Weather in Mexico in November

November is probably the ideal time to visit Mexico, as the rains are over and the land is still fresh, but the peak season has not yet begun. This is when the northern regions begin to cool down, but the southern parts of the country remain warm. Along the Pacific coast, temperatures average around 75°F (24°C) during the daytime, still hot enough for some beach time, whilst central regions, including Mexico City, register daytime temperatures around 72°F (22°C). The Indigenous tradition of the Day of the Dead also takes place in November. Planning a Mexico trip? Make sure to check the weather in November.

Mexico in November at a glance

The weather in Mexico in November makes it a great time to visit.

• November brings warm, comfortable temperatures across most of Mexico, typically ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), with cooler evenings in highland areas like Mexico City.
• The rainy season winds down in early November, bringing clearer skies and lower humidity.
• This is shoulder season in most regions, meaning fewer crowds than the winter peak and more moderate accommodation prices.
   

What is the weather like in Mexico in November?

The weather in Mexico in November tends to be dry, sunny, and much more comfortable than the hotter, wetter months that come before it. In many regions, this is the start of the dry season, so you’ll get clearer skies and lower humidity. 

November falls into the shoulder-to-high season, especially in beach destinations. It’s a good time for hiking, beach days, and city exploring, and it’s early enough that places aren’t too crowded yet. Just bring a light layer for cooler evenings inland.

Want to explore Mexico your way? Our Mexico local experts can plan it for you.

Average daily temperatures in November

November in Mexico usually brings warm days and cooler nights, with much less humidity than the summer months. On the coast, places like Cancún tend to sit around 82°F (28°C) during the day and dip to about 75°F (24°C) at night. Inland cities like Mexico City are milder, with daytime highs around 72°F (22°C) and cooler nights around 46 to 49°F (8 to 9°C). You’ll probably want a light layer once the sun goes down, especially in the highlands.

Sea temperatures stay warm at around 80°F (27°C), so swimming is still very doable in November, especially along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

But how to plan a trip to Mexico and get the most out of your time during this time of year? You’ll get about 11 hours of daylight, which gives you a good chunk of time to be out and about. Compared to summer, the weather feels more manageable for walking, hiking, or exploring ruins. November also marks the start of the dry season in many areas, so it’s a fairly reliable time weather-wise. 

Is November a good time to visit Mexico?

Yes, November is a great time to plan for your Mexico itinerary. The rainy season has mostly wrapped up, and the weather shifts into that dry, comfortable stretch that lasts through winter. You’ll get warm, sunny days across much of the country, with low humidity and little rain. Good news whether you’re headed for the coast, the mountains, or the cities.

Beach conditions are especially nice this time of year. On the Pacific side, places like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo are in full swing. On the Caribbean side, the water’s calm and clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or diving around Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Inland, it’s a good time for cultural trips too. Mexico City is cooler and more breathable than in summer and perfect for museums, street food, and markets. Oaxaca’s streets are still buzzing after Day of the Dead in early November, and you can catch the monarch butterflies arriving in the highland forests of Michoacán.

November sits just before the high season kicks in, so you'll find comfortable weather, cultural festivals, and fewer crowds than later in winter.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• The end of rainy season means clear skies and lower humidity
• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in early November
• Perfect beach weather on both Caribbean and Pacific coasts
• Fewer crowds and better prices before winter vacation season
• Excellent time for whale watching in Baja California
• Comfortable temperatures for hiking, cenote swimming, and outdoor adventures
   

What about crowds and costs?

November is part of the shoulder season, so it’s the best time to visit Mexico if you want to avoid peak-season crowds without giving up decent weather. You’ll notice fewer people around compared to December, especially in popular beach towns and cities.

Accommodation is usually more affordable between September and November. You can find good value across the board, whether you're reservation a simple guesthouse or something more comfortable. October has similar weather and even fewer travelers, so if you're looking for quieter streets and beaches, that’s worth keeping in mind.

If weather is your main priority, December through May is Mexico’s dry season. You’ll get clearer skies and minimal rain, but prices are higher and things are much busier, especially around the vacations and spring break in March and April.

