The Only Mexican Winter Sun Guide You'll Ever Need

Winter. That time of year when places like Britain turns into a frigid tundra of grey skies, slushy pavements, and an endless parade of people in puffer jackets. It’s the season where your nose is perpetually colder than a polar bear’s toenails, and the sun is a distant memory. But there’s a glorious place where the sun still shines, the margaritas flow, and you can leave your woolly socks behind.

I’m talking about Mexico — a country so sunny, so warm, and so downright magnificent, it’ll make you forget the horror of scraping ice off your windscreen at 7 a.m. So, let’s pack our bags, slap on some SPF 50, and head south to explore the 16 best winter sun holidays in Mexico.

1. Cancún: The Quintessential Beach Paradise

Cancún is the place where the dreams of budget holiday brochures and luxury resorts mix together in some hedonistic, palm-lined embrace. This is where the white sands are as fine as a millionaire's cocaine stash, and the turquoise Caribbean waters practically demand that you soak in them until you resemble a human prune. Whether you’re into all-inclusive resort pampering or reckless excursions, Cancún has it all, and it will probably try to sell you a timeshare in the process.

Must Do: Take a catamaran to Isla Mujeres, or visit the famous Chichen Itza. And yes, you’ll be elbowing fellow tourists, but it’s worth it.

2. Playa del Carmen: Party With a Side of Zen

Just down the coast from Cancún lies Playa del Carmen, a town that somehow balances raucous nightlife with serene beaches. One minute you’re knocking back a shot of mezcal, the next you’re enjoying a luxurious massage under a thatched roof while staring out at the cerulean sea. Playa’s Fifth Avenue is a blend of restaurants, shops, and boisterous music, creating an atmosphere that screams “holiday” louder than an over-enthusiastic TV travel host.

Must Do: Snorkel in cenotes—those gloriously deep limestone sinkholes that are more refreshing than a dip in the North Sea on New Year’s Day.

3. Tulum: The Hipster Hangout

If Playa del Carmen is the party animal, Tulum is the meditative yogi in linen clothing, with an enviable tan and some casual environmental guilt. You’ll find boutique hotels, smoothie bowls, and holistic retreats galore. But beyond that, Tulum is genuinely stunning. The ruins, perched dramatically above the sea, and the picture-perfect beaches are a reminder that some Instagram clichés are justified.

Must Do: Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It’s what David Attenborough would call “absolutely marvelous” if he weren’t so politely reserved.

4. Puerto Vallarta: Old Mexico With a Modern Twist

Over on the Pacific side, Puerto Vallarta manages to retain its authentic Mexican charm while also boasting enough modern comforts to keep holidaymakers happy. Cobbled streets wind past colorful houses, leading you to the vibrant seafront promenade, the Malecón. Here you’ll find art, street performers, and views more mesmerizing than your friend’s holiday snaps from Benidorm.

Must Do: Take a boat trip to the Marietas Islands, where you can ogle the famed hidden beach that feels like a secret James Bond villain lair.

5. Los Cabos: Where the Desert Kisses the Sea

Los Cabos—comprising San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas—is a land of striking contrasts: the barren, cactus-strewn desert meets the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a playground for the rich and famous, with golf courses, luxury resorts, and tequila tasting rooms that are guaranteed to obliterate your memories of student nights spent swigging low-quality spirits.

Must Do: Charter a yacht (or pretend you’re a tech billionaire for a day) and sail to the iconic El Arco rock formation.

6. Cozumel: Diver’s Delight

Cozumel, a small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen, is a diver’s paradise. Jacques Cousteau himself sang its praises, so who are we to argue? The reef here is an underwater wonderland, teeming with vibrant marine life. Above water, life moves at a more leisurely pace—ideal for anyone who likes their holidays to feel more like a gentle waltz than a frantic salsa.

Must Do: Dive or snorkel at Palancar Reef. Even if you’re a fish-out-of-water on land, you’ll be in your element here.

7. Sayulita: Surf’s Up, Hipsters In

Sayulita is a bohemian beach town that attracts surfers and expats like moths to a sun-kissed flame. The vibe is relaxed and effortlessly cool, and the waves are just big enough to make you believe you’re a hero—until they promptly flip you over and send you back to the sand, tasting salty defeat.

Must Do: Grab a surfboard (or at least pretend you know how to use one) and ride the waves, then reward yourself with fish tacos.

8. Mérida: The Cultural Gem of the Yucatán

Mérida isn’t about lying around in the sun—although it’s certainly warm enough to do so. This colonial city is the cultural heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, with architecture that whispers stories of a rich past. Visit bustling markets, marvel at the pastel-colored buildings, and watch traditional dance performances in the main square.

