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Best Time To Visit Mazatlán (Fun for All Members of the Family!)
Find out the best times to visit Mazatlán for family fun, culture, beaches, and more. Maximize your trip with our guide on when to enjoy lower costs and fewer crowds.
Mazatlán is a resort city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Sinaloa and is one of the largest cities in Mexico. It's a popular tourist destination known for sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and beautiful colonial architecture.
The best time to visit Mazatlán is between March and May, when the weather is about 75 Fahrenheit and travel costs are reasonable. Visiting in the winter from November through February is also popular for cultural events like Día de Los Muertos. However, travel costs increase up to 30% during the winter months.
The city offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. The climate is favorable year-round. So let's explore the best time to visit Mazatlán.
Worst Time to Visit Mazatlán
The worst time to visit Mazatlán is during the summer months of June through August. These are the year's hottest months, with temperatures often reaching over 90-degrees Fahrenheit.
The city is also very crowded, as many people come to Mazatlán to enjoy the beach. If you are planning a trip to Mazatlán, it is best to avoid the summer months. Instead, plan your spring or fall trip when the weather is cooler, and the city is less crowded.
Cheapest Month To Visit Mazatlán
If you're looking to save on your next trip to Mazatlán, the cheapest months to visit are September through November. In addition, prices for hotels and flights will be at their lowest during this time so that you can stretch your budget a little further.
Mazatlán hotels range from $35 to $250 per night with an average of $58, while most vacation rentals will cost between $180 and $570 per night. A family of 4 can travel for under $5000 and couples for about half that.
Traveling to Mazatlán is affordable no matter what time of year you travel. However, the fall months are much cheaper than any other time.
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What Time of the Year is the Best Weather in Mazatlán?
January – Best Time To Go Whale Watching
January is the coldest month of the year in Mazatlán. Temperatures range from around 68°F (20°C) to 80°F (27°C). So it's one of the warmest places to travel to during winter. Plus, plenty of activities and events keep you busy during your stay.
Humpback whales are a common sight off the coast of Mazatlán, and January is the time to see them. Witness mothers with their calves in their natural habitat off of the Pacific Coast.
- Whale watching
- Mexican New Year’s Celebration
February – Best Time To Visit For Carnaval Mazatlán
The average temperature in February is a comfortable 80°F (27°C), and plenty of activities keep you busy.
February is a low time for tourism in Mazatlán and the carnival season kicks off at the end of the month. It’s a great time to visit for Carnaval Mazatlán festivities. The end of the month also sees more tourism and crowds.
- Carnaval Mazatlán
- Mild winter weather
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March – Best Time To Visit For Spring Break
March is the peak time for tourism because Mazatlán is a prime spring break destination. With pristine Pacific beaches and temperatures around 80°F (27°C), it’s no wonder crowds of spring breakers make their way to Mazatlán in March.
Mazatlán is a less crowded alternative to more popular spring break destinations like Cancun or Puerta Vallarta. It’s also much more affordable while still offering an awesome experience.
- Shrove Tuesday
- Spring Break
April – Best Time To Visit For Art and History
April in Mazaltán is calmer and quieter than the previous month as spring break crowds make their way back home. Temperatures gradually warm into comfortable low 80s.
This is the perfect spring weather to explore the historic areas of the city with fewer crowds. Mazatlán has many galleries and art studios that display Mexican and international artists. Their headquarters is the Museo del Arte which has a theater and an exhibition hall.
- Museo del Arte
- Escarabajo Azul Galería de Arte
May – Best Time For Sport Fishing
Mazatlán is known for its access to sport fishing in the Pacific. Chartered fishing boats run year-round, but May is the perfect time to beat the crowds and get out on the water.
Fishing opens in May for marlin, sailfish, jack crevalle, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and yellow grouper. Because of its proximity to the Gulf of California, Mazatlán is an ideal location to fish for migrating sport fish and have fun doing it.
