Mexico in December brings 20-28°C temperatures, 10-20mm rainfall, and high tourist crowds. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect December trip to Mexico — from weather patterns and costs to events and packing essentials.
What the Weather's Really Like
Mexico in December averages 20-28°C with approximately 10-20mm of rainfall. Dry season. Days are generally shorter but often clear. The weather makes December a popular but rewarding times to visit.
How Busy Is It?
Tourist levels are high in December. Expect higher accommodation prices and busier attractions — book at least 2-3 months ahead for popular spots.
Budget travelers should expect 20-40% higher costs compared to shoulder season.
What to Do
Top highlights: Dry season, Christmas/posadas, whale watching begins, perfect beach weather.
December is particularly good for cultural experiences, museums, food tours, and indoor attractions with occasional outdoor days. Beach activities and water sports are at their best.
What to Bring
Essential packing list: Light clothing, swimwear, festive attire, sun protection, light layer for evenings. Don't forget a reusable water bottle — hydration is key in the warmth.
The Verdict
Yes — December is popular for good reason, offering dry season. Despite higher prices and bigger crowds, the weather and events make it worth the premium.
The Timing Trick: Why the First Two Weeks Beat the Holidays
December is two trips wearing one name, and which one you get depends on the calendar. Travel before roughly December 20 and you ride peak dry-season weather without peak prices; on the Riviera Maya that means highs near 28C and about eight hours of sun a day, while resort rates often sit well below the holiday surge. Wait for Christmas week (about December 22 to January 3) and the same room can run 40 to 60 percent higher, with airports and Tulum ruins packed by snowbirds.
The month also rewards travelers who care about more than beaches. Mexico City is at its driest, around 14mm of rain across the month, but the brochure-friendly 20-28C figure hides cold nights that drop to roughly 5 to 6C, so pack a real layer. Time it for December 12 and you land in the middle of Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, when something like 10 to 12 million pilgrims converge on the Basilica in the city's north.
The honest catch sits in Baja: gray whales only start trickling into the calving lagoons in late December. Book a December trip for the whales and you may see a handful at most. The real spectacle at San Ignacio Lagoon and Magdalena Bay peaks in February and March.
FAQ
What is the weather like in Mexico in December?
Temperatures range from 20-28°C with about 10-20mm of rainfall. Dry season.
Is December too crowded in Mexico?
Crowd levels are high. Book accommodations and major attractions well in advance.
What should I pack for Mexico in December?
Light clothing, swimwear, festive attire, sun protection, light layer for evenings.
📅 Other months: Mexico in February · Mexico in January · Mexico in March
Plan Your Mexico Trip
More Mexico guides: Best Time to Visit Mexico · How Much Does a Trip to Mexico Cost? · Is Mexico Safe?
📖 Read our Complete Travel Guide to Mexico for the full picture.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.