Weather in Mexico in November: When the Sun Takes a Polite Step Back

A Regional Tour of Weather in Mexico in November: From Beach Bliss to Highland Refresh

Mexico’s geography creates a patchwork of microclimates that behave very differently from each other, even in the same month. Understanding the weather in Mexico in November requires a regional approach – what’s happening on the Pacific Coast bears little resemblance to conditions in the central highlands. The country essentially offers a climate buffet, allowing travelers to choose precisely how much sunshine and what temperature range they prefer.

Pacific Coast: Where Summer Lingers

Along Mexico’s Pacific stretch – from Mazatlán down through Puerto Vallarta to Los Cabos – November delivers a meteorological masterpiece. Daily high temperatures cruise comfortably between 75-85°F, while evening lows rarely dip below 65°F. It’s as if the thermostat was set by a committee of picky tourists. Humidity levels average 60-70% with a steady decline throughout the month, meaning hair-frizz situations improve noticeably as November progresses.

The precipitation statistics tell an even more compelling story. The entire month typically sees just 0.5-1 inch of rain, down dramatically from October’s drenching 4-5 inches. Water temperatures hold steady at 79-81°F – the perfect balance for water activities without the risk of hypothermia or feeling like you’re swimming in bathwater. Los Cabos, with its unique desert-meets-ocean climate, represents what would happen if Arizona and Hawaii had a weather baby – sunny and warm with next to zero humidity.

November also marks the beginning of whale watching season along the Pacific, particularly in Los Cabos and the Bay of Banderas near Puerto Vallarta. The first humpbacks arrive as if they too have checked the weather forecast and decided now is the ideal time to visit. Ocean visibility for snorkeling peaks at 50-80 feet, turning the underwater landscape into a crystal-clear marine spectacle.

Yucatán Peninsula: Goodbye Humidity, Hello Comfort

The weather gods smile particularly broadly on Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in November. Temperature patterns maintain a consistent 80-85°F during daylight hours, cooling to a pleasant 70-75°F after sunset. While technically still hurricane season until November 30th, statistics show only a 5% chance of significant storm activity – odds roughly equivalent to getting upgraded to first class on your flight down.

The humidity breakdown tells the real story of November’s appeal in the Yucatán. The month begins with humidity around 80% (still somewhat sticky) but gradually decreases as the weeks progress. By late November, the air loses that characteristic “walking through a warm cloud that occasionally leaks” quality that defined the previous months. Rainfall expectations involve occasional short afternoon showers, totaling 3-4 inches for the month – enough to briefly interrupt a beach day but rarely enough to ruin it entirely.

The Yucatán’s cenotes – those mystical natural swimming holes – reach peak enjoyability in November. The summer crowds have dispersed, water levels remain high from the rainy season, and the jungle surrounding these natural pools buzzes with renewed energy. For budget travelers, Tulum’s beachfront cabanas that command $400+ per night in January can often be booked for $150-200 in November – the same stunning location with a significantly less stunning price tag.

Central Highlands: Fall Perfection Without Winter’s Threat

Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca experience November as their meteorological highlight reel. The altitude effects on temperature create Mexico City’s comfortable 65-70°F days and cooler 45-50°F nights – perfect for exploring the sprawling metropolis without summer’s oppressive heat or rainy season’s daily deluges. The highlands feature dramatic day-night temperature swings that can vary by 30°F in desert regions, making layered clothing essential.

Rainfall becomes a statistical afterthought, typically measuring under 0.5 inch all month. This dry clarity contributes to improved air quality in Mexico City, which typically sees a 30% improvement over summer months when pollution can get trapped by thermal inversions. The highland weather in November compares favorably to “fall in New England, minus the entire concept of winter lurking around the corner” – all the crispness with none of the impending doom.

The colonial cities truly shine in this weather. San Miguel de Allende’s cobblestone streets and colorful buildings appear even more vibrant under November’s clear skies. Oaxaca’s famous outdoor markets operate without the interruption of afternoon showers, and the surrounding valleys invite hikers with perfect conditions – warm enough during the day to be comfortable in light clothing, cool enough to make physical exertion pleasant rather than punishing.

Packing Recommendations: The Art of Meteorological Hedging

The diverse weather in Mexico in November creates a packing paradox – the meteorological equivalent of ordering both diet soda and dessert. For coastal destinations, the essentials include lightweight clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen (the November sun is milder but still surprisingly strong). The often-forgotten item is a light sweater for evening coastal breezes that can make restaurant dining slightly chilly, especially in open-air establishments.

Highland visitors face more complex decisions. Daytime temperatures might suggest shorts and t-shirts, but morning and evening conditions demand long pants and layers. The dramatic temperature swings in places like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca mean that the same day might begin in a jacket and end in short sleeves. Smart travelers pack clothing items that can be easily added or removed without requiring a complete wardrobe change.

The universal packing truth for Mexico in November is the need for sun protection regardless of region. The humidity drop creates a deceptive feeling of coolness even when UV radiation remains strong. Many travelers have learned this lesson the hard way, returning with what might be called a “November surprise” sunburn – the trophy no one wants to bring home.

Accommodation Suggestions: Your Budget, Your Climate Choice

November offers the rare opportunity to book accommodations that would be either unavailable or unaffordable just a few weeks later. In beach areas, options range from budget-friendly Sayulita hostels at $25-40 per night to the luxurious Four Seasons Punta Mita at $550-700 – approximately 30% below their December rates. The highlands present similar value with Oaxaca guesthouses available at $40-60 nightly, while the splurge-worthy Rosewood San Miguel demands $350-500, still well below high season pricing.

The staffing situation in November creates an almost comical level of attention. With hotels running at 50-60% capacity while maintaining full staff levels in preparation for high season, service reaches peak levels. The staff-to-guest ratio often means service shifts from attentive to borderline stalking, with pool attendants appearing miraculously the moment a towel needs adjusting. For travelers who enjoy being pampered, this represents the ultimate sweet spot.

Smaller boutique properties that are typically booked solid from December through March suddenly become available in November. In Tulum, exclusive beachfront properties like Sanará or Be Tulum often have last-minute availability at 30-40% discounts. Similarly, charming colonial hotels in San Miguel de Allende like Hotel Amparo or L’Ôtel offer rooms that would require booking months in advance during high season.

Weather-Appropriate Activities: Maximizing the November Miracle

The weather in Mexico in November creates perfect conditions for activities that might be uncomfortable or impossible in other months. In coastal areas, November marks the sweet spot for water visibility and marine wildlife. Snorkeling conditions in Cozumel reach their peak with 80+ feet of visibility in some spots, revealing underwater landscapes in high definition. The Pacific Coast welcomes the first migrating whales, offering early-season whale watching with smaller crowds and lower prices than the peak December-March period.

In the highlands, November’s clear skies and comfortable temperatures create ideal hiking conditions. The trails around San Miguel de Allende, particularly in the nearby Cañada de la Virgen archaeological zone, become comfortably navigable without summer’s heat or rainy season’s mud. Photography enthusiasts find November light conditions particularly rewarding, with fewer clouds and extended golden hours creating perfect conditions for capturing Mexico’s colorful architecture and landscapes.

Cultural events take full advantage of November’s cooperative weather. The month begins with Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1-2), when clear, cool evenings allow for comfortable cemetery vigils and outdoor festivities that would be sweatbaths in summer months. The Revolution Day holiday (November 20) brings parades and outdoor celebrations that benefit from the dry, mild conditions. For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, these weather-dependent celebrations showcase Mexico at its most vibrant.