- Cancún and the Riviera Maya are the easy beach choice, with direct flights from several UK airports
- Mexico City deserves at least four days for its museums and food
- December to April is dry and sunny; June to November is hurricane season on the Caribbean coast
- Chichén Itzá, Tulum and cenote swimming are easy day trips from the coast
- Airports
- Cancún (CUN), Mexico City (MEX), Tulum (TQO), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Los Cabos (SJD)
- Flight time
- about 11h direct from London to Cancún or Mexico City
- Best time to go
- December-April (dry season); November and early May for lower prices
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)
Mexico is far more than an all-inclusive on the Caribbean, although it does that brilliantly too. Within one country you get powder-white beaches, the pyramids of Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá, colonial cities painted every colour imaginable and a food culture recognised by UNESCO. It is also good value once you are there, and direct flights from the UK make it one of the more straightforward long-haul holidays.
Most British visitors head for the Yucatán Peninsula, but a few days in the capital or the central highlands adds a completely different side to the country. This guide, part of our North America series, covers where to go, the best time to travel, flights from the UK and what a trip costs in 2026.
Where to go in Mexico
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
Cancún and the Riviera Maya stretch south along the Caribbean from Cancún's hotel zone through Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Expect turquoise water, big resorts and boutique hideaways, swimming in cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) and snorkelling with turtles at Akumal. The clifftop ruins at Tulum are close by, and Chichén Itzá is an easy day trip inland.
Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the world's great city breaks: the Aztec Templo Mayor beside a vast cathedral, the superb National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo's Blue House and leafy neighbourhoods such as Roma and Condesa full of cafés and taquerías. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are about an hour away.
Yucatán and Mérida
Inland, the state capital Mérida is a relaxed colonial city and a good base for Uxmal, flamingo-filled Celestún and dozens of cenotes. Valladolid, between Mérida and Cancún, is the closest town to Chichén Itzá. Further south, Bacalar's freshwater lagoon is known for its seven shades of blue, and it is the natural jumping-off point for Belize.
Oaxaca and the colonial heartland
Oaxaca is the food capital of the south, famous for mole and mezcal and for its Day of the Dead celebrations around 1-2 November. San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are hilltop colonial towns with beautiful centres.
Pacific coast and Baja
Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos face the Pacific, with whale watching from roughly December to March. They are less served from the UK than Cancún but can be reached with one stop.
Best time to visit Mexico
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (December-February) | Dry, sunny and warm on the coast; peak season and Christmas prices |
| Spring (March-May) | Hot and dry; Easter is very busy; sargassum seaweed can start arriving |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot, humid, afternoon storms; school-holiday prices; hurricane season begins |
| Autumn (September-November) | Wettest, highest hurricane risk in September and October; November is lovely |
The Caribbean coast is best from December to April. Mexico City sits at about 2,240 m, so it is mild all year, with a rainy season from roughly June to September that mostly brings afternoon downpours.
Sargassum seaweed washes up on Caribbean beaches in some years, usually between spring and late summer. The Mexican government and local monitoring groups publish forecasts, and west-facing beaches such as Isla Mujeres are usually less affected.
Getting to Mexico from the UK
Direct flights run to Cancún from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and some regional airports with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and TUI, taking about 10-11 hours. British Airways and Aeroméxico fly direct from Heathrow to Mexico City in around 11-12 hours. Everywhere else needs one stop, usually in the US, Madrid or Mexico City; if you connect in the US you will need an ESTA.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not normally need a visa for tourist stays, but the number of days you are allowed is decided by the immigration officer on arrival rather than being a fixed 180. Be ready to show a return ticket, your accommodation and enough funds. Keep the entry record you are given. Rules change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Mexico before booking, which also covers areas to avoid.
Getting around
Domestic flights are cheap and the quickest way to cover distance. In the Yucatán, ADO buses are comfortable and reliable, colectivos (shared minibuses) link the coastal towns, and the new Tren Maya railway runs around the peninsula, including a station at Cancún airport. A hire car works well for cenotes and ruins but take the full insurance. In Mexico City use the metro, Metrobús or app-based taxis rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Money and costs
Mexico uses the peso. The Riviera Maya, especially Tulum, is priced close to European resort levels, while Mexico City, Mérida and Oaxaca are much better value. Budget about £70-100 per person per day for a mid-range trip outside the resorts. Tip 10-15% in restaurants and a little for hotel staff and guides. Quintana Roo, the state containing Cancún, charges foreign visitors a small tourism fee (Visitax), paid online before you leave. Carry pesos for markets and buses; cards are fine in hotels and larger restaurants.
Top attractions in Mexico
Mexico on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free, and the main tourist areas are well policed, but crime is a serious problem in parts of the country. Read the GOV.UK advice for the specific states you plan to visit and use registered taxis or apps at night.
What is the best month to go to Cancún?
February to April is usually the sweet spot: dry, sunny and calm seas. December and January are also excellent but pricier around the holidays.
Do I need a visa for Mexico from the UK?
Not for a normal holiday. The length of stay you are granted is set at the border, so answer questions clearly and keep your return details handy.
Is Mexico City worth visiting?
Yes. It has world-class museums, superb food at every price and day trips to the pyramids. Even three or four days before or after a beach week transforms a trip.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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