- Fishing boat charter
- Sport fishing
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June – Best Time For Families
June is a great time to visit Mazatlán with the family because the weather is warm and sunny. The average temperature in June is 81°F (27°C).
Parks around Mazatlán offer cultural experiences and music. It’s the perfect time for kids to learn about the culture and history of the region. Mazatlán also experiences more rain in June, so more travel discounts are available.
- Party Land Fest
- World Environment Day at Central Park
July – Best Time To Visit The Beaches
July brings a rise in tourism and travel costs to Mazatlán. So if you're looking for a bustling beach town with plenty of activities, Mazatlán is the place to be.
July is peak season in Mazatlán, so expect warm weather and plenty of tourists. However, there are still plenty of activities and sights to see. If you don't mind the crowds, July is a great time to visit Mazatlán.
- Playa Brujas
- Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras)
- Golden Zone
August – Best Time To Visit Mazatlán Aquarium
Mazatlán is hot and humid in August but still a wonderful destination nonetheless. Temperatures reach 90°F (32°C) this time of year.
With international tourism slowed in August, it’s the perfect time to visit the Mazatlán Aquarium to beat the summer heat. The aquarium has a museum and botanical garden. There are also shows for the whole family to enjoy.
- Mazatlán Aquarium
- Live marine animal shows.
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September – Best Time To Slow Down
Mazatlán is a great place to visit in September because everything slows down. The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors, and plenty of activities keep you busy.
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Mazatlán is the place for you. September is one of the cheaper months to visit, and accommodations are often discounted.
- Reasonably-priced High-Quality Accommodations
- Affordable Fine Dining
October – Best Time To Visit For No Crowds
October is still hot in Mazatlán, with temperatures remaining around 86°F (30°C). However, there are way fewer tourists at this time, so it's the perfect month to visit to avoid the crowds and still enjoy the beaches and activities.
Nightlife is still lively in Mazatlán in October, and the locals party all night long sometimes. So if you want to visit a beach town with hopping nightlife, Mazatlán is an ideal destination in October.
- Señor Frog’s
- Latitude 21 Resort
November – Best Time To Experience Culture
Día de Los Muertos is a religious and cultural holiday celebrated all over Mexico on November 1 and 2. The "Day of the Dead" is celebrated with various festivals, including dancing, singing, and plenty of food!
The parades and festivities offer a glimpse into Mexican culture like no other experience. So get your face painted and learn about the Aztec and Spanish roots of Día de Los Muertos in Mazatlán.
- Día de los Muertos Festivals
- Cultural experiences
December – Best Time To Visit For The Holidays
December is the perfect time to take a winter vacation to Mazatlán because the weather is mild and the days are long.
If you are looking for a place to stay, the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort and Spa is located on a private beach and offers an array of activities and amenities. Mazatlán also has many great restaurants, so you will not have to worry about finding something to eat.
- Christmas Vacation Getaway
- Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort and Spa
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán With Family
Mazatlán is a beautiful city on the Pacific coast of Mexico that offers families a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of activities. The best time to visit Mazatlán for families is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November.
During these months, the weather is comfortable, and there are fewer crowds. As a result, families can enjoy the city's beaches, parks, and attractions without having to contend with large crowds.
Best Time To Visit Mazatlán To Avoid Crowds
The best time to visit Mazatlán to avoid crowds is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November.
The weather is still beautiful during these months, but fewer tourists exist. Therefore, this is the perfect time to enjoy all Mazatlán offers without the crowds.
Best Time to Visit Mazatlán For Whale Watching
The best time to visit Mazatlán to go whale watching is from late January to early March. This is when the most significant number of humpback whales are in the area. If you go any earlier or later than this, you may still see whales, but there will be fewer of them.
Mazatlán is one of the best places to go whale watching. From December to April, humpback whales come to the waters off Mazatlán to mate and give birth.
This is a phenomenol sight to see, and there are many tour operators in Mazatlán that offer whale-watching tours.
