The Best Time to Visit Isla Holbox (And When I’d Go Again) 2025

Isla Holbox, Holbox Island, or just Holbox, whatever you want to call it, it’s all the same place, and it’s easily my favorite destination in this part of Mexico.

Holbox is rugged, rustic, and a little rough around the edges and that’s exactly what makes it special. Compared to places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, it feels refreshingly laid-back and unpolished. Personally, I’ll take quiet white-sand beaches and little beach shacks over resort pools and breakfast buffets any day.

I’ve been to Holbox a few times now, and on my last trip I realized just how much more popular it’s becoming. So I figured it was time to gather all my experiences and finally put together a few travel guides about Isla Holbox.

In this one, I want to help you figure out when the best time to visit Holbox really is and when you probably shouldn’t go (at least from my experience). So let’s dive into my guide on the best time to visit Isla Holbox.

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The Best Time to Visit Isla Holbox (And When I’d Go Again) 2025

Best Time to Visit Isla Holbox Mexico – My Experience & Quick Answer

I’ve visited Holbox twice now, the first time about five years ago as a backpacker, and more recently on a return trip. It’s definitely changed a lot since then, busier, more popular, and with far more tourists, but compared to places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, it still feels more off-the-beaten-path, which I love.

The first time I went was in May, and honestly, I had perfect conditions. Blue skies for a week straight, not a single cloud, and beaches so white with water so clear it reminded me of the Maldives. But I’ll admit, I got lucky.

That time of year can also mean seaweed galore if you catch it on a bad week. So while I had an amazing experience, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting then unless you’re going specifically for whale sharks or bioluminescence.

That’s my biggest gripe with Holbox: seaweed season overlaps with whale shark season and when the bioluminescence is brightest. You can’t really have it all unless you get lucky during the shoulder months.

Personally, I’d visit Holbox sometime between December and February. I just love a seaweed-free beach and perfect weather on my vacations. But if swimming with whale sharks is high on your list, aim for mid-May and cross your fingers the seaweed isn’t too bad.

Visiting Holbox Island Mexico by Season

High Season / Dry Season (December to April)

From my experience, this is hands-down the best time to visit this part of Mexico and by that, I mean the whole Yucatán Peninsula and Quintana Roo: Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Tulum, Isla Holbox, and Playa del Carmen. The weather is dry, sunny, and warm, and most importantly, it’s non-seaweed season. Personally, I can’t stand the seaweed, it completely ruins the vibe when the beaches are covered in it.

I’ve visited Mexico outside of this time before and had pretty bad experiences, especially in Tulum where the seaweed was relentless. Ever since then, I’ve made it my rule to only come back between December and April, when the beaches are clean and the water looks beautifully turquoise even if that means there is more tourists around and hotels are more expensive.

Low Season (June to October)

I honestly don’t even bother visiting during this time of year because I hate dealing with seaweed. That said, it’s not always terrible, the amount of seaweed really depends on the year, water temperature, currents, and even how well the beaches are cleaned. You might get lucky, especially in Holbox, where seaweed usually isn’t quite as bad as in Tulum.

Still, October is also hurricane season, which is another reason I’d avoid it. But it’s not all doom and gloom. I know people who’ve visited in September and had perfect weather for days. It’s just more of a gamble. On the upside, June marks the start of whale shark season, which is one of the most incredible things you can do in Holbox, so that alone can make it worth it for some.

Shoulder Season (April to May and November)

I love a good shoulder season. As I mentioned above, I visited Isla Holbox once in May and had the best time. There were barely any tourists and it almost felt like I had the island to myself. The water was crystal clear, the beach was powdery white, and the whole island had this calm, untouched vibe. So visiting in May can definitely be a great option.

That said, it’s a bit of a gamble. You could just as easily get unlucky and end up with sargassum (seaweed), storms, or heavy rain, and in Holbox, where the main draw is being outdoors and on the beach, that can be a bit of a buzzkill.

If the weather turns, I’d probably rather be based somewhere like Cancun, where at least there are more indoor options and things to do when the beach isn’t cooperating.

Whale Shark Season in Holbox

The whale sharks in Holbox are pretty much the only reason I’d consider coming here in July or August, since the weather isn’t always ideal that time of year.

That said, I have friends who visited in June and had the best experience with perfect beach days and the chance to swim with whale sharks, which looked absolutely incredible in their photos. It’s such a unique experience and definitely one worth planning a trip around if it’s on your bucket list.

I personally haven’t done it yet (and I’m gutted about that!), it’s still high up there for me. But from all the research I’ve done, Holbox is one of the best and most ethical places in the world to swim with whale sharks, especially compared to destinations like the Philippines where it’s often less regulated. I can’t wait to go back and finally tick it off my list.

Book Here: Swimming With Whale Sharks in Holbox

Bioluminescence in Holbox

The bioluminescence in Holbox is another incredible natural phenomenon, and this one I’ve actually seen (and swum in!), which was pure magic. In case you don’t know what it is, it’s caused by glowing plankton that light up when disturbed, making the ocean sparkle at night as if it’s glowing from within. It honestly looks straight-up magical, like the sea is alive with blue light.

When I stayed at Tribu Hostel (shoutout to one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at), they offered free walking tours for sunset and to see the bioluminescence. A group of us would walk from Holbox town all the way to Playa Punta Cocos, at the very end of the island, for incredible sunset views and then stay to see the glowing water afterwards. It was unforgettable.

Apparently, how bright the bioluminescence appears depends on the season and a bit of luck. I was there in May, which turned out to be perfect since May to September is supposedly the best time to see it, so I definitely got lucky!

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Holbox

When should I visit Isla Holbox?

I’d personally visit Holbox between December and February, even if it’s busier and a bit more expensive. The weather is beautiful, the water is clear, and the beaches are blissfully free of seaweed.

Is there seaweed in Holbox?

Yes, there definitely can be, just like along the rest of Mexico’s Yucatán coast. Seaweed season typically runs from around June to September. From my experience though, Holbox tends to get less seaweed than places like Tulum.

When is the best time to swim with whale sharks in Isla Holbox?

The best time to swim with whale sharks in Holbox is from mid-June to mid-August, that’s when your chances of seeing them are highest.

Is Holbox worth visiting?

Absolutely. I personally prefer a small, simple island with beautiful beaches over a massive resort, even if it means trading paved roads and taxis for dirt paths and golf carts. Holbox has that raw, slow-paced charm that’s getting harder to find in Mexico.

What is there to do in Holbox?

For me, Holbox is all about relaxing on quiet beaches, sipping margaritas from little beach shacks, and enjoying slow island life. But there’s plenty to do like swimming with whale sharks, seeing the bioluminescence, and taking the popular three-island catamaran tour are some of the highlights.

Final Thoughts on When to Visit Holbox

I think Holbox is worth visiting almost any time of year. Personally, I prefer coming in high season because I’m a sucker for clear skies, white sand, and turquoise water, but that doesn’t mean you have to.

When I visited in shoulder season (around May), I had incredible conditions and hardly any crowds, so that was fantastic too. Even during off-season, it’s worth going, the weather might not be as perfect, but it’s the best time to swim with whale sharks. It really depends on the experience you’re after.

I hope this little guide on when to visit Holbox helps you plan your next trip to Mexico!