Mexico Weather in November

You can forget about the hurricanes and heavy rains affecting your travel plans to Mexico in November. This is a great month to be out and about exploring the country, with cooler temperatures and sunnier days accompanying you during this much-awaited drier period. Temperatures in November average maximums of 29°C (84°F) and minimums of 7°C (45°F).

The second half of November is generally far busier than is the first half of the month. The exception to this rule, however, is the period right around Mexico's day of the Dead celebrations at the very beginning of November. During this time, the cities with the best celebrations including Mexico City, Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City), and Patzcuaro tend to get pretty crowded. November is never obnoxiously busy, though, regardless of the exact time of the month you visit the country, and if book your flights and hotels far out in advance, you're bound to get great deals on both.

The second half of November can see temperatures drop to near-single digits in many parts of Mexico. It's also important to note that most buildings in the country don't have air conditioning or central heating, meaning it can be quite chilly even when you're inside. As such, it's always recommended to pack plenty of warm clothes, and dress in layers. This will help you stay comfortable and warm even during the late evenings of the month.

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

Mexico Weather in November: Overview

• Average temperature range: 7°C (45°F) – 29°C (84°F)
• Rainfall: 30 mm (1 inch) in Mexico City; 100 mm (4 inches) in Cancun; 15 mm (1 inch) in Oaxaca; 15 mm (1 inch) in Cabo San Lucas.
• Rainy days: 3 in Mexico City; 7 in Cancun; 2 in Oaxaca; 1 in Cabo San Lucas.

Although much cooler in November as compared to the previous few months, exact temperatures in Mexico during the month will vary from region to region and state to state. Average temperatures touch highs of 22°C (72°F) in Mexico City, 29°C (84°F) in Cancun, 28°C (82°F) in Oaxaca, and 29°C (84°F) in Cabo San Lucas. The average temperatures touch lows of 7°C (45°F) in Mexico City, 23°C (73°F) in Cancun, 10°C (50°F) in Oaxaca, and 21°C (70°F) in Cabo San Lucas.

While you don't have to worry about the rains spoiling your travel plans in Mexico during November, you should note that it does get quite cold in the late evenings and nights in many parts of the country. This is particularly noticeable in the capital, Mexico City, and in other cities such as Guadalajara, Oaxaca de Juarez, and Monterrey.

Mexico is the place to be in November if your idea of a good holiday includes attending grand Day of the Dead celebrations and visiting historic Mayan temples like Chichen Itza. The weather is gorgeous, and the festive spirit has everyone in a great mood!

Weather of Mexico Major Cities in November

Best Places to Visit in Mexico in November

1. Oaxaca

Oaxaca de Juarez, or Oaxaca City, as it's more commonly known, is one of the must-visit destinations if you're looking to experience authentic Day of the Dead celebrations. There are carnivals and parades organized throughout the city, and you can spot many a decorated alter during your walks through lit up neighborhoods.

A couple of important tips: Oaxaca gets very busy during its Day of the Dead celebrations, so do plan and book your accommodation as far out in advance as possible. You're highly likely to not find the right hotel for you if you just show up.

We also strongly suggest steering clear of cemeteries unless you want to pay your respects to someone there. The Day of the Dead is a very important holiday for many who have the right to spend the day in the peace and quiet they deem fitting for themselves and their family members.

2. Mexico City and San Andres Mixquic

If it's your first time in Mexico during the Day of the Dead holiday observance, you ought to spend at least a day in the capital. Mexico City organizes carnivals, parades, and light shows that serve as a great introduction to the festival for visitors.

Located just an hour south of the capital is San Andres Mixquic. This quiet countryside town comes alive during its Day of the Dead celebrations and is one of the best places in the country, if not the world, to observe the festival. You can see ornately decorated altars and graves, lit up churches, and lively street performances taking place in the city's squares to get an idea of how the quieter, less-touristy, corners of the country celebrate the holiday.

Always try and avoid, or at least limit the time you spend at, cemeteries as these ought to be quiet spaces for locals to spend time with their loved ones. In addition, while taking photographs is completely normal and acceptable, do try and get permission beforehand if you're photographing locals or altars as a sign of respect.

3. Chichen Itza

November is one of the best months to visit Chichen Itza given the dry and sunny weather conditions. Crowds are smaller during the first half of the month than they are during the second and we recommend getting to the ancient Mayan archaeological wonder as early as possible on a weekday morning to make sure you're not waiting in line too long.

November Crowds and Costs

While it never gets overly crowded in Mexico during November, the second half of the month is certainly busier than the first. The only exception to this general rule is the period around the country's Day of the Dead celebrations at the very end of October and beginning of November during which time many cities get crowded, and many hotels tend to get booked up.

If you book your hotels and flights far out in advance, though, you're sure to find great deals on accommodation and airfare as November is rarely, if ever, way too busy in Mexico.

November Events in Mexico

Day of the Dead: The first two days of November mark Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in Mexico. Immensely popular around the world today, Day of the Dead is one of the most important Mexican holidays. Decorated altars are set up for the dearly departed on this special day when the living and the dead are believed to reunite. Mexico City, San Andres Mixquic, Oaxaca, and Patzcuaro are some of the places with the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations.

Revolution Day: November 20 marks Mexico's Revolution Day, or Dia de la Revolucion Mexicana. It was on this day in 1910 that Francisco I. Madero, the frontrunning presidential candidate, called on Mexicans to stand up for their rights and oppose any form of autocratic political ideology. The date is observed on the third Monday of every November, and is a public holiday, meaning all government offices, schools, and most businesses have the longer weekend to enjoy.

While Mexico City has some of the grandest Revolution Day celebrations, the holiday is celebrated throughout the country. Parades, parties, fireworks, and family dinners comprising of Mexican favorites such as tacos, fajitas, and tostadas make up the key elements for a happy and joyous Revolution Day.

What to Wear in Mexico in November

Although there is little worry of getting rained on during your trip to Mexico in November, temperatures can plummet to single digits in urban centers like Mexico City during the second half of the month. This, coupled with the fact that most buildings in the capital lack central heating or air conditioning, means it can be quite cold even when you're inside. Dressing accordingly, and in layers, goes a long way in always ensuring you're comfortable and warm.

You'll be well prepared to tackle all weather types if you make sure you have the following items in your packing list: long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants or jeans, dresses, skirts, light sweaters, a thick jacket, scarves, comfortable walking shoes, sandals or flip flops, reef shoes, swimwear, beach cover ups, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellant.  

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!