Zacatecas Northern Central Highlands, Mexico Travel Guide
The city's semi-arid climate creates distinct seasons throughout the year.
Zacatecas, located in Mexico's Northern Central Highlands, has a semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh). This brings mild to warm days, cool to cold nights, and a clear wet season. Temperatures average 24-28°C (75-82°F) in spring, 22-26°C (72-79°F) in summer (wet season), 20-24°C (68-75°F) in autumn, and 18-22°C (64-72°F) in winter. The wet season spans June to September, with July and August seeing the most rain, often as afternoon thunderstorms. The humidity stays low due to high altitude.
Zacatecas experiences variations in tourist traffic throughout the year.
High Season (Holy Week, late Dec/early Jan, Jul-Aug) has many cultural events and open attractions. Mid-range travel costs and lively crowds characterize this period. Shoulder Season (Mar-Early Apr, Oct-Nov) brings agreeable weather and smaller crowds, with better accommodation prices. Some events may not be active. Low Season (Jan-Feb, May, Sep) has the lowest prices and minimal crowds. Winter months can be cold, and May may be hot. September is part of the wet season.
Holy Week, Dec/Jan, Jul-Aug
Many cultural events, every attraction open, pleasant summer weather.
Higher prices, more crowds, advance booking necessary.
Mar-Apr (excl. Holy Week), Oct-Nov
Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices, comfortable for walking.
Some events may be inactive, occasional cold fronts in late autumn.
Jan-Feb, May, Sep
Lowest prices, fewest crowds, authentic local experience.
Cold winter, hot May, shorter attraction hours, wet September.
Zacatecas’s inland location and high altitude protect it from hurricanes or monsoons. Extreme temperatures rarely occur.
Winter nights can drop near freezing. Summer afternoons can be quite warm, especially during The month of may. The high altitude (approximately 2,496 meters / 8,189 feet) brings increased sun intensity. Shield yourself from the sun, even on cooler days.
Shoulder seasons (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov) present ideal temperatures.
Peak festival season aligns with high season. The International Zacatecas Festival is in spring.
Spring and autumn are best for comfortable outdoor experiences.
Dry season offers clear skies. Wet season brings dramatic cloud formations.
Image: A sun-drenched street in Zacatecas's historic center, showing colonial architecture under a clear blue sky.
Most travelers encounter Mexico’s entry process straightforward.
Citizens from the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many Latin American countries do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days.
Gathering your your documents before travel circumvents issues at the border.
Your daily expenses in Zacatecas vary by travel style. The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), symbol $. ATMs are widely available. Banks and some hotels offer currency exchange. Let your bank know you are traveling plans. Carry small peso denominations for immediate needs.
None for entry from most countries; Yellow Fever certificate from at-risk nations.
Consult a medical professional for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid (especially for street food), Rabies.
Ensure MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, and annual flu shots are current.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice from tap water. Consume well-cooked food. Peel fruits and vegetables. Carry Hand sanitizer.
Altitude Sickness (AMS): Zacatecas is high. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue. Ascend gradually, hydrate, avoid alcohol/strenuous activity on day one.
Sunburn & Dehydration: Use High-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat and Sunglasses, drink plenty of Bottled water.
Several public and private hospitals (e.g., Hospital Ángeles). Private ones often have English-speaking staff and require upfront payment or insurance.
Widely available. Many medications available over-the-counter. Pharmacists can give basic advice.
Dial 911 for Police, Fire, and Ambulance (nationwide).
Zacatecas, while charming, has seen increased security challenges in the surrounding state related to organized crime.
Mexico sits in an active seismic zone. Zacatecas may feel tremors. The wet season brings rainfall, potentially cautilizing localized flooding.
Familiarize yourself with safety protocols: Drop, Cover, Hold On.
Tap water is generally not potable. Stick to bottled, filtered, or purified water. Most hotels offer bottled water.
Select busy street food stalls. Confirm food is cooked thoroughly and served hot. Avoid unpeeled produce washed in tap water.
