Leon De Los Aldama Guanajuato, Mexico Travel Guide
León's climate features a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. Average annual temperature stays around 19.4 °C (66.9 °F).
Warmest months: May and June, with average highs of 30-32 °C (86-90 °F). Coolest months: December and January, with average highs of 23-24 °C (73-75 °F). Rainfall occurs mostly during the wet season, typically as thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Outdoor pursuits (hiking, cycling): November to April bring optimal conditions. Cultural events: Check local calendars; spring and fall often present comfortable weather for outdoor events. Visiting shoe and leather markets: These indoor activities hold availability year-round.
Choose the shoulder seasons for a balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
Dec-Feb, Jul-Aug
Cooler, dry weather; festive atmosphere (Dec); aligns with summer vacations.
Higher prices, crowded attractions and restaurants.
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Excellent weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Lush landscapes post-rainy season.
May-June can be hot. September can have heavy afternoon showers.
Jun-Aug (outside holidays), Oct-Nov
Lower prices, fewer crowds (outside summer holidays).
Daily showers in the afternoon/thunderstorms (Jun-Aug); can affect outdoor plans.
León's inland location implies direct hurricane impact does not occur. The "rainy season" brings heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon, distinct from monsoons.
Day temperatures can surpass 35 °C (95 °F) in late spring (April-June); plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons. Nighttime lows rarely dip below 5 °C (41 °F) in winter, but a jacket helps.
Typically last an hour or two, clearing up for pleasant evenings.
Outdoor activities best in mornings or late afternoons.
Evenings can become quite chilly; a jacket assists.
Low in dry season (40-50%), higher in wet season (70-80%).
Moderate altitude; generally no concerns for most visitors.
Most visitors find the entry process straightforward.
Mexico generally grants visa-free entry for tourism for stays up to 180 days to citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, EU member states, great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. If your nationality falls outside this list, obtaining a visa will likely occur.
These official documents are commonly requested upon entry. Having them organized accelerates the immigration process.
León has choices for various budgets, from frugal backpacking to luxury stays.
Budget Traveler: $30-55 USD (dorm/basic guesthouse, street food/local eateries, public bus, free attractions).
Mid-Range Traveler: $100-210 USD (mid-range hotel, varied dining, ride-sharing, paid attractions).
Luxury Traveler: $330-650+ USD (luxury hotel, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive tours).
Mexico generally is a safe destination for tourists, but awareness and preparation assist.
No specific vaccinations hold requirement for entry into Mexico from most countries. See your doctor or a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are current. Hepatitis A and B hold recommendation for most travelers. Typhoid is helpful if eating outside major restaurants or in rural areas. Rabies recommendation applies to long-term travelers or those working with animals.
Do not drink tap water in León. Always use bottled, purified, or filtered water for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice. Most hotels supply bottled water or filtered dispensers.
Choose bottled water from reputable vendors.
Avoid ice from unverified sources.
Select restaurants and street food stalls that appear clean and exhibit a high turnover of customers. This commonly indicates fresh food. Observe where local people eat. Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw seafood from street vendors.
Eat where residents gather; it usually signifies freshness.
Whole fruits and vegetables from street vendors carry risks.
León commonly has safety for tourists, especially in well-trafficked areas. Like any large city, crime exists, and exercising common sense assists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas. Violent crime, though present in Mexico, rarely targets tourists following standard precautions.
Stay aware of your surroundings; utilize an RFID-blocking wallet.
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. Do not walk alone late at night in deserted areas.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance) | 911 | National emergency number. |
| U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara | +52 33 3268 2100 | Closest consulate for León. |
| Canadian Embassy in Mexico City | +52 55 5724 7900 | For Canadian citizens. |
Navigating León efficiently works thanks to its well-developed public transportation system and readily available ride-sharing options.
Articulated buses ("Orugas") on dedicated lanes, supplemented by feeder buses.
Electronic maps on SIT León website, Google Maps. Main transfer stations include San Jerónimo, Delta, San Juan Bosco.
Pagobús smart card (purchase/recharge at OXXO, stations). Fare: 12 MXN (~$0.70 USD) for each ride.
Transfers within the Optibús system are typically free within a certain timeframe (e.g., 90 minutes) with your Pagobús card.
Buses run frequently (every few minutes on main routes during peak hours). Operating hours typically span from 5:30 AM to 10:30-11:00 PM, with limited night routes.
Newer articulated buses and main transfer stations feature accessibility. Older feeder buses and some stops may pose challenges for mobility needs.
Always get a Pagobús card for seamless travel.
White or green/white, "TAXI" sign. Negotiate fare upfront or ensure meter use. Cash payment common.
Uber and Didi are widely popular. Offer cashless payment, GPS tracking, upfront fares. Verify driver/plate match app.
Short rides: 50-100 MXN ($3-6 USD). Longer rides: 100-200 MXN ($6-12 USD).
Mexico's traffic laws carry potential for varied interpretation, and local drivers can be assertive.
The Historic City Center and Calzada de los Héroes provide highly walkable areas. Parque Metropolitano offers extensive walking and jogging trails.
León's city center is pedestrian-friendly; many pedestrian-only streets and wide sidewalks.
León holds recognition for its relative bicycle-friendliness. Dedicated bike lanes (ciclovías) exist.
Always wear a helmet. Be aware of traffic, even in bike lanes. Avoid walking/cycling alone late at night.
