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Manzanillo is the largest container port in Mexico and a Pacific beach resort on the Costalegre coast of Colima state, about 300 km southwest of Guadalajara. Two bays, Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago, wrap around the Santiago Peninsula and give the city a long run of beaches and coves. The climate is tropical and hot all year, with a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October, and the city calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World. This Manzanillo travel guide links to our seven in-depth articles below.
Welcome to Manzanillo
Most visitors arrive by air at Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO), 40 km northwest of town, and split into two groups: business travelers tied to the container port, and vacationers headed for the beach. The port is the busiest container terminal in Mexico, moving millions of containers a year, and cruise ships add a third stream of arrivals at the terminal in Bahía de Manzanillo.
On the ground the city breaks into three zones. The Santiago Peninsula holds Las Hadas, the golf course and the calm water of Playa La Audiencia. The beach strip of Salahua and Playa Azul lines the north side of Bahía de Manzanillo with mid-range hotels and restaurants. And El Centro, around the harbor and the Malecón Espíritu Santo, is the working downtown where cruise ships dock and sport-fishing charters depart.
Weather at a Glance in Manzanillo
Manzanillo averages 30-33°C (86-91°F) by day in every month and 19-25°C (66-77°F) at night. Annual rainfall is about 970 mm, almost all of it between June and October; September is the wettest month at 287 mm, while February, March and April average just 4-7 mm. Humidity runs high year-round, and the sea stays warm enough to swim, from 25°C (77°F) in February to 30°C (86°F) in late summer.
The dry season, November through May, is the main travel window with sunny days and calm water. The rainy season brings afternoon downpours and, from June through November, Pacific hurricane risk; hurricanes Kenna in 2002 and Jova in 2011 made landfall nearby. The full month-by-month numbers are in our Manzanillo weather by month article.
Manzanillo Seasonal Snapshot
- Winter (Dec-Feb): The driest, coolest stretch, with highs near 30-31°C and almost no rain. Peak season for North American snowbirds and holiday visitors.
- Spring (Mar-May): Warming into the low 30s with 4-13 mm of rain a month. Semana Santa crowds arrive in March or April, and Fiesta de Mayo closes the season.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): The rainy season starts, with 126-222 mm a month and highs of 33°C. Hurricanes are possible from June onward; hotels discount.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): September is the wettest month (287 mm) and hurricane peak. November dries out and hosts the International Sailfish Tournament.
Manzanillo Travel Guide: Location and Geography
Manzanillo sits on the Pacific coast of Colima state, about 90 km from the state capital Colima and a four-hour drive from Guadalajara. The Santiago Peninsula splits the coast into Bahía de Manzanillo to the north and Bahía de Santiago to the south, creating sheltered coves that keep the water calm at beaches like Playa La Audiencia and Playa La Boquita. Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) lies about 40 km northwest of the city center.
Manzanillo Quick Facts
- Best beach months: December through April
- Warmest months: July and August (daytime highs of 33°C / 91°F)
- Coolest months: January and February (30°C by day, 19°C at night)
- Wettest month: September (287 mm)
- Sea temperature: 25-30°C year-round
- Airport: Playa de Oro International (ZLO), 40 km from the center
All Manzanillo Guides
- Manzanillo Weather by Month – temperatures, rainfall and sea conditions for each month.
- Best Time to Visit Manzanillo – the best months for weather, prices, crowds and fishing.
- Things to Do in Manzanillo – beaches, landmarks, fishing, golf and day trips.
- Manzanillo Events and Festivals – Fiesta de Mayo, the Sailfish Tournament and holidays.
- Best Neighborhoods in Manzanillo – where each district fits and who it suits.
- Where to Stay in Manzanillo – hotels by area, from resorts to budget stays.
- Manzanillo Travel Tips and FAQ – airport transport, money, safety and common questions.
Suggested Hotels in Manzanillo
Barceló Karmina Palace All Inclusive
An all-inclusive resort with six pools, a waterfall and four restaurants overlooking the bay. Best for couples and families who want meals and activities bundled in. Check rates and availability
Sierra Mar All Inclusive at Tesoro
A four-star all-inclusive five minutes’ walk from Playa La Audiencia, with a pool, fitness center and gardens. Best for travelers who want an all-inclusive near the calmest beach. Check rates and availability
Zar Manzanillo
A simple three-star in the San Pedrito district, one block from the Malecón and near the port. Best for budget travelers and short stays. Check rates and availability
