The best time of year to visit Mà©rida
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Loading... - Janet Parker
- 10 Jan 2022
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It also serves as a good base for exploring the spectacular Mayan ruins along the Ruta Puuc, the Celestún flamingo reserve and countless cenotes. Being inland, prices are relatively affordable year-round, though they spike during high season, when the weather is ideal and the holidays are in full swing. If you can take the heat and don’t mind some rain, the low season brings fewer crowds, and the best deals of the year.
Visit between December and April for perfect weather
Weather-wise, there's no better time to visit Mérida than high season. It’s dry and balmy – optimal for sightseeing, outdoor dining and attending live performances around town. Expect higher prices and bigger crowds; book your hotel early if your visit falls during the winter holidays, Carnaval or Easter. Occasional nortes (storms bringing northerly winds) bring cooler evening temperatures, but nothing a light sweater won’t remedy.
Explore the city during shoulder season
During July and August, the height of summer vacation brings a bump in tourism and hotel rates. The weather is hot and humid, and while rain showers are a daily occurrence, the sun almost always peeks out. On weekends, locals head to the Gulf coast to cool off, leaving Mérida half-empty – a great time to explore the city sights.
Find the best deals during low season
From May to June and September to November, heat and rain slow the stream of travelers, and prices drop accordingly, though live performances and celebrations continue unabated, and restaurants and bars bustle with locals. Nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes see fewer visitors, making it feel like you have them all to yourself. November marks the return of cooler, drier weather, but traveler numbers remain low – the best of both worlds.
Here's a monthly guide to what you can expect throughout the year in Mérida.
Celebrate Merida’s founding in January
January is one of busiest times of year, with the last of the Christmas-related festivities and the blowout celebration of Mérida’s founding. The weather brings balmy days and cool nights. Hotel rates are high, and the city is crowded.
Key events: Día de los Reyes Magos, Mérida Fest
Celebrate Carnaval in February
The weather holds steady, but the city empties out until Carnaval, when parades with colorful floats and bedazzled dancers fill the streets and vibrant neighborhood parties pop up around the city. Prices stay high.
Key events: Carnaval
Check out the Yucatecan music festival in March
Spring brings a month-long Yucatecan music festival featuring trova (troubadour-type folk music). Day trips to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Dzibilchaltún increase with the promise of seeing serpent formations and glowing temple doors on and around the spring equinox. The temperature rises but remains comfortable.
Key events: Festival Primavera Cultural, Vernal Equinox
April is alternatively solemn and rambunctious
The temperature kicks up as Mérida celebrates the Easter holidays, with solemn street processions and dramatic reenactments of Jesus’ crucifixion. Street fairs and fireworks add revelry to the holy celebrations. Hotels fill up and rates remain high.
Key events: Semana Santa, Easter
