Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico? This vibrant city has something for everyone. From exploring the city's rich history and culture, to enjoying its nightlife and culinary scene, there's plenty to keep you busy.

If you're planning to go to Guadalajara, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

When to go to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Based on the climate and weather in Guadalajara, the best time to go is the beginning of the year (January or February). However, when you go to Guadalajara depends on what you are interested in. For film buffs, the International Film Festival generally occurs during March.

In May, a giant cultural festival takes place. And there are many more. See below for details.

Important essentials for Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Guadalajara, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS

Other health necessities


  • Emergency water purifier

    Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.


  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent one.


  • Emergency rapid COVID-19 test

    U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

 

Activities for Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Guadalajara.

If you want to check out the majestic Guadalajara Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Colomos Forest, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.

If you see City Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Castle hopping? For Government Palace, take:

We also recommend these top tours in and around Guadalajara.

 

 

What to wear/what to pack for Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

Traveling to Guadalajara in January, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in January:

January's great weather makes it a great time to visit Guadalajara. The city doesn't have any major events for New Year's Day, although there are some post-Christmas events.

Your best bets for spending time in Guadalajara during January are the outdoor cultural attractions, as well as shopping. During the day, wander the city and check out the beautiful architecture. Enjoy lunch at Plaza Guadalajara, and if you have children, check out the zoo. There's plenty of shopping throughout the city, but if you don't have much time, consider the Instituto de la Artesanía Jaliscienss. In the evening, check out the great clubs or a mariachi band.

February

February for Guadalajara is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day. February 14th commemorates the founding of the city, with plenty of activities and live music.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in February:

February is an excellent time to be in Guadalajara. The weather is perfect, and you can experience the festival commemorating the founding of the city. In addition, carnival occurs in February throughout Mexico.

Of course, you can always enjoy the culture of the city. Consider shopping in the outdoor Mercado Libertad, strolling through the plazas and seeing the government palace.

March

March is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. The city really comes to life, with plenty of big events, including the film festival.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in March:

March brings the Guadalajara Film Festival. This is the biggest film festival in Latin America, screening films from Mexico and around the world. It also brings the tequila festival, with hundreds of brands of tequila and plenty of tastings and food.

March weather is still reasonable, so enjoy the outdoor cultural attractions, such as the plazas, parks, and the zoo.

April

If you visit Guadalajara during April, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in April:

Guadalajara gets hotter in April, so you will want to start spending afternoons indoors. You can check out the museums, such as the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, and the religious landmarks, such as Basílica de la Virgen de Zapopan. Do the outdoor activities in the morning.

May

Traveling to Guadalajara in May, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very dry. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in May:

In May, Guadalajara celebrates the May Cultural Festival, with arts, music, and theater. This is a large event that spans several venues around town.

You can still enjoy outdoor activities in May, but you may want to combine those with afternoon museum trips. Also, consider spending the day on a Tequila tour, which will take you to the distilleries and allow you to sample some of the tequilas.

June

In June, Guadalajara is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Guadalajara, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in June:

In June, Guadalajara's weather means you're going to spend a significant percentage of time indoors. You'll have plenty of time to visit the museums so don't miss the Museo de la Ciudad; depending on your interests, you may also want to see some of the other museums, such as the Trompo Magico, which is great for kids. Also, you can check out all of the religious architecture. The aquarium is also worth a look. In the evening, there are plenty of clubs and bars to choose from. If you're looking for a more cultured nightlife experience, take in a show at the Teatro Degollado.

When it's not rainy, stroll through the city center and try to take in some of traditional the outdoor markets (tianguis), such as the Guadalajara Cultural Tianguis.

July

If you vacation in Guadalajara during July, you are likely to find that it is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in July:

In July, the Jazz festival is worth checking out -- if you're into Jazz. The rain and high temperatures mean you will spend time indoors, so check out the museums (like the Museo de la Ciudad) and cathedrals/churches.

There are several indoor markets and shopping plazas that you can visit; the Galerías Guadalajara is the biggest. For kids, the Museo de lo Increíble (a wax museum) and the Trompo Magico are good for an afternoon. On a sunny day, consider making an excursion to the Blue Water Park to cool off.

August

August for Guadalajara is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in August:

In August (or September), the international mariachi festival comes to town. You can listen to plenty of mariachi bands, and you can see the National Charro Championship. Other things to do in the August heat are: see the museums (like the Museo de la Ciudad), visit the churches (Basílica de la Virgen de Zapopan and Cathedral and Palacio del Gobierno).

For a rainy afternoon, check out the Galerías Guadalajara mall. Kids will also enjoy some of the museums, such as the Museo de lo Increíble (a wax museum) and the Trompo Magico.

September

Traveling to Guadalajara in September, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in September:

In September, you may be able to catch the mariachi festival (International Mariachi and Charrería Festival), with plenty of music and activities. Mexico celebrates its independence in mid-September, so there are often events to attend.

The temperatures are a bit lower than they are in the summer, and there is a bit less rain, so you'll likely get some time to stroll the city and enjoy the architecture from outside. If you want a break from the heat, take a trip to the Blue Water Park.

October

If you are traveling to Guadalajara in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in October:

In October, there are several large festivals in Guadalajara. Don't miss the Fiestas de Octubre -- a huge celebration of culture and food in the city.

It's hot and dry in October, so intersperse your sightseeing with activities to beat the heat. We recommend the Blue Water Park or a trip to the nearby Laguna de Chapala. Spend afternoons in the museums, and do some shopping (at tianguis, such as the Tianguis el Baratillo) and wander the city in the morning.

November

November in Guadalajara is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in November:

If you're into books, the Guadalajara International Book Fair takes place in November. Otherwise, spend your mornings outside; consider taking a morning walking tour of the city. In the hot afternoons, visit one of the many museums, depending on your tastes.

December

December here is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Guadalajara in December:

December's beautiful weather makes it a great time to visit. You'll find many different Christmas events throughout the city, including a parade and plenty of mariachis.

Spend your time enjoying the outdoor cultural attractions and shopping. During the day, see the plazas (like Plaza Guadalajara) and walk the city center. If you have children, check out the zoo and the aquarium. In the evening, check out some of the outdoor nightlife and live music.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Windsor, North Carolina, United States of America, New Hampshire, New Hampshire, United States of America, Italian Lake District, Italy, Lüdinghausen, Germany, Southern Shores, North Carolina, United States of America, Japan, Japan, Mazara del Vallo, Italy, Puerto Maldonado, Peru, Anda, Philippines, Chai Nat, Thailand, and Groton, Massachusetts, United States of America.