The best time to visit Ensenada: month-by-month weather
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Ensenada is a fun beach town in Mexico along the Pacific Coast about 1,5 hours from the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensenada is a popular getaway from Southern California and home to one of the biggest cruise ports in Mexico with hundreds of cruise ships docking here every year.
Ensenada weather year-round is generally mild thanks to its coastal climate, but there are some seasonal weather patterns that you should be aware of.
Whether you want to take a cruise to Ensenada or drive to Ensenada from San Diego or any other destination in the United States, this guide will tell you all about the best time to visit Ensenada and how to plan your trip.
✅ Read: How to drive La Rumorosa, Baja scenic highway
What is the climate like in Ensenada?
Ensenada has a coastal climate, which is similar to the Mediterranean. Winters in Ensenada are dry and sunny, with minimal rain, while summers have high humidity and perfect beach weather.
Best time to visit Ensenada by month:
Winter In Ensenada
Ensenada experiences mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). While it’s not as warm as summer, you can still explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. Winter is also the rainy season, so be prepared for occasional showers.
Ensenada weather in December
December is the beginning of the whale watching season in Ensenada when hundreds of grey whales migrate here from Alaska to escape the cold waters.
Whale-watching tours in Ensenada start between 15-25 December, depending on the weather. While you have a good probability of spotting whales during this time, the peak of the whale season in Ensenada is from January through February.
But December is a cold month in Ensenada when temps range from the low 50s to mid-60s. While days are usually sunny and relatively warm (mid-to-high 60’s), it’s not uncommon for temperatures to plunge into 40’s at night.
✔️ If you want to visit Ensenada in December, bring some layers because there could be a drastic temperature change from day to night.
You can enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and strolling on Ensenada beaches during the day before bundling up in the evening.
December is a fun time to visit Ensenada on a cruise ship. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and see how the city is gearing up for Christmas, with ornaments, events and huge Christmas trees.
Ensenada in January
January is generally mild and dry, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-60s. It’s the coldest month in Ensenada with frigid nights when temperatures plunge into 40s at night.
January is a great time to enjoy outdoor opportunities and score lower prices on hotels and car rentals in Ensenada. It’s usually sunny, but winter is also the rainy season in Baja California, so be prepared for occasional showers.
I experienced rainstorms when I was driving from Bahia De Los Angeles to Ensenada. If you plan to drive in Baja in winter, know that rainstorms can also affect road conditions, as parts of highways around Baja frequently get flooded, making it impossible to pass through.
Always check the forecast before getting on a road.
Ensenada in February
February is the peak season for whale watching in Ensenada when you are sure to spot these marine giants off the coast of the city.
The weather in Ensenada in February is similar to January, with cooler nights, mild and sunny days.
Besides enjoying outdoor activities and whale watching, February is a perfect month to take a trip to nearby Valle De Guadalupe, home to the best wine in Mexico, where you can take tours of wineries and stay at one of the hotels amid the rolling hills.
Book the best Valle De Guadalupe tours from Ensenada
Many guided tours of Valle De Guadalupe depart from Ensenada, a perfect option if you visit Ensenada on a cruise ship or want to avoid extra driving and enjoy a guided tour of this scenic area.
Spring in Ensenada (March to May):
Spring is also a great time to visit Ensenada. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This season is less crowded compared to summer, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat.
March in Ensenada
Temperatures begin to rise in March, although there’s still not a big difference from winter. Average nightly temperatures climb to the low 50s, while daytime temperatures stay around mid-60s degrees Fahrenheit. Similar to winter months, March in Ensenada has some occasional rainfall.
March also marks the end of whale watching season in Ensenada, and tours usually wrap up by the end of March – early April.
April in Ensenada
April is the beginning of the transition to the dry season in Ensenada and the rest of Baja California. This month has slightly warmer weather, as temps rise to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celcius) during the day and to the low 50s (around 11 degrees Celsius) at night.
April is the best time to take a cruise trip to Ensenada, because of the mild temperatures and Fiestas de le Vendimia (also known as Grape Harvest Festival), which celebrates wine-making, a major industry of Baja California Norte.
During this colorful festival, you can sample wine and food from the region, and enjoy cultural events and live concerts.
It’s also a great time to visit La Bufadora, the tallest geyser in North America that can be accessed by a guided tour or a quick drive from Ensenada.
