Best TIme to visit huatulco

Best Time to Visit Huatulco

Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Huatulco? You have made the decision to add Huatulco to your travel list, but now the question is when to go to Huatulco.

Having lived in Huatulco for more than 2 full years now, I have experienced the pros and cons of every season here on the Oaxacan coast.

In my opinion, there is no bad time to visit Huatulco! But each season brings something different, so here I have laid out the best time of year to visit Huatulco by month.

Here you will find info on the climate in Huatulco, as well as details on Huatulco weather by month including:

  • precipitation
  • water temperature
  • seasonal festivals and activities
  • wildlife and migration patterns

Ready to learn all about the best time of year to visit Huatulco? Let’s take a look!


When to Visit Huatulco

Arranged chronologically by calendar month, here are the best months to travel to Huatulco!

January is the best time of year to see the humpback whales in Huatulco
A humpback whale breaching near a boat off the coast of Huatulco
Photo: Canva

January – Best Time to Visit Huatulco

High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/21° | 🌊Water Temperature: 18°-27° | 🌧️Rainfall: 0mm | 🫧 Humidity: Low

In the Ocean: Humpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Rays, Jellyfish   

January is the most popular time for Canadians and Americans to visit Huatulco, so you can expect prices to be higher and accommodations to be booked up about a year or more in advance. 

All of the snowbirds have now arrived, and those who arrived earlier in the season start to have family and friends visit after the winter holidays.

In the ocean, January is the best time of year to see Humpback Whales! These ocean giants migrate from the Arctic to more southern areas of the Pacific (Mexico, Hawaii, etc.) in the winter (starting in November).

Humpback whales breed in warmer waters and it is very common to see Humpback whales in Huatulco from December to the end of March.

January Pros

  • Perfect weather!
  • Whale season
  • Lots of New Year activities
  • Easy to meet people

January Cons

  • Peak high season
  • More expensive
  • Ocean is colder
  • Jellyfish blooms

Just another day at the office, hanging with dolphins on our way to a dive site in Huatulco
February in Huatulco is special to me because it’s when I first arrived!
Photo: Shev

February – Best Time to Visit Huatulco

High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/21° | 🌊Water Temperature: 18°-27°
🌧️Rainfall: 0mm | 🫧 Humidity: Low

In the Ocean: Humpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Rays, Jellyfish      

I think February is the best time of year to see ocean life in Huatulco. When I arrived on February 8th, 2021 we saw whales, dolphins, or mobulas while out on the boat almost every day!

February has more of a routine to it I find. There are no big waves of crowds coming for festivities, just the usual hum of activity for the high season!

Visiting Huatulco in February is very similar to visiting in January, minus the leftover Christmas decorations.

February Pros

  • Perfect Weather!
  • Whale Season
  • Lots of tours and activities

February Cons

  • High Season
  • Ocean is colder
  • Jellyfish Blooms
  • More expensive

False Orcas spotted in February, one of the best months to travel to Huatulco
In February 2021 we had an extremely rare experience with False Orcas- check out my Instagram post for some amazing photos and video!

March – Best Time to Visit Huatulco

High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/22° | 🌊Water Temperature: 20°-27°
🌧️Rainfall: 0mm | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate

In the Ocean: Humpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Rays, Mantas, False Orcas

The popularity of March really depends on where the Easter weekend falls that year. March is still popular with Canadians and Americans, but when Semana Santa approaches you will notice a huge influx of Mexican tourists as well, due to the holiday time mentioned above.

On Friday in the first week of Lent, there is a festival called “Primer Viernes” in Santa Cruz. It is like a big carnival with amusement park rides and the like.

Spring Break in the US and Canada factors into the popularity of March and April as well of course.

In the water, Humpback whales can still be spotted, but with less frequency as they make their way north for the summer.

March Pros

  • First Friday Festival
  • Great weather
  • Great ocean life

March Cons

  • It’s busy!
  • Humidity is getting higher

Semana Santa

Semana Santa, or, Holy Week in English, is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday in the Christian tradition. Mexico still has a very heavy Catholic influence, so religious holidays are marked with great significance.

