Ixtapa

Ixtapa is a master-planned beach resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Guerrero state, opened by FONATUR in 1981 and built around a 3 km curve of sand called Playa El Palmar. It sits beside the fishing town of Zihuatanejo, 240 km northwest of Acapulco, and averages 33°C (91°F) by day with a long dry season from November to May. This guide covers the Ixtapa weather by month guide, the best time to visit Ixtapa guide, and everything else you need to plan a trip.

Welcome to Ixtapa

Unlike Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa didn’t grow organically; it was drawn on a map and built in a decade. The result is a tidy, low-rise resort where the beach, the hotels and the restaurants line up along one road, and a dedicated bike path runs to the older town of Zihuatanejo five minutes south. That pairing is Ixtapa’s whole appeal: all-inclusive comfort on one side of the bay, a working fishing town with a real market and cheap seafood on the other.

Ixtapa Weather at a Glance

Ixtapa has a tropical savanna climate with two seasons and barely any temperature change. Daytime highs sit at 32 to 34°C (90 to 93°F) in every month, and nights run 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F). The ocean stays 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F) year-round.

The dry season runs November through May, when monthly rain is under 25 mm and several months record zero. The wet season runs June through October, peaking in September at 320 mm (12.6 in), mostly as late-afternoon thunderstorms. Annual rainfall is about 1,200 mm (47 in).

Ixtapa Seasonal Snapshot

• Winter (December to February): dry and 33°C (91°F), peak prices, whale watching, New Year crowds.
• Spring (March to May): still dry through April, the guitar festival in March, first rains in May.
• Summer (June to August): hot and humid with afternoon storms, best surf, lowest hotel rates.
• Fall (September to November): rainiest and hurricane-risk through October, then a clean, green November.

Where to Stay in Ixtapa

Most visitors stay in the Zona Hotelera on Playa El Palmar, where the all-inclusives cluster within walking distance of the beach. Families with young kids prefer the calmer Playa Linda and Playa Quieta to the north, while couples and budget travelers cross the bay to Zihuatanejo and Playa La Ropa. The full where to stay in Ixtapa guide breaks down every zone with hotel picks at each price point.

Suggested Hotels in Ixtapa

Cala de Mar Resort and Spa Ixtapa

A cliffside five-star with three restaurants, a full spa and suites with private plunge pools above El Palmar. Best for couples and honeymooners. Check rates and availability

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive

An IHG all-inclusive directly on the beach with a pool, spa, gym and kids’ club. Best for families who want meals included. Check rates and availability

Posada Real Ixtapa

A four-star beachfront hotel 100 m from the sand with an ocean-view pool, at a lower rate than its neighbors. Best for budget-minded travelers. Check rates and availability

Ixtapa Quick Facts

• Best months to visit: December to April for dry weather; May and November for value.
• Warmest month: July and August, with highs of 34°C (93°F).
• Coolest month: February, with lows of 21°C (70°F).
• Wettest month: September, with 320 mm (12.6 in) of rain.
• Sea temperature: 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F) all year.
• Airport: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), 20 km from the resort.

Ixtapa Travel Guides

1. Ixtapa weather by month guide: monthly temperatures, rainfall and sea conditions.
2. best time to visit Ixtapa guide: the exact windows for weather, price and crowds.
3. things to do in Ixtapa guide: beaches, Isla Ixtapa, Delfiniti and day trips.
4. events and festivals in Ixtapa guide: the guitar festival, sailfish tournament and more.
5. Ixtapa neighborhoods guide: the hotel zone, the marina and Zihuatanejo’s districts.
6. where to stay in Ixtapa guide: hotels by area and budget, with Booking.com links.
7. Ixtapa travel tips and FAQ guide: airport transfers, tipping, safety and FAQs.