Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas’ climate is hot and very, very dry. Winds from either the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of California tend to bring down temperatures slightly, but in most cases, the city’s weather is ideal for vacationers year round.

Air temperatures in Cabo San Lucas are almost always hot, ranging from 22°C to 33°C during the summer months and from 14°C to 25°C in the winter.

Precipitation throughout the year is virtually non-existent save for a short stint around September that brings 80mm of rainfall in a 30 day period.

Water temperatures are pleasant any time of year peaking at 29°C in late summer and dipping to 22°C during the winter months.

Harbor in Cabo San Lucas at night with a mountain range in the background

Cabo San Lucas

Located just one hour south of Cancun by car, Playa Del Carmen’s climate is a vacationer’s paradise. This tourist town is consistently hot and sunny, and precipitation is concentrated mostly to the autumn months. 

During the dry season (December to April), air temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Rainfall is regular year round, but tends to come in short but strong bursts through the day. March and April are the driest months during this time.

In the rainy season (May to November), air temperatures increase slightly to a range of 25°C to 33°C. Rainfall amounts increase dramatically to as much as 280mm in October before tapering off toward the beginning of tourist season.

Water temperatures are very warm year round. At their coolest, 26°C is the norm, while at their warmest, 29°C is common.

Ocean coast in Playa Del Carmen with beaches and trees

Playa Del Carmen

Perhaps the most well-known vacation spot in Central America, tourists flock to Cancun primarily for its tropical climate. The city is consistently hot and sunny, and precipitation, although always present, is concentrated to the autumn months.

Tourist season in Cancun aligns with the dry season in its weather patterns. From December to April, air temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C, and humidity levels are at their lowest. March and April are the driest months during this time.

During the rainy season (May to November), the air temperature range increases to 25°C to 33°C, and relative humidity rises. Rainfall amounts vary month by month but tend to come in strong bursts throughout the day rather than consistent downpours. September and October are by far the rainiest months.

Water temperatures along the shores are very warm year round. At their coolest, 26°C is the norm, while temperatures increase slightly to 29°C during the hot summer months.

Tropical storm season lasts from May to December, peaking in October. It’s normal for Cancun to see two to three periods of extreme weather, including the chance of damaging winds. Large hurricanes are rare, although possible.

Aerial view of hotels and beaches in Cancun

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Cancún

Located on the western coast of mainland Mexico, Mazatlan’s tropical climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, and consistently warm to hot air temperatures.

The city spends most of the year in almost continuous draught, barely seeing any precipitation at all from January to June. Throughout the summer months, a dramatic increase in rainfall brings monthly totals to a staggering 175mm until tapering off again mid-October.

Despite very high levels of rainfall from July until October, the city still only sees an average of 10 rainy days per month. When it rains, it pours.

Air temperatures during the dry season range from 16°C to 30°C, and increase slightly to a range of 24°C to 33°C during the wet summer months.

Colorful buildings and ocean in Mazatlan, Mexico

Culture in Mexico

Mazatlan

Characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, the tropical tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta is known for pleasant temperatures, lots of sunshine, and a concentrated rainy season during the summer months.

During the dry season (November to June), Puerto Vallarta is generally quite comfortable with air temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C. Rainfall amounts are very, very low. In fact, it’s quite common for March and April to see just 2mm of precipitation each month.

Rainfall amounts increase dramatically from June until October. The rainiest month is September, seeing 370mm, although July and August are not far behind with 330mm and 310mm respectively.

Beach with pier in of Puerto Vallarta with water taxis in the ocean

Puerto Vallarta

The contiguous states in America cover a wide range of geographies that are generally temperate for the majority of the year. Exceptions include the far north which can see extended periods of below 0°C temperatures alongside heavy snowfall; Southern Florida, which boasts a tropical climate akin to the Caribbean; and a hot desert climate in the southwest.

The island state of Hawaii has a tropical climate with constant trade winds that help to relieve the humidity.

To the north, Alaska’s proximity to the Pole gives it a subarctic climate with very cold winters, and short summers. The State alternates between periods of extended sunshine (peaking at a full 24 hours on the summer solstice), and months of complete darkness.

America’s wide variety of climates offers something for everyone making it a year round vacation destination.

