Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest metropolis and the capital of the state of Jalisco, is blessed with sunny skies and spring-like climate year-round. This implies there is no such thing as a unhealthy time to go to, however in case you notably like dry climate and a busy cultural program, you will wish to head there in fall.
Hear out for mariachi, drink tequila, get pleasure from folks dancing and see Mexican cowboys on horses performing charrería… Loads of what’s thought-about quintessentially Mexican hails from Guadalajara. Use this month-by-month breakdown of local weather, crowds, and cultural occasions and festivals that can assist you plan the very best time on your journey.
December and Semana Santa by means of to Easter are the very best instances to go to flee the chilly again dwelling
Winter is the busiest time in Guadalajara in relation to tourism, particularly round Christmas, however the two-week faculty vacation interval comprising Semana Santa and Easter may also be thought-about peak journey season. Throughout this time, resort costs will probably be larger than normal, however – relying on the place you reside – touring to Guadalajara within the winter and spring is likely to be value your whereas to flee the chilly. Winter in Guadalajara is gentle, with common temperatures of 16℃ (61℉), highs of 24℃ (75℉) and lows of 10℃ (50℉). Spring can get sizzling, with the temperature reaching 33℃ (91℉) and no rain. You may count on to see some crowds throughout each of those peak seasons, because it’s when Mexicans are likely to take their holidays.
October to December is the very best time to go for nice climate and festivals
Fall is indisputably Guadalajara’s greatest season. Not solely is the climate nice with little to no rain, however it’s when town’s calendar of occasions is at its most interesting. Most temperatures keep within the excessive 20℃s (excessive 80℉s), which permits guests to comfortably discover town on foot, and nighttime temperatures do not go under 13℃ (56℉). In relation to tradition, you will get your fill throughout this time: Fiestas de Octubre, Día de Muertos, and the Worldwide Guide Truthful are a number of the principal occasions you would possibly wish to try.
June by means of September is the very best time to go for offers (in case you don’t thoughts the rain)
July is the rainiest month in Guadalajara, however it rains all through the entire summer time season. Whereas the temperature itself isn’t uncomfortably sizzling, it rains each night, which may get in the best way of your sightseeing. On a constructive be aware, you received’t discover many crowds as these wishing to take holidays escape to close by seashores (Puerto Vallarta just isn’t far) and also you would possibly discover good resort offers. Somewhat than stroll round aimlessly within the metropolis, this can be a good time to discover Guadalajara’s many museums and vibrant culinary scene.
January is the best time of 12 months
The primary week of January can have one of many lowest temperatures within the 12 months, however it’s nonetheless manageable with a lightweight sweater through the day and a jacket at evening. For Mexicans, the primary week of January is a continuation of the Christmas season, culminating on January 6 with the Día de los Reyes Magos. That is when most Mexican youngsters historically get items, fairly than Christmas. However adults get to get pleasure from themselves too by indulging in Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake made specifically for the event.
Key occasion: Día de los Reyes Magos.
February means celebrations for Guadalajara’s anniversary
In February, Guadalajara lights up with gentle reveals, projection mappings, multimedia reveals, reside music and fireworks to have fun the anniversary of town. GDLUZ Competition lasts roughly three days round February 14 and takes place primarily round Guadalajara Cathedral, Liberation Sq., Degollado Theater and El Hospicio Cabañas.
Key occasion: GDLUZ Competition.
March is busy with vacationers
Semana Santa often falls in late March, although typically it’s celebrated in April. Tourism can get fairly excessive round this time and the temperature will probably be sizzling and humid –however with out a lot rain.
Key occasion: Semana Santa (often).
April means Easter celebrations
The warmth begins to kick in for Semana Santa and Easter Week, however nonetheless not uncomfortably so. You would possibly have the ability to spot one of many non secular processions taking place across the metropolis.
Key occasions: Semana Santa, Easter
Could is pageant time
Could is the most popular month in Guadalajara with highs of 33℃ (91℉). Artwork lovers shouldn’t miss the Competition de Mayo, which mixes totally different artforms, from theater and portray to opera and dance. In the event you’re into music festivals, Corona Capital Guadalajara delivers a very good dose of worldwide rock and indie bands.