Best tours of La Bufadora from Ensenada
May in Ensenada
May is usually warm and dry, with pleasant temperatures for spending time outside. It’s also the shoulder month before the busy summer season kicks in. If you want to drive to Ensenada from SoCal or jump on a cruise to Ensenada, May a perfect time to enjoy the best of the area before it gets busy.
The weather is still mild, with daily temperatures averaging around 70°F (21°C), while the average low temperature during the night is 55°F (13°C).
Summer in Ensenada
Summer is the peak tourist season in Ensenada due to the warm and sunny weather. The temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) during the day. It’s a perfect time for beach going, water sports, and outdoor events.
June in Ensenada
June sees warmer temperatures as summer approaches, but it remains relatively dry.
The average high temperature in June ranges from 72°F to the balmy 75 degrees(22°C), while the average low temperature: 59°F (15°C). June is a perfect time for outdoor activities in Ensenada, like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
It’s ideal for camping in Ensenada but be prepared for limited availability as many travelers come here to take advantage of the perfect weather.
June is a great time to enjoy Ensenada food scene, with many restaurants serving their food on outdoor patios. It’s also a perfect time for outdoor concerts and other events.
Best food tours in Ensenada
July in Ensenada
July is one of the warmest months in Ensenada, with mostly dry, sunny weather. The average high temperature in July in Ensenada is 75°F (24°C), while the average low temperature is 62°F (17°C).
August in Ensenada
August continues the trend of warm temperatures, but it can sometimes experience increased humidity, as Baja California is getting closer to the rainy season. The average high temperature in Ensenada during this month is 77°F (25°C), while average low temperature is 64°F (18°C).
August is not as busy as June and July, and you can still enjoy the outdoors before the rainy season.
Fall in Ensenada
Fall is another good time to visit Ensenada, as the weather begins to cool down and the crowds thin out after the summer peak season. The temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), making it suitable for outdoor activities and wine tasting.
The downside of fall in Ensenada is the hurricane season, which is from September to late October, but you can still enjoy your visit if you plan right and keep monitoring the weather.
September in Ensenada
September is the beginning of the rainy season in Ensenada, with increased precipitation and fewer sunny days. Many tour operators in Ensenada also offer discounts on activities as demand is lower than during peak months, and you can score good deals on hotels and car rentals in Ensenada.
September still has pleasant temperatures, with not a lot of difference from August, when you can expect high 70s, during the day and mid-60s at night.
One of the downsides of this month is the increased humidity, so it’s something you should factor in when planning your trip to Baja.
Best tours of Ensenada
October in Ensenada
October sees a further increase in rainfall, but temperatures remain relatively mild. Daytime averages about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24°C), while you can expect low 60’s (16 degrees Celsius) at night.
November in Ensenada
Ensenada weather in November is characterized by mild temperatures, but there’s still some rainfall, especially during the first half of the month. It’s also a transition period before winter kicks in, and while you can expect low 70’s in the early half of the month, temperatures begin to drop down toward December.
Best time to visit Ensenada by month: FAQ’s
When is hurricane season in Ensenada Mexico?
Ensenada’s hurricane season falls in September and October. Ensenada experiences increased precipitation and rain storms, so be prepared for inclement weather, if you want to visit the city during these months.
What is the hottest month in Ensenada Mexico?
July is the hottest month in Ensenada with temperatures reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the ocean warm in Ensenada?
The ocean in Ensenada gets warm in summer when you can enjoy swimming, but it stays cold from late fall through early spring.
Is Ensenada a walkable city?
While downtown Ensenada is perfectly walkable, you need a car to get around. Having your vehicle will allow you to visit landmarks and popular beaches that are not accessible by foot.
What is the best month to take a cruise to Ensenada?
June and July are the best months to visit Ensenada on a cruise ship. These months offer perfect weather for enjoying outdoor activities and perfect weather. If you want to go whale watching, visit Ensenada in January when you can take a whale-watching tour.
Best time to visit Ensenada: Final word
Located a short drive from the United States, Ensenada is a great destination for whale watching and outdoor activities. It has a mild coastal climate, that doesn’t get too hot or too cold, so you can always enjoy some activities regardless of when you decide to come here.
Baja California Travel Planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisaa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja.
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.