The Best Time to Film in Mexico: Weather, Light, and Local Factors
Mexico’s climate varies dramatically by region, but a few general patterns emerge. In most of the country, the dry season (roughly November–April) offers the most reliable shooting conditions.
During these months you’ll encounter blue skies, minimal rain and moderate temperatures – ideal for outdoor shoots. By contrast, May–October brings the summer rains to central and southern Mexico . When choosing dates, we consider each location’s microclimate.
Mexico City
At 7,400 ft elevation with a temperate climate, Mexico City has a rainy season from June through September and a mild dry season the rest of the year . In practice, November–April is prime shooting season here (daytime highs around 20–25 °C with almost no rain). We avoid the July/August downpours, which typically arrive as late-afternoon storms. (Notably, long winter twilights mean shorter shooting days – plan for only about 10 hours of daylight in December, versus 14 in June).
Baja California
Baja’s arid, desert climate stays relatively warm and sunny most of the year. The best window is again December–April , when days are comfortable (highs in the low 20s °C) and nights are cool. By spring, temperatures climb, and by July/August it can be extremely hot (30–35 °C), plus hurricane threats build late summer. We schedule shoots well outside the peak hurricane season (typically August–October) to avoid any tropical storms.
Yucatán Peninsula (Mérida/Riviera Maya)
This region is hot and humid tropical. The dry season (late November–April) offers clear skies and warm 28–32 °C days, making it the optimal filming period . Even then, short spring showers can occur. From June through October, the Peninsula’s rainy season hits hard: expect heavy afternoon rain or even tropical storms (the Atlantic hurricane season peaks August–October). Between May and August temperatures can hit up to 42°C.
Oaxaca
Like Mexico City but at a higher altitude, Oaxaca sees a dry season October–April . Midday highs in winter reach 25–28 °C, with cool nights. The summer rains (May– September) bring lush scenery but unpredictable downpours. For example, to capture Oaxaca’s famed colonial streets, we prefer the dry season – crowds are smaller and skies are clear. (Note: the Guelaguetza festival in late July can jam city streets with visitors, so it’s both a cultural opportunity and a logistical challenge.)
Other Filming Considerations
Besides the basic weather windows above, producers should factor in climate nuances and local events.
Rain and Storms
Mexico’s monsoon season (roughly May–September) can produce sudden, powerful rainstorms that interrupt shoots. In central/southern regions, daily clouds often build by afternoon and burst in short downpours . While crews can often work in light rain, heavy tropical storms (especially in the Yucatán and Baja coasts during late summer) can shut down production.It’s essential to understand the weather patterns… especially in the Yucatán Peninsula, where tropical storms can be unpredictable.
Hurricane Risk
On the Caribbean coast and Baja Pacific coast, the Atlantic hurricane season (June– November, worst in Aug–Oct) is critical. If a tropical storm threatens, we have contingencies (backup indoor shoots or alternate dates).
Daylight & Light Quality
Mexico’s latitude means long summer days and short winter days. For instance, Mexico City gets about 14 hours of daylight at the June solstice, but only 10 hours in December. We schedule heavy shooting days to maximize golden hours (sunrise/sunset) and ensure extra lighting gear if shooting late in the year. The high altitude and dry air also make sunlight intense (UV is very strong March–May), so we often plan extra diffusers or “silk” rigs on midday shoots.
Festivals and Crowds
Cultural events can be a double-edged sword. Holidays like Semana Santa (spring) and Christmas/New Year see nationwide travel, making hotels scarce but also offering vibrant local color. Iconic celebrations – e.g. Día de los Muertos (Nov 1–2) – are visually spectacular, but they turn city centers into festival zones. Similarly, Spring Break (February–March) floods beaches like Cabo and Cancún with tourists (useful if you need “spring break” look, problematic if you need empty spaces). We check local calendars well in advance and advise clients on the pros/cons of each.
Permits & Logistics
Filming permits are straightforward for public streets and urban areas, but you must plan for protected zones. Shooting in national parks or archeological sites requires formal approvals. For example, CONANP permits (for natural reserves) take 2–3 weeks to process, and INAH (archaeology) can be strict about using actors or crew in historic sites . We always build extra lead time into our schedules for permits. As one Kanan Films production manager notes, “we take care of all logistical aspects so you can focus on the creative side” – a key advantage of using a local fixer.
High Season Production
In practice, Mexico’s high season for production coincides with its tourist season – roughly December through April . During these months, most regions are dry and outdoor shoots run smoothly. Many international productions aim for winter shooting in Mexico to avoid their home-country winters. As one industry insider put it, Mexico is “an ideal year-round filming destination… offering a great alternative for clients looking to avoid winter and capture a summer look”. In fact, Kanan Films has filmed winter campaigns for brands in Mexico’s sunny December and even snagged bright summer-light scenes in January. The secondary high season is mid-summer, which offers abundant daylight and lush scenery.
Conclusion
Overall, our advice to producers is to time your shoot to match both the climate and the creative vision. For example, a Corona spot set in the Riviera Maya needed turquoise waters and clear skies, so we shot it in February. A YETI spot highlighting Baja’s desert used the golden light of December to avoid the scorching summer.
In every case, our on-the-ground knowledge (14+ years) helps fine-tune the schedule: we know which months have the best light, which festivals add local flavor, and exactly how long permit processing will take. Filming in Mexico can be done almost any time of year, but by respecting these weather patterns and local factors – and planning well in advance – your production will run smoothly. We at Kanan Films pride ourselves on matching schedules to Mexico’s seasons, ensuring clients get the ideal weather and light for their story, wherever in this diverse country we shoot .
