Travel Tips for Mexico
What to Expect, What to Wear, and How to Prepare
Traveling through Mexico is a rewarding experience that blends ancient history, living traditions, diverse climates, and dramatic landscapes. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable, healthy, and focused on the experience rather than logistics.
This guide covers weather by season, what to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare before departure.
Weather in Mexico (By Season)
Mexico’s climate varies by region and elevation, but most archaeological travel falls into warm to hot zones with occasional humidity.
☀️ Dry Season: November – April
Best overall travel season
- Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Nights: 55–65°F (13–18°C), cooler at elevation
- Conditions: Dry, sunny, minimal rain
What to expect:
Clear skies, cooler mornings, comfortable site visits. This is the most popular season for good reason.
Tips:
- Bring layers for early mornings
- Sun exposure is strong—UV protection is essential
🌧️ Early Wet Season: May – June
Hotter with occasional showers
- Daytime: 80–95°F (27–35°C)
- Humidity: Rising
- Rain: Short afternoon showers
What to expect:
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, warmer conditions.
Tips:
- Lightweight rain shell
- Breathable clothing
- Hydration is key
🌴 Peak Wet / Green Season: July – September
Warm, humid, tropical feel
- Daytime: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Rain: Short but heavy bursts, usually afternoons
- Mornings: Often clear
What to expect:
Vibrant greenery, warmer nights, occasional muddy paths.
Tips:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof shoes or trail sneakers
- Pack light but smart
🍂 Shoulder Season: October
Transitional and pleasant
- Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Rain: Tapers off
- Crowds: Lighter
What to expect:
Excellent balance of weather and comfort.
What to Wear in Mexico
Comfort, sun protection, and breathability matter more than style.
Daily Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable shirts (cotton or technical fabrics)
- Long sleeves for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or hiking trousers
- Shorts are fine in warm regions
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings
Footwear
- Broken-in walking shoes or trail runners
- Sandals or casual shoes for evenings
- Avoid brand-new shoes—ancient sites are uneven
Sun Protection
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe if applicable)
Gear to Bring
These items make a big difference on long site days:
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Compact umbrella or rain shell (wet season)
- Lightweight scarf or buff (sun, dust, warmth)
- Portable power bank
- Camera or phone with extra storage
- Electrolyte packets
What to Pack (Essentials)
Documents & Money
- Passport (with copies)
- Travel insurance details
- Credit card + small amount of cash
- Copies stored digitally
Health & Comfort
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (especially summer)
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Tech
- Phone + charger
- International plug adapter (Type A/B used in Mexico)
- Headphones for flights & downtime
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only
- Food: Stick to curated restaurants and clean venues
- Sun: The sun is stronger than it feels—pace yourself
- Altitude: Some regions sit at elevation; hydrate and rest
- Pacing: Archaeological sites involve stairs, uneven ground, and walking—comfortable fitness helps
Mexico is generally welcoming and safe for travelers when moving with experienced guides and organized logistics.
Final Preparation Checklist
✔ Passport valid for duration of stay
✔ Travel insurance arranged
✔ Shoes broken in
✔ Sunscreen + hat packed
✔ Comfortable, breathable clothing
✔ Curiosity and flexibility
Travel prepared. Move comfortably. Experience deeply.
Travel Tips for Mexico
What to Expect, What to Wear, and How to Prepare
Traveling through Mexico is a rewarding experience that blends ancient history, living traditions, diverse climates, and dramatic landscapes. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable, healthy, and focused on the experience rather than logistics.
This guide covers weather by season, what to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare before departure.
Weather in Mexico (By Season)
Mexico’s climate varies by region and elevation, but most archaeological travel falls into warm to hot zones with occasional humidity.
☀️ Dry Season: November – April
Best overall travel season
- Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Nights: 55–65°F (13–18°C), cooler at elevation
- Conditions: Dry, sunny, minimal rain
What to expect:
Clear skies, cooler mornings, comfortable site visits. This is the most popular season for good reason.
Tips:
- Bring layers for early mornings
- Sun exposure is strong—UV protection is essential
🌧️ Early Wet Season: May – June
Hotter with occasional showers
- Daytime: 80–95°F (27–35°C)
- Humidity: Rising
- Rain: Short afternoon showers
What to expect:
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, warmer conditions.
