Weather in Mexico in August

August climate overview

Daytime highs across Mexico in August run from 29.9°C (Cancun) to 30.9°C (Puerto Vallarta). In Puerto Vallarta about 100% of August days reach 25°C. Nights average 25.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cancun fall to 25°C or below.

Rainfall in August

Expect around 22 rainy days (1 mm or more) in August, with Tulum the driest (19 days) and Puerto Vallarta the wettest (29 days). The wettest August at Puerto Vallarta between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 529 mm; the driest was 2002 with 201 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 29.2°C around Mexico in August - warmest at Puerto Vallarta (30.0°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

August against the rest of the year in Mexico

August is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in Mexico. It is 0.1°C warmer than July and 0.6°C cooler in September. The hottest month here is August (30°C) and the coolest January (26°C).

Which part of Mexico in August?

• Most sunshine: Cancun, 5.8 h a day.
• Driest: Tulum, about 19 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Puerto Vallarta, 30°C.
• Hottest: Puerto Vallarta, 31°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cancun, 30°C.

What to pack for Mexico in August

Based on the averages: light, loose clothing and serious sun protection - midday highs sit around 30°C; a rain jacket - roughly 22 wet days; swimwear - the sea is 29°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in August

Within 1.5°C of Mexico's August daytime average: Ayia Napa (32°C, sea 28°C), Albufeira (31°C, sea 21°C), Hammamet (31°C, sea 27°C), Bangkok (31°C, sea 29°C), Hanoi (31°C). See the full ranking for August.

Where to go: Tulum has the edge for less rain

Tulum is the better starting point if reducing your chance of rain matters most: it averages 19 rainy days, compared with 20 in Riviera Maya and 21 in both Playa del Carmen and Cancun. That is a modest advantage, not a promise of dry weather. These destinations otherwise offer the same daytime temperature of 30°C and sea temperature of 29°C, so there is little reason to choose between them on warmth alone. Puerto Vallarta reaches 31°C, but its 29 rainy days make it the harder choice for weather-dependent plans. Choose it for extra warmth only if frequent rain would not spoil your trip.

What to expect: warm evenings and flexible beach plans

Pack for heat rather than cool evenings. The country average stays at 26°C at night, and Tulum, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Cancun match that figure. Puerto Vallarta is cooler after dark at 24°C, though still warm enough for light clothing. Breathable clothes, sun protection and a lightweight waterproof are useful choices. With average sunshine of 5 hours, there is scope for time outside, but it makes sense to leave beach plans movable rather than build each day around uninterrupted sun. Take breaks from the midday heat and keep somewhere sheltered in mind. The warm sea is appealing, but it will offer limited cooling.