The best time to visit the Yucatán is from December to March: this is the dry season, with 30 to 33 °C (86 to 91 °F) in the afternoon in Mérida, nights around 17 °C (63 °F) and very little rain. April and May stay dry but become very hot inland (35 to 36 °C, or 95 to 97 °F). From June to October, showers multiply and it is hurricane season.
When to go to the Yucatán depends on your program. The peninsula has two similar but different climates: the interior (Mérida, Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal), hotter and drier, and the Caribbean coast (Cancún, Tulum), wetter but softened by the breeze. The benchmarks below are based on the official normals of Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.
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When to go to the Yucatán at a glance
- Best time December to March, ideal for the Maya sites and beaches
- Driest month March in Mérida (21 mm (0.8 in))
- Hottest month May in Mérida, with an average high of 36 °C (97 °F)
- Wettest month September in Mérida (175 mm (6.9 in)), October on the Caribbean coast
- Hurricane season June to November, according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026)
- Cheapest period September and October, outside school holidays
When to go to the Yucatán by priority
- Best weather: December to March, in the dry season (21 mm (0.8 in) of rain in March in Mérida); February to April on the Caribbean coast
- Cheapest: September and October, outside school holidays, in the middle of the rainy season
- Fewest crowds: June, September and October; May for still-dry but very hot weather (36 °C (97 °F))
- Events: Mérida carnival in February or March; equinoxes at Chichén Itzá around March 21 and September 21; Hanal Pixán from late October to November 2
Yucatán: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: January, February, March, November, December
❌ Period to avoid: September
The climate in the Yucatán month by month
The table gives the 1991–2020 normals for the Mérida station, capital of the state of Yucatán and the central stop of most tours. Valladolid and Chichén Itzá have very similar values.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | High | High | ✅ Mild, dry, ideal for the sites |
| February | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 17.3 °C (63 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | High | High | ✅ Sunny and dry |
| March | 33.3 °C (92 °F) | 18.0 °C (64 °F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | Very high | Very high | ✅ Driest, still bearable |
| April | 35.4 °C (96 °F) | 19.8 °C (68 °F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | High (Easter) | High | ⚠️ Very hot inland, Easter |
| May | 36.0 °C (97 °F) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ The hottest (36 °C (97 °F)) |
| June | 34.9 °C (95 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Start of the rains and hurricanes |
| July | 35.0 °C (95 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | High (holidays) | High | ⚠️ Hot, afternoon showers |
| August | 34.9 °C (95 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | High (holidays) | High | ⚠️ Hot, showers, hurricane risk |
| September | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 21.3 °C (70 °F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Wettest, hurricane peak |
| October | 32.6 °C (91 °F) | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Rain still frequent |
| November | 31.0 °C (88 °F) | 18.9 °C (66 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Dry weather returns, Día de Muertos |
| December | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | Very high (holidays) | Very high | ✅ Mild and dry, high prices at Christmas |
The seasons in the Yucatán: pros and cons
Dry season (November to April)
This is the best period for visiting archaeological sites and colonial towns. In Mérida, rainfall stays under 60 mm (2.4 in) a month from November to April, and nights are cool from December to February (17 °C (63 °F)). On the coast, northerly gales (nortes) can bring cooler air and a rough sea for a few days in December and January.
- Pros: often clear skies, bearable heat for walking at Chichén Itzá, Uxmal or Calakmul, dry roads
- Cons: high prices at Christmas, in February, in March and at Easter, very busy sites
- Our tip: aim for late November, January outside the holidays or February; in April, visit the sites early in the morning
Rainy season (May to October)
May is the hottest month inland, with 36 °C (97 °F) in the afternoon. The rains arrive in June and exceed 135 mm (5.3 in) a month in Mérida from June to October, with a peak in September. They often fall as afternoon thunderstorms. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026), the hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November, and tropical storms and hurricanes can cause floods, landslides and disruption to transport.
- Pros: green vegetation, quieter cenotes, low prices in September and October, whale sharks off Holbox and Isla Mujeres in summer
- Cons: muggy heat, thunderstorms, more mosquitoes, risk of tropical storm
- Our tip: in summer, plan visits for the morning, book flexible rates and take insurance covering weather disruptions
When to go to the Yucatán by region
Maximum temperatures and rainfall in January and September, based on the SMN’s 1991–2020 normals:
| Place | January high | January rainfall | September high | September rainfall | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mérida (inland) | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | December to March |
| Valladolid / Chichén Itzá | 29.8 °C (86 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 34.7 °C (94 °F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | December to March |
| Cancún (Caribbean coast) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 34.2 °C (94 °F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | February to April |
| Tulum (Caribbean coast) | 28.8 °C (84 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 177 mm (7.0 in) | December to April |
Mérida, Valladolid and the interior
The interior is the hottest part of the peninsula in spring: Valladolid reaches 36.5 °C (98 °F) in May. December to February is the most comfortable period for Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Ek Balam or Izamal, with cool mornings.
The Caribbean coast (Cancún, Tulum, Bacalar)
The coast stays a little less hot in the afternoon, but receives more rain in winter than Mérida (104 mm (4.1 in) in January in Cancún). October is the wettest month there. Sargassum can affect the beaches from spring to autumn. For details, see when to go to Cancún.
