With forecasters predicting a mean, cold winter ahead, you might already be dreaming of white sands, turquoise waters, and sunshine before the snow has even hit. Luckily for you, CheapOair is giving away 2 roundtrip tickets on AeroMexico! The winner will get to choose from six gorgeous destinations in Mexico for their trip. From Cancun to Cozumel, Mexico should make your bucket list for its delicious cuisine, rich history, and—of course—those incredible beaches.

So, let’s assume you win this fabulous giveaway. Where should you go and when? We’ve got it all figured out for you!

When To Go

Tati Nova photo Mexico / Shutterstock

Weather

Mexico tends to be a year-round vacation spot. Due to its size, the country experiences a wide range of climates, with sea level destinations soaking up the warmth and heat throughout the year, while higher elevations take most of the chill. Your best bet? Visit between October and May, when the country is driest. There will be no raining on your Mexican parade! Avoid visiting in July and August if you can, as these months tend to get extremely hot.

Events

Mexico keeps a busy calendar! There’s always some kind of festival going on, but if you want to be in town for any of the big cultural events, time your trip for Carnaval (February), Semana Santa (March), or Day of the Dead (November).

For Families

Mexico can be a popular spot for vacationing families, but what’s the ideal time to bring the kids? Try to visit during off-season moments—not around major school holidays, for example—if you’d like to avoid the crowds.

Where To Go

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Cancun

Cancun needs no introduction. It’s affordable, accessible, and is close to everything. The beach put Cancun on the map, coveted for its powdery white consistency soaking up the Caribbean Sea—but this area is also close to Mexico’s historical heritage! When you’ve had your fill of snorkeling and scuba diving, take a daytrip inland to check out some ancient Mayan ruins. Cancun’s more than just a spring break hotspot!

Mexico City

While long known as a gritty, pollution and traffic filled city, Mexico City has turned a page and is now considered the cultural capital of Latin America. If you’re an art or history buff, this is the place for you! You can see ancient Mayan ruins and Spanish colonial churches in the same block, not to mention original Frida Kahlo paintings at the Museo de Frida Kahlo and the Museo Nacional de Antropología. Mexico City is seriously awesome.

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Playa Del Carmen

If you’re looking for a more creative beach getaway, head to Playa Del Carmen. The bustling town boasts a somewhat European feel, with eclectic restaurants, lively bars, and tons of trendy beach clubs, shops, and hotels. Take a stroll down Avenida 5 to explore the Riviera Maya’s central coast—when you’re not lounging on the beach, that is! Playa Del Carmen makes for a fun-filled Mexican getaway.

Cozumel

Just 12 miles southeast of Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most famous island getaway spots—Cozumel. Measuring 28 miles long and 11 miles wide, Cozumel is far from a deserted island. As the country’s third largest island, Cozumel has built up a reputation for windswept beaches, miles of coral reef, and plenty of natural parks. While shying away from a party atmosphere, Cozumel dives right into watersports, especially scuba diving. Divers can find some of the finest scuba diving in the Western hemisphere in and around Cozumel due to its rich diversity of reefs, caves, canyons, and coral.

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Cabo San Lucas

For over 70 years, Cabo San Lucas has been one of Mexico’s most exclusive tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a lavish resort experience on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this is the place for you! Spend your days on the beach swimming, snorkeling, or sipping sophisticated cocktails. More of a land lover? Go hiking in the region’s breathtaking canyons, or explore some of the city’s historical gems like the Iglesia de San Lucas, a church founded by Spanish Missionaries in 1730.

Tulum

If you loved Indiana Jones, you’ll love Tulum! It’s no secret that Tulum is all about its namesake archaeological site. Located on a stretch of incredible white beach, Tulum divides into three main areas—its downtown pueblo, its Mayan ruins, and its Zona Hotelera, also known as the beach. The Tulum Ruins are one of the few Mayan cities that were inhabited when conquistadors arrived in 1518. The ruins perch theatrically on a rocky cliff overlooking the Caribbean. The beach is pretty awesome around here, but those ruins are reason enough to make Tulum your Mexican destination!

Which Mexican destination would you choose? Let us know in the comments, and remember to enter the Escape with AeroMexico giveaway!