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Mexico (Westcoast)
Famous for great surfing waves and golden sunsets, this coast is incredibly laid-back. You can eat amazing fresh seafood or go whale watching in the deep Pacific Ocean.
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Summary
Did you know?
Cliff Divers – In Acapulco, brave local men dive headfirst off steep 130-foot ocean cliffs into a narrow, shallow ocean cove below.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Diving/Snorkeling, Surfing
Expenses
0-50€, <150€, <200€, <100€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
North America
Currency
Mexican peso
Languages
Spanish
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Mexico's Pacific coast is during the dry season from November to April. During these months, the Pacific humidity drops, days are reliably sunny, and temperatures sit comfortably between 26°C and 30°C (79°F to 86°F). This period brings calm ocean conditions in sheltered bays, perfect beach weather, and prime whale-watching opportunities from December through March.
The rainy and tropical storm season runs from May to October, peaking between July and September. Summer along this coastal strip is hot and muggy, with temperatures frequently reaching 34°C to 36°C (93°F to 97°F) paired with heavy coastal humidity. However, the summer months bring the biggest south swells of the year, making it the premier season for experienced surfers heading to world-class breaks like Puerto Escondido.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: November to April (Dry Season)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 8 to 10 hours.
Rain Frequency: 0 to 2 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 to 1 hour.
Intensity: Rare, brief passing coastal showers.
Duration: Weeks pass without rain. Days are bright and warm, with gentle onshore breezes cooling the beaches by late afternoon.
Off-Peak Season: May to October (Rainy & Hurricane Season)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 5 to 7 hours.
Rain Frequency: 14 to 20 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 4 hours.
Intensity: Powerful tropical downpours and lightning storms, with occasional tropical depressions.
Duration: Mornings are typically clear, hot, and humid. Thunderstorms develop over the coastal mountains and sweep across the coastline in the late afternoon or evening.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: November-April
Budget Vacation ($35-65/day)
Accommodation: $15-28/night (surf hostel dorms in Puerto Escondido or Sayulita, basic seaside cabañas).
Food: $8-15/day (beachside taco stands, local market comedores, fresh fruit).
Activities: $5-12/day (board rentals, public beach access, self-guided coastal trails).
Transportation: $4-8/day (local colectivos, shared passenger trucks, public city buses).
Other Costs: $3/day (bottled water, cold beer).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90-190/day)
Accommodation: $55-110/night (beachfront boutique hotels, open-air thatched palapa bungalows with AC).
Food: $25-45/day (fresh seafood palapa restaurants, grilled fish dinners, craft beer).
Activities: $25-50/day (whale-watching boat trips, guided surf lessons, boat rides through coastal lagoons).
Transportation: $15-30/day (first-class regional buses, short taxi rides).
Other Costs: $6/day (tips, sunscreen, coconut water).
Luxury Vacation ($300-800+/day)
Accommodation: $200-550+/night (exclusive oceanfront villas in Punta Mita or Costalegre, 5-star cliffside resorts in Huatulco or Zihuatanejo).
Food: $70-150/day (upscale seafood dining, ocean-to-table tasting menus, imported wines).
Activities: $90-220+/day (private catamaran charters, deep-sea sportfishing trips).
Transportation: $50-100/day (private airport transfers, rental SUV).
Other Costs: $25+/day (beachside spa treatments, artisan textiles).
Off-Peak Season: May-October
Budget Vacation ($25-45/day)
Accommodation: $10-20/night (discounted hostel bunks, budget guesthouses).
Food: $7-12/day (neighborhood taquerías, supermarket staples).
Activities: $4-8/day (off-season surfboard rentals, quiet beach walks).
Transportation: $3-7/day (local buses, colectivos).
Other Costs: $2/day (cold drinks, bug spray).
Mid-Range Vacation ($65-130/day)
Accommodation: $35-70/night (discounted boutique beach hotels with pools and AC).
Food: $18-35/day (casual indoor dining, beachfront fish tacos).
Activities: $15-30/day (coastal nature walks, turtle release visits).
Transportation: $10-20/day (local taxis, regional buses).
Other Costs: $5/day (sunscreen, repellent).
Luxury Vacation ($180-450+/day)
Accommodation: $120-300+/night (luxury resorts offering low-season promotions).
Food: $50-95/day (resort restaurants, fine regional dining).
Activities: $60-120/day (private boat charters, spa services).
Transportation: $35-70/day (air-conditioned rental car).
