5 Cities in Mexico to Escape the Winter
If you are searching for the ideal winter gateway in Mexico, you have come to the right place. This article highlights 5 incredible Mexican destinations that are perfect for a holiday retreat.
As you may have imagined, winter in Mexico is the perfect time to explore the country's renowned beaches. Along the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula, the shores shine under sun-drenched skies and the driest weather of the year. O Mexico's sparkling Pacific Coast, winter is all about enjoying water sports and whale watching on blissfully warm days.
inland destinations such as Mexico City, Puebla, and San Miguel de Allende offer mild winter weather along with vibrant holiday celebrations. And if you are dreaming of a white Christmas in Mexico, you will find it nestled in the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains.
Bacalar
average winter temperature
20° to 30° C
Bacalar is one of those places so stunning that it is almost impossible to put into words. While not technically a beach town, relaxing on the shores of the Lake of Seven Colors, as it is also known, is one of the most breathtaking winter escapes in Mexico. Far les touristy than Quintana Roo resort towns, Bacalar is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in natural beauty and find peace away from the crowds.
Like Quintana Roo destinations on this list, winter in Bacalar brings its driest and least humid weather. Daytime temperatures are sunny and perfect, making it ideal for hours of fun on the lake. A boat tour is a must to truly appreciate the lake's immense beauty. For an extra dose of water fun, head 20 minutes south to Los Rapidos, a long, lazy river where you can spend the day floating happily along the currents.
Winter in Bacalar is also the perfect time to explore nearby Mayan ruins. The closest are Kohunlich, a large archaeological site dotted with pyramids, and Dzinbanché, a majestic field of ruins dating back 300 BCE.
Mazatlån
average winter temperature
16° - 27° C
Known as the ''Pearl of the Pacific'', Mazatlán is an amazing winter destination in Mexico. The Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone, is alive with restaurants and hotels, all centered around stunning beaches. With fantastic weather, it's the perfect time to explore the outdoors, whether you're strolling through Mazatlán's charming colonial center or enjoying the beach with activities like surfing, sailing, ATV rides, or horseback riding.
Winter is also when Mazatlán hosts one of the biggest parties of the year - the third-largest Carnaval celebration in the world, following only Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Who knew!
El Carnaval, is a family-friendly event that brings unforgettable celebrations along the Malecon. Expect a street party like no other, with lively parades, non-stop dancing , spectacular concerts featuring both local and national acts, theatrical performances, stunning fireworks displays, delicious food, and even effigy burning.
Mexico City
average winter temperature
7° - 21° C
Mexico City is a fantastic winter destination. With mild daytime temperatures, you can comfortably wear jeans and a T-shirt. Plus, winter brings a flurry of vibrant fiestas and local traditions for visitors to enjoy.
At Christmas time, Mexico City is adorned with beautiful lights and displays, particularly in El Zocalo and along Paseo de la Reforma, which are decorated with poinsettias and nativity scenes. Thousands of people from around the world flock to the city to celebrate the legendary Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th. This is also when festive Las Posadas processions begin. Another highlight is Navidalia, a spectacular annual festival of lights, food, and activities, which includes an ice skating rink!
Once again, El Zócalo takes the spotlight on New Year's Eve. Mexico City's historic Center comes alive with concerts, dancing, a wide variety of food, and a breathtaking fireworks display.
As global culinary destination, Mexico City (DF) is one of the best places to try traditional Mexican foods. While many dishes are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly. there are still plenty of options to satisfy plant-based diets. Vegan and vegetarian tamales are easy to find at restaurants throughout the city, as well as Romeritos, a holiday dish made of greens cooked in mole sauce.
Buñuelos are fried doughnuts typically served around Christmas and New Year's Eve. Enjoy these doughty delights with a warm cup of Ponche Navideño, a hot, spiced apple cider-like drink made with fruit, sugar cane, cinnamon, and piloncillo. It's the perfect drink to keep you warm while shopping at Mexico City's Christmas markets!
San Miguel de Allende
average winter temperature
7° - 21° C
Every November 2nd, the charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende hosts one of Mexico's largest Day of the Dead celebrations. Hundreds of locals, dressed in full Catrina and Calavera regalia, fill the cobblestone streets, which are adorned with vibrant orange and yellow marigolds - the traditional flower of the holiday. In Plaza Principal, you'll find colorful altars honoring the deceased, accompanied by lively music and dancing. Be sure to ask locals for tips on where to find the best pan de muerto(Its round shape and decorative patterns symbolize the cycle of life and death, and it is often flavored with orange or anise.), a traditional sweet bread that Mexicans eat to honor the dead during Dia de los Muertos.
During Christmas, San Miguel de Allende is awash with gorgeous decorations, concert, parades and traditional performances that light up the town. Also in December, the Festival de Cine takes lace, celebrating international independent films , shorts and documentaries. If you are looking for a unique war to warm up during the cooler months, you can relax and recharge at San Miguel's famous hot springs.
Todos los Santos
average winter temperature
13° - 24° C
If you are searching for a Pacific beach town that's more laid-back and less touristy than others on the list, say hola to Todos Santos.
Once a popular day trip from Cabo, Todos Santos is now designated Pueblo Mágico and has become a destination in its own right. With its boho vibes, vibrant foodie scene, boutique shopping, art galleries, and stunning natural beauty. Todos Santos is a top under-the-radar winter escape.
Surfing is one of the main attractions in Todos Santos, with its vast, beautiful beaches that are less crowded than those in other parts of Baja California. Hiking is another favorite activity, especially along the Punta Lobos trail, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and the ruins of the old port and sugar mill.
Like other destinations on Mexican Pacific Coast, you are almost guaranteed to spot a whale or two while you are in Todos Santos. For more hands-on wildlife experience, join the nonprofit organization Tortuguero Las Playitas to release freshly hatched sea turtles into the ocean. From December through March, locals gather on the beach at sunset for hatching events, helping to protect the turtles from being hunted.
Puerto Vallarta
average winter temperature
16° - 27° C
Puerto Vallarta is another iconic beach town in Mexico, known for its unbeatable warm winter temperatures. Outdoor activities like beach going, zip-lining through the jungle and strolling the Malecòn. You are also likely to spot whales here, too.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier food destinations, a fact highlighted each November with the Festival Gourmet International. This 10-day event is one of the country's most anticipated food and wine festivals, showcasing top local restaurants and renowned Mexican chefs.
In the same month, beer lovers won't want to miss the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival. More relaxed than the Festival Gourmet, this event features live music, craft beer tastings, and a wide variety of food vendors serving their creations along the beach.
In early November, get ready to encounter Puerto Vallarta's iconic Calavera Catrina. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest Catrina in the world, this elegant female skeleton statue, an emblem Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Death), stands 92 feet tall near the boardwalk.