Many employees in Mexico (aside from tourism staff) are given 2 weeks off for Semana Santa so it is a very popular travel time for Mexicans.

This is a tactic used by employers to avoid paying staff properly. Most employees in Mexico are contract workers so they do not get benefits or paid holidays.

Employees will be given a 6-month contract that ends at Semana Santa, 2 unpaid weeks off, then a new contract at the end of the holiday.

A huge manta ray I snorkelled with in Huatulco in March
An ugly photo of a beautiful manta ray I snorkelled with in Huatulco in April
Photo: Shev

April – Best Time to Visit Huatulco

High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/22° | 🌊Water Temperature: 20°-27°
🌧️Rainfall: 0mm | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

In the Ocean: Sea Turtles, Rays, Dolphins, Octopus, Mantas

Again depending on the timing of Semana Santa, April begins to slow down slightly for tourism, especially from Canada and the US.

In the water, the Humpback Whales have started their journey north for the summer, but they have left some friends behind!

April can bring pods of dolphins and I have seen many while on our way to the dive sites. April is also when we see Giant Mantas feeding on schools of fish.

Giant Mantas are present in Huatulco in the spring, one of the best times to travel to Huatulco.
Check out my Instagram post for some amazing footage of my encounters with Giant Mantas in Huatulco!
(Photo: Shev)

April Pros

  • Ocean is warming up
  • Mango season!
  • Less crowds
  • Slightly cheaper
  • Dolphin and Manta season

Product Cons

  • Weather is hotter
  • Can be large crowds

Semana Santa is one of the busiest tourism weeks of the year. Book your excursions ahead of time, and expect the town to be packed!

It is also HOT in April and May. The temperatures and humidity begin to rise as the summer draws nearer, but the rains don’t start until June-ish. It just gets hotter and hotter!


A thermometer in the sand in Huatulco reading nearly 40 degrees celsius. May is the hottest month in Huatulco

May – The Hottest Time of Year in Huatulco

Shoulder Season |🌡️Temperature: 32°c/24° | 🌊Water Temperature: 25°-28°
🌧️Rainfall: ~ 2 days of rain| 🫧 Humidity: Extreme

In the Ocean: Giant Mantas, Octopus, Eagle Rays, Southern Stingrays

May signifies the beginning of the rainy season and the end of the high season in Huatulco. Depending on the year, the first rains will arrive in mid-late May, but usually only one or two heavy downpours.

May is the hottest month in Huatulco. The humidity starts to climb as the rains start further inland and the approaching summer brings higher temperatures.

May is the hottest month because the rains haven’t started yet, so you get all the humidity and none of the relief.

May is the worst time of year to scuba dive in Huatulco. There are constant currents bringing the summer waters in, so the port is often closed and visibility is terrible.

If you get a good weather day on the water, you will see dolphins, turtles, and maybe some manta rays! Our snorkel tours in May are full of breeding Leatherback turtles and snorkelling with giant mantas.

May Pros

  • Best time of year to find a long-term rental
  • Hot, but not rainy
  • Octopus season
  • Ocean is warm

May Cons

  • Weather is unpredictable
  • Humidity is extreme
  • Tours and businesses close for the low season
  • Fewer people

Riscalillo beach in June in Huatulco. The days are more overcast but its still warm!
June in Huatulco at Riscallio beach, one of the more than 36 beaches in Huatulco.
Photo: Shev

June – Good Time of Year to Visit Huatulco

Low Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/24° | 🌊Water Temperature: 28°-30°
🌧️Rainfall: 9 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

In the Ocean: Turtles, Octopus, Southern Stingrays, Dolphins

In June the rainy season really starts, and it is overcast more often. In the winter you hardly see any clouds, so the weather in June feels very different than that of May.

While rainy and cooler than other months, June can still be a best time to go to Huatulco
A rainy day spent in San Agustín still had some of the best snorkeling. Do I look like I’m having a bad time?
Photo: Shev

June is a slow season in Huatulco, the winter visitors have gone, but school is still in session so national tourism hasn’t started yet.

June Pros

  • Not very busy
  • Ocean is warm
  • Summer visibility!
    The ocean is usually clear.

