San Francisco & Mexico Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

To make the most of San Francisco and Mexico twin-centre holidays, you might want to consider planning your visit during the spring months, from March to May. During this time, you’ll find the weather to be good in both destinations.

In San Francisco, spring has pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C, making it ideal for exploring the city's iconic landmarks and enjoying its vibrant cultural scene. Springtime in the city also means fewer crowds.

In Mexico, you’ll find that popular coastal areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen experience lovely weather at this time of year, with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Inland destinations like buzzing Mexico City also have comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor adventures - should you wish to mix your itinerary up.

Visiting both San Francisco and Mexico in the autumn months (from September to November), can also be a great choice. In San Francisco, you'll find milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while in Mexico, the scorching summer temperatures begin to subside making way for a more temperate climate across the country. This period also falls during Mexico's Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, a culturally rich and visually stunning tradition in late-October to early November that makes for a true bucket-list experience. 

For most of the year, San Francisco typically follows Pacific Time (PT), which is 8 hours behind the UK. Please note, in March and November, Daylight Saving Time means that the clocks move forward by one hour. Mexico is usually 7 hours behind the UK, but this can vary depending on where exactly you travel to within the country - for example, Mexico City observes Central Standard Time (Zona Centro) while Cancun is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Depending on where you are in Mexico and the time of year, the time difference with San Francisco can be between 0 to 2 hours. In the western part of Mexico, like Tijuana and Mexicali, the time is the same as San Francisco (when DST is not in effect). However, in most other Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, it's 1 hour ahead of San Francisco. 

For UK tourists, the primary departure airports are London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW), which offer frequent non-stop flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). When it comes to Mexico, the choice of airports will depend on your chosen destinations. Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (also known as Benito Juárez International Airport) is one of the busiest airports in Mexico and has numerous domestic and international flights.

If you’re planning to visit Cancun or the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, Cancun International Airport (CUN) will be the entry point. 

If you need advice on your flights, just speak to our USA experts - they’ll be happy to help. 

One of the best things about Mexico is its diverse array of destinations to explore, each one with its own unique charm. There are so many incredible places to see, but if you’re limited for time, there are a few key spots you might want to prioritise on your Mexico multi-centre itinerary.

Mexico’s vibrant capital, Mexico City is a rich tapestry of history and culture where you can explore iconic sites like the Zócalo and eat delicious Mexican food. On the Caribbean shores of Cancun, you can enjoy jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, as well as exploring ancient Mayan ruins. Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, is incredible for discovering historical and indigenous traditions and wandering through charming streets. Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta, nestled on the Pacific Coast, has an amazing combination of stunning beaches, a charming Old Town, and thriving nightlife. 

If you like to plan in advance, we offer guaranteed prices up to 36 months ahead of your holiday. Simply secure multi-centre holidays with an initial low deposit and pay the remainder in monthly instalments.  

When packing for San Francisco and Mexico twin-centre holidays, the time of year and locations planned will have an impact. For San Francisco, due to its often cool and foggy weather, it's wise to bring layers, including sweaters, a light jacket, and long trousers. Comfy walking shoes are also a must for exploring the city's hilly terrain. 

In Mexico, especially in beach destinations like Cancun, shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear are ideal due to the warm and humid weather. If you’re heading inland to cities like Mexico City or Oaxaca, temperatures can be milder, so it's a good idea to pack a mix of light and warmer clothing for cooler evenings. 

The best way to get around in both destinations will largely depend on which places you choose to visit. In general, cities like Mexico City and Cancun have good public transport, including subways, buses, and taxis, making it convenient to explore without a car. For more remote or less touristy areas, renting a car can provide a level of flexibility, but isn’t necessary. 

To fulfil your San Francisco multi-centre itinerary, the city's public transport system, including buses, cable cars, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), is well-developed and can easily take you to most attractions, meaning that a car isn’t really needed. 

This city is overflowing with iconic landmarks and diverse attractions to tick off. Start with a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel with breathtaking views of the bay and epic city skyline. Next, explore Alcatraz Island, a famous former prison with an intriguing history, while enjoying the scenic ferry ride to get there. Don't miss the historic neighbourhood of Chinatown, where you’ll find a vibrant cultural and culinary scene - plus some pretty amazing food.

As a large and incredibly diverse country, it can be hard to pick just a few things to know what to put into your multi-centre itinerary. 

A trip to Mexico wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the country’s many ancient ruins, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza, the majestic Teotihuacan with its Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, and the well-preserved ancient city of Palenque. 

For a taste of true Mexican culture, wander through the historic streets of Mexico City, which is home to architectural gems and bustling markets, before visiting the sprawling National Museum of Anthropology to delve into the country's rich history. 

Mexico also boasts some incredible natural beauty. If you love the great outdoors, you’ll enjoy destinations like the Copper Canyon, a vast network of stunning canyons that rivals the Grand Canyon, or the idyllic beaches of Tulum along the Riviera Maya. 

There’s a reason why Mexico is so famous for its food. When it comes to Mexican cuisine, there's a tantalizing array of mouth-watering dishes to try. Start with classics like tacos, filled with succulent meats or fish with fresh toppings, or indulge in rich and flavourful mole sauces, such as mole poblano. 

Don't miss out on street food delights like tamales, elote (grilled corn), and churros for an after-dinner treat. Seafood lovers will love the fresh ceviche while you’re by the coast. And for those who prefer milder flavours, you can enjoy dishes like quesadillas or enchiladas without the super spicy sauces. 

If you don’t speak Spanish, no need to worry. In touristy areas in particular, you'll often find English is spoken to some degree, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. It's helpful (and polite) to learn some basic Spanish phrases and greetings, and having a translation app or a phrasebook on hand can be handy. Overall, a combination of basic language skills, technology, and a friendly attitude will go a long way in bridging any language gaps in Mexico.