Other Costs: $15/day (regional crafts).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)
- A lively coastal city tucked into Banderas Bay, featuring a cobblestone historic center, lively nightlife, and the palm-lined Malecón boardwalk.
2. Mazatlán (Sinaloa)
- A historic northern port town with a 21-kilometer coastal boardwalk, 19th-century neoclassical architecture, and fresh seafood halls.
3. Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca)
- A world-famous surf hub that balances the intense waves of Zicatela beach with relaxed swimming coves and open-air beach bars in La Punta.
4. Zihuatanejo (Guerrero)
- A picturesque, traditional fishing town wrapped around a protected bay, offering calm swimming waters and cobblestone lanes.
5. Sayulita & San Pancho (Nayarit)
- Neighboring bohemian beach villages on the Riviera Nayarit, known for beginner surf breaks, vibrant street art, yoga studios, and relaxed cafes.
Puerto Vallarta
Did you know?
Whale Lagoons – Ojo de Liebre lagoon is a protected coastal sanctuary where friendly gray whales routinely swim right up to touch small boats.
Islands
1. Islas Marietas (Nayarit)
- An uninhabited volcanic archipelago off the northern tip of Banderas Bay, famous for marine life, blue-footed boobies, and the open-roof "Hidden Beach" accessible by swimming through a rock tunnel at low tide.
2. Isla Roqueta (Guerrero)
- A rugged, forested island sitting just off the bay of Acapulco, popular for sheltered snorkeling reefs and walking trails to an antique lighthouse.
3. Isla de la Piedra (Sinaloa)
- A long, coconut-palm-covered peninsula near Mazatlán that functions like an island, easily reached by small passenger water taxis from the shipping docks.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Islas Marietas
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Bahías de Huatulco (Oaxaca)
- A collection of nine pristine, protected bays and over 30 sandy beaches, backed by a protected national park where development is heavily regulated.
2. Laguna de Manialtepec (Oaxaca)
- A coastal mangrove lagoon near Puerto Escondido that glows neon-blue during moonless nights due to high concentrations of bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
3. Banderas Bay (Jalisco/Nayarit)
- One of the largest natural bays in North America, serving as a critical calving and mating ground for migrating humpback whales from December to March.
4. La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve (Chiapas)
- A vast network of coastal canals and estuaries in the far south near Guatemala, home to the tallest coastal mangrove forests in the Americas (reaching up to 35 meters in height).
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Mazatlán Centro Histórico
- A beautifully restored 19th-century colonial neighborhood centered around Plazuela Machado and the Angela Peralta Theater, built from the wealth of maritime trade.
2. Fort San Diego (Acapulco)
- A massive star-shaped stone fortress built in 1616 to protect the historic Manila Galleons from pirate attacks, now housing a museum of trans-Pacific trade history.
3. Soledad de Maciel (Xihuacan, Guerrero)
- An expansive pre-Columbian archaeological site near Zihuatanejo, featuring a massive stone ball court, pyramidal bases, and a museum of ancient coastal artifacts.
4. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Puerto Vallarta)
- The focal landmark of Puerto Vallarta's skyline, an ornate red-brick church crowned with a detailed, wrought-iron replica of an imperial tiara.
Unique Experiences
1. Surfing Zicatela's Mexican Pipeline
- Watching world-class surfers paddle into massive, heavy beach-break barrels along the sandbars of Puerto Escondido.
2. Bioluminescent Night Swims
- Taking a midnight boat ride into the pitch-black waters of Manialtepec Lagoon to swim in water that illuminates with glowing green-blue light at every stroke.
3. Panga Whale Watching
- Heading into Banderas Bay on a small outboard skiff (panga) to observe humpback mothers and calves breaching just meters from the surface.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Bahías de Huatulco
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
One&Only Mandarina
Location: Riviera Nayarit, West Coast Mexico
A stunning, dramatic luxury resort nestled into a lush tropical rainforest cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, featuring secluded treehouses and clifftop villas with private plunge pools.
Restaurants / Bars
Carao
Location: One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit, West Coast Mexico
A striking clifftop fine-dining pavilion designed in partnership with renowned Chef Enrique Olvera, cantilevered dramatically over the ocean canopy to offer contemporary Mexican gastronomy alongside sweeping sunset vistas.
Tours to do
1. The Oaxacan Coastline and Bays Loop
- Fly into Puerto Escondido to explore the surf culture of Zicatela and La Punta, travel down the coast through the turtle haven of Mazunte and Zipolite, and finish along the calm snorkeling waters of the Bahías de Huatulco.