June Cons

  • Some businesses close for the summer
  • Humidity is high
  • Mosquitoes are worse
  • Some rainy days

Pacific blue dolphins visit Huatulco during the summer
Dolphins visit Huatulco throughout the summer, its common to see them from the boat!
Photo: Shev

July & August – Good Time to Visit Huatulco

Low Season |🌡️Temperature: 32°c/24° | 🌊Water Temperature: 28°-30°
🌧️Rainfall: 6 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

In the Ocean: Lots of turtles & dolphins

Personally, I really enjoy the summer in Huatulco. July in Huatulco brings the early days of the rainy season. I enjoy the freshness to the air that is completely absent the other months of the year, and the entire landscape changes.

Huatulco is dry and brown during the dry season, but after the first few rains of May the area is bursting with green. I love the rainforest smell that comes with the wet season!

In the water it is turtle season. You can witness a lot of mating in June and July! Take any boat tour and you might see 8-10 turtles throughout the day getting busy in the water.

One of the best times to visit Huatulco is in August for the turtle hatchings.
August is one of the best times to see turtles nesting in Huatulco.
(Photo: Canva)

The mosquitos are the worst in the summer. They like to hang out under tables, so be sure to put repellent on your feet and ankles.

The mosquitoes bother me the most when I’m cooking or sitting at a table. They are also tiny, which makes them hard to hear, spot, and kill. July and August are the worst time of year for mosquitoes.

July Pros

  • Ocean is warm
  • Ocean is clear
  • No crowds
  • Cheaper time to visit

July Cons

  • Mosquitoes
  • Fewer events & activities
  • Possibility of storms

August and September are the best time to visit Huatulco for Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en Nogada is a popular Mexican dish in the months of August and September. Read more about Food In Oaxaca here.
(Photo: Canva)

August – Good Time to Visit Huatulco

Low Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/24° | 🌊Water Temperature: 28°-30°
🌧️Rainfall: 6 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

In the Ocean: Lots of turtles & dolphins

August in Huatulco is very similar to July in Huatulco.

The spring mating season in Oaxaca means many of the turtles are ready to lay their eggs as the summer draws to a close.

Leatherback turtle nesting season starts in August in Oaxaca, so you will see their paths on the beaches.

Its also a special food season! Chiles en Nogada is a seasonal dish popular all over southern Mexico, because pomegranates are in season.

This special dish consists of a pablano pepper stuffed with rice and meat, then drowned in a white sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds and cilantro. Its a must-try if you’re visiting in the season!

August Pros

  • Chiles en Nogada
  • Ocean is warm
  • Ocean is clear
  • No crowds
  • Cheaper time to visit

August Cons

  • Mosquitoes
  • Fewer events & activities
  • Possibility of storms

September – Not a Good Time to Visit Huatulco

Low Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/24° | 🌊Water Temperature: 28°-30°
🌧️Rainfall: 10 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

While I believe Huatulo is great to visit all year round, if there is one month I don’t recommend its September.

September is difficult because its the lowest of the low seasons. Locals refer to it as “Septi-hambre” because there is so little work (hambre means “hungry in Spanish”).

September can be the rainiest month. Even though Huatulco does not get hurricanes, the weather is affected by the hurricane season on the Caribbean side.

September is also the most seismically active month. There are very few earthquakes that do any damage, but get used to the rumbles!

September Pros

  • Cheapest month
  • Easy to find long-term rentals
  • Ocean is warm
  • No crowds

September Cons

  • Mosquitoes
  • Overcast & rainy
  • More frequent earthquakes

Pan de Muerto, a special bread made and consumed only in the month of October and on the days of the Día de los Muertos festivities.
Photo: Canva

October – A Good Time of Year to Visit Huatulco

Shoulder Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/23° | 🌊Water Temperature: 25°-28°
🌧️Rainfall: 5 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate – High

October in Huatulco is a slow build. The low season is clearly coming to an end, and everything is transitioning to prepare for the high season.

Excitement grows towards the end of the month as everyone prepares for Dia de Muertos – the day of the dead celebrations.

Halloween is celebrated by some, but mostly with young children. It does not have the same draw to adults that it does in Canada and the US as the grownups are too busy preparing for the many festivities surrounding dia de muertos!

