Best Time to Visit Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)
Updated: June 30, 2025
Discover Mérida / Best Time
Author: Tobias
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Best Time for Mérida
2025 Guide
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
Learn more: Our story
Disclosure: This article contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (#Disclosure Policy)
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Table of Content
Best Time to Visit Mérida – At a Glance
The best time to visit Mérida is in the six cooler months from late October to March. There are more crowds and higher prices, but you’ll have the best weather, little rain and swimming is possible. Or visit Mérida for festivals like Mérida Fest, Easter or Christmas.
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Dry Season (November to April): Mérida’s dry season runs from November through April, offering low humidity, little rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 64°F to 91°F (18°C to 33°C). These months are ideal for sightseeing, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities across Yucatán.
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Rainy Season (May to October): The rainy season peaks between June and September, with brief but intense afternoon showers and high humidity. While daily highs often reach 93°F (34°C), mornings remain mostly dry and attract visitors seeking fewer crowds.
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Coolest Months (December and January): December and January are the coolest months in Mérida, with nighttime lows around 64°F (18°C) and daytime highs near 84°F (29°C). This period is preferred by travelers looking for milder tropical conditions.
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Hottest Period (April to June): From April to June, temperatures in Mérida frequently exceed 100°F (38°C), accompanied by rising humidity. This pre-rainy period can be challenging for extended outdoor activities due to heat stress risk.
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Peak Travel Times and Events: High season in Mérida aligns with Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays, resulting in high demand for accommodations. Major festivals like Carnival in February and Día de los Muertos in early November significantly increase visitor numbers.
Overall
Things to Know Before Visiting Mérida
Maybe you’re like me – the weather is one of the first things on my mind when planning a trip.
But when deciding on the best time to visit Mérida, there’s more to consider than just the weather. You might want to plan around a specific festival or event, certain activities in the city, or even school holiday periods.
Flight prices and hotel rates also vary – they’re generally cheaper during the low season, from April to September. In May, when temps hit their peak, I usually avoid going out in the afternoon – even the locals tend to stay inside once the heat really kicks in.
One downside of the high season, which runs from late October to March, is the increase in tourists. Popular destinations like Chichén Itzá or Tulum can get very crowded – unless you arrive early in the morning. On the plus side, the weather is much more comfortable during these months.
Knowing when special festivals take place in Mérida might also be important to you.
The most important festivals in 2025 are:
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Mérida Fest in January (it lasts several weeks with numerous cultural and artistic events)
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Day of the Dead in October (aka Hanal Pixan Festival, one of the top events in Mérida)
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Noche Blanca in May and November (the biggest cultural night of the year in Mérida)
Also, take a look at my full list of Festivals happening in Mérida.
And Yes... the Weather Again
Let me come back to this: For many travelers, the best time to visit Mérida – or the Yucatán Peninsula in general – comes down to the weather, especially the temperatures. And that makes perfect sense to me.
If you're looking for more detailed weather insights or want to plan your perfect time to visit based on festivals, events, special activities, or public holidays, keep reading.
The essentials at a glance:
Best Month to Travel to Merida
Month | Ideal Time | Av. Temp. | Rain Chance | Mayor Festivals 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 74°F / 23°C | 12% | Mérida Fest | |
February | 76°F / 24°C | 11% | No mayor festivals | |
March | 79°F / 26°C | 10% | Carnival in Mérida | |
April | 82°F / 28°C | 10% | Easter (Holy Week) | |
May | 84°F / 29°C | 22% | No mayor festivals | |
June | 83°F / 28°C | 44% | No mayor festivals | |
July | 82°F / 28°C | 48% | Feria Artesanal Tunich | |
August | 81°F / 27°C | 52% | Feria Artesanal Tunich | |
September | 80°F / 27°C | 54% | Mexico’s Independence Day | |
October | 77°F / 25°C | 35% | Day of the Dead | |
November | 75°F / 24°C | 18% | Noche Blanca, Feria de Xmatkuil | |
December | 74°F / 23°C | 14% | Christmas Season |
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Best Weather
Best Weather to Visit Mérida, Mexico
Mérida has a tropical climate. The coolest month is January, with average temperatures around 74°F (23°C). Things start to heat up in March, and the hottest months are April and May, when temperatures reach between 82 and 84°F (28–29°C). The record low in Mérida was 40°F (4.9°C), and the record high was 109°F (42.8°C).
By September, temperatures begin to drop slightly, but it's still the rainy season. Expect short afternoon showers, usually lasting about an hour – I’ve been caught in them often enough to learn that the hard way. From October on, rain lets up and the weather gets more comfortable.
Swimming is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 74°F (25°C) in January to 83°F (28°C) in August. And if you're into surfing, the windiest months are from February to May – perfect for catching some waves.
