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Chichen Itza is the most famous Maya archaeological site in Mexico and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, set in the Yucatan Peninsula about 200 km west of Cancun and 120 km east of Merida. Around 2.5 million people visit each year to see El Castillo, the step pyramid at the heart of a 4 square km ceremonial city that thrived between 600 and 1200 AD. The climate is tropical, hot all year, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Use the guides below to plan the monthly weather, the best time to go, what to see, and where to sleep.
Welcome to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza reached its peak around 900 AD, when it controlled trade across the northern Yucatan and merged Maya and Toltec building styles in a single city. The name means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza,” a nod to the Sacred Cenote that supplied water and received offerings of gold, jade, and human sacrifices. Today the site is a walkable 1.5 km loop of temples, ball courts, and plazas, best explored in three to four hours, ideally paired with a swim in a nearby cenote and a stop in the colonial town of Valladolid.
Chichen Itza Weather at a Glance
Chichen Itza is hot every month of the year, with daytime highs between 28°C (82°F) in January and 36°C (97°F) in May, and humidity running 70 to 80 percent. The peninsula has two seasons rather than four: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Rain in the wet season usually falls as short, heavy afternoon showers, and September is the wettest month at 185 mm.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaking from mid-August to late October, though the inland location protects the site from storm surge. Sunshine averages 7 to 9 hours a day year round. For the full month-by-month breakdown with rainfall and sunshine tables, read the Chichen Itza Weather by Month guide below.
Chichen Itza Seasons at a Glance
- Winter (December to February): the most comfortable months, highs of 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) and only 35 to 45 mm of rain, but peak crowds over Christmas and New Year.
- Spring (March to May): the hottest and driest stretch, with April and May reaching 34 to 36°C (93 to 97°F); the March equinox brings huge crowds for the serpent shadow.
- Summer (June to August): the wet season sets in with 130 to 150 mm of rain a month and high humidity, and hurricane season begins in June.
- Fall (September to November): September is the rainiest month at 185 mm and sits inside hurricane season; the dry season returns by late November.
Chichen Itza Travel Guides
- Chichen Itza Weather by Month: month-by-month temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and hurricane season data.
- Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza: the exact months for dry weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
- Things to Do in Chichen Itza: El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, the Sacred Cenote, and the best nearby cenotes and day trips.
- Chichen Itza Events and Festivals: the spring and autumn equinoxes, the Noches de Kukulkan night show, and regional festivals.
- Chichen Itza Neighborhoods: whether to base yourself in Piste, Valladolid, Merida, or the Riviera Maya.
- Where to Stay Near Chichen Itza: luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels in Piste, Valladolid, and Merida.
- Chichen Itza Travel Tips and FAQ: ADO buses from Cancun and Merida, the 697 MXN ticket, what to bring, and FAQs.
Chichen Itza Location and Quick Facts
Chichen Itza sits in the eastern interior of Yucatan state, 45 minutes west of Valladolid, 2 hours west of Merida, and 2 to 3 hours west of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The closest weather station is Valladolid, and the site’s flat limestone terrain, surrounded by low scrub jungle, means full sun with little natural shade.
- Best months to visit: November to March.
- Warmest month: May, averaging 36°C (97°F).
- Coolest month: January, averaging 28°C (82°F) by day.
- Wettest month: September, 185 mm.
- Driest month: March, 30 mm.
- Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30.
- Entrance fee: 697 MXN for foreign adults (2026).
- Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, last entry 4:00 pm.
Suggested Hotels in Chichen Itza
Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows
A 1923 landmark with its own private gate into the archaeological zone, tropical gardens, two pools, and a planetarium on site. Best for travelers who want to walk from their room into the ruins before the day-trip buses arrive. Check rates and availability
Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
A Club Med-run hotel five minutes’ walk from the ruins with a pool, library, and tour desk, set in quiet gardens. Best for families and first-timers who want convenience at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability
Hotel Doralba Inn Chichen
A bungalow complex five minutes’ drive from the site with two outdoor pools and a ten-minute walk to Cenote Ik Kil. Best for budget travelers who plan to swim at the cenote after the ruins. Check rates and availability
