When is the best time to visit Mérida?

15.05.2024 - 17:43 / lonelyplanet.com

Boasting impressive architecture and charming streets packed with delights at every turn, Mérida is renowned as the cultural highlight of the Yucatán Peninsula.

If you're in search of excellent museums, a thriving live music scene and mouth-watering local cuisine, start planning your trip now. Mérida also serves as a good base for exploring the spectacular Mayan ruins along the Ruta Puuc, the Celestún flamingo reserve and countless cenotes. Being inland, prices are relatively affordable year-round, though they spike when the weather is ideal and the holidays are in full swing.

If you can take the heat and don’t mind some rain, the low season brings fewer crowds and the best deals of the year. We've got the lowdown on what's happening and when so you can pick the perfect time for your trip to Mérida.

Weather-wise, there's no better time to visit Mérida than high season. It’s dry and balmy – optimal for sightseeing, outdoor dining and attending live performances around town. Expect higher prices and bigger crowds; book your hotel early if your visit falls during the winter holidays, Carnaval or Easter. Occasional nortes (storms bringing northerly winds) bring cooler evening temperatures, but nothing a light sweater won’t remedy.

Christmas and New Year bring the biggest crowds in December but the entire month is busy due to the beautiful weather. The festive atmosphere is reflected in a city-wide arts celebration that sees galleries, museums and theaters stay open late into the night. Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe is celebrated across Mexico on December 12th and Mérida is no exception.

January may be a bleak month in some locations but not here. It's one of the busiest months of the year as crowds of visitors stretch their Christmas break into the new year and the city's founding is celebrated during Mérida Fest, an extravaganza of live music and events that happens throughout the month. People flock to the area to start their year with a bang and the hotel prices reflect that – book early to avoid disappointment.

While the weather is still great in February, the city empties out a little and everyone catches their breath. But only for a hot minute as Carnaval rolls into town with colorful floats and glamorous dancers. Neighborhood parties fill the streets and the festive atmosphere is an incredible experience not to be missed.

March marks an uptick in day trips to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Dzibilchaltún with the promise of seeing serpent formations and glowing temple doors on and around the spring equinox. The temperature also rises but remains comfortable. Easter festivities dominate the calendar in April with solemn street processions and dramatic reenactments of Jesus’ crucifixion. Street fairs