Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Ensenada. The weather is warm but not hot, the tourist crowds are manageable, and in autumn the wine harvest in Valle de Guadalupe is in full swing. The Vendimia (wine harvest festival) in August draws large crowds to the valley for a week of tastings, dinners, and events — book well ahead.
Summer is warm and busy, particularly in July and August when Mexican families from Tijuana and the interior take holidays on the Baja coast. The water temperature in Bahía de Todos Santos is cool enough for swimming but not tropical — wetsuits are common even in summer. Winter is mild by most standards (daytime highs around 15-18°C) but grey and sometimes rainy; the city is quiet and prices are lower.
The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race in April brings a wave of American sailors and their boats to the marina, creating a festive atmosphere for a few days.