Tips:
- Lightweight rain shell
- Breathable clothing
- Hydration is key
🌴 Peak Wet / Green Season: July – September
Warm, humid, tropical feel
- Daytime: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Rain: Short but heavy bursts, usually afternoons
- Mornings: Often clear
What to expect:
Vibrant greenery, warmer nights, occasional muddy paths.
Tips:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof shoes or trail sneakers
- Pack light but smart
🍂 Shoulder Season: October
Transitional and pleasant
- Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Rain: Tapers off
- Crowds: Lighter
What to expect:
Excellent balance of weather and comfort.
What to Wear in Mexico
Comfort, sun protection, and breathability matter more than style.
Daily Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable shirts (cotton or technical fabrics)
- Long sleeves for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or hiking trousers
- Shorts are fine in warm regions
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings
Footwear
- Broken-in walking shoes or trail runners
- Sandals or casual shoes for evenings
- Avoid brand-new shoes—ancient sites are uneven
Sun Protection
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe if applicable)
Gear to Bring
These items make a big difference on long site days:
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Compact umbrella or rain shell (wet season)
- Lightweight scarf or buff (sun, dust, warmth)
- Portable power bank
- Camera or phone with extra storage
- Electrolyte packets
What to Pack (Essentials)
Documents & Money
- Passport (with copies)
- Travel insurance details
- Credit card + small amount of cash
- Copies stored digitally
Health & Comfort
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (especially summer)
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Tech
- Phone + charger
- International plug adapter (Type A/B used in Mexico)
- Headphones for flights & downtime
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only
- Food: Stick to curated restaurants and clean venues
- Sun: The sun is stronger than it feels—pace yourself
- Altitude: Some regions sit at elevation; hydrate and rest
- Pacing: Archaeological sites involve stairs, uneven ground, and walking—comfortable fitness helps
Mexico is generally welcoming and safe for travelers when moving with experienced guides and organized logistics.
Final Preparation Checklist
✔ Passport valid for duration of stay
✔ Travel insurance arranged
✔ Shoes broken in
✔ Sunscreen + hat packed
✔ Comfortable, breathable clothing
✔ Curiosity and flexibility
Travel prepared. Move comfortably. Experience deeply.
What to Expect, What to Wear, and How to Prepare
Traveling through Mexico is a rewarding experience that blends ancient history, living traditions, diverse climates, and dramatic landscapes. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable, healthy, and focused on the experience rather than logistics.
This guide covers weather by season, what to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare before departure.
Weather in Mexico (By Season)
Mexico’s climate varies by region and elevation, but most archaeological travel falls into warm to hot zones with occasional humidity.
☀️ Dry Season: November – April
Best overall travel season
- Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Nights: 55–65°F (13–18°C), cooler at elevation
- Conditions: Dry, sunny, minimal rain
What to expect:
Clear skies, cooler mornings, comfortable site visits. This is the most popular season for good reason.
Tips:
- Bring layers for early mornings
- Sun exposure is strong—UV protection is essential
🌧️ Early Wet Season: May – June
Hotter with occasional showers
- Daytime: 80–95°F (27–35°C)
- Humidity: Rising
- Rain: Short afternoon showers
What to expect:
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, warmer conditions.
Tips:
- Lightweight rain shell
- Breathable clothing
- Hydration is key
🌴 Peak Wet / Green Season: July – September
Warm, humid, tropical feel
- Daytime: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Rain: Short but heavy bursts, usually afternoons
- Mornings: Often clear
What to expect:
Vibrant greenery, warmer nights, occasional muddy paths.
Tips:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof shoes or trail sneakers
- Pack light but smart
🍂 Shoulder Season: October
Transitional and pleasant
- Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Rain: Tapers off
- Crowds: Lighter
What to expect:
Excellent balance of weather and comfort.
What to Wear in Mexico
Comfort, sun protection, and breathability matter more than style.
