Move over, Cancun and Tulum! Yucatan’s capital city, Merida, is a slice of paradise in Mexico, with striking pastel-colored buildings, delectable cochinita pibil, and rich Mayan history at every turn. But it does get a bad rap for being unbearably hot and humid. Still, every season in Merida offers its own charm.
Here at Travel Yucatan, we pride ourselves on offering the latest insights on everything related to Yucatan travel, from comprehensive travel guides on specific areas to hotels and restaurants in each city.
Let’s break down Merida’s charm in every season and temperatures each month of the year so you can decide the best time to visit.
Winter in Merida
December, January, and February are some of the most popular times to visit Merida, also known as the high season. You can especially expect big crowds during the Christmas holiday season. Still, more people means plenty of parties, events, and as it happens, deliciously warm weather to enjoy and it’s part of the dry season.
Winter Weather in Merida
Merida is known for its scorching heat and humidity. Winter months are still warm, but it’s more of a dry heat instead of a humid one.
Here are some highs and low average temperatures for the Winter time of year:
December
- High: 86 degrees
- Low: 68 degrees
January
- High: 84.2 degrees
- Low: 64.4 degrees
February
- High: 89.6 degrees
- Low: 66.2 degrees
Winter Activities in Merida
Winter weather is the perfect time to enjoy sunny strolls through the inspiring Centro Historico without breaking too much of a sweat. Or, you could hit up one of the nearby cenotes, with many a mere half-hour drive from the center.
Here are a few of our favorite Winter activities and events in Merida:
1. Take Day Trips to see Mayan Ruins
Road trips and sun strolls aren’t ideal during peak hot season, but the dry weather of December and January makes it a great time to fully explore the city’s historical gems.
You might drive an hour or so from your Merida hotel to Uxmal to see the infamous Pyramid of the Magician. Another Merida Mayan favorite landmark is Dzibilchaltun, known primarily for the Temple of the Seven Dolls structure. It has an entryway where the sun shines through at sunrise and sunset — an incredible sight.
Other Mayan, outdoor historical sights to see include:
2. Unwind at a Resort or Indulge in Hotel Amenities
Not much says relaxation like a beachfront resort — a margarita in one hand and book in the other, all while gazing at the tranquil pool. While wintertime resort bookings are sure to be more expensive, it’s certainly worth it if you want time to decompress.
Some of our favorite resorts and hotels in Merida (or near Merida) include:
Spring in Merida
Spring Weather in Merida
We won’t sugarcoat it — springtime in Merida is hotter than abuela’s spicy ceviche negra. You’ll see some of the hottest temperatures during this time, with May being one of the hottest months.
March
Low: 68 degrees
High: 91.4 degrees
April
Low: 71.6 degrees
High: 95 degrees
May
Low: 75.2 degrees
High: 96.8 degrees
Spring Activities in Merida
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some of the most sacred celebrations in the Yucatan. Here is what you can look forward to!
1. Enjoy (and Respect) Tradition During Semana Santa and Easter
Whether you’re a Christian or not, Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a cultural, exciting series of processions and celebrations in most Mexican cities — Merida included.
While specific events aren’t often released until the year in question, you can wander through the Centro most evenings and find some sort of parade or celebration, with large nativity scenes in park squares and processions of people dressed in religious attire.
2. Experience National Pride at Merida Fest
Well, more like city pride. Merida was founded in 1542 and the city celebrates every year with a bang art Merida Fest. This usually takes place in January, though 2025 dates haven’t been released yet. Festivities last weeks throughout the month, with traditional Jarana Dances, and vendors selling traditional fare. The most striking part? At the start of the festival, a number of troubadour singers serenade the city with a live ballad.
Usual locations for Merida Fest events include various parks, museums, and landmarks like the green Palacio Municipal.
3. Listen and Dance to Live Music in Merida Mexico
Springtime heat often leaks into the nightime, though it feels a bit more mild. Why not chill out at a live music venue? One of our favorites is Dzalbay Cantina — a trendy, corner bar and venue housed in a 100-year old building, characteristic of the historical architecture.
This joint plays live music pretty much every night in a variety of genres, too. Ethnic fusion, funk, soul, and Mexican jazz will have you bobbing your head and dancing with your grapefruit tequila co*cktail in hand.
If you’re craving more authentic Mexican music, like salsa or bachata? Don’t miss out on La Negrita Cantina. The dim lighting, bulb-like light fixtures, and live bachata and salsa cohese into a fabulous nightlife experience in Merida.
Summer in Merida
Summer is the least popular time to visit Merida because it’s considered “hurricane season” (also known as rainy season). Meaning? You’ll want to spend most of your Merida vacation indoors to avoid getting soaked. Or, keep a close eye on weather reports before you venture outside or take on a long outdoor excursion.
Summer Weather in Merida
June
High: 95 degrees
Low: 75.2 degrees
July
High: 95.2 degrees
Low: 75.2 degrees
August
High: 95.2 degrees
Low: 75.2 degrees
Summer Activities in Merida
1. Cool off in a Cenote
The best way to find relief on a scorching hot day? A dip in the ocean, of course. But Merida isn’t quite on the coast, so it’s a little far to drive to the beach. Luckily, you have a variety of cenotes nearby — little oases across the country with underwater caves, swimming holes, and flora and fauna.
Here’s a list of our favorite cenotes:
- Cenote Xlacah (located near Dzibilchaltún)
- Cenote Xpuchil
- Cenote X’batun
2. Attend the Feria Artesanal Tunich
A highlight of any summer visit is the Feria Artesanal Tunich, an annual artisan fair that showcases local craftsmanship, from textiles to pottery and jewelry. Stroll through lively stalls, meet artisans, and enjoy traditional Yucatecan food, live music, and folkloric dances. This festive occasion is perfect for immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture while picking up unique souvenirs.
Fall in Merida
Rainy season continues into September and October during the fall, though things start to lighten up around November. The intense mugginess also tends to settle a bit by November as well.
Fall Weather in Merida
September
High: 91.4 degrees
Low: 75.3 degrees
October
High: 89.6 degrees
Low: 23.4 degrees
November
High: 86 degrees
Low: 69.8 degrees
Fall Activities in Merida
Our advice? Spend some more time indoors during the rainy season, especially during September and October. But on those super humid days, you still have some refreshing options to beat the heat (as long as you check the weather reports in advance.
Here are some activities you might consider.
1. Explore Culture Through Local Museums
Merida is chock-full of museums that center around Mayan history, preserved homes, specialty topics like music and theater, anthropology, plataresque architectural style, and more. Here are our favorites:
2. Celebrate Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos)
This vibrant and culturally important festival takes place every year from October 31st to November 2nd. It honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Merida hosts a series of colorful parades, where participants don traditional attire and paint their faces to resemble decorative skulls.
Home altars, or “ofrendas,” are adorned with flowers, photos, and favorite foods of the deceased, creating a warm invitation for their spirits to return. Throughout the city, local markets sell marigolds, sugar skulls, and other festive items. It’s a wonderful way to experience Merida in a very local way.
Book Your Getaway to Merida Year Round
It’s hard to say for every type of traveler. The more comfort-seeking traveler might prefer dryer, milder heat despite abundant tourists, which would make Winter and Spring more ideal.
On the other hand, the muggier rainy season tends to be cheaper in terms of accommodations and flights, which makes it better for the budget traveler. Plus, you’ll notice fewer crowds even if it’s not the coolest month.
The good news? Merida is beautiful and full of fun activities no matter which time you visit.
