Caribbean beaches in Cancún and Tulum, Mayan ruins, Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, and world-changing food. Mexico is the UK's favourite Latin American holiday — and getting cheaper.
Around 600,000 Brits fly to Mexico each year, most of them heading to the Caribbean coast — Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum — for 10 days of beach and margaritas at an all-inclusive. It remains one of the best warm-weather packages going: direct 10-hour flights, great weather November to April, and all-inclusive value that beats Florida.
Beyond the Yucatán: Mexico City is one of the world's great food cities and a fast-growing short-haul from New York (Brits often combine it with a US trip). Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are cultural gems. Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific coast offer a quieter alternative to Cancún.
Mexico is cheaper than you'd expect. Street tacos from £1 each, a sit-down meal £10–15, a mid-range hotel £40–80. Tipping (10–15%) is expected in restaurants.
Direct flights to Cancún from London, Manchester and Birmingham. Other destinations via the USA (Miami, Houston, Dallas).
| Visa (UK passport) | No visa required. 180-day visitor permit on arrival — fill out the FMM form on the plane or at the airport. |
|---|---|
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN, $). 1 GBP ≈ 22 MXN. Cards work in cities/resorts but cash needed in small towns. US dollars widely accepted in Cancún tourist zone. |
| Time zone | Mexico has multiple zones. Cancún = UTC-5 (6h behind UK winter). Mexico City = UTC-6 (7h behind UK winter). No DST since 2022. |
| Language | Spanish. English common in resort areas (Cancún/Riviera Maya) but limited elsewhere. |
| Best months | December–April (dry season). Avoid September–October (hurricane peak). |
| Flight times from UK | CUN 10h · MEX 11h 30m · Puerto Vallarta 13h+ via US stop |
| Plug type | Type A/B (two flat pins + ground, like USA). UK adaptor needed. 110V. |
| Tipping | 10–15% at restaurants. 10% for tour guides. 20 MXN (£1) per bag for porters. Dollar tips accepted. |
December to April is peak season for the Caribbean coast (Cancún, Tulum) — warm, dry, but priciest. May–June is excellent value. September and October are hurricane peak — avoid if you can, though weather can be fine for most of it. Mexico City is at high altitude so always mild; avoid June–September rainy season.
Dry, warm, no rain. Highest prices especially Christmas/NY.
Hot but dry. Best prices. Low crowds.
Hurricane season. Cheap but risky.
No. UK passport holders get a 180-day tourist permit (FMM) on arrival, free of charge. Fill out the form on the plane or at the airport immigration desk. Keep the tear-off portion — you'll need it to leave. Passport valid on arrival (no 6-month rule).
Mexican Peso (MXN, $). 1 GBP ≈ 22 MXN. US dollars are accepted in Cancún/Riviera Maya tourist zones but you'll get a worse exchange rate than paying in pesos. Use ATMs — HSBC and Citibanamex for best rates.
December to April for the Caribbean coast — hot, dry, perfect beach weather. May and November are sweet-spot shoulder months (cheaper + warm). September–October is hurricane peak. For Mexico City at 2,200m altitude, weather is mild year-round — avoid June–September rainy season.
Cancún direct is 10 hours from Heathrow (BA) or Gatwick/Manchester (Virgin/TUI). Mexico City is 11h 30m direct with BA or Aeroméxico from Heathrow. Pacific coast destinations require a US hub stop (Houston, Dallas, Miami).
Stick to bottled water — even in resorts, tap water is not recommended for drinking (hotel ice is usually fine). "Montezuma's revenge" (traveller's tummy) hits many first-time visitors — take probiotics before you go, brush teeth with bottled water first few days.
Tourist resort zones (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende) are very safe with standard precautions. Mexico City is mostly safe for tourists in Polanco, Condesa and Roma neighbourhoods. Avoid driving at night outside major tourist corridors. Check UK FCDO guidance for specific state advisories before you go.