The Best Time to Visit Merida, Mexico in 2023 | When to Go

If you ever wanted to cross Mexico off your bucket list, Merida is the ideal place to start. Boasting other-worldly cenotes, cultural events, iconic buildings, and finger-licking food, this city is the ultimate Mexican gem worth visiting.

You may be wondering when the best time to visit Merida is, however. Doing a bit of research before packing your bags will give you insights into when to avoid the hurricane season, crowded streets, and pricey accommodations.

And that’s precisely what we cover in this travel guide. Read on to learn all there is to know!

Why You Should Visit Merida, Mexico in 2023

Knowing that more popular Mexican places such as Cancun, Tulum, or Guadalajara draw in a plethora of tourists each year, “Why should you visit Merida” is a valid question. Here are the reasons why:

• Merida has a rich history. A unique blend of the traditions of the Spanish conquistadors’ period back in the 16th century and the Maya civilization (2600 B.C.), going to Merida will teach you about history more than any other history book can. To truly get a sense of the city’s history, however, we suggest heading to some of the most popular archeological sites, such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and the towering Pyramid of the Magician.
• The city has a myriad of exciting landmarks, museums, and points of interest, with the most popular ones being:
  • Plaza Grande, Cathedral de Merida – San Ildefonso,
  • Mayan World Museum of Merida,
  • Parque de Santa Ana,
  • Museo Casa Montejo,
  • Quinta Montes Molina,
  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán MACAY – Fernando García Ponce,
  • Paseo de Montejo.
• Even the act of buying/eating food is a special and cherished experience in Merida — just head to Mercado Lucas De Galvéz or Mercado Santiago. Boasting exotic fruits and vegetables, the markets draw in visitors who are exploring Merida’s gastronomy on their own (or by joining a guided tour — yes, it’s a thing!).
• You can’t miss out on a Hacienda experience. If you check out Hacienda Temozon (only a 45-minute drive from Merida), you’ll come across a plethora of stunning gardens, guest rooms with high ceilings, coral walls, an Instagramable pool, and a mini spa.
• Get exposed to a culture, customs, games, and events different from your country of origin. For instance, you can’t visit without watching a game of Pok-ta-Pok, a Mayan ball game, played with a huge rubber ball and a stone hoop placed on a wall.
• Getting there is relatively easy. The nearest airport is Manual Conscencio Rejon International Airport. There are many connections with a wide range of Mexican cities, including the capital city. American visitors should check out established connections via Miami or Houston. If you’re doing an extended Mexican tour, you might even fly to the Cancun International Airport and take things from there.

There you have it! Six reasons why Merida is worth your time and money. Now, onto the subject at hand!

Overall Best Time to Visit Merida

The best time to visit Merida is during the dry season, that is, anytime from November through April.

These months see temperatures fluctuating between average highs of 95.5°F and lows of 18.6°F. Weather-wise, it’s hands down the prime period to see major sites and enjoy outdoor live events, as well as outdoor sitting in local restaurants and bars.

That said, expect peak-season hotel rates and large crowds, so book your stay well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the festive holiday season.

December sees a large upswing in visitors, peaking during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, La Noche Blanca, and Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. January draws in travelers for its eminent Merida Fest and Día de los Reyes Magos.

February resumes the celebration mode with its world-famous carnival. Expect a plethora of dancers, playful colors, and exciting parades. March offers special festive enchantment with the Yucatecan music festival.

Other festivities include Festival Primavera Cultural and the Vernal Equinox, attracting a plethora of visitors to the Chichén Itzá ruins to observe a serpent’s shadow on the pyramid’s staircases.

April marks the Easter celebration with its Semana Santa (Holy Week). The dry season is perfect for swimming in cenotes as well.

Cheapest Time to Visit Merida

The cheapest time to visit Merida is in September. It’s when you are most likely to come across attractive hotel packages and flight tickets, allowing you to secure a more affordable stay than usual.

There’s a caveat, though, as the main reason why this month is less expensive than the rest of the year is thanks to the peak of the Merida hurricane season.

This means more frequent rains and periodic tropical storms, possibly resulting in a ruined itinerary for many. That said, even such extreme weather conditions can’t put a halt to Merida’s Independence Day (Día de la Independencia).

Celebrated with the famous “el grito,” fireworks, and music, Merida’s Independence Day is the perfect time to take advantage not only of the reduced prices but also enjoy a local festivity unlike any other.

A hot month, September has temperatures between 73.9°F and 92.5°F.

Least Busy Time to Visit Merida

The least busy time to head to Merida is in November. As the last fall month, November welcomes travelers with average temperatures between highs of 85.3°F and lows of 68.9°F.

