What to expect if you are thinking of visiting Mexico’s Pacific Coast this winter.

1) Certainly no frost or snow.  In the higher terrain though, Mexico certainly has frost and sometimes snow.  Of course there would be lots of snow in the high country if there was moisture in the atmosphere; it’s just that winters on Mexico’s Pacific side are very dry.  When we visited Sonora’s Copper Canyon, we awoke to near freezing temperatures where snow is not uncommon on the canyon rim, and where in the canyon bottom, bananas are grown.

2) If you choose a destination near the tropic of cancer (Jan. through Mar.), you will need a jacket in the morning and evening, and certainly long pants.  Depending on your luck, sun-bathing in warm temperatures may or may not be in you favor.  Skies are usually clear, but again near the tropic of cancer and northward, morning fog can occur.  As you move south the climate changes appreciably.  Puerto Vallarta is at the most northern extremity of an area of tropical sea surface temperatures (SST) that help maintain higher winter air temperatures.  Evenings are appreciably warmer in Manzanillo for example, as shorts can be worn on all but the coolest evenings.  Then on southward to Ixtapa where heat seekers relish the daytime highs that typically reach 30C or more.

At about 9:45 this morning Jan. 4th, here were some temperatures on the West Coast of Mexico.  La Paz (Cabo San Lucas), 16 C, Mazatlan, 20C; San Carlos, 16C; Puerto Vallarta, 20C; Manzanillo, 25C; Ixtapa, 28C.

Weather Underground Weather History for Various Cities During the First Week of February 2008

Mean temperatures (ave. high temps., ave. 24 hr. temps., and ave. min temps.) during the first week of February 2008. plus the lowest night-time low for this particular week:

Calgary…….. -3C, -12C, -25C and -28C as the lowest nighttime low temp. this week.
Chihuahua….17C, 10C, 3C    and -7C          ”
San Carlos..18C, 16C, 13C, and  6C           ”
Mazatlan……18C, 17C, 15C, and  3C           ”
La Paz……….20C, 17C, 16C, and  7C           ”
Manzanillo…23C, 22C, 21C, and 17C          ”
Honolulu……24C, 23C, 21C  and 18C          ”
Ixtapa………..25C, 24C, 22C   and 15C          ”
*Averages for Puerto Vallarta (not available from Weather Underground) are slightly cooler than Manzanillo.

How to get there

Most of us fly to Mexico; a few lucky folks drive.  Mexico’s Pacific Coast is served by most airlines it seems.  Centers like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco have service from most major USA hubs, as well as many winter non-stop charters from northern destinations.

Manzanillo is a less frequented destination.  Many people say, “Manzanillo is a little hard to get to”, and we Manzanillo fans say, “yeah, maybe that’s why it’s Manzanillo”!  Winter airline service is in fact, quite satisfactory.  For scheduled service, check out US Air through Phoenix, Continental through Houston, and Alaska through Los Angeles.  New in 2008 is Mexicana’s non-stop flights from several destinations to Mexico City - Manzanillo is then a 1 hr. flight (people who have used this service report they are very happy with Mexicana).  Additionally, many charter companies fly weekly flights during the winter from several departure points; the limitation being that these charters only allow one or two week stays.

When you have decided to make that first trip in a vehicle, it’s quite common for first-timers to drive along with some veteran (anyone who’s done it once).  Once on the road visitors realize that there are other vehicles with license plates the same as theirs.  Cars or convoys of motor homes and RV’s who have discovered some secret beachfront, will be encountered.  These folks, having found an area where they can live inexpensively and just enjoy paradise on the warm Pacific, become part of the great migration of people who have come to call Mexico their winter escape.  In time, some of them purchase property and become part of the community of northerners who make Mexico our part-time home.

So, driving is pure pleasure as long as you enjoy driving, and remember, each mile gets warmer!  The route from the border crossing at Nogales takes you through Hermosillo and then on to San Carlos, adjacent to Guaymas.  About a 3/4 day drive, this is a good place to spend the first night after crossing the border and getting your tourist permit at kilometer 21.  San Carlos is also where you first see the Pacific, about mid-way down the Gulf of California.  If you’re on an express schedule, then get an early start from San Carlos and drive to Mazatlan the second day.  There are however many interesting places to visit along this route: Alamos, Copper Canyon, etc.  Mazatlan, being a large resort, has a myriad of hotels in the hotel zone along with prices similar to the USA and Canada.  It’s a place where you really sense being on a holiday as it has that ‘touristy’ feeling, with lots of familiar businesses.  Another early start from Mazatlan will complete the drive to Manzanillo through Guadalajara.  This express trip is accomplished on toll roads which are for the most part excellent, equaling almost any roads in N. America.  There are lots of Pemex stations along the route with snacks and wash rooms.

Several good and slightly shorter routes exist for those traveling from centrally located provinces and States.  Crossing at Eagle Pass Texas for example, will take you on a route through Saltillo and Zacatecas.  This is a beautiful inland route, and for the inquisitive traveler, offers much to see and explore.  After making a few of these sojourns, you’ll realize that most of the richness in Mexico is in the southern half.  Here the cities are centuries old, each with an individual character.  It’s no wonder that so many folks become fans of Mexico and choose to explore the whole country.

Tune in tomorrow for the final part of our 3 part series: Why Manzainllo Anyway?

And just in case you missed it, here’s a link back to our first article: Mexico this winter, Why Not?

Written by Mark