Mexico has some wonderful annual celebrations that are worth planning around. For example, the colorful and emblematic Day of the Dead is celebrated Nov. 1, with shrines on display for a week or two in advance. It's also fun to visit on and around Independence Day on Sept. 16, when Mexican nationalism is on full display.
In terms of regional celebrations, Carnaval, in late February or early March, is a great time to have fun in Veracruz or Mazatlan, while fans of folkloric dance may want to plan a trip to Oaxaca in July, when the city holds its annual Guelaguetza indigenous dance festival.
The common holiday weeks in Mexico are the week between Christmas and New Year's, and Semana Santa, the week leading up to Easter. The entire nation is on holiday during these periods, and it seems like they are all headed to the beach. This means that Mexico's beaches are going to be packed, but it also means that the inland cities are going to be less crowded. So while Semana Santa is not the ideal time for a trip to Acapulco, it could be the perfect week to check out Mexico City.
In general, high season for tourism runs from just before Christmas to just after Easter, so expect to pay more for services during that time. In addition, many Mexicans take vacation in July and August, and the extra demand can drive up prices at many beach towns during those months.
The rainy season begins in central and southern Mexico during the summer months and runs through early fall. Hurricane season runs during the same period, so beach vacations might be best planned for the winter and spring.
Some areas experience extreme temperatures during certain seasons. For example, travelers hoping to explore Copper Canyon may want to avoid the winter months, when temperatures turn frigid on the canyon floor. During the summer, northern states such as Sonora and Chihuahua regularly experience temperatures over 100 degrees F.
