Guadalajara Safety 2024: How Safe is Guadalajara for Travel?

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Guadalajara isn’t a safe travel destination in 2024 due to an increase in cartel-related crime and thefts. Tourists are advised to consider visiting other safer cities such as Mexico City, Merida, or Puerto Vallarta.

Nevertheless, if you must travel to Guadalajara, we’ve prepared a thorough guide on staying safe in Guadalajara in 2023, which covers everything you need to know to be fully prepared for the trip.

Unveiling the Reality: A Comprehensive Look at Guadalajara Crime Rates

Guadalajara has a crime rating of 62.39.

The crime rating is very similar to some of the most dangerous cities in Mexico, including Acapulco (60.52%), Juarez (68.34%), and Tijuana (72.08%).

Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, Mexico’s 11th most violent state. Between June 2022 and May 2023, the state recorded a total of 2,173 homicides.

Who Controls Guadalajara’s Underbelly?

The driving forces behind Guadalajara’s criminal activity are the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) and the Nueva Plaza cartel.

These cartels are known to be in a continuous territorial battle, which has resulted in many homicides and violence around the city— urging the U.S. State Department to issue a travel alert advising people to “Reconsider Traveling” to the state of Jalisco.

COVID-19 Safety in Guadalajara

Mexico has lifted all restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, which means tourists no longer need a negative test or vaccine to enter the country.

The state of Jalisco had a daily average of 70 positive cases, making it the 12th state in terms of numbers.

To stay safe, please maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Most importantly, if you suspect you have coronavirus, do not travel. Stay at home, get tested, and seek treatment.

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is in an area that can be hit by natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

Hurricane Information and Precautions

The principal hurricane-prone areas in Mexico are the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

Guadalajara is in the state of Jalisco in west-central Mexico, meaning it’s not normally at risk of direct hurricane impact, but it is close enough to feel the effects of the aftermath, which can be disastrous. 

Weather patterns can be unpredictable, and hurricanes from other parts of Mexico can bring severe rain, storms, and devastating floods to Guadalajara.

A big storm hit Guadalajara in June 2018 which flooded streets and shopping centers, uprooted trees, and swept cars away. A train station was also flooded, trapping 40 passengers within a passing train.

Another storm occurred in June 2022, leaving one person injured and many flooded homes and fallen trees. The flood stream carried 14 cars, some of which had people inside. Fortunately, no one went missing or died from the flooding.

The “hurricane” season in Guadalajara lasts from June to October, so these are the months where there’s the highest chance of heavy storms and floods. The rainiest month is June.

If you find yourself in the city during these months, it’s best to keep an eye on the National Hurricane Service so you can be updated on the most recent news regarding hurricanes in Guadalajara.

Earthquake Information and Prevention

Mexico is located in the Ring of Fire along many tectonic plates, so Guadalajara, like many other cities in Mexico, is in a seismically active zone.

Guadalajara has seen earthquakes of varying magnitudes. For example, in 2022, a destructive 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central Pacific Coast. The tremors were felt throughout the whole area, from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, to Guadalajara.

In 2023, Guadalajara had small earthquakes with magnitudes of 2,3 and 4. According to the earthquake magnitude scale, these vibrations are felt but aren’t destructive. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that monitoring earthquakes is difficult, as their timing is unforeseeable.

This is why the very least we can do is be educated about what to do in the event of an earthquake, for example, knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as the tremor begins. Another great tip is downloading the 911 CDMX app to your smartphone. The app will inform you 60 seconds before an earthquake strikes, which in many situations is enough time to save a life.

Breathing Safely in Guadalajara: Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Prevention

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a severe health danger, yet this toxic gas receives little attention.

Every year, over 100,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning. So, what makes this gas so harmful, and how does it affect us?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas with no odor or color created by the incomplete combustion of fuels, frequently caused by faulty appliances such as stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, generators, and so on. 

If there is a CO that spreads in the air for an extended period of time, it will harm anyone inside the house or hotel — and because it’s practically indetectable, it’s not usually noticed until some of its symptoms appear.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, chest discomfort, and loss of consciousness. Prolonged CO inhalation can result in paralysis, damage to the brain, and loss of life.

Guadalajara hasn’t had any incidents from carbon monoxide poisoning, but it’s possible if precautions aren’t taken. Carrying your own CO detectors wherever you go is the best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If the hotel has one, that’s terrific, but this is a great backup plan.

Guadalajara Weather Patterns: What to Expect?

Guadalajara has two seasons: dry and wet.

Guadalajara’s dry season begins in November and lasts until May. The dry season brings little rain and sunny days. Temperatures range from mild to hot, with averages of 60-74°F (15-23°C) and a high of 92°F (33°C).