Skyline of New York City, USA with the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center in the background

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United States

The Dominican Republic is mostly a tropical climate complete with warm ocean water, lots of sunshine, and intense humidity. It’s a mountainous country, which means even the shortest of drives between cities can lead to dramatic weather changes.

Just like in the rest of the Caribbean, The Dominican Republic has a wet season and a dry season, however, these seasons begin and end at different times of the calendar year depending on whether you vacation in the north or south of the country.

In the north, beachside destinations like Puerto Plata see intense rainfall from November to May, making April to October the best time to visit. During these prime vacation months, the ocean sits around a balmy 29°C, and air temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low thirties.

In the south and south-east (where Punta Cana is), precipitation is considerably more intense during the opposite months, making December to April the best time of year to visit. Air temperatures during these prime vacation months sit between the mid to high twenties.

In short, the Dominican Republic is an all-year destination. Its varying topography can lead to a different weather experience depending on where you are at any given time. The plus side is that if you’re experiencing inclement weather where you are, warm and sunny skies are usually just a short drive away.

Panorama of the Dominican Republic with palm trees on a tropical beach and a bright sunset

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Dominican Republic

Geographically situated at the very top of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas boasts a tropical climate that is slightly cooler than its neighbouring vacation spots. During the dry season (November to April), The Bahamas offers a welcoming temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Consistent trade winds keep the island breezy, and comfortable ocean water temperatures bring an opportunity to cool off even further. For those who dread hot and balmy places but still want to escape harsh Canadian winters, this is the vacation spot for you.

In the summer months, rain dominates the forecast. The Bahamas sees an average of 18 rainy days per month from June to October. Precipitation often comes in short but strong spurts, clearing up quickly and returning to sun in as little as just a few minutes. This is also the time of year when the country is prone to very strong winds.

Despite the uptick in tropical storm appearances in the past five years, The Bahamas has historically avoided the most serious of hurricanes. One notable exception is in September 2019, when Hurricane Dorian became the first Category 5 hurricane since 1992 to make landfall, causing massive damage.

Caribbean tropical beach on a bright sunny day with white sand coastline and the deep blue sea in the Bahamas

Vacation Bahamas Hero

The Bahamas

As one of the largest countries in the world (14th overall), Mexico’s wide landscape offers a diverse range of climates for all sorts of vacationers. While air temperatures across the country are consistently warm year round, factors such as altitude and proximity to the equator play a large role in rainfall amounts, relative humidity, and a number of other categories.

Along the eastern shores, tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen boast tropical climates akin to something you’d expect from the Caribbean. Air temperatures are hot and humid all year, and precipitation tends to fall in short, but strong bursts.

On the opposite coast, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan offer a similar climate, albeit with a concentrated precipitation schedule.

Venturing inland towards Mexico City and other densely populated areas brings higher altitudes and therefore cooler air temperatures. 

Mexico Hero Image

Mexico

Canada’s climate tends to vary from region to region, but in most cases can be categorized as long, cold winters and comfortable, temperate summers.

Snow is a defining characteristic across the country. In some areas, it can be present for six to eight months, however, popular tourist spots like coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario experience a considerably less severe winter season.

In Alberta, the contrasting landscapes between the Rocky Mountains and the flat plains can bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees during a single night. As the Prairies continue east, the flat terrain and high humidity can spawn tornadoes more than anywhere else in Canada.

The northern territories make up 40% of Canada’s land, and are typically classified as dry and very cold. That said, much of the north still experiences a short summer where air temperatures range between 6°C to 18°C.

The climate across the Maritime provinces are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation is a constant across the East. In winter months, that rain can turn into heavy snowfall. In Newfoundland particularly, there are usually one to two events where upwards of 70cm can fall in a single 24 hour period.

Summers across the country are more uniform than winter. Most major Canadian cities experience a comfortable, temperate summer season with high levels of humidity, and a fair amount of rainfall.

View from the capital of Canada looking onto parliament hill at night

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Canada

Spain is generally regarded as a hot, sunny vacation destination, although by looking in the right places, it is possible to seek out chillier winters fit for skiing.

Most tourists tend to visit cities along the Balearic Sea like Barcelona or Valencia. Summers in these coastal cities are pleasantly warm with very little rainfall. Similarly, island destinations like Ibiza or Palma offer the same mediterranean climate, but with slightly hotter air temperatures.

