Isla Holbox has a tropical savanna climate (Koppen Aw) with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. The island sits at the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, where the Caribbean Sea meets the gulf waters. This position means Holbox gets less rain than Cancun (200km south) and benefits from cooling sea breezes year-round. Average daytime highs stay between 28degC (82degF) in January and 33degC (91degF) in August, while water temperatures range from 25degC (77degF) in winter to 29degC (84degF) in late summer. The island gets about 1,100mm (43 inches) of rain annually, with September bringing nearly 200mm (8 inches) alone as the wettest month. For a full overview, see our Holbox travel guide.
Holbox Weather in January
January brings Holbox’s most comfortable weather. Daytime highs average 28degC (82degF) with lows dropping to 19degC (66degF) at night. Bring a light sweater for evenings. Rainfall totals just 35mm (1.4 inches) across 4 rainy days, and you will see about 7 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature sits at 25degC (77degF), swimmable but cooler than summer months. The nortes (cold fronts from the north) can bring 2-3 days of wind and clouds but typically pass quickly. This is peak whale shark off-season, so the island is quieter with fewer day-trippers. Check our best time to visit Holbox for more details.
Holbox Weather in February
February is the driest month on Holbox with just 25mm (1 inch) of rain across 3 days. Daytime temperatures climb slightly to 29degC (84degF) with nighttime lows of 20degC (68degF). You will get about 8 hours of sunshine daily. Sea temperatures hold at 25degC (77degF). Nortes become less frequent compared to January. This is one of the best months for clear-sky sunsets at Punta Cocos beach. Humidity is at its annual low around 73%, making the heat feel less oppressive than summer.
Holbox Weather in March
March sees temperatures rising to 30degC (86degF) during the day and 21degC (70degF) at night. Rainfall stays low at 23mm (0.9 inches) over 3 rainy days. Expect 8 hours of sunshine daily. Sea temperature warms to 26degC (79degF). Humidity begins to increase toward the end of the month. Easter week (Semana Santa) brings large crowds of Mexican families to the island, so book ferries and hotels 2-3 months ahead if visiting during this holiday period.
Holbox Weather in April
April temperatures reach 31degC (88degF) by day and 23degC (73degF) at night. Rainfall increases to 31mm (1.2 inches) over 4 days. Daily sunshine averages 8.5 hours. Sea temperature warms to 27degC (81degF). Humidity rises noticeably, and the first afternoon thunderstorms of the season may appear. Flamingo populations peak in the Yum Balam lagoon this month, with 10,000-15,000 birds feeding in the shallow waters. Mosquitoes become more active as humidity increases, so bring DEET repellent.
Holbox Weather in May
May marks the transition to the wet season. Daytime highs hit 32degC (90degF) with nighttime lows of 24degC (75degF). Rainfall jumps to 97mm (3.8 inches) across 7 rainy days. Sunshine remains strong at 8 hours daily. Sea temperature reaches 28degC (82degF). Whale shark season opens mid-May, bringing the first tour boats to the waters north of the island. The sargassum seaweed season typically begins in May and can affect beach conditions on Holbox’s north-facing shore, though the island generally fares better than Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Check our things to do in Holbox for more details.
Holbox Weather in June
June daytime highs average 32degC (90degF) with 24degC (75degF) at night. Rainfall increases to 148mm (5.8 inches) over 11 rainy days, mostly as afternoon thunderstorms that pass in 1-2 hours. Mornings are typically sunny with 7.5 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature is 28degC (82degF). The official Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, though early-season storms rarely affect Holbox. Whale shark sightings become reliable this month. Bioluminescent plankton displays intensify with warmer water temperatures.
Holbox Weather in July
July brings Holbox’s peak heat. Daytime highs reach 33degC (91degF) with nighttime lows staying at 24degC (75degF). Rainfall totals 118mm (4.6 inches) over 12 rainy days, with brief afternoon downpours. Daily sunshine averages 7.5 hours. Sea temperature peaks at 29degC (84degF), perfect for swimming. This is the best month for whale shark encounters, with 95%+ success rates on tours. Mexican summer school holidays run mid-July through August, so the island fills with domestic tourists. Book accommodation 4-6 weeks ahead. Check our Holbox events and festivals for more details.
