Know Before You Go: Visiting Mexico During Spring Break

If you’re looking to party, look no further than Cancun or Los Cabos. However, if you don’t want to spend your entire spring break among college students, you may want to consider going elsewhere.

For a slice of culture and history, instead consider the charming pueblos mágicos (literally, “magic towns”); the heritage-rich city of Guadalajara; or, for a more fast-paced multisensory experience, the intoxicating metropolis of Mexico City. If you still want quality beach time without the crowds, consider the coast of Oaxaca or the Riviera Nayarit.

Insider tip: If flying into Cancun is convenient but partying isn’t your thing, fly there, but head to nearby calmer destinations such as Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Isla Mujeres, or Tulum for a low-key spring break.

As spring break is such a popular time to travel—for families and college students alike—flight and hotel prices tend to rise quickly. To avoid overspending, book your travel as early as possible.

If you’ve left it a little late, there are still ways to save. For example, book a flight that leaves during the week rather than the weekend. And, if it’s possible, be flexible with your dates. If you can wait until late April, you’ll miss peak season, which typically runs from late February through mid-April.

Insider tip: You can also save time and hassle on arrival by pre-booking your airport transfer—wherever you decide to travel, you’ll find shared and private options at various price points, from vans to stretch limos.

Spring break doesn’t have to be all about drinking and sunbathing. Before traveling, browse available tour options and plan the activities and experiences you want to try. Whether you’re on the Caribbean, Gulf, or Pacific coast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water-based adventures, from spotting whales on a catamaran cruise to snorkeling in whale shark–inhabited waters. If you’re on the Yucatán Peninsula, don’t miss the chance to swim in a cenote, a natural sinkhole with deep cultural significance for the local Maya. Cenote snorkeling and swimming tours regularly depart from Cancun.

Don’t forget to make time for some cultural activities, either. Check out museums, gastronomy, and murals in Mexico City; Indigenous crafts in Oaxaca; or the vineyards of the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California Sur.

Insider tip: Even the megaresorts of the Riviera Maya offer easy access to cultural experiences. The ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá, for example, is an easy day trip from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen.

Packing for spring break in Mexico is fairly straightforward. Springtime in Mexico typically promises mild weather, little rain, and temperatures averaging from 65–85°F (18–29°C), so you’ll likely spend much of your time in a bathing suit and flip-flops (in the beach towns, that is). You should also pack casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes for excursions, and a couple of dressier outfits for dinners and nights out. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat.

Insider tip: There’s no need to overpack. You can easily pick up any items you’ve overlooked and will likely want to save room for souvenirs anyway.

The State Department regularly issues travel warnings for various states in Mexico, including Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, and Baja California Sur, home to Los Cabos, citing the prevalence of violent crime. Nevertheless, millions of tourists visit Mexico every year without problems.

Practice the same safety guidelines that you would when visiting any other unfamiliar city, but take into consideration any specific Travel Advisory warnings for your Mexico spring break destination of choice.

Insider tip: Be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk alone after dark, and be cautious about alcohol consumption when traveling in Mexico (or anywhere).

When a foreign traveler runs into trouble during Mexican spring break, there’s a chance that alcohol is involved. However, that’s no reason to abstain entirely. Have a margarita or two, but try not to overdo it. As with anywhere in the world, don’t leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.

Insider tip: Keep in mind that it’s illegal to walk on the street with an open alcohol container in Mexico, although this remains a common practice in some popular spring break destinations.

Disability isn’t a barrier to enjoying some of Mexico’s best beaches. Accessible beaches in Mexico include Playa Delfines and Playa las Perlas in Cancun, and Parque Los Fundadores in Playa del Carmen. These beaches all have wooden platforms to reach the water, as well as accessible restrooms and showers. You’ll typically find staff on-site who can help you make use of beach resources, including amphibious wheelchairs that provide a seamless transition from sand to surf.

• When is spring break in Mexico? Exact spring break dates vary from school to school and by year (this often depends on when Easter falls). In general, students are on spring break throughout March and early April. In Mexico, spring break is called semana santa and takes place during the week leading up to Easter.
• Do you need a passport to visit Mexico? All travelers arriving in Mexico by air need a passport. US travelers arriving by land or by sea can also use a passport card or an enhanced driver's license.
• How much should I tip in Mexico? Tipping is customary in Mexico and much appreciated by poorly paid service workers. Around 15 percent of the check is typical for restaurant servers, or $1 per drink in a bar. Tour guides usually get 10–20 percent of the tour price, and housekeepers a couple of dollars per day. The local currency is Mexican pesos but US bills are widely accepted when tipping in popular tourist destinations.