Best Time: November to April.
Average Cost: $350 – $750 per person.
2. The Riviera Nayarit and Costalegre Run
- Start in Puerto Vallarta, explore the surf villages of Sayulita and San Pancho, and head south along Highway 200 through the wild, secluded coastal coves and palapas of the Costalegre.
Best Time: December to April.
Average Cost: $450 – $900 per person.
Puerto Escondido
How to get around
1. Highway 200 (Carretera Federal 200)
- The primary road following the entire Pacific coastline from Nayarit down to the Guatemalan border. Coastal sections are paved, but watch for speed bumps (topes) at every village entrance.
2. Long-Distance Buses
- First-class services like Primera Plus (central Pacific) and OCC / ADO (Oaxaca and Chiapas coasts) provide safe, air-conditioned travel between major coastal hubs.
3. Colectivos & Camionetas
- Open-back passenger pickup trucks and shared minivans are the easiest, cheapest way to travel between smaller surf towns in Nayarit and along the Oaxacan coast.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Hidden Beach – Marietas Islands features a secret sandy beach trapped inside a massive open-air volcanic crater dome hidden from the ocean.
What to eat
1. Pescado Zarandeado
- A Pacific coastal classic originating in Nayarit and Sinaloa. A whole local fish (often snook or red snapper) is split open, basted in a rich marinade of achiote, soy sauce, garlic, and dried chilies, and slow-grilled over wood coals in a metal basket.
2. Aguachile
- Fresh raw shrimp butterflied and quickly cured in an ice-cold, fiery mixture of lime juice, fresh serrano or chiltepín chilies, and cilantro, served with sliced cucumber, red onion, and crispy tostadas.
3. Tacos de Pescado & Camarón
- Warm corn tortillas filled with lightly battered, deep-fried fish or shrimp, heaped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and spicy chipotle mayonnaise.
4. Tlayuda de Mariscos
- A coastal Oaxacan spin on the traditional tlayuda. A giant, crispy toasted corn tortilla spread with black bean paste and stringy quesillo cheese, topped with grilled shrimp or octopus and sliced avocado.
Aguachile
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airports: Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Mazatlán (MZT), Bahías de Huatulco (HUX), & Puerto Escondido (PXM)
Flight Prices and Seasons (Flying into PVR, HUX, or MZT):
From North America:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $280 to $600 (Nonstop direct flights to PVR from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Vancouver, and Calgary).
- Cheapest Months: September, October, and January.
- Peak Prices: Late December, Spring Break (March), and Easter.
From Europe:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $750 to $1,350 (Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from London/Manchester, or connections via Mexico City).
- Cheapest Months: November and February.
- Peak Prices: July, August, and Christmas.
From Asia:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,150 to $1,950 (Requires connecting flights through the US, Vancouver, or Mexico City).
- Cheapest Months: May and October.
- Peak Prices: Lunar New Year, July, and August.
From Australia (Domestic/Oceania):
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,400 to $2,300 (Fly via Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Houston with direct connections to the Pacific coast).
- Cheapest Months: May and August.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From Africa:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,150 to $1,850 (Connecting through European transit hubs or the US into Mexico City, followed by a domestic hop).
- Cheapest Months: March and November.
- Peak Prices: July, August, and December.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa for short visits.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
3. Tourist Card
- Travelers from visa-exempt countries may need to fill out a tourist card (FMM) upon arrival, which allows for a stay of up to 180 days.
4. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Mexico visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate before traveling.
5. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Typically issued for stays up to 180 days.
6. Processing Time
- Visa processing can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance if required.
7. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 180 days; visa holders should refer to their specific visa for duration.
8. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 127V, and plug types A and B (two flat pins) are used. No adapter is needed for devices from North America.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15% for good service.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Telcel and AT&T. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In Mexico, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Huichol (Wixárika) Bead and Yarn Art
- Detailed masks, animal figures, and yarn paintings created by the Wixárika people of Nayarit and northern Jalisco, made by pressing bright glass beads into natural beeswax.
2. Purpura Tixinda Textiles
- In coastal Oaxaca (around Pinotepa Nacional), indigenous Mixtec weavers harvest dye from live marine snails (Plicopurpura pansa) on coastal rocks without harming them, producing rare, natural purple-dyed cotton thread.
3. Barro Negro and Coastal Pottery
- Burnished black clay pieces and simple, unglazed red earthenware cookware crafted in traditional coastal artisan markets.
Huichol
Location
Reviews
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