Summer in the Yucatan

Summertime, what a glorious time of the year! School is out, workers get vacataion…lot’s of R & R for all. In the Yucatan, summertime is even more special in that we have "temporada" - the two month period when the Meridanos who can, leave a hot and sweltering Merida and head to the coast and their beachfront homes.

July and August are when you will find the coastal towns and villages bustling with the floating population that arrives for the two months. If you visit the coast from September to June, it is pretty low key and in some cases, down right dead! But, come July and August things get jumping!
Many of the taco and Mexican cuisine restaurants open branch restaurants at the beach; the clubs also open branches in Chicxulub. These include Cielo, Tequila and Crazy Wech.

Saturday and Sunday in Progreso means lots of people and traffic, both boat and car-wise. But, it is all part of the fun and energy. Progreso is where you will find bands on the beach sponsored by the beer companies. Be prepared for the crowds!

Hobie Cat regatta are a big part of the summer. The Cummins Cup is one of the biggest regattas that takes place off the beach of Marina Silcer in Chicxulub during one of the many weekend sailboat regattas. This shows that the Yucatan is not just Mayan pyramids and colonial cities, but also wonderful beaches. Marina Silcer is open to the public and a good place to hit the beach if you want the beach crowd. Silcer has a semi-olympic pool, a good restaurant, lockers, hammocks and lounge chairs.

Regular activities continue – the free night time cultural activities, the free Saturday night Fiesta Mexicana (Calle 47 and Paseo Montejo)  and Corazon de Merida (Main Plaza up Calle 60 and 62 to Calle 55) and the fun and also free Merida en Domingo – Sunday in Merida (same streets.) During these two weekend events, the streets are closed off to traffic, there are bands, vendors, artists, and café style dining.

Sunday is the fun bici-ruta from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Read our article.

Things in Merida are also quite warm in the summer. Temps hover in the mid to high 90’s. For daytime activites keep in mind that it is very important to keep hydrated.

Carry a bottle of water with you, wear cool clothing and a hat and pace yourself. A very wise idea is to plan your activities in the morning and then in the evening.

Summertime is also rainy season which generally means it rains in the afternoon from about 3 PM to 5 PM. The downpours are strong and refreshing and clear up in a flash leaving a cooled off Merida that is perfect for evening strolling. This is when you can do your shopping, browsing, go to the free cultural activities or any of pay-for ones, have a sorbet at Helados Colon on the Main Plaza or a drink at any one of the many outdoor cafes.

Evening time is also a good time to take a horse and buggy ride. Called "calesas" both you and the horses will fare better in the cool evening.