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Merida

Merida travel guide

City in Yucatán, Mexico

Things to do34 experiences
Best time to visitDecember
Nearest airportMID · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population892,363

About Merida

Mérida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. The city is also the seat of the eponymous municipality. It is located slightly inland from the northwest corner of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 35 km (22 mi) from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. In 2020, it had a population of 921,770 while its metropolitan area, which also includes the cities of Kanasín and Umán, had a population of 1,316,090.

Things to do in Merida by type

34 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 18
  • 3-6 hours 5
  • Flexible 2
  • 1-3 hours 2
Browse all things to do in Merida

Top experiences in Merida

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 34 available.

See all things to do in Merida

Where to stay in Merida

Popular hotels in Merida, out of 293 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Merida

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Merida is December, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 68° – 84° 8
Feb 67° – 87° 4
Mar 71° – 94° 3
Apr 73° – 96° 2
May 78° – 103° 1
Jun 77° – 95° 18
Jul 76° – 94° 17
Aug 75° – 94° 24
Sep 76° – 92° 20
Oct 73° – 88° 18
Nov 71° – 86° 9
Dec 69° – 84° 6

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+52
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/MeridaUTC−6
Capital
Mexico City

Upcoming public holidays in Mexico

  • Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
  • Labour DayDía del Trabajo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Merida

These are the airports closest to central Merida. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • MID Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Merida

If staying in the older central part of town, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance for those who don't much mind walking in the tropical climate.

By e-hailing

Uber may be difficult to use if you pay by credit card, drivers do not like this payment method. If you switch to cash payment you'll be picked up a lot sooner.

By bus

The Yucatán government established a modern public bus system in Mérida in the early 2020s, Va y Ven (Come and Go), and the city is now served by both public Va y Ven and private buses. To find a ride to your destination, both Moovit and Google Maps cover the city.

Va y Ven

Va y Ven.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] operates a network of traditional (though quite modern) buses as well as electric buses (which look like trams without the rails) called the IE-TRAM. Route maps for the buses[dead link] and the IE-TRAMs[dead link] are available online. Va y Ven buses do not take cash. Instead, you must purchase a rechargeable Va-y-Ven Card for M$25 at one of these locations:

Merida travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Merida?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Merida is December, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Merida?

May is usually the warmest month in Merida, with average highs of 103°F (39°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 68°F (20°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 203 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Merida?

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Merida.

What currency is used in Merida?

Merida uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.

What time zone is Merida in?

Merida uses the America/Merida time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Merida?

If staying in the older central part of town, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance for those who don't much mind walking in the tropical climate.

What are the top things to do in Merida?

Popular experiences you can book in Merida include Cenote Santa Barbara, Uncover the Historical Culture of Yucatan by Mayan Train - Full-Day Tour and Discover Merida - Panoramic City Tour. Destina Holidays offers 34 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Merida?

The most popular types of experiences in Merida are outdoor activities & adventure (14), day trips & excursions (7), art & culture (5) and zoo, aquarium & nature (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Merida?

Popular areas for hotels in Merida include Merida. Well-reviewed options include NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo and Las Brisas Merida.

How many hotels can I book in Merida?

Destina Holidays currently lists 293 properties in and around Merida, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.