This is the Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico (And the Worst Time You Should Avoid)
Planning to visit Merida, Mexico?
Smart choice — though I’m biased, as I live in Merida! That aside, you’re probably about the best time to visit Merida Mexico, so you get the best weather.
You’re in the right place to find out with this month-by-month guide to the weather and temperatures in Merida.
As Merida is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, this article actually covers what you can expect from the weather in Yucatan, Mexico, as well.
In general, this part of the world has a tropical climate, so you can expect cooler, sunny days in the winter months and hot, humid, rainy summers.
If you’re wondering, What’s the best time to visit Merida? For the hands-down best Merida Mexico weather — you’ll want to visit in the cooler months, from November to March.
Now, if you’re visiting during any other month, you can still have an amazing trip.
The key to visiting during the Merida slow season, from April to October, is to be prepared.
By the end of this article, you’re going to know everything you need to about the weather in Merida, Mexico. Ready to get to it? Let’s start with the annual Merida temperature forecast.
What’s the best time to visit Merida Mexico?
For the best weather, you’ll want to visit Merida in December to March.
The one exception I’d say is if you’re planning to attend the Hanal Pixan festival (AKA Mayan Day of the Dead) from late October to early November. It will still be a bit hot, but the festival is worth it.
What’s the worst time to visit Merida Mexico?
As someone who’s lived in Merida since 2019, I always tell people to avoid the months of May to September entirely! May is known as the most humid and hottest month in Merida — and even locals dread it. 🦟 Besides the weather, the mosquitoes are also bad during this time.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida Yucatan Weather Forecast
As you can see below in the weather chart, Merida is HOT, and yes, it’s not uncommon for 100°F temperatures during the summer. Also, keep in mind that there’s humidity, so it can even feel 5-10°F hotter than the number says 🥵
Regardless of when you visit, you need to stay hydrated in Merida’s heat.
You’ll want to pack a reusable water bottle, like this Water-To-Go Bottle. This eco-friendly bottle also filters your drinking water to lessen your chances of getting sick while traveling to Merida! 💸 Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15 at checkout!
🌡️ Merida Mexico weather
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida Wet Season & Merida Dry Season
The Merida rainy season is from about May to October, and the dry season in Merida runs from about November to April.
As with all weather, Merida weather is no different — it can rain at any time and it can be sunny during the rainy season — so don’t let the projections deter you.
The good news about the Merida rainy season is storms tend to pass quickly.
It does typically rain every day during summer in the afternoon for about 1-2 hours, so you just have to carry a reliable travel umbrella, ☔️ like this one, for the afternoons if you’re going to be outdoors.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Atlantic Hurricane Season
The final thing to keep in mind is Hurricane Season in Merida Mexico, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
Located in the Yucatan, with the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Merida is susceptible to intense thunderstorms, tropical storms, and even hurricanes.
RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 50 Best Things to do in Merida, Mexico + FREE Map
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in January — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 80°F Day | 70°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
Merida weather January is a great time for a Merida trip, especially if you’re planning for a lot of time outdoors.
It is one of the cooler months of the year, and if you’re visiting some Merida beaches, or Mayan Ruins near Merida, you should have nothing but cool, sunny days.
While there are many great things to do in Merida itself, January is a great month for all the amazing Merida day trips.
The easiest way to visit all the amazing places in the Yucatan is if you get a Merida rental car from the airport when you arrive in the city.
RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 Merida Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know + 10 Driving Tips
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in February — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 80°F Day | 70°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
For me personally, Merida weather February is the best weather Merida Mexico has.
Well, it’s not just the weather, as Merida weather in winter is just pretty great in general, but February is the first nice month of the year when the tourism crowds start to die down.
If you’re visiting all the big tourist sites in Yucatan, like Chichen Itza, on a Merida day trip, you should have perfect weather and smaller crowds in February.
After January, hotel prices drop a bit also, so you can splurge on a gorgeous Merida hotel like the Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in March — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 85°F Day | 75°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
March feels like the last month with “perfect” Mérida Mexico weather.
By the end of the month, the humidity will start to return a bit, and so will the warmer temperatures, though March is still a great month to visit — but the earlier in the month, the better.
