You've probably seen the postcards of Acapulco: that perfect crescent moon of sand, gold-leaf sunsets, and cliff divers plunging into the Pacific. It looks like a dream, and honestly, most of the time it is. But if you’re planning a trip, you need to know that Acapulco Guerrero Mexico weather isn't just one long, static summer. There’s a rhythm to the heat here that can either make your vacation legendary or leave you hiding in a hotel room with a struggling AC unit.
I’ve spent enough time on the coast to know that "tropical" is often shorthand for "bring a second shirt because you’ll sweat through the first one by noon." Acapulco is hot. It’s almost always hot. But the difference between January and September is the difference between a crisp, refreshing breeze and feeling like you’re living inside a warm, damp sponge.
The Dry Season: When Acapulco Actually Plays Nice
If you want the version of Acapulco you see in the movies, you come between November and April. This is the sweet spot.
During these months, the humidity—which is usually the real villain of the story—takes a back seat. You’ll wake up to temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and by the time you’re looking for a margarita at lunch, it’ll be a perfect 85°F (29°C). The sky stays a deep, aggressive blue. You basically don't have to worry about rain at all. In March, for instance, the average rainfall is practically zero. It’s just sun, sun, and more sun.
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- January & February: These are arguably the "coldest" months. I use quotes because it’s still 82°F during the day. Locals might wear a light sweater in the evening, but you’ll probably think they’re crazy.
- March & April: The heat starts to crank up. This is also when the "Spring Break" energy hits. The weather is still dry, but you’ll feel the sun getting a bit more bite to it.
Why the Rainy Season Isn't Always a Dealbreaker
Then comes June. The clouds start rolling in over the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, and the humidity spikes. Between June and October, Acapulco transforms.
People hear "rainy season" and think it's a 24/7 deluge. It’s not. Usually, you get beautiful, blazing hot mornings. You hit the beach, you swim in water that feels like a bathtub—seriously, the sea temperature hits about 86°F (30°C) in June—and then, around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, the sky opens up. These are theatrical, violet-skied tropical storms. They’re loud, they’re fast, and they usually clear out the heat for a few hours.
September is the real test. It’s the wettest month by a long shot. We’re talking over 12 inches of rain on average. If you’re a budget traveler, this is when you’ll find the absolute lowest rates, but you have to be okay with the "indoor" lifestyle.
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The Elephant in the Room: Hurricanes
We have to talk about the "Otis effect." In October 2023, Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco as a Category 5, and it changed how everyone looks at Acapulco Guerrero Mexico weather. It was a "nightmare scenario" because it intensified from a tropical storm to a Cat 5 in less than 24 hours.
The official hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. While Otis was an extreme anomaly, the reality is that the Pacific is getting warmer. That warm water is jet fuel for storms. If you’re visiting in late summer or early fall, you need to have a travel insurance policy that covers "acts of God" or weather disruptions. Don't skip that.
Breaking Down the Humidity Factor
Temperature tells half the story; the dew point tells the rest. In Acapulco, the humidity is "oppressive" for a large chunk of the year.
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From June to October, the humidity levels rarely drop below 75%. When it’s 90°F out with that much moisture, it feels like 105°F. You aren't just walking; you're wading through the air.
On the flip side, the winter months see the dew point drop. That "crisp" feeling in January is because the air is actually dry enough for your sweat to evaporate. It sounds gross, but it’s the difference between feeling energized and feeling like you need a nap at 11:00 AM.
Packing for the Pacific Coast
Don't overcomplicate this. Acapulco is casual. Even the nice restaurants in the Diamond Zone (Acapulco Diamante) don't expect a suit.
- Linen is your best friend. Cotton is okay, but linen actually breathes.
- High-SPF Sunscreen. The UV index here hits 9 or 10 (Very High) even in the winter. You will burn in 15 minutes if you’re not careful.
- A light rain shell. Only if you're coming in the summer.
- Polarized sunglasses. The glare off the bay is no joke.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the "Muggy" Meter: Use an app like WeatherSpark or Windfinder. Don't just look at the temperature; look at the humidity percentage. If it’s over 80%, plan your outdoor activities for before 10:00 AM.
- The "Sunset" Strategy: In the summer, the rain usually hits in the late afternoon. Plan your big "sunset dinner" for early in the week so you have backup days if a storm rolls through.
- Water Safety: The Pacific is powerful. Even when the weather is beautiful, the "revolcadero" (the undertow) near the Diamond Zone can be dangerous. Always check the flag colors on the beach.
- Air Conditioning is Non-Negotiable: If you’re booking an Airbnb between May and October, message the host and ask if the AC is in the entire unit or just the bedroom. Trust me.
Acapulco is resilient. Despite the storms and the heat, it remains one of the most iconic destinations in Mexico. If you time it right—aiming for that December to March window—you’ll experience the best weather the Mexican Pacific has to offer. Just keep one eye on the sky and a cold drink in your hand, and you’ll be fine.