Daily Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable shirts (cotton or technical fabrics)
- Long sleeves for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or hiking trousers
- Shorts are fine in warm regions
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings
Footwear
- Broken-in walking shoes or trail runners
- Sandals or casual shoes for evenings
- Avoid brand-new shoes—ancient sites are uneven
Sun Protection
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe if applicable)
Gear to Bring
These items make a big difference on long site days:
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Compact umbrella or rain shell (wet season)
- Lightweight scarf or buff (sun, dust, warmth)
- Portable power bank
- Camera or phone with extra storage
- Electrolyte packets
What to Pack (Essentials)
Documents & Money
- Passport (with copies)
- Travel insurance details
- Credit card + small amount of cash
- Copies stored digitally
Health & Comfort
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (especially summer)
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Tech
- Phone + charger
- International plug adapter (Type A/B used in Mexico)
- Headphones for flights & downtime
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only
- Food: Stick to curated restaurants and clean venues
- Sun: The sun is stronger than it feels—pace yourself
- Altitude: Some regions sit at elevation; hydrate and rest
- Pacing: Archaeological sites involve stairs, uneven ground, and walking—comfortable fitness helps
Mexico is generally welcoming and safe for travelers when moving with experienced guides and organized logistics.
Final Preparation Checklist
✔ Passport valid for duration of stay
✔ Travel insurance arranged
✔ Shoes broken in
✔ Sunscreen + hat packed
✔ Comfortable, breathable clothing
✔ Curiosity and flexibility
Travel prepared. Move comfortably. Experience deeply.
Travel Tips for Mexico
What to Expect, What to Wear, and How to Prepare
Traveling through Mexico is a rewarding experience that blends ancient history, living traditions, diverse climates, and dramatic landscapes. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable, healthy, and focused on the experience rather than logistics.
This guide covers weather by season, what to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare before departure.
Weather in Mexico (By Season)
Mexico’s climate varies by region and elevation, but most archaeological travel falls into warm to hot zones with occasional humidity.
☀️ Dry Season: November – April
Best overall travel season
- Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Nights: 55–65°F (13–18°C), cooler at elevation
- Conditions: Dry, sunny, minimal rain
What to expect:
Clear skies, cooler mornings, comfortable site visits. This is the most popular season for good reason.
Tips:
- Bring layers for early mornings
- Sun exposure is strong—UV protection is essential
🌧️ Early Wet Season: May – June
Hotter with occasional showers
- Daytime: 80–95°F (27–35°C)
- Humidity: Rising
- Rain: Short afternoon showers
What to expect:
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, warmer conditions.
Tips:
- Lightweight rain shell
- Breathable clothing
- Hydration is key
🌴 Peak Wet / Green Season: July – September
Warm, humid, tropical feel
- Daytime: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Rain: Short but heavy bursts, usually afternoons
- Mornings: Often clear
What to expect:
Vibrant greenery, warmer nights, occasional muddy paths.
Tips:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof shoes or trail sneakers
- Pack light but smart
🍂 Shoulder Season: October
Transitional and pleasant
- Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Rain: Tapers off
- Crowds: Lighter
What to expect:
Excellent balance of weather and comfort.
What to Wear in Mexico
Comfort, sun protection, and breathability matter more than style.
Daily Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable shirts (cotton or technical fabrics)
- Long sleeves for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or hiking trousers
- Shorts are fine in warm regions
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings
- Broken-in walking shoes or trail runners
- Sandals or casual shoes for evenings
- Avoid brand-new shoes—ancient sites are uneven
Sun Protection
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe if applicable)
Gear to Bring
These items make a big difference on long site days:
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Compact umbrella or rain shell (wet season)
- Lightweight scarf or buff (sun, dust, warmth)
- Portable power bank
- Camera or phone with extra storage
- Electrolyte packets
What to Pack (Essentials)
Documents & Money
- Passport (with copies)
- Travel insurance details
- Credit card + small amount of cash
- Copies stored digitally
Health & Comfort
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (especially summer)
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Tech
- Phone + charger
- International plug adapter (Type A/B used in Mexico)
- Headphones for flights & downtime
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water only
- Food: Stick to curated restaurants and clean venues
- Sun: The sun is stronger than it feels—pace yourself
- Altitude: Some regions sit at elevation; hydrate and rest
- Pacing: Archaeological sites involve stairs, uneven ground, and walking—comfortable fitness helps
Mexico is generally welcoming and safe for travelers when moving with experienced guides and organized logistics.
Final Preparation Checklist
✔ Passport valid for duration of stay
✔ Travel insurance arranged
✔ Shoes broken in
✔ Sunscreen + hat packed
✔ Comfortable, breathable clothing
✔ Curiosity and flexibility
Travel prepared. Move comfortably. Experience deeply.
