Major city · Mexico
Matamoros
One day is enough for a border‑walk, Museum Casamata and a quick beach trip; stay overnight only if you need a rest after a long bus ride.
Matamoros sits on the US‑Mexico border opposite Brownsville, Texas. The city’s main draws are the historic Museum Casamata, the central plaza with its cathedral, and the nearby Bagdad Beach (Playa Bagdad). With a compact centre, a day‑trip covers the highlights; longer stays are only for travelers needing a rest after long bus journeys or wanting to explore the maquiladora zone.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, milder heat)
- avoid Jun–Sep (hot, heavy rain)
- Airport
- MAM
- Nights
- 1 (mid‑range) or skip if on a tight schedule.
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Matamoros911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Matamoros, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyBorder city with elevated crime risk; stay in central, well‑lit areas, avoid night travel, keep valuables hidden.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMAM Matamoros International Airport (Domestic flights only; nearest US airport is Brownsville.).
- Getting aroundThe city centre is walkable; taxis are cheap (≈ MXN 30‑50 per km).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)MXN 20 (≈ US$2)‑35
- Street or quick mealTaco (street)MXN 12 (≈ under US$1)‑25
- BeerBeer (bottle)MXN 30 (≈ US$2)‑45
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))MXN 120 (≈ US$7)‑180
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum Casamata entryFree
- Budget bedDormitory bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedMid‑range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,200 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedMid‑range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,800 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$300 (≈ US$17) · Mid MX$600 (≈ US$35) · High MX$1,200 (≈ US$65)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MAM Matamoros International Airport (Domestic flights only; nearest US airport is Brownsville.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Aug (7 rain days), driest May (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Matamoros: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
2 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
7 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city centre is walkable; taxis are cheap (≈ MXN 30‑50 per km). For beach trips take a taxi or local bus north 27 km to Bagdad Beach (≈ 30 min).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bagdad Beach (Playa Bagdad)
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h total
Taxi north 27 km (17 mi) on Highway 101; about 30 min each wayTaxi north 17 mi (27 km) on Highway 101; about 30 min each way
Beach with seafood stalls; bring sunscreen; check tide schedule.
Museum Casamata
goDoor to door: ≈ 10 min
Walk 5 min north from central plaza
Entry free; open 08:00‑16:00 Tue‑Sat.Entry free; open 8:00 AM‑4:00 PM Tue‑Sat.
Charro Days & Sombrero Festival (Feb)
goDoor to door: ≈ 15 min
Walk or short taxi within city
Festival dates in February; expect crowds.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Best Western Hotel Plaza Matamoros
Mid‑range, includes breakfast and parking; ~US$50‑75 per night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MXN 300–500 (≈ US$17–30) excl. bed
- Mid
- MXN 600–900 (≈ US$35–50) excl. bed
- High
- MXN 1,200 (≈ US$65)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range double room1 × 1 night × MX$1,200 | MX$1,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × MX$600 | MX$600 |
| Taxi from airport to centre1 × MX$200 · check | MX$200 |
| eSIM (1 week data)1 × MX$300 · check | MX$300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$230 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,530 per person per day, bed included | MX$2,530≈ US$140 |
2026 estimate in MXN; flights and cross‑border bus not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | MXN 20 (≈ US$2)‑35 |
| Taco (street) | MXN 12 (≈ under US$1)‑25 |
| Beer (bottle) | MXN 30 (≈ US$2)‑45 |
| Taxi (5 km) | MXN 120 (≈ US$7)‑180 |
| Museum Casamata entry | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- US State Department rates Tamaulipas as a high‑crime area; stay in well‑lit zones and avoid night walks.
- Border crossing on the International Blvd. bridge charges US$1 each way for pedestrians.
- Heavy rain in July‑August can make roads to the beach slippery.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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MatamorosMatamoros
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
US Consulate in Matamoros (Calle Primera #2002, Col. Jardín).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Pedestrian bridge (US→MX): US$1 each way (≈ MXN 20)
- Taxi airport → centre: ≈ MXN 200 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑KUL‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN‑to KWE‑s-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON‑de es‑TA el BAH‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Matamoros. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, milder heat) · avoid Jun–Sep (hot, heavy rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Matamoros if arriving late by bus from Monterrey.
- Combine with a quick visit to Nuevo Progreso (Mexico side of the bridge) for more beach time.
Sources
Ask about Matamoros
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