Even if you’re planning to visit in late March, you can cool off at the Merida beaches, with options located 30-90 from the city. There are also many amazing Merida cenotes, which are swimmable sinkholes with cool, fresh water.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in April — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 90°F Day | 75°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
April can be hit or miss in terms of Merida and Yucatan Peninsula weather predictions, as it can still be quite nice, or it can be starting to feel hot and humid.
As you’ll see in the next section, May is the hottest month in Merida, and April can sometimes be the warm-up to that.
April in Merida may be warming up, but it’s usually still not rainy yet.
This means it’s the best time to visit Yucatan to explore all the amazing outdoor activities and great day trips, like a Merida to Campeche day trip or a weekend trip to Campeche City, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site just two hours away.
RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 Merida to Campeche City: How to Take the Ultimate Day or Weekend Trip
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in May — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 100°F Day | 80°F Night
- 🌦️ Rainy Season: Maybe
While a guaranteed prediction about the weather forecast for Merida Mexico is impossible, there’s one certainty: May is the hottest month in Merida 🥵.
Quite frankly, even locals dread May and often avoid being outside in the afternoons unless it’s to swim in the Merida cenotes.
For this time of year, consider paying a little extra for a Merida Airbnb/VRBO or a Merida hotel that has a pool.
It is really nice to have a pool for the extremely hot afternoons in Merida or to take a dip at night after a long day of walking and sightseeing.
Even for people used to warmer climates in the U.S., Mexico is closer to the Equator, so it’s still hotter.
Make sure to stay hydrated with your Water-To-Go Bottle, pack light-colored, breathable clothes, a sun hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and even a misting fan.
RELATED BLOG 🇲🇽 50 Best Things to do in Merida, Mexico + FREE Map
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in June — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 97°F Day | 77°F Night
- ☔️ Rainy Season: Yes
As you just learned, May is Merida’s hottest month, though June isn’t much different. As far as weather, Yucatan Peninsula summers are pretty rough in general.
As everywhere has those few “bad” months, summers in Merida are hot, humid and buggy (so don’t forget your bug spray!)
What separates Merida from places like Tulum or Cancun is that Merida is about 30 miles from the nearest beach, Puerto Progreso, so you won’t get a sea breeze.
If you want to do what the locals do, just plan any indoor activities for the afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day.
June is also the beginning of the Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1-November 30.
While Merida very rarely gets a direct hit (the last one was Wilma in 2005), it does get tropical storms, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains — so keep your travel umbrella on you at all times!
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in July — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 95°F Day | 75°F Night
- ☔️ Rainy Season: Yes
July is another hot and humid month in terms of weather. Merida, Yucatan really won’t start to see cooler temperatures until late October, but again, you can be strategic with your visit to maximize comfort.
As mentioned, Merida rentals with a pool — like these Merida VRBO options and these Merida hotels — are worth paying a little extra for.
Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored, comfy clothes (that don’t show sweat!), wear a sun hat, and stay hydrated with your Water-To-Go Bottle.
RELATED ARTICLE 🏡 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local]
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in August — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 📍 Average Temperatures: 93°F Day | 73°F Night
- ☔️ Rainy Season: Yes
If you’re following month by month, you might be wondering, Is the Merida Yucatan Mexico weather ever nice?! Yes, it is… but not during the summers.
You know how every place on Earth has those few “bad” months? Well, summers in Yucatan are, quite frankly, rough.
Unfortunately, August is still one of the hotter and more humid months in terms of weather for Merida, Mexico, making it one of the worst time to visit Yucatan Merida.
Remember, you can always do as the locals do, and plan all your indoor activities, like visiting these Merida museums, for the afternoons to avoid the midday sun.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in September — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 93°F Day | 73°F Night
- ☔️ Rainy Season: Yes
While the temperatures have started to cool down, September is still not out of the rainy season yet.
As mentioned, it will often only rain for about an hour in the afternoons, so carry your travel umbrella at all times, just in case you get caught in the rain.
Remember the tips from the previous months, like planning your indoor activities for the afternoons when it tends to rain, and you should be fine.
If you want to have a Merida beach day, just head to the beaches near Merida early in the day to get the most sun possible.
