Colima is Mexico's second-smallest state, a compact Pacific coast territory dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Nevado de Colima. It pairs the whitewashed Pueblo Mágico of Comala with the resort and cargo port city of Manzanillo, self-styled the Sailfish Capital of the World, plus black-sand beaches, lime orchards around Tecomán, and a low-key colonial capital in Colima City.
Colima state sits on Mexico's central Pacific coast and ranges from sea-level beach towns to the cool highlands beneath the Nevado de Colima and the active Volcán de Fuego. Manzanillo and the coastal lowlands have a tropical climate that stays hot and humid nearly year-round, with a pronounced rainy season from June through October and hurricane/tropical storm risk continuing into November. Colima City sits slightly inland and higher, giving it somewhat milder, less humid days, while Comala and the Nevado de Colima foothills are noticeably cooler and drier, especially at night. The dry season from November through April brings the most comfortable, least humid conditions across the state.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
24°C/75°F
Dry, warm, and pleasant on the coast with low humidity; Colima City and Comala have cool, comfortable evenings
February
24°C/75°F
Similar to January - dry, sunny, and comfortable, one of the best months to visit the coast and highlands alike
March
25°C/77°F
Warming and still dry, with beach days at their most comfortable before humidity builds later in spring
April
27°C/81°F
Warm and mostly dry, with rising humidity by month's end signaling the approach of the rainy season
May
29°C/84°F
Hot and increasingly humid on the coast as the dry season winds down; still largely rain-free
June
29°C/84°F
Rainy season begins with regular afternoon storms; hot and humid, with hurricane season officially starting on the Pacific
July
28°C/82°F
Consistent afternoon rains cool the heat somewhat but humidity stays high; landscapes turn lush and green
August
28°C/82°F
Peak rainy season with frequent heavy downpours and elevated tropical storm/hurricane risk
September
28°C/82°F
Still within hurricane season and among the wettest months; storm tracks require close monitoring
October
28°C/82°F
Rains begin tapering off but hurricane season remains active through the month; conditions improve steadily
November
27°C/81°F
Hurricane season officially ends and humidity drops noticeably; a strong transitional month with warm, drying weather
December
25°C/77°F
Dry, warm, and sunny with comfortable humidity - the start of the best stretch of the year, plus a festive holiday atmosphere
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Warm and largely dry along the coast, with Manzanillo days in the low-to-mid 30s°C and humidity building toward the end of the season. Colima City and Comala stay comfortably warm with cooler evenings.
Summer
Months: Jun-Sep
Hot and humid on the coast with the rainy season in full swing, bringing regular afternoon and evening downpours, especially July-September. Hurricane and tropical storm activity is possible in the Pacific during this window.
Fall
Months: Oct-Nov
Rains begin tapering off through October, though hurricane season technically runs through November; by late November conditions turn drier and noticeably more comfortable across the state.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
The most comfortable season: warm, sunny days on the coast (28-32°C) with much lower humidity, and cooler, crisp evenings in Colima City, Comala, and the Nevado de Colima foothills.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Dec-Apr on the Manzanillo coast (dry season, whale-watching Dec-Mar) plus Semana Santa (Easter week), when beach hotels and Comala weekends book out
- Shoulder Season
- Nov and May offer comfortable, largely dry weather with lighter crowds than the winter holiday peak
- Low Season
- Jun-Oct brings the rainy season and hurricane risk to the coast, with fewer international visitors despite lush inland scenery and lower hotel rates
- Items
- Period
- Dec-Apr
- Level
- High - dry season and whale-watching peak
- Period
- Nov and May
- Level
- Moderate - comfortable shoulder-season weather
- Period
- Jun-Oct
- Level
- Low - rainy season and hurricane risk
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Feria de Colima
The state's largest annual fair, held in Colima City with charreadas (rodeo events), concerts, carnival rides, and regional food stalls
Whale Watching Season
Humpback whales migrate off the Manzanillo coast, with boat tours departing regularly from the marina during the peak winter and early spring months
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Processions and religious observances across the state, with Manzanillo beach hotels and Comala weekend visits booking out well in advance
Dia de Muertos Preparations and Comala Altars
Comala's plaza and surrounding towns begin Day of the Dead altar traditions ahead of the November 1-2 observances, with cempasuchil (marigold) displays around the pueblo magico
Mexican Independence Day
Colima City's central plaza hosts the traditional Grito de Independencia ceremony, fireworks, and civic celebrations
Feria de Manzanillo
Manzanillo's annual fair brings concerts, food vendors, and family entertainment to the port city as the rainy season winds down