Best time to visit · Guadalajara · Mexico
The best time to visit Guadalajara
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Isacdaavid, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Guadalajara is from October to April, when the weather is dry and sunny with warm days and cool nights. October has the city's biggest festivals, while November brings the book fair. May is hot, and from June to September afternoon storms are frequent, although mornings are often fine and prices stay low.
Key facts
- Best months
- October–March
- Shoulder season
- April–May and September
- Warmest month
- May (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 25°C (77°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and May–July
Seasons
Guadalajara sits at about 1,550 metres and has a mild subtropical highland climate. Winters are dry with warm days and cool nights, May is the hottest month, and the rainy season from June to September brings heavy afternoon and evening storms.
November–February
Dry winter
Sunny days in the mid-20s °C and chilly nights, with the book fair, Christmas and quieter weeks in January and February.
March–May
Hot season
Warm to hot and dry, with May the hottest month and Semana Santa crowds at Chapala.
June–September
Rainy season
Afternoon and evening thunderstorms, cooler temperatures and green surroundings, with the mariachi festival at its end.
October
Festival season
Drier days, the month-long Fiestas de Octubre and the Zapopan pilgrimage on 12 October.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C | 7°C | 2 | 11 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 27°C | 8°C | 1 | 11.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 29°C | 10°C | 1 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 31°C | 12°C | 1 | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 33°C | 15°C | 3 | 13.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 31°C | 17°C | 14 | 13.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 27°C | 16°C | 21 | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 27°C | 16°C | 19 | 12.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 27°C | 16°C | 14 | 12.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 27°C | 14°C | 6 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 26°C | 10°C | 2 | 11.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 25°C | 8°C | 2 | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| April | Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| August | Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería (usually late August to early September) |
| September | Mariachi festival continues (usually early September); Independence Day celebrations (night of 15 September) |
| October | Fiestas de Octubre — month-long fair (October); Romería de Zapopan — pilgrimage of the Virgin of Zapopan (12 October) |
| November | Día de Muertos altars and events (1–2 November); Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL) — book fair (usually late November to early December) |
| December | FIL book fair continues (early December); Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe (12 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February and May–July, and the sights are quietest in January–February and May–July.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Festival season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Guadalajara?
The best time to visit Guadalajara is from October to April, when the weather is dry and sunny with warm days and cool nights. October has the city's biggest festivals, while November brings the book fair. May is hot, and from June to September afternoon storms are frequent, although mornings are often fine and prices stay low.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Guadalajara?
Usually in January–February and May–July. Dry, sunny days and cold nights; a quiet month for sightseeing after the New Year holiday.
+What is the rainiest month in Guadalajara?
July, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Guadalajara get?
The warmest month, May, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).