Inland, cities like Seville see a more dramatic range of weather compared to their coastal counterparts. Here, temperatures can get blisteringly hot during dry summer months, and increased rainfall during early winter can cause some vacation disturbances.

Madrid’s high altitude exposes it to below-zero temperatures during the winter, including a period in January 2021 where 50cm of snow fell on the city, setting a new record.

The Canary Islands, which sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, are another popular island getaway with pleasant summer temperatures and very little rainfall.

View of the water on Ibiza Island with boats in the ocean and tropical trees around the frame in Spain

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Spain

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination complete with year round pleasant weather and a robust culture. It boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. High air temperatures, and warm ocean waters are the norm. 

Vacation hotspots are scattered across the island country. To the northwest, Montego Bay and Negril see slightly more intense rainfall than their counterparts to the east. That said, precipitation in Jamaica tends to come in strong but short bursts, making most days at least a little bit sunny.

Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but hurricane season can sometimes begin as early as June or July. 

Aerial view of a main road, colorful buildings and ocean in Montego Bay, Mexico with sunny weather

Vacation Jamaica Hero

Jamaica

Italy’s lengthy geography with contrasting ecosystems gives the country a diverse climate range. Winters in the Alps get very cold, suitable for skiing, meanwhile winters along the coast or on the island of Sicily are quite pleasant. Similarly, summer hot spells can become uncomfortable as temperatures breach 30°C in some parts of Italy, while those same summers can become cool and breezy just by moving a few hundred kilometres inland.

Generally speaking, air temperatures increase toward the Southeast of the country.

Most popular destinations like Rome or Florence experience hot, dry summers, and brisk, but palatable winters. Precipitation is regular and relatively consistent throughout the country, with the rainiest months being October and November, and the driest months being during the summer.

Water temperatures, for the most part, are suitable for swimming during the summer months, but too cold any other time of year. 

Aerial view of the turquoise water flowing through buildings during a yellow sunset in Venice, Italy

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Italy

France covers a lot of diverse territory, and for that reason, it encompasses a number of different climates. Most of the country boasts a temperate, four-season climate where winters are cold, summers are warm, and Spring and Fall act as a transition period.

More extreme climates can be experienced in the Southeast. The French Alps are characterized by mountainous landscapes that bring in more rainfall, colder winters, and relatively cool summers.

Conversely, along the Rhône Valley, summers can get quite hot making it a desirable tourist destination.

Aerial view of the Seine river at sunset in Paris, France

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France

Australia is generally well-known for having a hot, sunny climate, but due to the country’s massive size, weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year tend to vary dramatically depending on where you visit.

In the south, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate sees a modified version of the four seasons that many Canadians are used to. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, summertime temperatures can get quite hot and sticky, while winter conditions are typically mild and wet. 

Moving along the eastern shores to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns will bring hotter temperatures and more of a tropical climate akin the Caribbean. Rainy days are even more prominent in this part of Australia, although the precipitation there often comes in strong, quick bursts rather than prolonged over the course of an entire day.

The famous Australian Outback makes up most of the country’s interior. Its climate can get dangerously hot and dry, with summertime temperatures regularly floating around 40°C.

Extreme weather conditions in Australia can sometimes lead to massive wildfires or flash floods. The entire country is prone to these disasters, so it’s important to be conscious about protocols particularly when venturing out of the major cities.

When planning a vacation here, it’s also important to bear in mind that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are reversed from Canada’s, and getting closer to the Equator means travelling north rather than voyaging south.

Sydney, Australia from the ocean at sunset with the Sydney Opera house in the skyline

Vacation Australia Hero

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Australia

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is located only 200km away from the Floridian tip of the United States and boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (May to October), the country sees on average, 10 stormy days per month, and an air temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. The rainiest months are June and October. In the dry season (November to April), Cuba’s air temperature dips slightly to a range of 19°C to 26°C, and precipitation amounts are considerably lower. March and April are the driest months during this time.

Cuba is also prone to powerful hurricanes, with most occurring during August to October. 

Green vintage car on the main street with bright colorful buildings in Havana, Cuba

Vacation Cuba Hero

Cuba

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Climate in Playa Del Carmen

Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Playa Del Carmen

Historical Average

Weather Averages in Playa Del Carmen

Other Vacation Destinations in Mexico