When to Go

printer iconPrintemail iconEmailfavorites iconSave to Favorites

Considering weather, prices, and crowds, the best times to visit the Yucatán Peninsula are from late November to mid-December, and from mid-January to early May. You’ll avoid the intense heat from June to August, the rain (and possible hurricanes) in September and October, and the crowds and high prices around Christmas.

The big caveats with those periods are spring break (March/April) and Semana Santa (the week before Easter), when American and Canadian students, and then Mexican tourists, turn out in force and prices spike temporarily.

Be aware that certain attractions are only available (or recommendable) during specific months, whether snorkeling with whale sharks (June–September) or visiting Chichén Itzá on the spring equinox.

Even many year-round activities like sportfishing, kiteboarding, and bird-watching are better or worse according to the season.

© Gary Chandler & Liza Prado from Moon Yucatán Peninsula, 9th edition

Buy Moon Travel Guides

Loading books
loading
For more Moon travel information, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for updates on new travel guide releases, travel tips and trip ideas for those seeking adventure or relaxation, and expert advice from our on-the-go Moon travel authors.

Find Activities>>

Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.