San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city in central Mexico with a vibrant arts scene. The city is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture as well as its traditional Mexican food and culture. San Miguel de Allende is a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors from the United States and Canada.
Over the past 5 years San Miguel has become one of the trendiest tourist destinations in Mexico. It was ranked as the second best city in the 2020 World’s Best Awards and took the top spot in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, 1.6M tourists visited SMA. With only 14% of those (640k) coming from outside of Mexico.
The city is a great mix of foodie culture and preserved architecture. See – San Miguel is unique. Under Spanish rule, San Miguel had a larger population than New York City. After the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel was practically abandoned in the 19th century. As a result, the city’s stunning architecture has remained largely in tact.
January – April are the best months to visit San Miguel de Allende, but note that September is also a great time to visit given San Miguel’s role in Mexican Independence.
But when is the best time to visit Tulum?
Whether you’re focused on foodie spots, authentic Mexican restaurants, hiking, or bar hopping – read on to learn more!
Quick Answer: When is the Best Time to Visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico?
| Season | Temperatures | Rain | |
| January | High Season | 42°F – 72°F (5.5°C – 22°C) | |
| February | High Season | 44°F – 75°F (6.5°C – 24°C) | |
| March | High Season | 48°F – 79°F (8.8°C – 28°C) | |
| April | High Season | 52°F – 83°F (11°C – 29°C) | |
| May | Low Season | 56°F – 84°F (13°C – 29°C) | |
| June | Low Season | 58°F – 81°F (14.5°C – 27°C) | Mildly Rainy |
| July | Low Season | 57°F – 78°F (14°C – 25.5°C) | Mildly Rainy |
| August | Low Season | 57°F – 78°F (14°C – 25.5°C) | Mildly Rainy |
| September | Low Season | 56°F – 77°F (13°C – 25°C) | Mildly Rainy |
| October | Mid Season | 51°F – 76°F (10.5°C – 24.5°C) | |
| November | Mid Season | 46°F – 75°F (7.5°C – 24°C) | |
| December | Mid Season | 42°F – 72°F (5.5°C – 22°C) |
- The best time to visit San Miguel de Allende(considered the “peak season”) is from October – April. This is when the temperatures have dropped a bit and the mild rainy season has paced.
- Note that most tourists visit the city between January – April.
- It’s important to note that the average temperatures in San Miguel de Allende don’t vary that much. While the high season is slightly better, traveling during the summer is also enjoyable.
- The off-season in Tulum is from May – September. The weather is typically hot and mildly rainy, but you’ll avoid the crowds. During this time you can find great deals on hotels and Airbnbs.
In the article below we’ll give a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect when visiting San Miguel de Allende!
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay – check out our guide to Family Friendly Hotels, Boutique Hotels, and Hostels for awesome accommodation options.
When are San Miguel de Allende’s Travel Seasons?
San Miguel is a beautiful destination all year round. The weather is mild year-round, with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). The rainy season is from June to September, but even during this time there are plenty of sunny days.
The high season is from October – April due to mild temperatures and mostly sunny, rain free days. The low season is May – September due to higher temperatures and a moderate amount of rain.
When is San Miguel de Allende’s Busy Season?
The busy season in San Miguel De Allende is during the fall, winter, and spring: from October to April. November, December, January, and February attract the most travelers, as this is when tourists from the United States and Canada often plan trips to avoid the cold winter months in their own countries. We’ve found that January and February in particular see a lot of travelers.
April can also be busy in San Miguel de Allende as it overlaps with Spring Break and Easter.
If you value optimal weather, you don’t mind spending a little extra money, and you are not bothered by crowds – the busy season is a great time to visit San Miguel de Allende.
High temperatures: 72°F – 83°F (22°C – 29°C)
Average temperatures: 68°F – 74°F (20°C – 23°C)
Low temperatures: 42°F – 52°F (5.5°C – 11°C)
With thousands of people visiting San Miguel de Allende during the high season, we recommend booking your accommodations 1 – 2 months in advance. Attractions will also be packed, so try to plan and book tour reservations in advance too.
When is San Miguel de Allende’s Low Season?
The low season in San Miguel de Allende is from May to September. In this period you can expect to find fewer crowds, hot temperatures, slightly more rain, and better rates on hotels and Airbnbs.
Other guides to San Miguel de Allende
To help you out, we’ve selected some of the best places to stay in San Miguel de Allende for a great stay.
- Best Boutique Hotels in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Bars in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Authentic Mexican Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Breakfast and Brunch in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Activities in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Vineyards around San Miguel de Allende
- Best Hikes in San Miguel de Allende
A Month-to-Month Guide to Visiting San Miguel de Allende
If you’re still not sure when you want to go to San Miguel de Allende (or you’re already packing!), we’ve put together a month-to-month breakdown of what you can expect.
San Miguel de Allende in January
Average Temperature: 42°F – 72°F (5.5°C – 22°C)
Highlights: Cool weather | Busy | High season in San Miguel de Allende
Events: New Year’s Day | Día de los Reyes Magos (Jan 6) | Ignacio Allende’s Birthday (Jan 21)
January in San Miguel de Allende is cozy, will cool to moderate temperatures, lots of local events, and a vibrant travel scene.
Note that while many travelers do enjoy the mild temperatures during the day, at night and early morning the temperatures can dip to 42°F (5.5°C). We suggest making sure you bring a sweater and jacket if you plan on venture out during early evening, nighttime, or early morning.
