Aguascalientes is one of Mexico's smallest and most industrialized states, a compact highland territory in the country's central Bajio region. Named for its thermal hot springs, it centers on the historic, walkable capital of the same name, famous for the exuberant Feria Nacional de San Marcos, Baroque colonial architecture, and the legacy of Day-of-the-Dead cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Beyond the capital, the state offers the Pueblos Magicos of Real de Asientos and Calvillo, an emerging wine region, and a strong charreria and rodeo tradition.
Aguascalientes sits at roughly 1,880 meters (6,170 feet) on the central Mexican highland plateau (Bajio), giving it a semi-arid highland climate with warm, dry, sunny days and notably cool nights year-round. Rainy season runs June through September, when brief but heavy afternoon thunderstorms are common, followed by a long dry season the rest of the year. Winters (December-February) are mild by day but can bring occasional overnight frost, especially in January. Spring (March-May) is the driest, sunniest, and warmest stretch, culminating in the massive Feria Nacional de San Marcos, which dominates the city's calendar, crowds, and prices each April and May.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
13°C/55°F
Dry, sunny days but the coldest month; overnight frost is common, especially before dawn
February
15°C/59°F
Still dry and cool at night, warming noticeably by day; clear skies typical
March
18°C/64°F
Warming quickly, dry and sunny, with pleasant daytime temperatures ahead of the Feria de San Marcos buildup
April
21°C/70°F
Warm, dry, and sunny; the Feria Nacional de San Marcos begins mid-month, bringing huge crowds, festive energy, and sharply higher prices
May
23°C/73°F
Hottest and driest month, with the Feria de San Marcos continuing into early May; first rains may arrive late in the month
June
22°C/72°F
Rainy season begins; warm mornings give way to afternoon thunderstorms, with the countryside turning green
July
21°C/70°F
Peak of the rainy season; regular afternoon and evening storms, cooler than the dry-season peak, lush landscapes
August
21°C/70°F
Rainy season continues with frequent but usually brief afternoon downpours; mornings typically clear and pleasant
September
20°C/68°F
Rain begins tapering off; green scenery, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than fair season
October
19°C/66°F
Rains largely finished; clear, pleasant days and cool nights make this an excellent shoulder-season month
November
16°C/61°F
Dry, sunny, and cooling quickly at night; comfortable sightseeing weather with low crowds
December
14°C/57°F
Dry and mild by day but cold at night; festive atmosphere around Christmas and Guadalupe-Reyes celebrations
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Warm, dry, and increasingly hot days (22-30°C) with clear skies and virtually no rain until late May. This is also fair season: the Feria Nacional de San Marcos (mid-April to early May) brings the year's largest crowds, highest hotel prices, and liveliest atmosphere to the city.
Summer
Months: Jun-Sep
The rainy season, with warm days (24-27°C) interrupted by short, intense afternoon or evening thunderstorms, especially in July and August. Mornings are usually clear and sunny, with rain typically arriving later in the day. Vegetation greens up noticeably across the state.
Fall
Months: Oct-Nov
Rain tapers off through October, leaving pleasant, mild days (20-24°C) and increasingly cool, crisp nights. Skies clear and the countryside remains green from the summer rains, making this an excellent shoulder season for sightseeing and day trips to Calvillo.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Mild, sunny days (18-22°C) but cold nights that regularly drop near or just below freezing, particularly in January. Precipitation is minimal and skies are usually clear, though occasional cold fronts (nortes) bring sharper chills.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Mid-April through early May (Feria Nacional de San Marcos) - by far the busiest and most expensive period, with hotel rates commonly doubling or tripling and the city's population swelling with domestic visitors
- Shoulder Season
- March, September, October, November (mild weather, moderate crowds, easier hotel availability)
- Low Season
- June-August (rainy season) and January-February (cold nights) - lowest crowds and best accommodation rates outside the fair
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Feria Nacional de San Marcos
Mexico's largest and most historic annual fair, running roughly three to four weeks from mid-April into early May. It transforms Aguascalientes city with palenque concerts and cockfighting arenas, a massive fairground on Isla San Marcos, bullfights, agricultural and industrial expos, casino tents, and nightly fireworks. This single event dominates the state's tourism calendar: hotel rates in the capital commonly double or triple, advance booking becomes essential, and the city's population swells substantially with domestic and some international visitors. Travelers seeking a quieter visit should plan around these dates, while those wanting the state's signature cultural experience should book many months ahead.
Feria de la Guayaba (Calvillo)
A harvest festival in the guava-growing town of Calvillo celebrating the region's signature fruit with food stalls, guava-based products, live music, and local crafts
Dia de los Muertos & Museo Nacional de la Muerte events
Aguascalientes' Museo Nacional de la Muerte hosts special exhibitions and citywide altar displays around Day of the Dead, reflecting the state's strong connection to Jose Guadalupe Posada, the artist behind the iconic Catrina imagery
Guadalupe-Reyes Season
The extended Mexican holiday season from Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) through Dia de Reyes (January 6) brings posadas, nativity displays, and festive markets to the city's plazas and churches