Are you thinking about visiting Mazatlan, Mexico? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Mazatlan worth visiting?
Mazatlan is worth visiting for three to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Mazatlán is a resort town on the Pacific side of Mexico. It is a port city with a colonial historic center and a boardwalk that runs along the coast. There are many landmarks around town and many visitors come for the surfing.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Reasons to Visit Mazatlan
Museums
There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.
Food
Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.
Beaches
There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.
Historical Sights
It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.
Nightlife
There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.
Shopping
There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Mazatlan might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Mazatlan here or see if Mazatlan is expensive here.
Authenticity
Mazatlan has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Mazatlan worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Mazatlan is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 29°C (83°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (90°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Mazatlan, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Mazatlan is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Mazatlan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| August | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| September | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
Is Mazatlan worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Mazatlan. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 27°C (81°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (89°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in Mazatlan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| December | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
Is Mazatlan worth visiting in the Winter?
The high season for travel in Mazatlan is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 20°C (67°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Mazatlan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| February | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| March | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Is Mazatlan worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (81°F).
The peak season for travel is spring in Mazatlan, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Mazatlan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Mazatlan
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
Related
What is Mazatlan most famous for?
Mazatlan is most famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. The city is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. It is often described as historical, cultural, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Mazatlan?
The most popular sight in Mazatlan is the Malecon. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Mazatlan on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Malecon and other attractions here.
How touristy is Mazatlan? Is it a popular city to visit?
Mazatlan is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Seafood Secret Tour in Mazatlan: $78
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour: $67
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- Zipline and ATV Combo Tour from Mazatlán: $180
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
How long should I spend in Mazatlan?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Mazatlan is at least three or as many as five days. Since Mazatlan has activities such as beaches, historical sights, museums, and dining, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mazatlan?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Mazatlan?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Mazatlan?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.