November tends to land in the middle. It’s warm, prices are reasonable, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. On top of that, it’s when Día de los Muertos takes place, with celebrations happening across the country.

Where to go in Mexico in November

November is a great time to travel in Mexico. Hurricane season is over, temperatures have cooled a bit, and the busy vacation season hasn’t kicked in yet. Early in the month, Day of the Dead is celebrated across the country, which is one of the most meaningful times to experience Mexican culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Mexico in November.

Oaxaca

In November, Oaxaca becomes the heart of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, and on 21-day Mexico trips there’s time to experience both the city and the nearby villages that mark the occasion in their own way. Families build altars in their homes, decorate graves, and gather in cemeteries to remember loved ones. It’s personal, lively, and deeply rooted in tradition. The city’s colonial buildings and cobbled streets set the scene.

The weather is dry and pleasant, which makes it a good time to visit Monte Albán or hike to Hierve el Agua. Local mezcal producers are in harvest season, so distilleries are busy with tastings. Markets are full of seasonal ingredients, especially different kinds of mole.

Puerto Vallarta

November in Puerto Vallarta feels like the city waking up. The rains have stopped, the air feels clean, and it’s warm enough for the beach without being overwhelming. This is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico. You can swim or snorkel in the calm waters of Banderas Bay and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of early-arriving humpback whales. In the evenings, the Malecón fills up with locals and visitors walking the waterfront, getting street snacks, or just people-watching. Outside the city, the Sierra Madre foothills are worth exploring. Art walks run weekly, and the main market is a good place to try local food and see what people are actually buying.

Riviera Maya

The weather on Mexico’s Caribbean coast settles into a good rhythm in November. Rainfall drops, the sea is warm and clear, and the air feels manageable again. This is where you'll find some of the best beaches in Mexico. It’s a good time for diving and snorkeling, especially around Cozumel, where underwater visibility is usually excellent. Whale sharks are still around early in the month, and sea turtle nesting season is still active in some areas, with chances to join local conservation efforts. Inland, you can visit Mayan ruins like Tulum or Coba without the midday heat dragging you down. Cenotes are cool and quiet this time of year, good for swimming or just taking a break from the sun. 

What to do in Mexico in November

If you're planning a trip to Mexico in November, you're in luck. It’s easier to spend full days outside, whether you’re wandering ancient ruins, snorkeling, or just walking around town. Here are some of the best things to do in Mexico in November.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead takes place in early November and is celebrated across the country. Families build altars for relatives who have passed, decorating them with candles, food, flowers, and photographs. It’s a time to remember loved ones, but it’s not treated as a sad event.

In places like Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro, the traditions are especially visible, and you’ll also see a large parade in Mexico City. You’ll come across painted faces, papel picado banners, and pan de muerto, a slightly sweet bread made just for this time of year. In some areas, families gather in cemeteries at night, lighting candles and spending time together.  

Whale watching

November is when gray whales start arriving in the waters around Baja California after migrating from Alaska. Humpbacks show up a little later in the month along the Pacific coast, especially around Puerto Vallarta.

You can join a boat tour from Los Cabos, Loreto, or one of the coastal towns with access to the ocean. It’s still early in the season, which means you’re more likely to be out on the water with fewer boats around. The seas are usually calm, and there’s a good chance you’ll see other wildlife too, like dolphins or sea lions. Still deciding between Cancun or Cabo? See our guide. 

Visit archaeological sites

The dry season starts in November, which makes it one of the easiest times to explore Mexico’s ruins on foot. You’ll get warm days without the intense humidity or downpours that can make summer visits uncomfortable. It’s still bright and green from the recent rainy season, but the trails and paths are more manageable, and there’s often more breathing room before the high-season crowds kick in around December.

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.
• Cancun itinerary: Base yourself in Cancun for beach days and easy day trips. Visit nearby cenotes, explore Mayan ruins like Tulum or Chichén Itzá, and take a ferry to Isla Mujeres for a slower pace.
• Mexico City itinerary: Spend a few days exploring museums, parks, and markets in the capital. Add day trips to Teotihuacán or nearby towns like Puebla or Tepoztlán for a mix of history, nature, and food.