Key occasions: Competition de Mayo, Corona Capital Guadalajara
June sees fewer vacationers
June is the beginning of the slowest season in relation to tourism however it has its share of occasions. The Feria de San Pedro Tlaquepaque, a city half-hour away from the middle of Guadalajara, is in no scarcity of comedy reveals, livestock exhibitions, circus perfomances and carnival rides. Guadalajara’s Worldwide Movie Competition happened in June 2022, however it’s been recognized to be held in numerous months, so be sure to analysis upfront in case you’re planning to attend.
Key occasions: Competition Internacional del Cine en Guadalajara (Guadalajara’s Worldwide Movie Competition), Feria de San Pedro Tlaquepaque.
July is Guadalajara’s rainiest month of the 12 months
There’s a very good probability you may get caught in a summer time storm in July, so be sure to come outfitted with a raincoat, umbrella and acceptable footwear.
August is the month to have fun Mexican custom
The Worldwide Mariachi and Charrería Competition sees mariachi from all around the world partake in a celebration to protect and promote this widespread Mexican custom. Charrería reveals (known as charreadas) are an enormous a part of the occasion. With some similarities with a rodeo, in a charreada a male rider – known as the charro – performs a collection of equestrian actions to display his abilities, be it precision lassoing his horse or the great rein and obedience of the animal. In the meantime, a feminine rider, or escaramuza performs sidesaddle carrying a standard costume brings a sleek contact to the occasion. Charrería is taken into account the Mexican nationwide sport. The pageant begins on the finish of August and extends to the primary week of September. Please be aware: whereas there is no such thing as a intent to hurt the animals within the performances, the tough nature of the actions carried out may end up in the animals getting injured.
Key occasion: Worldwide Mariachi and Charrería Competition.
September is the “patriotic month”
If a pageant extolling the virtues of mariachi music and charrería just isn’t sufficient to fulfill your have to really feel such as you’ve skilled the “actual Mexico”, you’ll be blissful to listen to that September can be known as “el mes patrio” (the patriotic month). Cinco de Mayo just isn’t Mexican Independence Day and, although a financial institution vacation, just isn’t broadly celebrated across the nation. However September 16 is. Drink tequila and margaritas to your coronary heart’s want and take part with the “Viva México” chants that happen near midnight.
Key occasions: Independence Day, Jalisco Jazz Competition.
October hosts a month-long pageant
That is the beginning of the very best season to go to Guadalajara: the temperate climate will assist you to discover town and its surrounding areas at leisure. Subsequent on the checklist of actually Mexican occasions is the Fiestas de Octubre, a month-long occasion stuffed with live shows, exhibitions, dancing and a standard Palenque. The Palenque, a small spherical stage initially used for cockfighting, is a cherished venue the place well-known artists sing in an intimate setting. Please be aware: whereas cockfighting remains to be a practice on the Fiestas de Octubre previous the performances, it does lead to loss of life and critical damage to all roosters concerned and could also be disturbing for viewers.
Key occasions: Fiestas de Octubre, La Romeria de Zapopan, Tecate Coordenada
November means Día de Muertos parades
The month opens with Día de Muertos, the place guests can attend a Catrinas parade (a cranium woman wearing fancy apparel) and go to the Panteón de Mezquitán graveyard to admire the decorations on the graves. Literature lovers can attend Guadalajara’s Worldwide Guide Truthful – the most important e book truthful within the Spanish-speaking world and second largest on the earth, after Frankfurt – the place well-known worldwide authors current their works in intimate settings. You might want to communicate Spanish to have the very best expertise.
Key occasions: Día de Muertos, Feria Internacional del Libro (Guadalajara’s Worldwide Guide Truthful).
December is peak tourism time
The festive season brings the vacationers. Mexicans don’t simply have fun the times between Christmas and New Yr: celebrations begin on December 12 with the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. From that day onwards, keep away from doing something the place you count on paperwork to work. Do you have to occur to have a Mexican pal, get them to ask you to a Posada, a celebration that takes place at somebody’s dwelling to recreate Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage earlier than Jesus was born. Count on fruit punch with a sugarcane stick coming out of it and piñatas. And sure, throughout this time, larger lodging costs.
Key occasions: Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Christmas, New Yr’s Eve.
