Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
The best time to visit Acapulco depends on whether you care most about dry beach weather, lower prices, smaller crowds, or local events. December through April usually offers the most dependable sunshine and the least rain. However, these months also include some of the busiest and most expensive travel periods.
Quick Answer
The best time to visit Acapulco for dry weather is December through April. January and February are usually the most comfortable months, while March and April are hotter and busier around spring holidays. May and November can offer better value, but travelers should check storm forecasts, current conditions, and official security advisories before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Best weather: December through April has the lowest historical rainfall.
- Best balance of weather and comfort: January and February are warm but slightly cooler than late spring and summer.
- Possible value months: May and November can have fewer crowds outside holidays and major events.
- Wettest period: June through October brings much heavier rainfall, greater humidity, and a higher chance of storm disruption.
- Safety: Guerrero, including Acapulco, is currently covered by a Level 4 U.S. travel advisory. Check your home government’s latest guidance before making reservations.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco by Travel Goal
| Travel Goal | Best Time | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Dry beach weather | December through April | Higher prices and larger holiday crowds |
| Milder temperatures | January and February | Popular dates may sell out early |
| Lower rates | May, early June, late October, or November | Hotter weather and greater rain or storm uncertainty |
| Smaller crowds | Non-holiday weekdays in May or November | Some attractions or tours may run reduced schedules |
| Major sporting events | Often February | Event weekends can raise room rates sharply |
Understanding Acapulco’s Climate
Acapulco has a tropical coastal climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. According to the Mexican Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, the Acapulco observatory’s 1991–2020 normal annual temperature is about 28°C, or 82°F. Average daytime highs stay close to 31–33°C, or 88–92°F, in every month.
Rainfall changes far more than temperature. The driest conditions generally occur from November through April. Rain rises in May and becomes much heavier from June through October.
About 81% of Acapulco’s normal annual rainfall falls from June through September, based on the official 1991–2020 climate normal.
Dry Season: November Through April
The dry season is the most reliable period for beach days, sightseeing, boat trips, and outdoor dining. Rain is historically uncommon from December through April, although brief showers can still occur.
January and February have average highs near 31.5°C and lows near 22°C. March and April remain very dry, but afternoon heat becomes stronger. Travelers sensitive to heat may find January or February more comfortable than April.
Rainy and Hurricane Season
Rain increases during May and becomes much heavier from June through October. August and September are especially wet in the official climate record. Some rainy-season days still include long periods of sunshine, but a tropical storm can produce prolonged rain, flooding, dangerous surf, transportation problems, and closures.
The National Hurricane Center defines the Eastern Pacific hurricane season as May 15 through November 30. Tropical cyclones are possible outside those dates, so check official forecasts shortly before departure and throughout the trip.
Warning: Do not assume a rainy-season forecast means only a brief afternoon shower. If a tropical system is near Mexico’s Pacific coast, follow official warnings and be prepared for flight changes, beach closures, flooding, power interruptions, or evacuation instructions.
Peak Tourist Seasons in Acapulco
Christmas and New Year
Late December and early January combine dry weather with school vacations and holiday travel. Beaches, restaurants, nightlife venues, and popular hotels can be crowded. Premium rooms and flexible rates may sell out well before the holiday period.
Holy Week, Easter, and Spring Travel
Holy Week and Easter are among Acapulco’s most important domestic travel periods. Their dates change each year. March and April may also attract spring-break visitors, although demand varies by market and is not limited to travelers from the United States or Canada.
Visitors who want dry weather without the largest holiday crowds should avoid Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, and major event weekends.
Summer Holidays and Event Weekends
June through August is part of the rainy season, but it is not uniformly quiet. Mexican school holidays, long weekends, concerts, conferences, and sporting events can fill hotels even when international demand is lower. Weather season and tourist season do not always match.
Quieter and Better-Value Travel Times
May, early June, late October, and November may offer a better balance of price and crowd levels. These periods sit outside the driest peak months, so travelers should accept more weather uncertainty.
May is hot and marks the transition toward heavier rain. November is usually much drier than October, but it remains within the official hurricane season until November 30. The exact start and end of seasonal rain can vary from year to year.
Lower demand can make it easier to find discounted rooms and quieter restaurants. However, discounts should not be assumed. Weekends, holidays, conferences, and special events can still push rates higher.