Temperatures in Mérida
The Rainy Season in Mérida
👉 In May, rain chances rise quickly from 10% to 40%. Mérida’s rainy season runs from late May to mid-October, while hurricane season extends into November. Being inland, Mérida can get a bit windy now and then – but nothing dramatic.
The rainy season is considered the low season. But that also means fewer crowds at the main attractions and significantly lower prices. Plus, the rain usually comes in short bursts, leaving plenty of time to explore. No matter when you go, though, you're in for an amazing trip.
Rain Probability in Mérida
Outside the High Season
The fact that the travel season from October to March is popular is also due to the cold temperatures that dominate the USA, Canada or Europe during this time, which drive many travelers to warmer climates. Escaping Germany’s cold, wet winter for a while is a big plus in my book too.
The key to visiting Mérida from May to September, is to be prepared:
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Avoid the midday sun.
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Remember to use adequate sun protection.
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Always take something to drink with you.
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Have a small travel umbrella ready to hand.
Public Holidays
Best Time to Go to Mérida on Holidays
👉 You should consider major Mexican holidays when planning your trip to Mérida. As a deeply Catholic country, holidays like Easter and Christmas have a big impact on daily life and travel conditions in the city.
Public Holidays in Mexico
There are Eight Public Holidays in Mexico:
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New Year's Day (January 1)
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Mexican Constitution Day (Feb. 5)
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Benito Juárez's birthday (March 21)
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Easter Sunday (in March)
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Labor Day (May 1)
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Mexican Independence Day (Sep. 16)
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Mexican Revolution Day (Nov. 20)
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Christmas Day (December 25)
Celebrating New Year’s in Mérida
On New Year’s Eve, most people in Mérida either go out for dinner or celebrate at home with family. Unlike in many other countries, there are no major public events. However, you’ll still hear and see fireworks in many neighborhoods across the city.
Easter Holidays in Mérida
Besides Christmas, Easter is the most important holiday of the year in Mexico. Semana Santa (Holy Week) begins on Palm Sunday and ends the following Saturday. Together with Easter Week, it marks one of the country’s main holiday periods.
Schools and many stores close during this time, and many families take vacations. Easter Sunday is celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus Christ – the most important Catholic holiday of the year.
What to Expect in Mérida at Christmas
Most shops close early on Christmas Eve, and families celebrate late into the night. Christmas Day tends to be quiet in Mérida. Smaller stores usually remain closed, though larger shops and restaurants may be open.
If you’re planning to eat out, ask at larger hotels – many offer a traditional dinner on Christmas Eve and brunch on Christmas Day. Be sure to book early if you’re interested.
To avoid the pre-Christmas hustle and the slower pace during the holidays, it’s a great time to plan some day trips around the Yucatán Peninsula.
More Holidays to Know in Mérida
Other national holidays in Mexico (depending on the region) include the world-famous Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Cinco de Mayo (Battle of Puebla), as well as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Best Festivals
Top Festival and Event Seasons in Mérida
👉 Mérida is known for its great festivals and offers widely known festivals lasting several days or even weeks, which attract tens of thousands of visitors. Knowing when the festivals happen can help you decide whether to join the fun or visit during a quieter time.
Festival Guide Mérida 2025
Our overview of all festivals in Mérida includes all the key info you need.
Best Mérida Festivals – First Half of the Year
Plan a trip in January to experience Mérida Fest, a major annual celebration marking the city’s founding. The festival spans several weeks and features music, art, and cultural events across the city.
The Mérida Carnival, usually held in February (sometimes in March), is one of the city’s most spectacular and anticipated events, with colorful parades, costumes, and live performances.
In April, Holy Week offers a chance to witness the cultural and spiritual traditions of Semana Santa, the most important week in the Christian calendar, with moving processions through the city.
Noche Blanca takes place twice a year. The first celebration of the year is usually held in May, with 250 to 300 cultural events happening all across Mérida
Best Mérida Festivals – Second Half of the Year
The Tunich Arts and Crafts Fair (Feria Artesanal Tunich) usually kicks off at the end of July. On Mexico’s Independence Day, September 15, and the day after, the city comes alive with celebrations and cultural events.
Day of the Dead, known by its Maya name Hanal Pixán, is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, though the Maya tradition spans from October 31st to November 2nd. In Mérida, most related events take place during the week leading up to November 1st.
Noche Blanca, a popular nighttime arts and culture festival, also returns in November.
Feria de Xmatkuil, the state fair of Yucatán, is one of the biggest events in southeastern Mexico. It begins in early November and runs for a full month.
Finally, the Christmas season at the end of the year is another fantastic time to visit Mérida, with festive lights, markets, and family-friendly events all over the city.