The wet season in Guadalajara begins in June and lasts until October. This season brings more rainfall, greater humidity levels, and a likelihood of thunderstorms. July and August are the wettest months. The temperature is mild to hot, with an average of 72°F (22°C) and a maximum of 88°F (31°C).

Weather Overview in Guadalajara

Summer

Summer in Guadalajara lasts from June to August. The season brings warm temperatures and occasional rainfall — the perfect respite from the summer heat. The average daily summertime temperature is around 71°F (22°C). On the warmest days, Guadalajara may reach 88°F (31°C). Summer nights are nice and moderately cool, hovering around 61°F (15°C).

Fall

Fall in Guadalajara lasts from September through November, signaling the transition from the wet to the dry season. September is rather rainy, but participation decreases as the season progresses. The daily average temperature may reach 69°F (20°C), with a maximum high of 82°F (27°C). Nights start getting chilly, dropping to 49°F (9°C).

Winter

Guadalajara’s winter season lasts from December through February. The weather is dry and cool, but it rarely gets below freezing. The average daily temperature is around 61°F (16°C), with a high of 81°F (27°C). Winter nights are at 43°F (6.3°C).

Spring

Spring in Guadalajara begins in March and ends in May, signaling the end of the dry season and the beginning of the wet season. March and April are typically dry, with significant rainfall beginning in May. The daily average temperature is 70°F (21°C). However, on the hottest days, Guadalajara can reach 92°F (33°C). Spring nights are cool, with highs of 57°F (13°C).

When Is the Best Time to Visit Guadalajara?

We are great advocates for safety, so our goal isn’t to encourage travellers to visit dangerous places. The U.S. government has made it clear that tourists should reconsider visiting this city, and we want to reiterate that advice.

However, in theory, the best time to visit Guadalajara would be from November to March. These are the months where there’s the least probability of rain, plus the weather isn’t oppressively hot. The nights are cool, providing a nice contrast to the warm days.

Exploring Guadalajara Solo or With a Family: Is It a Good Idea?

Guadalajara is not a place to visit alone or with your family. The city has had its fair share of cartel crime, and it is highly advised to reconsider visiting this city.

However, if you still want to visit, be aware that you are ignoring the US government’s travel notice and putting yourself and your family in danger.

To minimize the risk, adhere to the following tips.

Essential tips for staying safe:

• Knowing some Spanish can help you blend in
• Pesos are a must, as many services don’t accept other currencies
• To avoid scammers, don’t drive in street taxis
• Didi and Uber are two reliable taxi options
• Look up where the nearest police station is
• Avoid drinking tap water as it is contaminated
• ATMs and public transportation are hotspots for thieves
• Draw money from malls, supermarkets, or banks
• Write down emergency numbers: 911 (police), 066 (ambulance), 080 (fire services)
• Thoroughly research the reputation of your hotel and the area where you’ll stay at
• Keep valuables hidden or locked

Tips for traveling alone:

• Never go out at night
• Maintain a close distance to your hotel
• Stay in your hotel as much as possible so that others don’t realize you’re alone and take advantage
• Avoid crowded bars and restaurants
• Drink responsibly
• Someone may try to put a narcotic in your drink, so be wary
• Never initiate a conflict
• Ignore catcallers
• Dress modestly
• Don’t wear expensive jewelry or too much money with you
• If you’re offered illegal substances, kindly refuse them
• Never give personal information to a person you just met
• Make sure nobody is following you

Tips for traveling with your family:

• Make sure you are always together and never separated
• Always keep an eye on your kids
• Go to reputable restaurants
• Avoid bars with crowds of intoxicated people
• Rent a car so that you don’t have to rely on a taxi
• Book a hotel with family-friendly activities
• Drink responsibly
• Pak a medical kit
• Stick to tourist zones, and don’t wander off too far from your hotel

If you’re a female solo traveler, then you should read our article on Solo female travel in Mexico.

Conclusion

In summary, the beautiful Guadalajara isn’t Mexico’s deadliest location, but the city is far from safe.

Statistically, your chances of having a safe and peaceful journey are slim. Even if the odds are in your favor and you have a secure journey there, it’s simply not worth the risk of being in constant fear of danger.

This is why we strongly advise you to follow the U.S. government travel warnings and avoid visiting this place until further notice. There are other destinations that are much safer, for instance, the country’s capital, Mexico City, or the beautiful island of Cozumel. But if you really want to visit Guadalajara, make sure to pack a bulletproof vest and a few cans of pepper spray. Just in case!

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