David Simmonds

It’s raining today where I live. Here in San Diego, we only get about nine inches a year, so the rain is good, unless you had a morning tee time.

I was just driving back from Costco in my Jeep Wrangler when I started thinking about the rainy season in Mexico – always my favorite time of the year there. It varies a little from place to place, but in all areas south of the northern deserts the rains usually start in early June and last until early October. If you want to know Mexico, go visit when it rains.

Most tourists don’t like to travel to Mexico during those months because, well, you know it’s kinda humid and you’ve got these huge bugs flying around. And just when you want to sunbathe in the late afternoon, here comes the thunder and damn rain clouds.

Exactly. Those are just two of the things that draw me to the coastal tropics when most gringos prefer more pleasing climes. And that brings up another side benefit…no crowds. And the prices are cheaper.

Unless a major storm is moving through, the daily rains don’t last long, and serve as a welcome respite, arriving later in the day after hours of blistering sun. The countryside turns from brown to green, the dust disappears from the rooftops and palm fronds, and the sunsets are beyond my descriptive abilities.

So, this summer, think about giving Mexico a try. Pack light, physically and mentally, and prepare yourself for a different vacation than you have ever had. My personal favorite spot for the experience: the Posada de Roger in Puerto Vallarta, sitting on the 3rd story roof-top deck looking out at the jungle-hills as the clouds start to appear in one direction, with lightening in the distance, out over the sea, in the other. Sipping a cold beer is suggested, but rarely required.