Mérida in January

November through April is peak season for good reason. Temperatures hover around 80°F during the day and drop to comfortable 60s at night. December and January see the most tourists, especially around Christmas and New Year's. March and April offer the best weather-to-crowd ratio. It's warm but not scorching, and spring breakers haven't discovered Mérida yet. May through September is brutal. We're talking 95°F with crushing humidity. But here's the upside: hotel prices drop by half, restaurants offer rainy season specials, and you'll have major attractions mostly to yourself. Just plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Rainy season runs June through October, but don't let that scare you. Most rain comes as afternoon thunderstorms that cool things down and last maybe an hour. Special events worth timing your trip around: Mérida Fest in January fills the city with concerts and cultural events. Day of the Dead in early November brings elaborate altars and cemetery celebrations. The Equinox at Chichen Itza (March and September) is spectacular but crowded.