Mexico Weather in December

December is part of Mexico's dry season and one of the coldest months in the country. While you can expect plenty of sunlight during the last month of the year, you can also expect temperatures to plummet drastically once the sun has set. This is especially true for the northern interiors of the country, where temperatures are far lower than they are in the warmer southern side. Average temperatures in Mexico during December range from highs of 29°C (84°F) to lows of 6°C (43°F).

Overall, December is quite a busy time to be traveling in Mexico. A lot of travelers make their way to the country given the holidays are right around the corner, and it's largely sunny and dry, if albeit slightly cold, throughout the country. This results in prices for everything ranging from accommodation and entertainment to airfare and transportation getting marked up. If you're looking for a quieter time and don't wish to pay over the odds, consider traveling to the interiors of the Mexican north which is relatively colder, or during the first half of the month when it's not quite as crowded.

It can be very cold in Mexico during December. It's also important to keep in mind that many Mexican building don't have central heating or air-conditioning, so it can be quite chilly even when you're inside. If you're traveling to the country in December, pack plenty of winterwear and remember to dress in layers. A thick winter coat and a pair of gloves will also come in handy if you're traveling to Mexico City or any cities in the northern extremities of the country.

To get a better understanding of what Mexico is like in terms of climate and weather conditions during the month of December, continue reading below.

Mexico Weather in December: Overview

• Average temperature range: 6°C (43°F) – 29°C (84°F)
• Rainfall: 15 mm (1 inch) in Mexico City; 70 mm (3 inches) in Cancun; 10 mm (0 inches) in Oaxaca; 10 mm (0 inches) in Cabo San Lucas.
• Rainy days: 2 in Mexico City; 6 in Cancun; 1 in Oaxaca; 2 in Cabo San Lucas.

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Mexico and it can be particularly cold in the late hours of the evenings and the early hours of the mornings. Average maximum temperatures – usually recorded at daytime – stand at 22°C (72°F) in Mexico City, 28°C (82°F) in Cancun, 26°C (79°F) in Oaxaca, and 26°C (79°F) in Cabo San Lucas. Average minimum temperatures – usually recorded at nighttime – stand at 6°C (43°F) in Mexico City, 21°C (70°F) in Cancun, 9°C (48°F) in Oaxaca, and 19°C (66°F) in Cabo San Lucas.

While famous destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Chichen Itza stay relatively warm throughout December, others like Mexico City and Guadalajara can get quite cold.

December is a fun time to be in Mexico. There's plenty of sunlight and practically no sign of rain. If you're looking to soak up some sun on the beach and sign up for watersport activities, or take in the festive atmosphere brought on by Christmas and the holiday season, December is the right time of year to experience the best of both worlds!

Weather of Mexico Major Cities in December

Best Places to Visit in Mexico in December

1. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas makes for the perfect beach getaway come December. The temperatures range from a temperature 19°C (66°F) to a comfortably warm 26°C (79°F) with barely any signs of rainfall, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and kitesurfing. If you're in Cabo San Lucas during the second half of December, make it a point to go whale watching. You'll be treated to a variety of whale species, including Orcas, Blue Whales, and Humpback Whales.  

2. Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the best places in Mexico to take in the festive atmosphere of December. Sure, it's a little chilly in the evenings, but that's nothing a few warm layers of clothing can't take care of. If the world-class architecture and scrumptious food on offer aren't enough to draw you to the capital, the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve celebrations organized by the city certainly will. The Angel of Independence in the city hosts DJs and bands, and has fireworks displays to make sure you welcome the new year in style.

3. Chichen Itza

December is a great month to visit Chichen Itza. There's a very small chance it'll rain, and conditions are generally warm and sunny. Given the importance of this ancient Mayan architectural marvel, it is visited by millions of people annually and it's for these reasons we suggest getting there as early as possible, preferably on a weekday. This will give you the best chance of ensuring your wait to get inside is not too long or your visit dented by large groups of tourists.

December Crowds and Costs

Dry December weather comes with big December crowds in Mexico. Most major tourist hotspots are busy in the lead-up to Christmas and the holiday season, and the coastal destinations are among the most crowded of places. Due to the surge in demand, especially during the second half of December, accommodation, airfare, transportation, and entertainment are all priced at a premium.

If you're looking to beat the crowds and prefer a quieter holiday, either travel at the beginning of December when it's not as busy or make your way to the northern interiors of the country that are just as pretty but colder and as a result, less popular among travelers. Costs related to airfare and accommodation are also far more favorable at the beginning of the month and in these less frequented spots.

December Events in Mexico

Posadas: Posadas are one of the biggest and most important of Mexican celebrations. The word 'posada' literally translates to "the inns" and is a reference to the shelter sought by Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. The festival, therefore, is a celebration of this iconic scene in the Christmas story and Mexicans take the nine nights from December 16 to December 24 to organize parades and musical performances attended by thousands throughout the country.

Christmas Eve: December 24 marks Christmas Eve, more commonly known as Noche Buena, or "the good night", in Mexico. The last posada of the year is held on this night before families take to attending midnight mass and enjoying a late-night meal comprising of tamales, mole, bacalao, and ham, among other items, together. This is a great holiday to observe the cultural variations that exist from country to country for a festival celebrated by millions around the globe.

New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve on December 31 is a big fiesta in Mexico. It is common to celebrate with friends and family by sharing a meal together and tradition dictates consuming 12 grapes – each one signifying good luck for each month of the upcoming year – at the stroke of midnight. If you're in Mexico City, head on over to the Angel of Independence; you'll get to experience fireworks, music, and plenty of parties.

What to Wear in Mexico in December

While you don't have to worry about the rains during your time in Mexico during December, it can be particularly cold once the sun has set. It's also important to point out that the majority of buildings in Mexico are not equipped with central heating, meaning it can be quite chilly even when inside. Our suggestion? Pack plenty of winterwear and dress in layers!

Ideally, you'll want to make sure your packing list includes plenty of long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants and jeans, skirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, scarves, a winter hat, sunhats, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, flip flops, swimwear, beach cover ups, and insect repellant.

In addition, it's also a good idea to pack a thick winter coat and a pair of gloves if you're going to be in Mexico City or the northern reaches of the country.

Explore Mexico with Global Highlights

Mexico is an absolute dream to visit, and our team of travel experts here at Global Highlights would be thrilled to help you realize that dream. We know the ins and outs of traveling around Mexico and have years of experience planning the perfect itinerary for this Central American paradise. This expertise will ensure you have a thoroughly memorable time during your holiday, and come back home refreshed, rejuvenated, and with plenty of stories to tell your friends. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so all you need to worry about is having as good a time as possible!