The great thing about September in Merida is the temperature Merida has begun to cool down, but it’s not yet high season, so hotel prices are still on the low side.
With only four rooms available, September is a great time to book one of the best Merida hotels — Rosas & Xocolate.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in October — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 90°F Day | 70°F Night
- 🌦️ Rainy Season: Maybe
Finally, some good news for the Merida Mx weather forecast! Merida will start to cool off in October, especially late October.
This is a fun time to visit, as it coincides with Hanal Pixan (pronounced ha-nawl pick-shawn), the Mayan Day of the Dead celebration.
If you want to attend Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead in Merida, book a place early — like one of these Merida Airbnbs or best Merida hotels.
The celebrations take place from Oct. 31-Nov. 2, with the main event being the Paseo de las Animas (Parade of Skulls, see above ⤴) on Nov. 2 at night.
Even if you aren’t coming for Hanal Pixan in Merida, October is a great month to visit!
By now, we’re entering the dry season, and the temperatures, humidity and mosquitoes have let up. It’s also right before the high season in Merida starts, so you may find great hotel deals.
Merida in November — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 85°F Day | 70°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
The weather in Merida Yucatan really starts getting great in November.
Though it’s still technically Atlantic Hurricane Season until Nov. 30, there’s rarely heavy rains in November. In fact, it’s usually pretty sunny and pleasant, though rain is possible.
MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN
Merida in December — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
- 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 77°F Day | 70°F Night
- ☀️ Rainy Season: No
Merida weather in December is generally considered the coolest for weather in Merida Yucatan Mexico.
It’s also the busiest month for tourism, but given how hot Merida summer is, the crowds are an OK trade-off for cooler temperatures on the Mexico Merida weather forecast.
With the city decorated in festive holiday lights, December is a pretty time in Merida.
Noche Blanca, the Merida White Night festival, takes place on the weekends in mid-December.
During the festival, Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) turns into a giant street party with live music, posadas, culture and dance performances, shopping, street food vendors and more.
Merida Mexico Travel Guide & FAQ
Where is Merida Mexico located?
Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, along with Quintana Roo and Campeche states.
🗺 Merida Map
Many think Merida is on the beach, but it’s actually about 45 minutes from Puerto Progreso, the closest Merida beach. There are actually several beaches near Merida, but Progreso is the closest beach to Merida.
Hanal Pixan Merida Mexico
Where to stay in Merida for Hanal Pixan
The vast majority of visitors will want to stay in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida), especially if you aren’t renting a car in Merida, because downtown is walkable.
Check out the guides below, which highlight all the best Merida accommodations:
Hanal Pixan Merida Mexico
Flights to Merida, Mexico
✈️ Best Merida Airport transfers
Hanal Pixan Merida Mexico
Is Merida Mexico worth visiting?
Yes — Merida is one of the best places in Yucatan to visit because it has something for everyone.
La Ciudad Blanca (The White City of Merida) is known as the Culture Capital of Yucatan for its rich Mayan history, only one of many reasons to take a Merida vacation.
While there are so many things to do in Merida itself, if you’re getting a Merida rental car, you also have a lot of great day trips from Merida.
Here are just a few things to do near Merida:
- Swim in the Merida cenotes
- Marvel at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
- Check out the Yucatan haciendas
- Visit the Pink Lakes at Las Coloradas
- Laze on the best Yucatan beaches
Hanal Pixan Merida Mexico
Is Merida Mexico safe?
Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, Merida is safe. That’s not to say “bad” things don’t happen in Merida; they do. However, Merida is widely known as the safest city in Mexico.
As safety is a complex topic, check out Is Merida Safe for Travelers? for a deep dive into Merida safety.
Final Thoughts: Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
As someone who’s been living in Merida since 2019, I know first-hand that the weather can be less than ideal at times. However, that is the case with every place on Earth — as each city, state, country and region has ideal times to visit.
For visiting Merida Mexico, the ideal time to visit is from November to March, when the temperatures are cooler and the humidity’s at bay.
Located in the tropics, Merida’s on the warmer side all year, which makes its tepid winters ideal for escaping the cold weather in the U.S.
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