Merida Weather: Comfort in Paradise

Merida sits like a jewel in the fabulous crown of the Yucatan peninsula. The famed "White City" draws crowds of tourists and vacationers eager to explore and enjoy the wonder and beauty that the tropical area offers as well as the crystalline seas of the Caribbean. While a vacation trip or expedition through the area is a fantastic way to spend your time and you will be able to steep yourself in ancient traditions and local customs, you will want to take a few precautions when it comes to the weather.

Weather in the Yucatan can be unpredictable, but you can count on a few factors. No matter what time of year you visit, the temperatures will be warm and there will be rain almost every day. The actual rainy season of the area runs from June through August, but you can expect a brief shower almost every day through the rest of the year. During the rainy season, though, the best time to be out and exploring is during the morning or evening hours. The afternoons are usually filled with incredible downpours. Hurricane season coincides with the rainy season, but extends until October in the area; however, there are extremely advanced warning systems in place so these should not be a cause for concern.

If you plan to visit the inland areas around Merida or any other city in the area, be prepared for high humidity and heat. Visiting during the cooler months between October and February will help you beat the heat, as well as most of the crowds. The off-season can be a great time to explore the ancient ruins or soak up the local culture, but be prepared. Some of the charter flights do not operate during the off-season, as well as other drawbacks.

Between March and October, you can expect to withstand temperatures over 90 degrees during the day, but the lows are a comfortable 65 — 70 degrees in the evenings and at night. Exploring after a heavy rain is a great way to beat some of the heat, but the humidity makes up for it, largely. Exploring Merida and enjoying the Caribbean and the amazing culture of the area can be a very exciting thing, but planning is necessary to get the most out of your trip. If you are in the city and a rainstorm threatens, it can be a great excuse to visit some of the amazing local shops or dine at a wonderful restaurant on the street. You can shelter there until the storm passes and you will be able to enjoy your vacation much more than simply sitting in your room for the afternoon.

Spring travel to Merida offers a lessened chance of rain, though the temperatures are actually higher in the dry season. If you want to experience the best of Merida, pack some rain gear and plan on getting wet; you'll have a great time weathering the storms in one of the beautiful establishments lining the city's streets.