Daily Events
Every day of the week, Mérida offers a wide variety of great events – and many of them are free. If you're only in town for a few days, check out our daily events in Mérida overview to find out what’s happening and which events might be a good fit for you.
Beach Vacation
Sargassum on Yucatán Beaches
👉 Mérida isn’t directly on the coast, but beach trips to Progreso or the Caribbean are popular. If you're heading to the Caribbean side, be aware of Sargassum – a seasonal seaweed that can affect some beaches, especially in summer.
What is Sargassum?
Sargassum is a type of algae that floats freely in the sea and mainly collects in the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic. However, it has now also reached the coastlines of different parts of the world, including the beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Where and When do the Algae Appear?
The occurrence of Sargassum on the coasts varies annually, but there is typically a peak season that runs from about April to October, with a peak occurrence often in the summer months.
The Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, which includes destinations such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, tends to be more affected by the sargassum problem than the northern Emerald Coast. This is due to the currents of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you want to know for sure: The Sargasso Monitoring Network is the world’s leading citizen science network dedicated to monitoring Sargassum seaweed. It publishes frequent reports on conditions of Mexico’s and other coasts.
Your Stay
How Many Days do You Need in Merida?
👉 At least 3 to 5 days are perfect for an initial visit of Mérida. But you can also use Mérida as a base for a couple of weeks for day trips to explore the Yucatán Peninsula. There are a lot of excursion possibilities and perhaps you would like to book Casa Loltún?
Things to Do in Mérida
How many Days do you need in Merida? If you want to explore Mérida and all its sights, you can easily stay here for a week and have a program every day without leaving the city limits. You will find most of the exciting places in the historic city center and in the (newer) north of Mérida.
I usually stay for several weeks, and I’ve never been bored – there’s just so much to explore beyond Mérida too. Check out Discover Mérida with more than 150 recommendations!
Incidentally, there is less to see in the west and east of Mérida (apart from a few exceptions) and you can ignore entirely the southern area of the city - apart from the airport there is hardly any reason to look around.
Mérida Day Trips
No matter where you are on the Yucatán Peninsula, you can usually reach any destination within a maximum of 4 to 5 hours by car. And many great locations can be reached within 30 to 60 minutes by car from Mérida.
Mérida makes a great base for exploring the Yucatán Peninsula – there’s so much to see within a couple of hours. I always rent a car when I’m there, since it makes getting around super easy. Don’t miss the amazing day trips I’ve put together for you.
Within about 30 minutes, you’ll be at:
These spots are only 30 to 60 minutes away:
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Great Tours
3 Best Mérida Day Trips
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Travel Tips
Travel Tips for Mérida, Mexico
👉 Where you stay in Mérida matters. A central spot is key, and for most visitors, air conditioning is a must. A pool is a nice extra, and a fridge with freezer, ice maker, and chilled water dispenser makes things even more comfortable. You’ll find all of that at Casa Loltún.
Especially if it’s your first time traveling to Mexico, be sure to check out my Travel Tips for Mérida.
You'll find everything you need to know before heading to the Yucatán Peninsula – from packing advice and staying connected to the best apps, safety tips, and more.
Tourists
How Many Tourists Come to Mérida?
👉 Mérida broke all records, welcoming over 3 million visitors in 2024 – the highest number ever. This was driven not only by the city’s appeal but also by growing interest in nearby Mayan archaeological sites. Mérida is now one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Mexico.
A Fast-Growing Destination
Mérida has been one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in Mexico for years now. For many Americans and Canadians, it’s long been a favorite winter escape – while things get chilly back home, Mérida stays warm and sunny all year round.
In recent years, the city has really stepped up its game. Large parts of the historic center have been beautifully restored, the stunning Parque La Plancha has opened, a new Restaurant Row was launched, and Mérida’s cultural scene has expanded noticeably. Getting in and out of the city has also become easier, thanks to better transportation connections.
Mérida International Airport
Mérida’s international airport welcomed over 3 million passengers in 2024 – around 10% more than in 2019, before the pandemic. That growth speaks for itself.
One big reason: improved flight connections. New routes within Mexico and Latin America have been added, plus direct flights from the U.S. (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and Miami) and Canada (Toronto) make getting here easier than ever.
New Ways to Get Around
New ground transport is also helping Mérida grow. Since late 2023, the city has been home to the Ie-Tram Yucatán, a fully electric rapid transit system. It starts right at Gran Parque La Plancha and runs across five major lines.
The Ie-Tram connects more than 137 neighborhoods and 20 major attractions across the city. It also links up with the Teya Mérida train station, where you can hop on the Tren Maya – a massive 1,525 km rail route circling the entire Yucatán Peninsula.