Pro Tip: Compare refundable hotel rates for several nearby dates. Moving a trip from a holiday weekend to Sunday through Thursday can sometimes reduce both crowds and room prices.
Acapulco Weather by Month
The following figures are 1991–2020 climate normals from Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional station 12002, Acapulco de Juárez Observatory. They describe long-term averages, not a forecast for a specific trip.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.4°C / 88.5°F | 21.9°C / 71.4°F | 7.2 mm | Dry and relatively comfortable; busy around New Year |
| February | 31.5°C / 88.7°F | 21.7°C / 71.1°F | 4.6 mm | One of the best weather months; event dates can raise prices |
| March | 31.6°C / 88.9°F | 21.7°C / 71.1°F | 6.0 mm | Very dry; spring-break and holiday demand may increase |
| April | 32.0°C / 89.6°F | 22.2°C / 72.0°F | 0.2 mm | Historically the driest month; Holy Week can be extremely busy |
| May | 32.9°C / 91.2°F | 24.2°C / 75.6°F | 34.0 mm | Hot transitional month; possible deals outside event weekends |
| June | 33.1°C / 91.6°F | 25.2°C / 77.4°F | 242.5 mm | Rain increases sharply; flexible plans are important |
| July | 33.4°C / 92.1°F | 25.0°C / 77.0°F | 204.0 mm | Hot and wet; domestic summer demand can still be strong |
| August | 33.3°C / 91.9°F | 25.1°C / 77.2°F | 277.0 mm | Very wet with increased storm disruption risk |
| September | 32.7°C / 90.9°F | 24.9°C / 76.8°F | 281.0 mm | Wettest normal month; not ideal for weather-dependent trips |
| October | 32.6°C / 90.7°F | 24.7°C / 76.5°F | 150.7 mm | Rain begins easing, but hurricane season remains active |
| November | 32.5°C / 90.5°F | 23.9°C / 75.0°F | 25.4 mm | Drier shoulder month; storm season officially ends November 30 |
| December | 31.9°C / 89.4°F | 22.5°C / 72.5°F | 7.8 mm | Excellent weather; holiday prices and crowds rise late in the month |
Special Events and Festivals in Acapulco
Acapulco hosts sporting events, concerts, conventions, holiday celebrations, and cultural programs throughout the year. Their dates and locations can change, so travelers should confirm an event on an official organizer or destination website before booking nonrefundable travel.
One dependable example is the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, an ATP 500 tennis tournament normally held in Acapulco in February. Tournament week can increase demand for hotels in the Diamante area and near Arena GNP Seguros.
Older travel guides may also list an Acapulco international film festival or Carnival celebration. These programs have not followed a sufficiently consistent recent schedule to use a fixed January, February, October, or November date without current confirmation.
Note: Check the official Acapulco tourism website and the event organizer’s page. Do not rely on an undated travel article for festival dates.
Tips for Booking Accommodations and Activities
Book Early for Holidays and Major Events
Reserve well ahead for Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, Easter, and major sporting or convention dates. Popular beachfront rooms and family-sized accommodations may disappear first.
Compare the complete price rather than the headline room rate. Resort fees, parking, meals, taxes, transfers, and cancellation terms can change the true cost of a stay.
Choose Flexible Reservations During Storm Season
For travel between May 15 and November 30, favor reservations that allow date changes or cancellation. Read the policy carefully to learn whether named storms, airport closures, flooding, or voluntary cancellations are covered.
Travel insurance may help with some prepaid losses, but policies vary. A standard policy may not cover a storm that was already named or known when the policy was purchased. Review exclusions, coverage limits, and claim requirements before paying.
Book Popular Activities Ahead of Time
Boat trips, guided tours, fishing excursions, and special-event tickets may have limited capacity during busy periods. Reserve through an established provider and confirm the cancellation policy for unsafe weather or rough seas.
During the rainy season, avoid building an itinerary in which every activity depends on calm water or clear skies. Keep at least one indoor or easily rescheduled option for each day.
Check Recent Operating Conditions
Before arrival, confirm that the selected hotel, attraction, restaurant, or tour is operating normally. Severe weather can affect individual properties and services even when most of the destination remains open.