This year, La Papaya, one of the best nightclubs in Huatulco is hosting a Halloween party on October 30, with a costume contest!

October Pros

  • Lower prices
  • more activities than the
    low season
  • Dia de Muertos
    festivities & food

October Cons

  • Mosquitoes
  • Ocean currents
  • Still humid, low average rain

Dia de Muertos in Oaxaca is a very special time of year!
Photo: Shev

November – The Best Time to Visit Huatulco

High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/23° | 🌊Water Temperature: 22°-25°
🌧️Rainfall: 0 days | 🫧 Humidity: Moderate

In the Ocean: Humpback whales start to arrive!

High season officially begins after the Dia de Muertos celebrations end. Prices increase, businesses reopen, and snowbirds begin to make their way south for the winter.

November also seems to be the peak surfing season in Huatulco. While you can ride the waves at beaches like La Bocana at any time, November is when surfing competitions come to areas like Barra de la Cruz or Puerto Escondido.

If you visit Huatulco in November, you will feel the place “restarting”. Pickleball games come back, weekly events, special dinners, etc. There is a feel of rejuvination everywhere!

November Pros

  • Everything is open
  • Not too crowded yet
  • Whales arrive
  • Too warm for jellyfish

October Cons

  • Still humid!
  • Prices increase

December – The Best Time of Year To Visit Huatulco

Peak High Season |🌡️Temperature: 31°c/22° | 🌊Water Temperature: 20°-27°
🌧️Rainfall: 0 days | 🫧 Humidity: Low

In the Ocean: Humpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Rays, Jellyfish    

And we´re back, baby! December marks the return of high season to Huatulco. All of the snowbirds have arrived, including the water-borne ones like Humpback Whales.

Christmas is the second busiest time of year in Huatulco. Popular time with both foreign and mexican tourists alike, as the holidays are a cause for great celebration.

Guadalupe day is December 12, since she is the patron saint of Huatulco, there are many celebrations in her honour as well.

Basically, you can expect to hear firecrackers every night from December 11 to the New Year!

The humidity is much lower, and the average temperature is cooler at night. December and January are the only months I can sleep with the window open and no AC!

December Pros

  • So many activities and events!
  • Christmas decorations
  • Whale season

December Cons

  • Peak high season
  • Expensive
  • Lots of crowds

Weather and Climate in Huatulco

As a local, I want to give you some tips about reading weather reports in Huatulco. There are no reliable weather stations for the region of Bahías de Huatulco.

When you look at a weather map or online, the report you will see comes from the Huatulco Airport or the town of Santa María Huatulco.

These reports are inaccurate for the bays because they are taken 22km inland from the coast.  Even in that short distance, the weather varies a lot.

The coast stays more temperate and winds from the ocean are able to resist the rains from the mountains for a while in the shoulder seasons.

Santa María Huatulco is often 2-4°c hotter than the coast in the winter, and they have their summer rains about 3-4 weeks earlier and 3-4 weeks later than we do in the Bahías de Huatulco.

The best app for seeing Huatulco weather patterns is Windy.app. This shows winds, tides, temperatures for air and water, and everything you need!


A view of Tangolunda bay in Huatulco in the summer, as you can tell by the greenery in the foreground.
You can see in this photo of Tangolunda Bay that it is wintertime, because the palm trees are the only greenery, and the islands in the background are brown and dry. In the summer/rainy season in Huatulco, these areas are full of greenery and flowers.
(Photo: Canva)

Huatulco Rainy Season

The “rainy” season in Huatulco is from June to October, sometimes starting a little earlier or running a little later.

It does not rain every day during the rainy season in Huatulco. In this part of Mexico, “rainy season” just means it’s possible to rain.

In the dry season, from November to May, it does not rain at all in Huatulco.

Once the first rains begin in late May, we get some beautiful, heavy, tropical downpours. They are refreshing but short.

When it rains in Huatulco, it is usually for 3-5 hours and in the late afternoon or at night. It is uncommon to rain in the morning or for days at a time.

When visiting Huatulco in the summer you will most likely see rain forecasted for every day on your weather app. Don’t panic! You will still get to experience the sun in Huatulco during the day.

