Choosing the Best Time Of Year To Get Married and Plan Your Destination Wedding in Mexico and Caribbean Beach Wedding
When is the best time to plan a wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean? Finding the right time of year for your destination wedding, honeymoon or anniversary can be tough when it comes to tropical weddings and travel. Is there such a thing as an “ideal” time for this very special occasion? We’ll talk about that more below. First, let’s focus on the weather! You can spend endless hours researching destinations, resort locations, resort inclusions, wedding packages, wedding package pricing, and travel pricing but completely overlook one of the most important detail: What time of year to avoid wet and hurricane season? In this article, I’ve broken down what to expect based on weather conditions when choosing your Mexican Caribbean wedding date.
Are you planning a destination wedding in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, or the Mexican Caribbean?
Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you’re traveling. By the way, are you also looking for the just right destination for your wedding and traveling from Houston? There are many easy travel destinations. We touched on the topic in past and will discuss this in a future blog post soon.
If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December and April. This is the region’s dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperatures are mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Hello, sunshine!
Travel during the months of December through April is high season. Travel cost more during this time of year, as cold climate travelers travel to warmer destinations such as Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos, and the Yucatan. Hotels and flight pricing are generally more than in low season (hurricane season). Bummer, yes, but the small increase in price may be worth the higher chances of your dream wedding on white sand.
While the best months to avoid the wet season are in the winter months or between December and April, the most popular months for your destination wedding are specifically May and November. The end of October is growing in popularity, for many couples. During this time, you’re avoiding the peak tourist pricing and allowing for good weather chances. It’s a win-win. and couples love it! So, book quickly!
The struggle with May and November is that the dates at the best resorts and wedding venues book quickly. If you’re in love with a wedding location, don’t waste time or you’ll end up compromising the date or location of the wedding.
What happens if the dry season months simply don’t work well for you? If you’re planning your destination wedding in the summer or fall months, it doesn’t mean a hurricane will develop during your wedding. It means the probability is higher. Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1st and ends November 30th annually. If you must select a date during hurricane season, early or late in the season is typically safer.
Additionally, there are some tropical destinations that sit outside of the hurricane belt. The following destinations are outside of the hurricane belt: Aruba, Bonaire, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, Grenada, Trinidad, and Tobago.
Here are 5 ways to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm and tips on planning your destination wedding regardless of the season.
1. Don’t Get Married During Hurricane Season in Mexico or the Caribbean 
As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date that is outside the peak months. As a general rule of thumb, hurricane season peaks and is most active during the months of August, September, and October. If needing summer months or alternative months to consider during hurricane season, consider June, July, and late November.
2. Pinpoint historical weather patterns for your desired ceremony dates to determine the best time of year and specific month for your Mexican Caribbean destination wedding
Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season. You’ll need to do your research. Some islands are positioned to attract more hurricanes and tropical storms than others. Northern Caribbean islands are more prone to be hit by hurricanes than southern ones. Speak with a travel agent or destination wedding travel specialist to help you find the right time of year and location.
3. Consider wedding & travel insurance
Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It’s important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy.
We recommend travel insurance for you and your wedding guests. If the weather prevents you from arriving at your destination or requires an early departure, it will protect your investment. While we always recommend travel insurance, you should know that during the tropical season, it is much more imperative. Encourage your guests to consider and select the right coverage. There are many options available.
4. Have a backup plan for your wedding day beach wedding
Regardless of the time of the year you get married, have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather on your wedding day. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. Some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony and reception. It’s an added bonus when you love your backup venue just as much as your outdoor wedding location in paradise.
5. Stay updated on rainy season weather forecasts and have a plan for heat and humidity
If you plan your wedding during hurricane season, stay informed about potential tropical storms or hurricanes. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with vendors and venues. Make swift decisions in case of rain or inclement weather. Seek advice from the on-location wedding team if things are not looking promising on your wedding day. If the team advises you to change to an indoor venue due to the weather report, and you choose to proceed with the outdoor event, you will be required to sign a waiver. Inclement weather may result in a fee for last-minute setup in the backup location. Wedding couples can still enjoy beautiful ceremonies in backup locations, so it’s not worth ruining your special day.
In conclusion, the best time to plan a Mexico or Caribbean wedding is between December to April. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s beautiful Caribbean seas, indulge in outdoor excursions, and create unforgettable memories.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, let’s chat. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation – no strings attached!