Packing Essentials for Different Seasons
What to Pack During the Dry Season
- Lightweight, breathable shirts, shorts, skirts, or dresses
- Swimsuits and a cover-up for moving between the beach and public areas
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals with secure straps
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A light layer for strongly air-conditioned rooms or occasional breezy evenings
What to Pack During the Rainy Season
- A compact rain jacket or poncho
- Quick-drying clothing
- Water-resistant footwear with good traction
- Resealable bags or a dry pouch for electronics and documents
- EPA-registered insect repellent
- Backup charging equipment and essential medicines
Small hygiene items are easy to overlook when packing. A compact option from this guide to the best travel toothbrush may help keep a toiletries kit organized without using much luggage space.
Pack medicines in their original containers and carry enough for possible delays. Keep essential documents, medication, chargers, and one change of clothing in your personal item rather than checked luggage.
Safety and Health Considerations for Traveling to Acapulco
Warning: As of the U.S. State Department advisory issued May 29, 2026, Guerrero—including Acapulco—is classified Level 4: Do Not Travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. U.S. government employees may not travel anywhere in Guerrero. Conditions and advisories can change, so review your own government’s current guidance before booking or departure.
Read the complete Mexico Travel Advisory rather than relying on general statements that tourist areas are safe. Travelers must make their own decision about whether to postpone or cancel a trip based on current official advice and their personal circumstances.
The State Department advises U.S. citizens to follow the same restrictions applied to U.S. government employees. Its general Mexico guidance includes avoiding intercity travel after dark, using dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services, and avoiding travel alone in remote areas. These precautions do not remove the risks described in the Guerrero advisory.
Health Preparation
Review the CDC Mexico traveler page before departure. Recommended vaccines depend on age, health, itinerary, vaccination history, and planned activities. International travelers should also ensure routine vaccines are current.
Dengue and Zika are among the mosquito-borne illnesses listed for Mexico. Reduce bites by using an appropriate repellent, wearing covering clothing when practical, and choosing air-conditioned or screened lodging.
Heat illness is another concern. Drink water regularly, take breaks in shade or air conditioning, wear loose clothing, and limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Food, Water, and Flood Precautions
Choose reputable food establishments and follow safe food and water practices. After heavy rain, avoid floodwater and muddy standing water. Floodwater may hide debris, open drains, contamination, or electrical hazards.
Travel insurance with medical and evacuation benefits may be useful, but confirm that the policy covers the destination and does not exclude incidents connected with a government advisory or known event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Acapulco?
December through April generally offers the driest weather. January and February are especially appealing for travelers who want warm beach conditions without the stronger heat of late spring and summer.
What is the cheapest time to visit Acapulco?
Lower prices may appear in May, early June, late October, or November outside holidays and events. Rates vary by weekday, hotel zone, event schedule, and current demand, so compare flexible dates instead of assuming the entire rainy season is inexpensive.
When is the rainy season in Acapulco?
Rain increases in May and is much heavier from June through October. August and September have the highest normal monthly rainfall in the official 1991–2020 Acapulco climate record.
When is hurricane season in Acapulco?
The official Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30. Travelers visiting during this period should use flexible reservations and monitor the National Hurricane Center and Mexican weather authorities.
When is Acapulco most crowded?
Crowds often peak around Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, Easter, school vacations, long weekends, and major events. A rainy-season date can still be busy when it overlaps with a domestic holiday or convention.
Are there festivals or special events during the dry season?
Yes. The Mexican Open ATP 500 tennis tournament is normally held in February. Concerts, conventions, holiday programs, and cultural events also change from year to year. Confirm dates on official organizer and Acapulco tourism websites before booking.
Is Acapulco safe to visit?
Travelers should consult current official guidance. The U.S. State Department advisory issued May 29, 2026 classifies Guerrero, including Acapulco, as Level 4: Do Not Travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Other countries may publish different advice.
Sources
- Servicio Meteorológico Nacional: Acapulco 1991–2020 Climate Normal — monthly temperature, rainfall, rainy-day, and annual climate figures
- NOAA National Hurricane Center: Tropical Cyclone Climatology — official Eastern Pacific hurricane-season dates
- U.S. Department of State: Mexico Travel Advisory — current Guerrero and Acapulco security guidance
- CDC Travelers’ Health: Mexico — vaccines, mosquito prevention, heat, food, water, and outdoor safety
- ATP Tour: Acapulco Tournament Overview — official Mexican Open tournament information
- FIDETUR Acapulco Official Tourism Site — current destination and event information