Crowds are scarce, and prices are low, making November ideal for those hoping to enjoy Merida without the hectic peak season crowds. That said, people do gather for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), one of the most popular Mexican celebrations.

Traditionally celebrated early in the month, Day of the Dead reunites families for multi-day holiday celebrations in a way few other holidays can. Music lovers eagerly await Merida’s jazz festival.

Worst Time to Visit Merida

The worst time to visit Merida is in the May–June period. Both prices and temperatures skyrocket, with the latter leaving both tourists and residents frustrated.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations make things bearable, although nothing can lessen the harsh climate impact. June officially denotes the start of Merida’s hurricane season — the rain and the heat take Merida’s summer months to another scorching level.

If you’re a fan of adventurous activities, this period is ideal for swimming with whale sharks. Another way to cope with the climate is by opting for indoor activities instead.

See some Mayan artifacts, go to El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, or enroll in a cooking class and learn how to prepare Yucatecan food. May, June, and July see tropical temperatures, with highs of 95.7°F and lows of 74.7°F

Things to Consider

Want to make sure your Merida holiday is smooth sailing? Have a look at the following tips and take notes:

• If you head to Merida during the hottest months, make sure you book accommodation with air conditioning.
• Staying in an Airbnb rental can save you some money as opposed to opting for some of the hotel resorts. What’s more, most Airbnbs feature pools and large courtyards, giving your stay a sophisticated and homey touch.
• Don’t drink tap water. Buying bottled water is fairly easy, but we suggest bringing a reusable water bottle, as most hotels and other types of accommodation have their own water filtration systems, or “garrafones de agua,” which means refilling your water is free of charge.
• If you buy vegetables or fruits from the local markets, you’ll probably need to wash them thoroughly, as they could have been washed in tainted water already.
• Summers in Merida also mean a plethora of bugs, so bring insect repellent.
• Keep in mind potential weekend road closures. Certain Merida roads may be closed off to cars from late Saturday nights to early Sunday mornings period. Always check for local authorities’ announcements.
• As most of the locals practice Catholicism, expect large crowds around holidays such as Easter or Christmas.
• Be sun-ready. Always have sunglasses, a hat, and an SPF cream, especially during the hottest months.
• Check out free daily events if you’re trying to go easy on your wallet. For instance, you may join the free walking tour listed on the city’s tourism board.
• Merida’s main language is Spanish. And while certain popular Mexican areas, such as Cancun, have no problem communicating in English with foreigners, here you may find that knowing a Spanish phrase or two goes a long way. That said, most hotel receptionists or even concierges should be able to speak solid English — enough to provide you with reliable Merida recommendations and insider tips.
• If you’re a US citizen heading to Merida, you need a valid passport. On your flight (or if you’re driving, at the border), you’ll be given a tourist card, allowing you to remain in Mexico for no longer than 180 days. You’ll receive an exit ticket as well — make sure to keep it all throughout your visit; otherwise, you’ll need to pay a fee upon departure. For more details and updated information, check the US State Department’s official website.
• Finally, if you’re a fan of our guides, you know that we always recommend getting travel insurance before you set off, regardless of where you’re headed.

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe the best way to find tips and recommendations for visiting a city is to see what other people are asking. And fortunately for you, we’ve rounded up some of the most helpful questions that we’ve seen.

So, When Should You Go to Merida?

👍 Best Time to Visit	November-April
💲 Cheapest Time to Visit	September
🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit	November
👎 Worst Time to Visit	May-June

The best time to visit Merida is during the dry season, which is anytime from November through April. Weather-wise, it’s the ideal time to do whatever you set out to do before your arrival.

From a myriad of festivals, to sightseeing opportunities, the dry season has your back. If you’re sticking to a budget, head to Merida in September.

It’s arguably the cheapest month to plan a holiday to Merida, so take advantage of those hotel packages and airfare flight deals. The least busy time to visit Merida is in November.

Tourism is rather slow, making it ideal for visitors such as yourself who seek to enjoy the town in peace. The worst time to find yourself in Merida is in the May–June period.

Prices go over the roof, the temperatures are unbearably hot, humidity is annoyingly present at all times, bugs follow your every step, and you’ll probably feel like coming to Merida was the worst travel decision you ever made.

That said, Merida is so special that chances are you’ll enjoy it, even if you end up traveling during the seemingly “worst” months of the entire year.

All in all, when it comes to the best time to visit Merida, it’s best to pick what factors you want to prioritize and which ones you have no problem compromising on. Either way, you’re bound to have the Mexican adventure of a lifetime.

Happy travels!