Must Do: Head to the nearby cenotes of Cuzamá, or just gorge yourself on Yucatecan cuisine. Either way, satisfaction awaits.

9. Bacalar: The Maldives of Mexico

Ever heard of the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”? Well, that’s Bacalar for you. The waters are a spectrum of blues so vivid they’d make a Greek island blush. This is the place to truly unwind, kayak lazily across the lagoon, or sip cocktails in hammocks strung between palm trees. If relaxation had a headquarters, it would be Bacalar.

Must Do: Visit the pirate channel, once used by real pirates. Now, it’s a lovely spot to float, but with fewer cutlasses and more coconut drinks.

10. Mazatlán: The Underrated Pacific Beauty

Mazatlán flies somewhat under the radar, but it’s home to Mexico’s longest boardwalk and a delightful historic center. You won’t be wrestling for beach space here, which is rather pleasant. The vibe is chilled, the seafood is excellent, and the sunsets over the Pacific are a daily event worthy of applause.

Must Do: Try the local shrimp dishes. Seriously, they’re as big as your hand and will make you wonder why on Earth you ever settled for frozen prawns from Tesco.

11. Isla Holbox: The Laid-Back Hideaway

Isla Holbox is car-free, stress-free, and full of life’s simplest pleasures. You can walk barefoot along sandy roads, take Instagram-worthy photos of hammocks suspended over the sea, and watch the sunset from a rooftop bar. You’ll feel like a bohemian wanderer, even if you’ve just exchanged your work suit for a sarong.

Must Do: Swim with whale sharks. Don’t worry, they’re gentle giants, but prepare for a thrilling close encounter.

12. San Cristóbal de las Casas: The Mountain Escape

For a different kind of experience, head inland to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a mountain town brimming with vibrant indigenous culture. It’s colorful, it’s cool (literally and figuratively), and it offers a fascinating blend of traditions, markets, and stunning natural surroundings.

Must Do: Take a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon. It’s a geological marvel that will make you realize how tiny you are in the grand scheme of things.

13. Huatulco: Where Bays Meet Bliss

Huatulco boasts nine stunning bays and 36 golden beaches, most of which are blissfully untouched. The area is an eco-friendly paradise, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and eco-tours that make you feel marginally better about the carbon footprint of your flight here.

Must Do: Explore by boat to get a feel for the magnificent coastline. It’s all very Robinson Crusoe—but with cocktails.

14. La Paz: Whale Watching and Sea Adventures

La Paz, on the Baja California Peninsula, is where you come to watch whales and swim with sea lions. The waters are brimming with marine life, and the beaches are divine. It’s not as glitzy as nearby Los Cabos, but it has an unpolished charm that feels refreshingly real.

Must Do: Visit Espíritu Santo Island and snorkel with playful sea lions. Try not to feel too envious of their effortless underwater acrobatics.

15. Puerto Escondido: The Surfer’s Playground

Puerto Escondido has a laid-back vibe that attracts surfers, yogis, and anyone who likes their sunsets served with a side of Pacific waves. The beaches are magnificent, and the town has a pleasantly unpretentious feel. It’s the perfect place to learn to surf or, failing that, to sip a cold beer and watch those who can.

Must Do: Experience the famous Zicatela Beach, known for its legendary Mexican Pipeline. Just don’t attempt to surf it unless you’re very, very good at staying upright on a surfboard.

16. Guadalajara: A Cultural Escape for the Soul

Now, if you’ve had your fill of beaches (which, admittedly, seems unlikely), Guadalajara is your cultural winter sun fix. This city is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music, and it oozes Mexican heritage from every plaza and street corner. It’s where tradition meets modernity, and where you can explore magnificent cathedrals in the day and sip tequila at sophisticated bars by night.

Must Do: Wander around Tlaquepaque, an artsy neighborhood brimming with artisan shops and traditional music performances. Oh, and don’t leave without visiting a proper tequila distillery, because a winter sun holiday isn’t complete until you’ve had a tasting experience that makes you forget all about the drizzle back home.

A Final Word of Warning (and Encouragement)

Mexico, dear reader, is a land that doesn’t just embrace you with sunshine—it wraps you in a technicolor blanket of wonder, adventure, and heart-pounding fun. But do beware. The sun can be rather strong in its commitment to staying around, and you may find yourself coming back not just with a tan, but a mild addiction to tacos and a collection of questionable souvenirs, like a sombrero that will inevitably gather dust back in your cupboard.

These 16 destinations promise winter sun and more: cultural escapades, natural wonders, and enough culinary delights to ruin your New Year’s diet before it even begins. So, grab your sun cream, book that flight, and prepare for a holiday where the only frost you'll encounter is on the rim of your margarita glass. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and a sturdy hat—after all, in Mexico, the sun takes no prisoners.