The first rains in Huatulco I experienced in June 2021. View from my Condos Pacifico condo in La Crucecita, the building on the far left with the red pillars is Los Parados!

The Ocean around Huatulco

Huatulco faces mostly south into the Pacific Ocean. This protects its from winds and currents that go west to east.

The waters around the bays of Huatulco are shallow and protected, which is why its such a great spot for ocean activities. The corals and sea life thrive in the natural protection.

But wander just a little further offshore and ocean floor drops off drastically. This is called the Pacific Shelf, and its the biggest protector of Huatulco.

Huatulco’s Pacific Shelf

The Pacific Shelf lies about 3-4 kilometres offshore, making the waters of Huatulco fairly shallow (in ocean terms) until you reach the Pacific Shelf where the ocean floor drops off nearly straight down.  This does a few amazing things for Huatulco:

#1 It Protects the Bays of Huatulco

The presence of the Pacific Shelf slows most inclement weather coming from the sea.

This sudden change in depth acts as a speed bump. Currents are slowed as they hit this underwater wall, protecting Huatulco from strong tides, hurricanes, and even tsunamis.

#2 It Allows for diversity of life

Different forms of ocean life have different needs. The waters around Huatulco are shallow and rich in nutrients, which makes Huatulco a great home to a lot of plant and fish life.

The deeper ocean waters off the Pacific Shelf are home to large pelagics that like to migrate along this reference line.

The deep water next to the shallow reefs are what make Huatulco home to so much biodiversity.

#3 The Effects on Water Temperatures

The deep waters bring some currents that reach the Huatulco Bays, especially in the winter. These currents are upwells and downwells.

An upwell brings fresh nutrients from the depths of the ocean, along with cooler water and sometimes ocean life like jellyfish.

In a down well the reverse occurs, and the warmer surface water is pushed deeper down. This movement is less noticeable to humans.


Earthquakes in Huatulco

I was completely unprepared for this little character trait of Huatulco and experienced my first earthquake on the second floor of a bar. I hardly noticed, but I heard dishes crashing in the kitchen and my friends informed me of the area’s frequent tremors.

The state of Oaxaca lies on not one, not two, but three fault lines! These fault lines keep Huatulco and the rest of the state movin’ and shakin’.

Huatulco experiences about 4-5 earthquakes per day, but only a small portion of those are strong enough to be felt. You can use this tracker to see the activity in the area. I often confuse the tremors for a passing semi-truck, it is hard for me to tell the difference! The way the ground sways, the vibration in your feet, and the growling sound sounds like a large truck rolling by, so I often miss them completely!

There was a big quake in June 2020 that caused a lot of damage in Huatulco. Combined with the recession caused by the lack of tourism, many buildings remain empty, waiting for the funds to be fixed.


When is the Best Time to See the Whales in Huatulco?

The best time for viewing the Humpback Whales in Huatulco is from December to the beginning of March. The Humpbacks come from the north in the fall to give birth to their young in the South Pacific. Lucky for us, Huatulco is a stop on the way and we see them on their way south and on their way back north for the summer!

November – a good time to see whales in Huatulco
December – the best time to see whales in Huatulco
February – the best time to see whales in Huatulco
March – the best time to see whales in Huatulco
April – a good time to see whales in Huatulco


When is the Best Time to See Turtles in Huatulco?

Lucky for us, Huatulco is home to 4 different types of sea turtles. Our turtles lay their eggs from October to February, and can be seen in the water all year round! So, depending on what type of turtle viewing you are interested in, you can see the turtles:

October – some of the sea turtles start laying their eggs
November – most of the sea turtles start laying their eggs
December – sea turtles are laying their eggs!
January – some of the eggs begin to hatch and turtle release tours begin! This is a good time to do a turtle release tour.
February – the best time to do a turtle release tour in Huatulco
March – the best time to do a turtle release tour in Huatulco
April – the best time to do a turtle release tour in Huatulco

In the laying seasons, turtles can be seen in the early mornings and sometimes in the evening making their way on and off of the beaches to lay their eggs, protected by the dark. Turtle eggs are protected in Huatulco, but are still an illegal delicacy.

