Weather in Mazatlan in November: Mexico's Perfect Climate Compromise

The Real Deal: Weather in Mazatlan in November By The Numbers

Numbers don’t lie, and in November, they tell a story that sounds almost too good to be true. The weather in Mazatlan in November delivers daily high temperatures hovering around 85°F, with evening lows settling in at a comfortable 65°F. For American travelers seeking context, this climate profile closely resembles San Diego in September – that magical moment when summer heat relaxes into fall perfection. The key difference? In Mazatlan, this weather comes standard with significantly lower price tags and fewer crowds.

Precipitation becomes practically a non-issue, with less than one inch of rain typically falling across the entire month. Weather records show that November usually sees just 2-3 days with any measurable rainfall at all. When rain does make a cameo appearance, it tends to be brief and polite – the meteorological equivalent of a quick hello rather than an extended stay. The rainy season officially waves goodbye in October, leaving November gloriously dry.

Comfort Metrics: Humidity, Water, and Sunshine

Humidity levels in November finally give your hair products a fighting chance. Morning readings typically register between 60-70%, but drop to more reasonable levels as the day progresses. By afternoon, that sticky summer feeling dissipates entirely, replaced by a comfortable dryness that makes outdoor dining, shopping, and sightseeing genuinely pleasant rather than a sweat-soaked endurance event.

Ocean temperatures in November maintain a consistent 80°F – the aquatic equivalent of a perfect bath. It’s warm enough to stay in for hours without shivering, yet cool enough to feel refreshing after sunbathing. This Goldilocks water temperature creates ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding without feeling like you’re entering either a tepid bathtub or an Arctic plunge pool.

Daylight in November provides approximately 11 hours of sunshine, with sunset typically occurring around 6pm. This timing creates perfect conditions for the sunset happy hour ritual that has become something of an unofficial religion among Mazatlan visitors. The golden hour light bathes the malecon in warm hues that make even amateur smartphone photographers look like professionals.

The Fine Print: What Nobody Tells You

Despite the moderate temperatures, November’s UV index remains surprisingly high (8-9 on most days). This creates the perfect trap for unwary tourists who equate “comfortable temperatures” with “reduced sun danger.” The reality is quite different – you can absolutely get a vacation-ruining sunburn while feeling perfectly comfortable. Sunscreen remains non-negotiable, preferably applied with the same dedication one might bring to an important work assignment.

Wind conditions in November hit another sweet spot – consistent gentle breezes of 5-10mph that provide natural air conditioning without threatening to launch beach umbrellas into low orbit or transform carefully styled hair into avant-garde art installations. These pleasant air currents help maintain comfort even during peak afternoon temperatures.

The weather in Mazatlan in November occasionally includes a morning marine layer – a thin fog that rolls in from the sea and blankets the coastline. Before you panic about your beach day being ruined, rest assured that this atmospheric phenomenon typically burns off by 10am, leaving gorgeous skies in its wake. Locals actually appreciate this brief morning coolness, which provides perfect conditions for jogging or cycling along the malecon.

Practical Implications: Rates, Crowds, and Conditions

November’s climate perfection comes with another bonus: accommodation rates that won’t require a second mortgage. Hotels typically charge 15-25% less than during the December-February high season. For example, the oceanfront Hotel Playa Mazatlan offers rooms from $85/night, while the more upscale El Cid Marina starts around $110/night – both representing significant savings compared to high season rates.

Crowd levels follow a predictable pattern throughout November. The month begins with relatively thin crowds, gradually increasing as snowbirds begin their southern migration. The exception is Thanksgiving week, which sees a noticeable influx of American travelers seeking to combine turkey consumption with beach relaxation. Even at its busiest, however, November rarely approaches the sardine-can density of January beaches.

Beach conditions reach peak perfection in November. The end of rainy season means minimal seaweed deposits on shore, while decreased wind results in clearer water visibility – typically 15-20 feet around Deer Island and other snorkeling hotspots. The combination of warm water and excellent visibility creates ideal conditions for underwater exploration without requiring specialized cold-water gear.

November Weather Anomalies: What Could Go Wrong

While November weather in Mazatlan is remarkably consistent, Mother Nature occasionally throws curveballs. The hurricane season officially ends on November 30th, and while late-season storms are rare, they’re not impossible. The last significant November hurricane to affect Mazatlan was in 1989, making it statistically unlikely but worth monitoring weather reports if traveling early in the month.

Cold fronts known locally as “nortes” occasionally sweep down from the north, bringing temporarily cooler temperatures and choppier seas. These weather systems typically last just 2-3 days and rarely drop temperatures below 60°F even at night. Pack a light sweater or jacket, and you’ll be prepared for any unexpected cool snaps without sacrificing suitcase space.

The weather in Mazatlan in November creates such consistently perfect conditions that locals sometimes get spoiled. You might witness the amusing spectacle of residents bundled in jackets when temperatures “plummet” to 70°F, while visitors from Minnesota frolic in the “chilly” water in swimsuits. Climate is indeed relative, and one person’s cool spell is another’s heat wave.