Guadalajara sits on a plateau at approximately 1,560 meters above sea level, giving it a subtropical highland climate. Thanks to its mild year-round weather, it is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring.” Temperatures range from a low of around 5°C to a high of around 32°C throughout the year, and the seasons are broadly divided into a dry season (November–May) and a rainy season (June–October). During the dry season, skies are clear and bright, while the rainy season brings concentrated afternoon showers and thunderstorms along with many overcast days. The hottest period is April–May just before the rainy season begins, and December–January mornings and evenings can drop below 10°C. Overall, the city boasts low humidity and abundant sunshine, making it a comfortable destination year-round, with the optimal travel window being November–March during the latter half of the dry season.
Seasonal Weather in Guadalajara
Winter (December – February)
Guadalajara’s winter is the most pleasant season, with clear, dry weather throughout. Daytime temperatures hover around 24–26°C, but the large daily temperature swings mean mornings and nights can dip to around 9°C, so a light outer layer is necessary. Rainfall is minimal and skies are almost cloud-free, creating ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing — this is also the peak tourist season.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is the hottest season in Guadalajara, with dry, scorching weather persisting before the rainy season begins. Daytime highs in April–May exceed 31–32°C, making these the hottest months of the year. Humidity remains low so the heat is not overwhelming, but the intense sunlight means UV protection is a must. Intermittent showers start appearing from late May as the city gradually transitions into the rainy season.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the full rainy season, when the majority of Guadalajara’s annual rainfall is concentrated. Daytime highs drop slightly to 27–30°C compared to spring, but rising humidity means overcast days account for 44–87% of the time, with heavy afternoon thunderstorms occurring frequently. Mornings are generally clear, so it is best to plan outdoor activities in the morning and keep afternoons for indoor schedules. Evening temperatures hold at around 17°C.
Autumn (September – November)
September marks the peak of the rainy season with the highest rainfall of the year, but from October onward, precipitation drops rapidly and conditions stabilize. Daytime temperatures ease to 25–26°C and nights cool to 11–14°C; from late October, clear days return, making travel very enjoyable. October–November is especially recommended for cultural travel, as festivals such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) are held in abundance.
Best Time to Visit Guadalajara
The best time to visit Guadalajara is during the dry season from November to April, when average temperatures stay between 15°C and 27°C — ideal for outdoor activities and city exploration. December–January is peak tourist season; minimal rainfall and clear skies make it perfect for exploring colonial architecture and historic districts, though accommodation and airfare prices are also at their highest.
October–November offers freshly stabilized post-rainy-season weather with fewer crowds, plus rich cultural events such as the Día de los Muertos celebration and the Guadalajara International Book Fair (November–December), making it an especially rewarding period for travel content.
If you’re considering a visit during the rainy season (July–August), mornings typically remain clear, so scheduling outdoor activities in the morning and pairing them with indoor plans for the afternoon thunderstorms makes for a perfectly enjoyable trip. A bonus of this period is the International Mariachi Festival (August), offering a unique taste of Guadalajara’s distinctive musical culture.
Monthly Weather & Recommended Clothing
January —High ~25°C / Low 11°C. Rainfall ~4mm; one of the driest months with ~9.7 hours of daily sunshine. A light long-sleeve shirt suffices during the day, but a cardigan or thin jacket is essential for mornings and evenings around 10°C.
February — High ~27°C / Low 12°C. Humidity at 44%, rainfall ~11mm, ~10.2 hours of sunshine daily — a prime travel month. Layer a thin long-sleeve with a cardigan; UV index is “Very High,” so sunscreen and sunglasses are a must.
March — High 31°C / Low 14°C. Rainfall drops to just 1mm — virtually rain-free. UV index reaches “Extreme (10.4).” Short-sleeve shirts and thin cotton pants are the basics; a wide-brim hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential.
April — High 32°C / Low 15°C. Still just 1mm of rain. UV index hits “Extreme (11.4)” — the highest of the year. Breathable cotton or linen tops with shorts or light bottoms are ideal; hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable outdoors.
May — High 33°C / Low 17°C — the hottest month of the year. Rainfall rises to ~7mm as the rainy season transition begins with occasional showers. Light, bright-colored summer clothes are the norm; carry a foldable umbrella or thin waterproof jacket for sudden downpours.
June — High 31°C / Low 19°C. The rainy season kicks in with ~17 rainy days per month. Rainfall hits 140mm and humidity climbs to 59%. Wear loose, breathable cotton or linen; a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes are essential, along with a compact umbrella at all times.
July — High 28°C / Low 18°C. Approximately 26 rainy days with 229mm of rain — the wettest month. Humidity reaches 73%. Keep to light summer clothing, but a waterproof jacket and umbrella are absolutely essential for afternoon thunderstorms.
August — High 28°C / Low 18°C. Similar to July with 213mm of rain over 26 days; humidity peaks at 75%. The International Mariachi Festival takes place this month. Same clothing as July; also pack a thin cardigan for air-conditioned interiors.
September — High 28°C / Low 18°C. Rainfall at 172mm over 18 rainy days; humidity at 73%. Still wet but starting to stabilize toward month’s end. Light summer clothes with a raincoat or waterproof jacket remain necessary.
October — High 28°C / Low 16°C. Rainfall drops sharply to 52mm with only ~8 rainy days — a rapid improvement. Short sleeves or a thin long-sleeve during the day, with a light jacket or cardigan for evenings down to 16°C.
November — High 28°C / Low 13°C. Dry season effectively begins; rainfall just 5mm. Humidity a comfortable 53% with ~10.2 hours of sunshine daily. Layer a short-sleeve or thin long-sleeve during the day with a cardigan or light jacket for mornings and evenings; UV is still “Very High” so sunscreen is needed.
December — High 25°C / Low 11°C. The coolest month with just 10mm of rainfall; peak tourist season. Daily temperature swings exceed 14°C, so layering is key — light long-sleeve shirts or thin sweaters during the day, a warm jacket in the evenings.
Monthly Climate Data for Guadalajara
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV Index | Travel Suitability |
| January | 25°C | 11°C | 4mm | 1 | 9.7 hrs | 48% | 7.2 (Very High) | Good |
| February | 27°C | 12°C | 11mm | 2 | 10.2 hrs | 44% | 8.5 (Very High) | Excellent |
| March | 31°C | 14°C | 1mm | 0 | 11.3 hrs | 33% | 10.4 (Extreme) | Excellent |
| April | 32°C | 15°C | 1mm | 0 | 11.8 hrs | 33% | 11.4 (Extreme) | Excellent |
| May | 33°C | 17°C | 7mm | 2 | 11.9 hrs | 36% | 11.3 (Extreme) | Good |
| June | 31°C | 19°C | 140mm | 17 | 10.8 hrs | 59% | 9.4 (Very High) | Frequent Rain |
| July | 28°C | 18°C | 229mm | 26 | 10.3 hrs | 73% | 8.7 (Very High) | Frequent Rain |
| August | 28°C | 18°C | 213mm | 26 | 10.2 hrs | 75% | 8.5 (Very High) | Frequent Rain |
| September | 28°C | 18°C | 172mm | 18 | 10.1 hrs | 73% | 8.0 (Very High) | Frequent Rain |
| October | 28°C | 16°C | 52mm | 8 | 10.0 hrs | 65% | 7.8 (Very High) | Good |
| November | 28°C | 13°C | 5mm | 1 | 10.2 hrs | 53% | 7.6 (Very High) | Excellent |
| December | 25°C | 11°C | 10mm | 2 | 9.6 hrs | 53% | 6.8 (High) | Excellent |