Thankfully groups like Tortugero Huatulco will dig up the eggs and move them to a protected area. Then you join their events as they release the hatched turtles back to the sea!

Check out these great, local

turtle release tours that can be done in and around Huatulco!


Does Huatulco Have Jellyfish?

A lot of people fear the ocean, and one of those reasons is because of the presence of jellyfish. Jellyfish are a part of life here in Huatulco, but here are some facts to help you feel more safe in our waters!

Not all Jellyfish Sting!


That’s right, while some can leave a nasty mark, not all jellyfish are equal. The ones we most commonly get in Huatulco will leave you with a slight electric feeling and an itch later, but will not leave you with a lot of pain or a big mark.

Jellyfish in Huatulco like the Cold Water

This is why we only have a problem with the jellies in the winter, they like cold water! Because of the currents we experience in the Pacific, we will sometimes get cold water coming to the shores from the deep ocean. These thermoclines bring the jellies with them.

But the good news is, as soon as the water warms up, the jellies disappear! No literally, a lot of times the water changes so fast that the jellyfish just… melt.

How to prevent Jellyfish stings in Huatulco.

If you are visiting in a cold month when we have a jellyfish bloom, the best thing is just to cover up. Wearing a rash guard and leggings will protect you from both the jellies and the sun!

If you are really worried, add a small bottle of vinegar to your beach bag. Applying acetic acid immediately after getting a sting can really help to neutralize the venom!

Jellies “bloom” with the cold water, and leave with the warm water. That means that even if you are here during a bloom, it will only last a maximum of 3-5 days, but usually only 1 or 2! 2022 was a particularly bad year for Jellyfish in Huatulco.

What time is it in Huatulco, Mexico?

Huatulco is in Central Time – Mexico City.

We change our clocks about a week after the rest of North America for daylight savings time. However, in 2022 Mexico voted DST out, so we may not be changing our clocks moving forward.

Does Huatulco get hurricanes?

Generally, no. It is rare for Huatulco to experience hurricanes.
In 2022 Hurricane Agatha made landfall on May 29. Agatha was a category 2 hurricane and the first hurricane to hit Huatulco since 1999.
The rest of the summer of 2022 was unusually wet with several more tropical storms that hit the area over the summer.

So while the likelihood of Huatulco getting a hurricane is low, we are still affected by other weather events. If there are hurricanes on the Atlantic/Caribbean side and or further north in Guerrero or Baja, you will notice an increase in rain and wind in Huatulco.
If you notice such events coming to the surrounding areas be prepared for internet, cell network, and power interruptions.


When should you visit Huatulco?

Perfect Beach Getaway

December – February

If you want nothing more from your vacation than perfect beach days, whale watching, and to see Huatulco at its peak then come visit in the depths of winter! Your extroverted soul will love the bustling restaurants, dance clubs that actually have people in them, and the high-energy vibe of this area at that time of year.

This is also prime time of year for whale watching.

Cultural Festivities

October – November and March – April

If you are looking for a Mexican cultural experience, try visiting during Día de Los Muertos or Semana Santa. These dates are still quite popular with foreign tourists, but even more so with other mexican tourists. You will get a full cultural experience that is still quite authentic and untouched by English tourism, and if you can speak some spanish you will be able to hear from other travellers how the traditions and foods vary in their home states.

Diving Holiday

One of the amazing things about Huatulco is that it is a rare place that snorkellers and divers can hang out together. Because of its many protected waters there are many dive sites that also offer great snorkelling and free-diving.

April – July

This is 100% just based on my experience in 2021, but I think the best diving was between April and July. The summer visibility is really amazing, and in that time we saw dolphins, turtles, so many mantas, devil rays, and even a reef shark. There are so many fish at this time too, at a couple of our wall sites you just descend through schools and schools of different fish.

The downside is of course the weather can be unpredictable and the port might be closed, so if you are diving in Huatulco during this time, make sure you have the time to be flexible!


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One Comment

  1. You are an incredible writer! I so enjoy reading all about your new home away from home! You have gained incredible insight into life in Mexico! The food, the food – yum!
    Hugs, G & G!

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