Mexico Holidays

One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Mexican calendar, the Feria Nacional de San Marcos begins mid-April and continues until the start of May. In 2024, it will be held in the central city of Aguascalientes. Expect mechanical rides, concerts, rodeos, art, music, dancing, and - of course - fireworks. While it's a long way from the popular beach resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, international visitors are welcome, and this four-century-old festival is a great excuse to explore historic central Mexican cities such as Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.

Hitting the beach and basking in the sun will be among the first plans added to any holiday to-do list, but the things to do in Mexico don’t stop there. The Aztecs and the Mayans are just two of five early civilisations whose stories can be found among the ancient ruins, archaeological monuments, and Mesoamerican pyramids, which make up some of the most inspiring places to visit in Mexico.

Fascinating museums and galleries in Mexico City celebrate this rich history alongside the more modern work of artists such as Frieda Kahlo and Diego Rivera. If you’re looking to soak up the culture, these are some of the best Mexico places to visit between sampling local delicacies from tacos and guacamole to mezcal and tequila. Arrive the week before Easter, and you’ll discover Mexico Spring Break in full swing at its most vibrant seaside resorts, but in Mexico, the sun is always shining somewhere. Whenever you travel, our experts will guide you to the right place for your perfect visit.

All-inclusive is the most common way to stay, and there is a wide choice of Mexico resorts with unlimited dining, drinks, and included activities. Dreams Playa Mujeres and Moon Palace Cancun are some of the best hotels in Mexico for families looking for child-friendly restaurants and a wealth of entertainment for kids to enjoy. Adults travelling without little ones will appreciate the grown-up but fun atmosphere of Secrets The Vine or Valentin Imperial.

For something completely different, try Azulik Tulum, an eco-friendly wellness retreat offering the unique experience of dinner in a floating nest. In the city, make your home in the fashionable boutique of Octavia Casa, indulge in the comfortable luxury of Four Seasons, or seek out a more upbeat stay at the W. Whether you’re looking for golf days, ocean adventures, or pampering moments in the spa, you’ll find a place which ticks every box among our Mexico hotels.

If luxury all-inclusive hotels, some of the world’s best beaches, and tropical landscapes polka-dotted with extraordinary ancient marvels and thriving cities aren’t enough to tempt you onto a flight, perhaps the food of Mexico will. So integral to the destination’s culture that it’s been awarded UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, Mexican cuisine is among the best-loved in the world. Kickstart the day with huevos rancheros, graze through the afternoon on tacos and enchiladas, and toast the evening with a sizzling selection of fine meats and fresh fish. Oh, and Mexican chocolate is sublime.

Between meals, you can enjoy 5,800 miles of coastline touching four different seas, the Mayan city and World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, or trekking through the rocky wilderness of Copper Canyon. If you like sun-drenched beaches, azure oceans, ancient relics, amazing landscapes, vibrant cities, mouth-watering meals, or a simply blissful break, you have a reason to go to Mexico.

Though Mexico has two seasons, it’s easily enjoyed all year. November to April is the dry season and is usually a few degrees cooler and less humid, making it the best time to go to Mexico for beach stays, city breaks, or active touring. When rains begin in May, they are seen first on the south coast before slowly moving north. Even at the peak of this season, afternoon showers dry quickly, and plans are rarely disturbed. If you’re staying between August and October, swapping the coast for the central region is the best way to avoid any storms.

Another good time to go to Mexico is during one of the many annual festivals and events. November’s Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo are the most famous, but Spring Break, Easter, and Independence Day are all special times to arrive. The best time to travel to Mexico for whale watching is January to March, and surfing is at its peak between May and October.

Visa: British citizens do not need a visa to visit Mexico

Language: Spanish

Currency: Peso (MXN) (US Dollar also widely accepted)

Time difference: GMT –6 hours

Flight duration from London: 11 hours direct to Cancun, 12 hours direct to Mexico City

Capital city: Mexico City