A beach vacation can involve months of planning, from comparing resorts to finding flights that fit your schedule and budget. But when severe weather threatens a destination, travelers may have to revisit those arrangements, even just days before departure. This is what is happening for many Canadian travelers heading to Mexico this weekend.
Global Affairs Canada has updated its Mexico travel advisory, adding a warning against non-essential travel to a region on the country’s Pacific coast as Tropical Storm Simon is forecast to strengthen and approach Mexico this weekend. Here’s what travelers should know.
Canada’s Updated Mexico Advisory Warns Against Non-Essential Coastal Travel
Global Affairs Canada’s overall Mexico advisory urges travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” throughout the country because of criminal activity and kidnapping.
For some regions of the country, the government goes further, advising against non-essential travel because of violence and organized crime.
Those warnings apply to all or parts of the following areas:
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Colima
- Guanajuato
- Guerrero
- Jalisco
- Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
- Michoacán
- Nayarit
- Nuevo León
- Sinaloa
- Sonora
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
In its October 8 update, Global Affairs Canada also warns travelers to avoid non-essential trips to Mexico’s west-central coast, from Manzanillo in Colima to Punta Mita in Nayarit, because of Tropical Storm Simon.
Mexico’s tourist destinations have faced weather before. For example, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought flooding and flight cancellations to Cancún.
This time, the area facing severe weather includes Puerto Vallarta, where Tropical Storm Simon could cause serious damage as it approaches the region.
Tropical Storm Simon Could Strengthen Into A Category 4 Hurricane
Simon could reach Mexico’s Pacific coast as a Category 4 hurricane as early as Saturday, October 10, bringing dangerous conditions to the region just as weekend travelers arrive.
By Thursday afternoon, its sustained winds had reached 70 mph, putting it just below hurricane strength. The National Hurricane Center’s October 8 update forecasts that it will strengthen rapidly before reaching the coast.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
|
Hurricane Category |
Maximum Sustained Winds |
Potential Wind Damage |
|---|---|---|
|
Category 1 |
74 to 95 mph |
Some damage |
|
Category 2 |
96 to 110 mph |
Extensive damage |
|
Category 3 |
111 to 129 mph |
Devastating damage |
|
Category 4 |
130 to 156 mph |
Catastrophic damage |
|
Category 5 |
157 mph or higher |
Catastrophic damage |
The coast between Punta San Telmo and Playa Perula is now under a hurricane warning. Further along the coast, a hurricane watch extends to Punta Mita.
Strong winds are only part of the concern. Simon could bring 8 to 15 inches of rain to parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday, with isolated totals reaching 25 inches in Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, which may see up to 25 inches.
According to the center’s website:
“This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
Along the coast, storm surge could push seawater inland near and east of where Simon makes landfall, bringing “large and destructive waves.” Additionally, swells from the storm may create “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
The storm could also disrupt essential services for residents and visitors alike. Global Affairs Canada warns that transportation, electricity, communications, food and water supplies, emergency services, and medical care could all be affected.
What Canadian Travelers With Mexico Trips Booked Should Do
Travelers with upcoming trips to Mexico should first contact their airline and hotel to discuss their options. Check whether the airline has issued a weather waiver for your airport and travel dates, and ask the hotel about postponing or canceling your stay.
For those flying with WestJet, the airline has already posted a tropical storm advisory covering travel to and from Puerto Vallarta between October 9 and 12, as well as to and from Mazatlán between October 9 and 10.
Passengers with flight-only reservations booked directly through WestJet can make changes or cancel through Manage Trips. Those who booked through WestJet Vacations, a travel agent, or another website, however, should contact their original booking provider.
TheTravel has contacted Air Canada and Air Transat about potential flight disruptions and rebooking options related to Tropical Storm Simon.
For those already in the region, the Canadian government recommends following local authorities’ instructions and monitoring local news and weather reports. Canadians can also sign up for the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive emergency notifications and important information before or during the storm.
However, the government also warns that its ability to provide consular assistance abroad may be limited:
“If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.”
A flight that is still operating doesn’t mean conditions at the destination are safe. Travelers weighing whether to travel to the Pacific coast of Mexico this weekend should consider postponing their stay or choose another destination if possible.
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