The best time to visit Sayulita, season by season
The dry season, from about November to May, is the most popular time to visit Sayulita, with whale watching from December to March. The busiest weeks of the year are around New Year and Semana Santa (Easter week). The quietest months are August and September, the heart of the rainy season, when the town is calm and green.
Sayulita through the year
| When | What it's like |
|---|---|
| November | The rains are over and the dry season begins |
| December to March | Dry season and whale season. Busiest around New Year |
| Semana Santa (March or April) | The other peak week of the year |
| April and May | Still the dry season |
| June and July | The rainy season starts |
| August and September | The quietest months, and the wettest |
| October | Rain easing off, still quiet |
When is Sayulita busiest?
The two busiest times of the year are New Year and Semana Santa, the week before Easter. They're the peak of the peak: the town is full, restaurants are busy, and homes book up early. If you want to come then, book well ahead.
Semana Santa moves with Easter, so it can fall in March or April.
When is Sayulita quietest?
August and September are the quietest months, because they're the main rainy season. Expect heat and rain, and a calm town. If you don't mind the weather, it's the most peaceful time to be here.
When is whale season in Sayulita?
Humpback whales come to the Bay of Banderas and the Riviera Nayarit coast for the winter, usually from December to March. The official whale watching season is set each year by Mexico's environment ministry (SEMARNAT), and has typically run from early December to around March 23.
You can often see whales spouting from Playa Carricitos without getting on a boat. For a closer look, local boat tours go out for whale watching in season.
When is the rainy season in Sayulita?
Most of the year's rain falls between June and October, and August is usually the wettest month. From November to May there's very little rain. Summer and early autumn are also hurricane season on Mexico's Pacific coast, so if you travel then, keep an eye on the forecast.
So when should you come?
- For sunshine and whales: January to March, avoiding New Year if you want it calmer
- For the quietest town: August and September, if you're happy with heat and rain
- For dry weather outside the peak weeks: November, and April and May once Semana Santa is over
Whenever you come, our three homes are in the quiet south end, so even in the busiest weeks you come home to a peaceful street.
Last checked by our team on 21 October 2026. Things change in a small town, so if something here is out of date, tell us on WhatsApp.
