What is the weather like in different regions of Mexico in December?

Mexico's regions offer distinct December climates. The Yucatan Peninsula maintains temperatures between 75-85°F with low humidity making it comfortable to explore Chichen Itza and Tulum. In Mexico City and central regions temperatures cool to around 70°F during the day with nights that call for warm layers. Beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta see mid-70s temperatures. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "December weather was perfect for exploring the ruins and swimming in cenotes around Merida without the intense heat of summer."

What special cultural events and festivals can I experience in Mexico during December?

December brings vibrant holiday celebrations across Mexico. Las Posadas runs December 16-24 with nightly processions complete with music piñatas and street food. Mexico City's Basilica draws thousands for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. The mountain town of San Cristobal de las Casas offers a unique blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas Eve dinner in Guadalajara was really special and showed the rich cultural traditions."

How crowded are popular tourist destinations in Mexico during December?

Tourist areas reach peak capacity during December especially in the final two weeks. Coastal hotspots like Playa del Carmen and Cancun often book solid. Cultural centers including Mexico City Oaxaca and Merida see their busiest period. Key accommodations such as Hotel Victoria in Oaxaca or NH Reforma in Mexico City require advance planning. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Early December was perfect - we got to enjoy festivities but avoided the massive holiday crowds later in the month."

Which are the best beaches to visit in Mexico during December?

The Caribbean coast offers excellent beach conditions in December. The waters at Playa del Carmen and Tulum stay calm with minimal rain. Snorkeling spots like Akumal Beach provide clear visibility and comfortable swimming conditions. Beachfront stays at properties like the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen or Thompson Beach House enhance the experience. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "the December weather was perfect for beach hopping along the Riviera Maya with crystal clear waters and comfortable temperatures."

What are the best archaeological sites to visit in Mexico during December?

The mild December climate creates ideal conditions for exploring Mexico's ancient sites. Chichen Itza sees fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures than summer months. The jungle ruins of Palenque offer comfortable exploration weather. Teotihuacan near Mexico City provides clear conditions for pyramid climbing. As noted by a TourRadar reviewer: "Visiting Monte Alban in Oaxaca during December was incredible - clear skies and perfect temperatures for exploring the ancient site."

How far in advance should I book a December tour to Mexico?

Plan to book December tours 6-8 months ahead particularly for holiday weeks. Popular accommodations like Casa Mexicana in San Cristobal and Mision de Fray Diego in Merida typically fill by September. TourRadar travelers mention that "last-minute December bookings were nearly impossible to find especially for the Christmas to New Year's period." Tour operators often provide early booking discounts up to 15% for reservations made six months in advance.

Mexico Tours in December 2026

10 best Mexico trips in December 2026

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In-depth Cultural
Beautiful Mexico
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Itinerary was wonderful, we saw a lot of incredible beautiful places in Mexico. All hotels were great, and had nice, clean rooms and delicious breakfasts."
Nataliia, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Chiapa de Corzo,San Juan Teotihuacán,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Palenque,Ocosingo,Campeche+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
US$2,064per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Mexico Unplugged
4.6 (125 traveler reviews)
"The ruins we visited were amazing with so much history and intrigue; the meals we ate with local families gave an insight into the real Mexico."
James, traveled in September
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, San Andres Cholula, Oaxaca,Santa Maria del Tule,Teotitlan del Valle,Tehuantepec,San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Chamula,Canon del Sumidero,Palenque,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Campeche,Merida,Uxmal,Celestun,Chichen Itza,Playa del Carmen,Cozumel+15 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $2,715
US$2,036per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
From Mexico City to Cancun
4.0 (8 traveler reviews)
"Well put together itinerary. Diverse experience."
Henry, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% Off
From
US$2,158per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Mexican Heritage and Adventure
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great variety of places to visit and amazing knowledgeable guides."
Margarita, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Teotihuacán,Palenque,Ocosingo,Campeche,Izamal,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% Off
From
US$2,371per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
19 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Paths of History
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% Off
From
US$2,444per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Aztecs & Mayas
4.3 (16 traveler reviews)
"All the tour guides were enthusiastic and punctual with a great sense of humour."
Victoria, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán, Canon del Sumidero,San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Chamula,Palenque,Campeche,Uxmal,Merida,Cuzama,Chichen Itza,Cancun+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $2,850
US$2,565per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Mexico 11 Days - Private Tour
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, San Andres Cholula,San Juan Teotihuacán,Taxco,Cuernavaca,Cancun,Chichen Itza,Valladolid,Isla Mujeres,Mujeres Island,Tulum,Coba+10 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
10% Off
From
US$4,380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Riviera Maya Discovery - 5 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Very well organised. Highly recommend."
Valentina, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cancun, Tulum, Chichen Itza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Chichen Itza
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
SAT Mexico Tour and Travel
10% Off
From
US$975per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Mexican Roots and Routes
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Queretaro, Tula de Allende, Puebla, Oaxaca,San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+16 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,670per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Mexico City and the Heart of Michoacán
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Tlalpujahua de Rayón, Patzcuaro, Morelia,Cuitzeo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$669per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
A Taste of Mexico City, City Break
4.3 (30 traveler reviews)
"Seamless airport pick up and drop off. Excellent guides. Very personal attention."
Janis, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $973
US$876per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Colonial Mexico
4.1 (25 traveler reviews)
"The service from Tourradar was professional and most satisfactory."
Leonard, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Tlalpujahua de Rayón, Patzcuaro, Morelia,Tlaquepaque,Guadalajara,Tequila,Guanajuato,Dolores Hidalgo,San Miguel De Allende,Queretaro,Puebla+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,171per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Mexico City Break - 5 Days
4.4 (7 traveler reviews)
"The places we visited were wonderful. The hotel was very well situated, with excellent staff, and delicious breakfast included."
Piedad, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
SAT Mexico Tour and Travel
10% Off
From
US$703per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Wonders of the Maya
4.5 (68 traveler reviews)
"Everything was perfectly organized with clean and save hotels. The tour itself is amazing - great sights."
Sabine, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cancun, Rio Lagartos, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Izamal,Merida,Uxmal,Campeche,Palenque,Becán,Chetumal,Bacalar,Tulum+8 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $2,082
US$1,874per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Mexico Yucatán Experience
4.8 (257 traveler reviews)
"It was my birthday on the trip which I didn't mention when booking but she was lovely enough to celebrate me and made me feel so special on my birthday."
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cancun, Holbox Island, Chichen Itza, Merida, Bacalar, Tulum,Playa del Carmen+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
25% Off
From $2,195
US$1,646per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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