Holbox Weather in August
August temperatures match July at 33degC (91degF) daytime and 24degC (75degF) nighttime. Rainfall increases to 143mm (5.6 inches) over 13 rainy days. Sunshine drops slightly to 7 hours daily. Sea temperature stays at 29degC (84degF). Hurricane risk increases, with August marking the start of the peak storm period (August-October). Whale shark tours continue with high success rates. Sargassum can be at its worst this month, though Holbox’s position behind Isla de la Pasion and the Yalahau Lagoon provides some natural protection.
Holbox Weather in September
September is Holbox’s wettest month. Rainfall peaks at 188mm (7.4 inches) over 15 rainy days. Daytime highs still reach 32degC (90degF) with 24degC (75degF) at night. Sunshine drops to 6 hours daily. Sea temperature stays at 29degC (84degF). This is the peak of hurricane season with the highest statistical risk of tropical storms. Whale shark season winds down by mid-September. Mosquitoes are at their worst after heavy rains, so bring strong repellent. Hotel prices drop 30-50% compared to high season, and the island is quiet with mostly backpacker traffic.
Holbox Weather in October
October remains wet with 168mm (6.6 inches) of rain over 13 days. Temperatures begin cooling to 31degC (88degF) daytime and 23degC (73degF) at night. Sunshine returns to 7 hours daily. Sea temperature holds at 28degC (82degF). Hurricane risk remains elevated through late October. Whale shark season is over, but birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive from North America. The annual Holbox Fishing Tournament typically happens this month. Hotel rates stay low, and you can find beachfront rooms for US$40-60 per night.
Holbox Weather in November
November marks the return of dry-season weather. Rainfall drops to 66mm (2.6 inches) over 7 days. Daytime highs average 29degC (84degF) with nighttime lows of 21degC (70degF). Sunshine increases to 7.5 hours daily. Sea temperature drops to 27degC (81degF). The first nortes may arrive late in the month, bringing 1-2 days of wind and clouds. Hurricane season officially ends November 30. Hotel rates begin rising mid-month as the high season approaches, but early November still offers shoulder-season value. Check our where to stay in Holbox for more details.
Holbox Weather in December
December brings comfortable conditions with daytime highs of 28degC (82degF) and nighttime lows of 20degC (68degF). Rainfall totals 42mm (1.7 inches) over 5 days. Daily sunshine averages 7 hours. Sea temperature cools to 26degC (79degF). Nortes become more frequent, occurring every 7-10 days and lasting 2-3 days each. The Christmas-New Year period is Holbox’s busiest and most expensive window, with hotel rates doubling or tripling and minimum-stay requirements of 5-7 nights at many properties. Book 3-4 months ahead for December holidays. Check our Holbox travel tips and FAQ for more details.
For more area details, read our Holbox neighborhoods guide.
Holbox Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (degC/degF) | Avg Low (degC/degF) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (degC) | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 / 82 | 19 / 66 | 35 | 4 | 25 | 7.0 |
| Feb | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 25 | 3 | 25 | 8.0 |
| Mar | 30 / 86 | 21 / 70 | 23 | 3 | 26 | 8.0 |
| Apr | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 31 | 4 | 27 | 8.5 |
| May | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 97 | 7 | 28 | 8.0 |
| Jun | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 148 | 11 | 28 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 118 | 12 | 29 | 7.5 |
| Aug | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 143 | 13 | 29 | 7.0 |
| Sep | 32 / 90 | 24 / 75 | 188 | 15 | 29 | 6.0 |
| Oct | 31 / 88 | 23 / 73 | 168 | 13 | 28 | 7.0 |
| Nov | 29 / 84 | 21 / 70 | 66 | 7 | 27 | 7.5 |
| Dec | 28 / 82 | 20 / 68 | 42 | 5 | 26 | 7.0 |
