Acapulco

Acapulco sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast in a deep, horseshoe-shaped bay that has drawn travelers since the 16th century, when Spanish galleons used it as a key port on the Manila-Acapulco trade route. The city became Mexico’s first international resort destination in the 1940s and 1950s, attracting Hollywood stars, presidents, and honeymooners to its palm-lined beaches and dramatic cliffs. Today Acapulco is a city of three distinct zones: the historic Traditional Zone with its 17th-century fort and famous cliff divers, the bustling Golden Zone along the Costera with mid-range hotels and nightlife, and the newer Diamond Zone with luxury resorts and golf courses. The tropical climate delivers warm temperatures year-round, but the rainy season from June through October brings afternoon thunderstorms and the occasional hurricane.

Acapulco Weather at a Glance

Acapulco has a tropical wet and dry climate with two distinct seasons: a reliably sunny dry season from November through May and a rainy season from June through October. Daytime highs stay locked between 31-32°C (88-90°F) every month of the year, while nighttime lows range from 23°C (73°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. The Pacific Ocean hovers at 27-30°C (81-86°F), making it swimmable 365 days a year. Annual rainfall totals 1,412mm (55.6 inches), but the distribution is wildly uneven: January gets 11mm while September gets 337mm, thirty times more. Humidity ranges from 65% in the dry season to 78% in September.

Acapulco Seasonal Snapshot

• Dry Season (November to May): Sunshine 7-8 hours per day, rainfall 3-28mm per month, humidity 65-72%, sea temperature 27-29°C (81-84°F). This is the best window for beach vacations, water sports, and outdoor sightseeing. December through April is peak tourist season with the highest hotel rates. Book 3-4 months ahead for Christmas and New Year stays.
• Rainy Season (June to October): Sunshine 5-6 hours per day, rainfall 138-337mm per month, humidity 75-78%, sea temperature 29-30°C (84-86°F). Mornings are typically sunny with thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. June and October are the most tolerable rainy-season months. September is the wettest month and the one to avoid if possible. Hurricane season peaks August through October.

Where is Acapulco?

Acapulco is located at 16°51’N latitude on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero, roughly 380km (236 miles) southwest of Mexico City. The city wraps around Acapulco Bay, a deep natural harbor protected by the Punta Griffon peninsula. The Sierra Madre del Sur mountains rise directly behind the city, creating dramatic hillside neighborhoods and trapping humidity during the rainy season. The city sits at sea level with some residential areas climbing to 200 meters up the surrounding hills.

Acapulco Travel Guides

1. Acapulco Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall and Climate: Month-by-month breakdown of temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, rainfall in millimeters, sunshine hours, sea temperatures, and a comparison table covering all 12 months.
2. Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Weather, Prices and Crowds: Compare the dry season versus rainy season, find the cheapest months to visit, learn which months to avoid, and plan around specific events and festivals.
3. Things to Do in Acapulco: Cliff Divers, Beaches, Forts and Day Trips: The essential attractions, from the La Quebrada cliff divers and Fuerte de San Diego to Isla La Roqueta snorkeling, Barra Vieja beach, and the Diego Rivera mural.
4. Acapulco Events and Festivals: Carnival, Film Festival and Day of the Dead: A calendar of annual events including Carnival dates, Dia de Muertos, Festival Frances, the Acapulco International Film Festival, and religious celebrations.
5. Best Neighborhoods in Acapulco: Traditional, Golden and Diamond Zones: An area-by-area breakdown covering Acapulco Tradicional, the Golden Zone along the Costera, the luxury Diamond Zone, and the sunset town of Pie de la Cuesta.
6. Where to Stay in Acapulco: Best Areas and Hotels from Budget to Luxury: Hotel recommendations by zone with specific properties for every budget, from luxury hillside casitas with private pools to budget-friendly rooms near the Zocalo.
7. Acapulco Travel Tips and FAQ: Airport, Transport, Safety and Money: Practical advice covering ACA airport transfers, bus and taxi costs in pesos, tipping customs, safety in each zone, drinking water, language tips, and weather FAQ.

Acapulco Quick Facts

• Warmest months: May through August, average high 32°C (90°F)
• Coolest months: December and January, average high 31°C (88°F), low 23°C (73°F)
• Wettest month: September (337mm / 13.3 inches, 15 rainy days)
• Driest months: February through April (3-5mm each, near-zero rainy days)
• Best beach months: November through May (7-8 hours sun, low humidity)
• Sea temperature: 27-30°C (81-86°F) year-round, warmest August through October
• Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30, peak risk August through October
• Airport: General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA), 26km southeast
• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN), approximately 17-18 MXN per US dollar
• Time zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6), no daylight saving

Suggested Hotels in Acapulco

Las Brisas Acapulco

Set on 16 hectares of hillside gardens with panoramic bay views, this iconic luxury hotel offers private casitas with plunge pools, a private beach club with two saltwater pools, and the Bellavista restaurant. Pink-and-white jeeps shuttle guests around the property. Best for couples and honeymooners. Check rates and availability

Emporio Acapulco

A modern beachfront hotel in the Golden Zone directly across from Galerias Diana shopping mall, featuring three outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and rooms with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Best for couples and business travelers. Check rates and availability

Hotel Acapulco

A clean, budget-friendly option near the Traditional Zone with air conditioning, free parking, and walking-distance access to the Zocalo and Fuerte de San Diego. Best for solo travelers and backpackers. Check rates and availability