’ll be in good company — as it’s the busiest month for Mexico travel.
The weather is sunny, but cool all over the country, and there’s a festive feeling in the air, particularly the cities in Central Mexico.
What’s the best place to visit in Mexico in February? Head to Mexico City, and don’t miss the monarch butterfly migration in nearby Valle de Bravo. All the Mexican beaches have perfect weather in February, but if you want to escape the crowds, check out Zihuatanejo or La Paz.
You will definitely encounter crowds and high price tags in December and January, so if that’s not for you, opt for February or March.
These are closer to the shoulder season months, which have nice weather, smaller crowds and reasonable prices — it just might be the best time to visit Mexico.
If Mexico in February isn’t for you…
After reading this, you might not want to visit Mexico in February after all.
If so, check out the articles linked below about visiting Mexico during other months of the year.