Aside from celebrating the New Year, San Miguel de Allende also celebrates Kings’ Day on January 6th where gifts are exchanged.
San Miguel de Allende in February
Average Temperature: 44°F – 75°F (6.5°C – 24°C)
Highlights: Cool weather | Busy | High season in San Miguel de Allende
Events:
February is well into the high season in SMA. The weather in February continues to be excellent, with warm, sunny, and dry weather.
San Miguel de Allende in March
Average Temperature: 48°F – 79°F (8.8°C – 28°C)
Highlights: Moderate temperatures | Low humidity | 9 hours of sunshine each day
Events: Spring Equinox celebration at El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel’s beautiful botanical garden (March 20)
March in SMA is a great time to visit. The weather is warm but moderate, dry, and sunny almost every day.
There are a ton of local events taking place in SMA during March, but our favorite is the Spring Equinox celebration at El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel’s beautiful botanical garden. The event is typically celebrated with a concert in the garden’s natural amphitheater and starts around 5 pm.
San Miguel de Allende in April
Average Temperature: 52°F – 83°F (11°C – 29°C)
Highlights: End of high season | Good weather | Moderate temperatures, sunny, dry
Events: Children’s Day
April in SMA is the end of the peak / high season. This is a great time of year to visit as the crowds have largely thinned out, but the weather is still great.
The main event in April is the deeply sacred Semana Santa, the Catholic Holy Week of Easter. If you can pick your time to be in San Miguel, Semana Santa is a wonderful option. While this period is celebrated all over Mexico, the festivities in San Miguel are world renowned. There are parades, people decorate their homes, etc.
Checkout this video from Eileen Aldis about her experience.
San Miguel de Allende in May
Average Temperature: 56°F – 84°F (13°C – 29°C)
Highlights: Smaller crowds | Hotter weather with short rain showers | Many local businesses close for the month
Events:
May in San Miguel de Allende is typically one of the hotter months. The air hangs heavy with heat and humidity. You’ll notice that some restaurants and local businesses decide to close for the month of May and take vacation.
Visit during May if you’re looking for a slower pace of travel.
San Miguel de Allende in June
Average Temperature: 58°F – 81°F (14.5°C – 27°C)
Highlights: Lowest hotel/Airbnb rates | Rainy | Hot
Events:
By June, the low season is really in full swing. If you’re looking for few crowds, awesome hotel/Airbnb deals, and a relaxed party atmosphere – June is a great time to visit.
San Miguel de Allende in July
Average Temperature: 57°F – 78°F (14°C – 25.5°C)
Highlights: Low season | Hot and rainy | Rain most afternoons
Events: –
July is known for moderate to high temperatures and rain. You can expect to find very few tourists here during July, and if you’re out and about you should plan to bring an umbrella most days. You’ll typically get an afternoon thundershower.
San Miguel de Allende in August
Average Temperature: 57°F – 78°F (14°C – 25.5°C)
Highlights: Hottest month, rainy | Start of green season in high desert
Events:
August in SMA is hot and rainy (just like May, June, and July).
One selling point is that SMA is located in the high desert. Because of this, August is the month where plants start to look green and alive.
San Miguel de Allende in September
Average Temperature: 56°F – 77°F (13°C – 25°C)
Highlights: Moderate Temperatures | Mexican Independence Day
Events: Mexican Independence Day
If you’re visiting SMA in September, you should be prepared for hot temperatures and rain.
One of the most festive dates to spend in San Miguel is Mexican Independence Day, September 15, since the city played such an important role.
SMA played a key role in Mexico’s War of Independence as a strategic center for insurgent activity, and as a place of refuge and safety for many who were opposed to Spanish colonial rule. The city was also a key player in the country’s post-independence era, serving as a federalist stronghold during the Central American Federation conflict and as a hotbed of activity during the Reform War.
San Miguel de Allende in October
Average Temperature: 51°F – 76°F (10.5°C – 24.5°C)
Highlights: Dry season starts | Temperatures cool
Events: Halloween
October is the first month of the high season in SMA. It’s typically one of the best months for travelers that are looking for smaller crowds, but still great weather.
San Miguel de Allende in November
Average Temperature: 46°F – 75°F (7.5°C – 24°C)
Highlights: Less crowded | Great weather | start of high season
Events: Day of the Dead
November is one of our favorite times to visit SMA! It’s still not as busy as Jan – April, but the weather is near perfect every single day.
The best event is Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead, when Mexicans honor the souls of the deceased.
San Miguel de Allende in December
Average Temperature: 42°F – 72°F (5.5°C – 22°C)
Highlights: Great weather | Festive atmosphere
Events: Christmas | New Year’s Eve
December is typically a slower month in San Miguel de Allende. While the weather is near perfect every single day, the city slows down for the holiday season.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
Whether you’re looking for a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel, we’ve got you covered. Check out the following articles for our picks
To help you out, we’ve selected some of the best places to stay in San Miguel de Allende for a great stay.
- Best Boutique Hotels in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Bars in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Authentic Mexican Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Breakfast and Brunch in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Activities in San Miguel de Allende
- Best Vineyards around San Miguel de Allende
- Best Hikes in San Miguel de Allende
When to visit Mexico City (CDMX): a month-by-month guide