Campeche and the Gulf coast
On the Gulf of Mexico side, Campeche, Celestún and Progreso have a calmer sea and less sargassum. The climate follows that of Mérida: dry and hot from December to May, rainy from June to October.
When to go to the Yucatán by type of trip
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Maya sites | December to February | Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Cobá, Calakmul |
| Beach | February to April | Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Bacalar |
| Cenotes | All year (fewer people from May to October) | Cuzamá, Valladolid, Tulum, Homún |
| Flamingos | Roughly November to March (to be confirmed with guides) | Celestún, Río Lagartos |
| Whale sharks | Roughly June to September (licensed operators) | Holbox, Isla Mujeres |
| Tight budget | September to mid-November | Mérida, Valladolid, Campeche |
| Family | Winter and autumn school holidays | Mérida, Valladolid, Riviera Maya |
Major events in the Yucatán
| Period | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| February or March | Carnival | Mérida, Campeche |
| March or April | Holy Week (Semana Santa), Mexican holidays | The whole peninsula |
| Around March 21 and September 21 | Equinoxes: shadow of the « serpent » on the Kukulcán pyramid | Chichén Itzá |
| September 16 | Independence Day | All towns |
| Late October – November 2 | Hanal Pixán, Maya day of the dead | Mérida and villages of the Yucatán |
| Regularly through the year | Free cultural events in the city (dance, music) | Central Mérida |
The Yucatán month by month
January: 30 °C (86 °F) in the afternoon in Mérida and 17 °C (63 °F) at night, only 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain. One of the best months for the Maya sites; a few nortes on the coast.
February: Dry (26 mm (1.0 in)) and sunny, 31.6 °C (89 °F). High season: book early. Carnival sometimes in February.
March: The driest month (21 mm (0.8 in)), 33 °C (91 °F). Equinox at Chichén Itzá around the 21st, with big crowds.
April: Hot (35 °C (95 °F)) and dry. Holy Week often in April: crowds and prices rise.
May: The hottest of the year (36 °C (97 °F) in Mérida). Few tourists, falling prices; visit the sites at opening time.
June: The rains arrive (169 mm (6.7 in)) and the hurricane season starts. Start of the whale shark season.
July: 35 °C (95 °F) and afternoon thunderstorms (138 mm (5.4 in)). Summer holidays: more people on the coast.
August: Hot and humid (145 mm (5.7 in)). Hurricane risk increases: follow the weather.
September: The wettest month in Mérida (175 mm (6.9 in)), peak of the hurricane season. Lowest prices. Equinox at Chichén Itzá.
October: Still 136 mm (5.4 in) of rain in Mérida, and the rainfall peak on the Caribbean coast. End of the month: preparations for Hanal Pixán.
November: Dry weather returns (56 mm (2.2 in)) and 31 °C (88 °F). Hanal Pixán in early November: a good month for Mérida.
December: 30 °C (86 °F) and 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain. Pleasant everywhere; prices highest for Christmas and New Year.
When to book your trip to the Yucatán
For December, February, March and Easter, book flights and accommodation 4 to 6 months ahead, especially in Tulum, Holbox and Bacalar where supply is limited. For the rest of the year, 2 to 3 months is often enough. Cancún airport is the most convenient gateway to the peninsula; Mérida can also be reached with a connection.
Planning your trip to the Yucatán
- Entry requirements: see the entry requirements for Mexico on our country page, and check the official sources there before you travel. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026), you must pay an entry tax to visit the state of Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum, Bacalar); it can be paid online before or during your stay.
- Currency: the Mexican peso (MXN). Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026) lists Zika virus, chikungunya and dengue among the health risks in Mexico: protect yourself against mosquitoes. According to the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025), tap water in many areas is not safe to drink and bottled water is safe.
To plan your tour, see our guide to traveling in the Yucatán, our Mexico travel guide and the page when to go to Mexico. More ideas: where to go in January or February.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Yucatán?
January and February: about 30 °C (86 °F) in the afternoon in Mérida, 17 °C (63 °F) at night and very little rain according to the SMN normals. March is even drier, but hotter and busier.
When is the rainy season in the Yucatán?
From June to October: more than 135 mm (5.3 in) a month in Mérida, with a peak in September (175 mm (6.9 in)). Rain often falls as afternoon thunderstorms.
When is the hurricane season in the Yucatán?
From June to November according to the UK FCDO, with a higher risk in August, September and October. Follow the weather bulletins and the authorities’ instructions.
Is the Yucatán too hot in April and May?
Inland, yes for many travelers: 35 to 36 °C (95 to 97 °F) in the afternoon in Mérida and Valladolid. Visit the sites at opening time and keep afternoons for cenotes or the pool.
When is the cheapest time to go to the Yucatán?
In September, October and early November, outside the autumn school holidays. May and June are a better compromise if you want to avoid the heart of the rainy season.
When is the best time to see flamingos?
The colonies at Celestún and Río Lagartos are generally seen in large numbers in winter and spring; ask local guides to confirm before you go.
Our sources
- Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (Conagua): SMN stations 31097 Mérida, 31046 Valladolid, 23155 Cancún and 23025 Tulum, 1991–2020 normals, official files consulted on October 13, 2026
- Entry, safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Mexico (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Mexico country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
