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Chichen Itza sits in the interior of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 120 km (75 miles) east of Merida and 200 km (125 miles) west of Cancun. The climate is tropical with two clear seasons: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Daytime highs stay between 28°C (82°F) and 36°C (97°F) all year, and humidity runs 70 to 80 percent. Plan around the wet season afternoon downpours and the June to November hurricane window, and use the best time to visit guide to pick the exact months that match your goals.
Chichen Itza Weather: Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall
The numbers below come from Valladolid, the nearest weather station 45 km (28 miles) east of the ruins, and are accurate to within a degree or two of the archaeological zone. The warmest month is May, not July: the interior of the peninsula heats up before the summer rains arrive.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 38 mm | 4 | 7 |
| February | 30°C (86°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 35 mm | 3 | 8 |
| March | 32°C (90°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm | 3 | 8 |
| April | 34°C (93°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 40 mm | 3 | 9 |
| May | 36°C (97°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 90 mm | 6 | 9 |
| June | 34°C (93°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 150 mm | 12 | 8 |
| July | 34°C (93°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm | 13 | 8 |
| August | 34°C (93°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 145 mm | 14 | 8 |
| September | 33°C (91°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 185 mm | 15 | 7 |
| October | 31°C (88°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 120 mm | 10 | 7 |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm | 5 | 7 |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm | 4 | 7 |
Chichen Itza Weather in the Dry Season (November to April)
November through April is the dry season, with only 30 to 50 mm of rain most months and 3 to 6 rainy days. Days are hot and clear: January averages a high of 28°C (82°F), and by April the mercury climbs to 34°C (93°F). Nights cool to 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F), which is comfortable for walking the site. The things to do guide covers how to fill a day at the ruins, and the events and festivals guide explains the March equinox, when the serpent shadow draws the biggest crowds of the year.
Chichen Itza Weather in the Wet Season (May to October)
May to October is the wet season. Rain usually falls as short, heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzle, so a 6:00 am to noon visit still works most days. September is the wettest month at 185 mm over 15 rainy days, and June, August, and September each bring 130 to 185 mm. The upside is a greener site, thinner crowds, and lower hotel rates, which the where to stay guide breaks down by area.
Chichen Itza Weather: Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak between mid-August and late October. Chichen Itza is inland, so it avoids storm surge, but a direct hit or a slow-moving tropical storm can close the site for a day or two and flood the surrounding roads. Track the National Hurricane Center forecast in the days before a wet-season visit and build in one flexible day; the best time to visit guide has more on which months to avoid.
Chichen Itza Weather: Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity is moderate to high year round, typically 70 to 80 percent, and it peaks in the wet season when the sun feels heavier on the unshaded plazas. Sunshine averages 7 to 9 hours a day, with the brightest skies from February through May. The archaeological zone has almost no shade, so bring a hat, a refillable water bottle, and sunscreen even in January; the travel tips and FAQ lists the full packing list, and the where to base yourself explains the base towns if you plan to stay overnight.
