Bucerías has a tropical climate with two clear seasons: a dry season from roughly November to May, with sunny days and pleasant evenings, and a rainy season from roughly June to October, when it is hotter and more humid and short, heavy storms are common. For most visitors, November to April is the best time to come.
The seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| High season | December – March | Dry, sunny, warm days and mild evenings | Whale season, afternoon kitesurf winds, Art Walk evenings, busiest and most expensive time; book ahead around Christmas and New Year. |
| Spring | April – May | Dry and getting hotter | Winds often still good in April; quieter after Easter; whales mostly gone. |
| Rainy season | June – September | Hot, humid, afternoon and night storms | Green landscapes, warm sea, low prices; turtle nesting begins; hurricane season. |
| Shoulder season | October – November | Rains easing, still warm | Turtle releases, quieter beaches, good value; whales start arriving at the very end of the period. |
December to March: whales, wind and winter sun
This is the classic season. Days are reliably dry and warm, evenings are pleasant, and the bay is full of life: humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to mate and give birth, and are usually seen from about December to March. In the afternoons, a thermal breeze makes Bucerías a kitesurfing destination. Galleries hold the Art Walk on Thursday evenings in the high season. It is also when hotels are fullest — book early for Christmas, New Year and the Easter weeks (Semana Santa), which are also popular with Mexican families.
April and May: quieter and hotter
The weather stays dry and the sea warms up. After Easter, the crowds thin and prices drop. Wind for kitesurfing can still be good in April.
June to October: rainy season
Heat and humidity build and storms arrive, usually in the afternoon or at night, often with a sunny morning. The hills turn green and the sea is at its warmest. This is the Pacific hurricane season; most storms pass offshore, but some bring heavy rain and swell, most often from around August to October. In exchange, hotel prices are at their lowest and the beach is yours. Olive ridley turtles nest on the beaches of the bay, and hatchling releases generally run from about summer into late autumn.
Events to plan around
- Christmas, New Year and Semana Santa: the busiest weeks of the year; book accommodation well ahead.
- Art Walk: Thursday evenings in the high season — check dates locally.
- Whale season: roughly December to March, peaking in mid-winter.
- Turtle releases: roughly summer to late autumn, depending on the hatching.
Ready to choose? Compare whale-watching and Marietas tours or find a place to stay.
