The best time to visit Acapulco is November through May, when the dry season delivers reliable sunshine, warm sea temperatures, and low humidity. December through April is peak tourist season with the highest prices and largest crowds. For the best balance of good weather and lower costs, target November or early May. June through October is the rainy season, with September being the wettest month at 337mm of rainfall, making it the single month to avoid if you want guaranteed beach days. For an overview of all guides, weather, seasons, and hotels, see our Acapulco travel guide.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Best Weather (December to April)
December through April delivers almost guaranteed sunshine with just 3-11mm of monthly rainfall and 7-8 hours of sun per day. Daytime highs sit at 31°C (88°F) and sea temperatures hover at 27-28°C (81-82°F). Humidity is at its lowest, around 65-70%, making the heat feel comfortable rather than oppressive. This window includes Christmas, New Year, spring break (March), and Semana Santa (Easter week), which are the busiest and most expensive periods. Book accommodations 3-4 months ahead for Christmas and New Year stays. The Acapulco weather by month guide has the full monthly breakdown.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Lowest Prices (June to October)
If budget is your primary concern, the rainy season from June through October offers hotel rates 40-60% lower than winter highs. A beachfront room that costs US$250 per night in January might run US$100 in September. The trade-off is the weather: you’ll get 5-6 hours of sun per day, high humidity around 75-78%, and a near-certainty of afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings are typically clear and sunny, so you can plan beach time and sightseeing before 2pm, then use the rainy afternoons for long lunches, siestas, or visiting the Fuerte de San Diego museum. September is the rainiest month (337mm) and the cheapest. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 on the Pacific coast, with peak storm activity in August through October.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Fewest Crowds (September to October)
September and October see the lowest tourist numbers in Acapulco. Mexican domestic tourism drops off after the summer holiday period ends in late August, and international visitors stay away due to the rainy season. You’ll have beaches largely to yourself, no waits at restaurants, and the La Quebrada cliff diving shows won’t be packed. The downside is that some smaller hotels and restaurants close for maintenance during these months, particularly in October. Call ahead if you have a specific property in mind.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Events and Festivals
Plan around specific events if they interest you. The Acapulco Fair runs from late December through early January near the Convention Center with rides and carnival games. Carnival in February or March brings parades and street parties along the Costera. The Tianguis Turistico tourism trade fair in April draws industry professionals and can make hotels harder to book. The Festival Frances in May celebrates French-Mexican cultural ties with food, film, and music. Dia de Muertos on November 1-2 sees altars and celebrations throughout the city. The Acapulco International Film Festival in November attracts Mexican cinema stars. For the full event calendar, see the Acapulco events and festivals guide.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco: Months to Avoid
September is the single worst month to visit Acapulco if weather is your priority. It brings 337mm of rain, 15 rainy days, 78% humidity, peak hurricane risk, and just 5 hours of daily sunshine. August is only slightly better at 261mm across 14 rainy days. If you must visit during the rainy season, June and October are the most tolerable months within it, June mornings are consistently sunny despite afternoon storms, and October sees the rains tapering off significantly by mid-month.
