Travel advice for Mexico
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico
As the vibrant colors of fall paint the landscapes, October unfolds in Mexico with a captivating blend of weather and cultural festivities. This month marks the onset of the fall season, offering a delightful escape from the summer heat while still retaining the warmth that makes Mexico a popular destination year-round. Want to know all about the weather in Mexico in October? Keep reading as we share more tips and tricks.
Travel ideas for Mexico
Created by local experts
What is the weather like in Mexico in October?
The weather in Mexico in October is still transitioning from hot summer sunshine to more mild and comfortable temperatures across the country come October.
The coastal regions, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, experience average temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), while inland cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara have temperatures ranging from 54°F to 73°F (12°C to 23°C).
In the Sierra Madre Oriental, it will be wet. In October and November the area welcomes what the locals call chipichipi, a persistent fine drizzle caused by warm airstreams from the Gulf hitting cooler air as they reach the eastern face of the Sierra.
The damp brings bounties in terms of great coffee and the luxuriance of flowers, but downpours can become a problem. Drivers should watch out for the fog that frequently cloaks the higher sections of this region.
This tailor-made trip to the Best of Mexico combines the metropolitan glamor of Mexico City with its fabulous museums and pyramids with an outdoor adventure in Chiapas visiting the Sumidero Canyon and the fascinating wildlife and cultural heritage of the Yucatan.
A leatherback turtle ©Shutterstock
Is Mexico warm in October?
The weather in Mexico in October remains warm, although the intensity of the summer heat gradually wanes. Travelers can still expect comfortably warm days, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The weather strikes a perfect balance between warm and pleasant, allowing visitors to explore various destinations without the scorching summer temperatures.
However, this is the low season in Acapulco as it's usually rainy. Still, vast numbers of both leatherback and green turtles make their way up the sandbar at Playa Maruata and Colola to lay their eggs, with hotel owners organizing beach walks to see them.
Rough Guides tip: a trip to Mexico is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Check our Mexico itineraries and also find out how to get to Mexico.
Is October a good time to visit Mexico?
In October, as the summer rush subsides, Mexico becomes an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility. Popular tourist attractions are quieter, allowing visitors to explore the country's beauty at a leisurely pace.
Summer, from June to October, is in theory the rainy season in Mexico, but just how wet it is varies wildly from place to place. In the heart of the country, you can expect a heavy but short-lived downpour virtually every afternoon; in the north, hardly any rain falls, ever.
Along the beaches, September to mid-October is hurricane season. Expect wet weather, choppy seas and regular tropical storms.
With our tailor-made trip to Mexico's Highlands and Coast, you will discover Mexico City's historic highlights and the wonders of sites like Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque before you jet off to the Central Highlands.
Looking for more options for an fall vacation? Also check out our list of the best destinations for an unforgettable vacation in October.
Guadalajara © Shutterstock
Average rainfall in Mexico in October
In October, the average rainfall in Mexico varies depending on the region. Coastal areas might still experience sporadic showers, but the rainfall tends to be less intense compared to the peak of the rainy season.
The average rainfall in coastal regions like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta hovers around 4 to 6 inches (100mm to 150mm) during October.
Inland cities, such as Mexico City and Guadalajara, experience lower rainfall amounts, averaging around 2 to 4 inches (50mm to 100mm) during the month.
The reduced rainfall creates more inviting weather for outdoor explorations and festivities than the rainy season.
Rough Guides tip: make sure to read all about the best time to visit Mexico
Festivals and events in Mexico in October
There are several festivals and events that take place in Mexico during the month of October. This is the biggest:
- Feria (last week of Oct). Colima’s major festival runs from the last days of October until November 11.
- Festival Internacional Cervantino (mid-Oct). Guanajuato’s big, two-and-a-half-week music fest, dates back to the 1970s. Every October, it brings together Mexican marimba legends, French jazz artists, choral music from England and international dance troupes.
Rough Guides tip: Find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico.
Plan your trip with our Mexico itineraries
Our Mexico itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.
- Mexico itinerary 7 days: A week in Mexico lets you focus on one or two key regions. Perfect for a quick mix of culture, history, and a bit of beach relaxation.
- Mexico itinerary 10 days: Ten days allows you to see multiple regions, balancing city exploration and natural beauty. You’ll have time for iconic sites, local food, and some downtime.
- Mexico itinerary 14 days: Two weeks offers a deeper dive into Mexico’s diverse landscapes, from ancient ruins to scenic beaches.
- Mexico itinerary 3 weeks: Three weeks gives you the freedom to explore Mexico at a leisurely pace, covering cities, coastlines, and rural areas. Great for an in-depth experience that captures the country’s culture, cuisine, and natural wonders.
