Living here

The weather in Mérida, Yucatán all year round

The weather in Mérida, Yucatán throughout the year: the best time to visit the peninsula, hurricane season and annual rainfall in Yucatán.

the weather in Mérida, Yucatán
the weather in Mérida, Yucatán · Photo: Vida en Yucatán

Tropical and pleasant, the weather in Mérida, Yucatán draws many who want to escape cold climates all year round.

As part of southeastern Mexico and a tropical zone, the temperature in Mérida, Yucatán hovers around 30 °C come rain, thunder or lightning.

Just three hours from Cancún, you can feel the difference in Mérida’s temperature. It is worth knowing the difference between “feels like” and actual temperature. The former is the subjective perception of temperature; the latter is the magnitude of heat of bodies in the environment.

Yucatán’s climate is known for being fickle and changeable.

Yet despite the temperature — the headache of its residents — the city is the perfect destination for travellers: it combines beach getaways and is a great cultural opportunity for lovers of museums and events. Not to mention the chance to watch the sunset in Mérida, Yucatán on a beach just 20 minutes from the capital.

You may be interested in: Where are the most beautiful sunsets in Yucatán?

If you like dynamic cities that combine beach, jungle and fabulous landscapes, the weather in Mérida won’t be a problem for you.

And if you worry about the weather in Mérida, Yucatán — although it can get a little hot in summer — its tropical climate is ideal if you prefer warm weather.

the weather in Mérida, Yucatán
the weather in Mérida, Yucatán

A quick overview of the weather in Mérida, Yucatán all year round

Yucatán’s temperature averages around 26 °C throughout the year.

  • From June to October, the temperature in Mérida doesn’t change much, though it is the rainy season.
  • In December and April, the climate is mostly dry.
  • January is the most visited month of the year thanks to the cooler temperatures; July and August, by contrast, are humid and hot.

What is the temperature in Mérida, Yucatán during the hot months?

As mentioned, Mérida’s climate is hot almost all year, with moderate to high humidity. The heat is felt more in the city than in the neighbouring coastal areas, due to its location and low elevation.

Over the year, the temperature in Mérida, Yucatán normally ranges between 16 °C and 36 °C.

In summer, the hot season in Mérida can be overwhelming. The average high occurs in July, at 35 °C. However, May tends to be the city’s hottest month, averaging 36 °C with a low of 21 °C.

Although the hot season can be difficult, a few tips help you get through those months. First, stay hydrated, preferably with water. Wear light clothing in light colours, and use sunscreen and a hat.

Rainy season

Like most areas in Mexico, summer is the rainy season in Mérida.

Rainfall from June to October accounts for about 80% of the Yucatán peninsula’s annual precipitation. The state’s average is 1,100 mm a year.

As expected, humidity at that time of year is high, but generally does not exceed 76%. Mosquitoes, dengue and respiratory illnesses are common in seasons when the temperature in Mérida stays below 26 °C.

The rainy season in Mérida begins to ease in November, and temperatures are usually moderate until February. The highest average daily wind speed is 12 mph in May, while the lowest daily average is 6 mph in September.

Hurricane season

Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the city is hit by a hurricane every four years. Still, the temperature in Mérida stays at the annual average despite the weather.

If you are new to the city, planning a trip or just want to be prepared, note: hurricane season in Mérida runs from June to October. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was the last hurricane to directly hit Mérida. And as almost everywhere in Mexico, Mérida can also experience an earthquake.

When is the best time to visit Yucatán?

In the first months of the year, the weather in Mérida is not so hot — yet these are usually travellers’ favourites.

January receives the most visitors, followed by February and March.

So if you plan to visit, you can do so from late September to May, when humidity is lower and nights are cooler. From June to September, the heat intensifies and even the afternoons tend to be a little hot.

The weather in Mérida, Yucatán remains one of the obstacles for those who want to fully enjoy their stay on the peninsula; still, here are some tips to bear the weather and just focus on enjoying life in Yucatán.

You may be interested in:

The best of Yucatán, in your inbox

Get guides, recommendations and news every week.