The best time to visit Mazatlán depends on what you are after: guaranteed sunshine and comfortable temperatures come in the November to May dry season, while the lowest hotel prices and smallest crowds arrive during the July to September rainy period. For most travelers, the sweet spot is November through early December or late April through early June when the weather is warm and dry, hotel rates are moderate, and the city is not packed with holiday crowds. Mazatlán weather by month
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán for Good Weather
November through April delivers the most reliable weather. Daytime highs sit between 28°C and 33°C (82-91°F), rainfall is minimal at 3mm to 18mm per month, and humidity stays at a comfortable 68% to 72%. December through February bring the coolest evenings with lows around 13°C (55°F); you will want a light jacket for the malecón after dark. March and April are warmer but still dry, making them ideal for beach days and boat trips to Isla de la Piedra.
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán for Low Prices
Hotel rates bottom out in August and September during the peak of the rainy season. You can find rooms at four-star beachfront resorts for US$60 to US$90 per night compared to US$120 to US$180 in high season. Flights to Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) from US and Canadian gateways also drop 30% to 40% during these months. The tradeoff is rain: expect 14 to 16 rainy days per month in July through September, though mornings are often sunny and the rain typically falls as afternoon thunderstorms that pass within two hours. things to do in Mazatlán
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán for Fewer Crowds
The least crowded periods are late August through early October, after Mexican summer holidays end and before the fall conference and fishing tournament season begins. The weeks immediately after Easter (mid to late April) and after New Year (second week of January) also see a sharp drop in visitor numbers. Avoid Semana Santa (the week before Easter), Christmas and New Year weeks, and the Carnaval weekend in February or March if you dislike crowds; these periods bring hotel occupancy above 90% and restaurants with long waits.
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán for Events
Carnaval de Mazatlán, held in February or March (dates vary with Easter), is the city’s signature event and the third-largest Carnaval celebration in the world after Rio and New Orleans. The week-long festival draws roughly 400,000 visitors with parades, fireworks, concerts, and street parties along the malecón. For fishing, the Mazatlán Billfish Tournament takes place in November, and the Dorado Shootout runs in June. Mexican Independence Day on September 16 brings fireworks, military parades, and street festivities. Mazatlán events and festivals
When to Avoid Mazatlán
August and September combine the year’s heaviest rainfall (195mm to 215mm), highest humidity (78% to 80%), and peak hurricane risk. If your trip relies on guaranteed beach weather, avoid these two months. The Easter holiday week (Semana Santa) brings the highest prices and largest crowds of the year; if you must visit during this period, book accommodations at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. The week between Christmas and New Year is similarly expensive and crowded, though the weather is excellent. See our best neighborhoods in Mazatlán guide for more details. See our where to stay in Mazatlán guide for more details. See our Mazatlán travel tips guide for more details.
