What to do in Yucatán in January, The best events of january in Mérida and Yucatán.
Looking for an escape from the cold? Yucatan is your ideal destination! Start the year with the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture and the warmth of its people. Enjoy art exhibitions and outdoor activities, participate in exciting marathons, concerts and unique festivals like no other. The party lasts all month long!
January is one of the busiest tourist seasons in Yucatán. Our mild winter makes venturing out a lot easier on those not used to Yucatán’s scorching temperatures. Consequently, you’re very likely to find places a little more crowded than usual; this is especially true for tourist hotspots like Chichén Itzá and Valladolid. We encourage you to plan ahead and book whatever activities you want to do, so you won’t miss out on any.
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The Weather in Yucatán in January
January, which we consider the dead of winter, means average lows of 18ºC/65ºF and highs of 30ºC/86ºF in Mérida; beyond the city, and especially in the south, temperatures tend to drop further. These temperatures may not seem all that low, but remember that the humidity changes your perception of temperature, amplifying both heat and cold. Don’t be surprised if you find 15ºC/60ºF hits different in Yucatán, as the humidity chills your bones; this feeling Yucatecos refer to as “heladez,” a made-up word that roughly translates as “iciness.”
Still, it’s mostly warm during the day, with cooler nights and mornings; exceptions might happen during some nortes or cold fronts. Cold fronts might keep daytime temperatures under 27ºC/80ºF and nighttime temperatures under 15ºC/60ªF. When that happens, you’ll see locals (including those who just moved here in recent years) all bundled up in the jackets, scarves, and hats we only get to wear a few times a year.
Events in Yucatán in January
JANUARY 5 - 18: MÉRIDA FEST
From January 5 to 18, celebrate the 484th anniversary of Mérida’s founding (January 6) with the Mérida Fest 2026. The program is packed with activities: the traditional callejoneada and alborada on January 5 at 10 pm in Plaza Grande, musical and dance performances, regional theater, literary events, and more. For the grand finale, Reik will perform on January 17 at 8 pm, also in the Plaza Grande. A festival worth enjoying from start to finish! merida.gob.mx/meridafest
JANUARY 6: DÍA DE REYES (Three Kings' Day)
Like several other countries around the world, Mexico celebrates the Catholic feast of the Epiphany: the visit of the Wise Men from the East to the baby Jesus. Many children start the day receiving gifts from the Three Kings (instead of or in addition to those from Santa Claus), but the celebration that no one misses on this date is "partir rosca" (cutting the ring-shaped bread).
The Rosca de Reyes (Kings' Ring) is a bread flavored with orange blossom essence, decorated with candied fruit and sugar. On Three Kings' Day (and the days surrounding it), families, friends, and colleagues gather to share it; whoever finds one of the little plastic figures hidden inside their piece must bring the tamales for the Candelaria (Candlemas) feast on February 2nd.
These days, most bakeries sacrifice their regular production to prepare a wide variety of roscas, many of them with fillings like cream cheese, cajeta (caramelized milk), Nutella, and many other options.
THROUGH JANUARY 6: CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
To wrap up the holiday season, several spots around the city keep their Christmas decorations up through early January, and Parque La Plancha is one of them. Until January 6, you can stroll through the Christmas Village: a space filled with lights, music, and plenty of activities perfect for the whole family. Enjoy it before it’s gone!
THROUGH JANUARY 7: XMAS DOME
You’ve still got time to enjoy a different kind of holiday experience. Head to La Isla Mérida to check out the XMAS DOME: a 360° sensory show featuring full-dome videomapping, immersive sound, and visuals that pull you right into the holiday spirit. Tickets are available at the box office for $200 pesos. Don’t miss it before the season ends!
THROUGH JANUARY 18: TIZIMÍN’S KINGS’ FAIR
One of the state’s most beloved fairs is still going strong in Tizimín through January 18, celebrating the Three Kings, the city’s patron saints. In addition to the religious activities—like the traditional descent and ascent of the Kings and various masses—the celebration spills out into the streets: the Expo Fair is packed with food stands, crafts, rides, concerts, and spots to dance the night away. And if you want to experience it at its peak, January 6 is usually the most vibrant day, with crowds and great energy everywhere. Don’t miss it! FB: Feria de Reyes Tizimín
JANUARY 18: TUNNEL OF TREES RACE
On January 18, the emblematic Túnel de los Árboles (Tunnel of Trees) Race returns to Muna for its sixth edition. You can choose between two distances—7K or 13.8K—with categories organized by age groups. Prizes will be awarded to the top three runners in each division. The registration fee is $240 pesos without a shirt or $370 pesos with a shirt. You can sign up at dashport.run. Get ready to run through breathtaking scenery!
JANUARY 23 TO FEBRUARY 8: VALLADOLID EXPO FAIR
The "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) of Valladolid gets dressed up to celebrate the festival of Our Lady of Candelaria (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria). The activity kicks off on Friday, the 23th, with the Magna Vaquería (Grand Vaquería), and continues for 16 days where you will find processions, dances, concerts, and lots of fun. Read our article about the Candelaria Festival in Valladolid, or check the City Council's page for the updated program:
FB: H. Ayuntamiento de Valladolid Yucatán 2024-2027
Traditional Fairs in January
In Yucatán, traditional fiestas blend elements from Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs. These festivities usually begin with the "bajada" of the saint—that is, moving its image from its usual place in the church to make it accessible for the faithful to view. Days later, the fiesta officially kicks off with the vaquería, a traditional celebration where people dance jarana to the live music of an orchestra.
Dancers from all over the Península attend the vaquerías to show off their moves, elegantly dressed in their traditional attire. On the days that follow the vaquería, there are often popular dances. Throughout the celebration, you'll also find carnival rides for children, food stalls, and various attractions, along with processions, bullfighting activities, fireworks, and lots of noise. The following list includes the period in which celebrations take place, when it has been confirmed as we go to print; otherwise, the patron saint’s festivity is listed. Check our website for the dates of vaquerías and popular dances.
Sahcabá (Hocabá)
Through January 4
(Saint John the Evangelist)
Temax
January 22 – 28
(Virgin of the Immaculate Conception)
Timucuy
January 6
(The Three Wise Men)
Tizimín
January 6
(The Three Wise Men)
Keep exploring Yucatán and discover the "Calendar of Fiestas and Fairs in Yucatán."
Check out what some local businesses (advertisers in Yucatán Today) are offering this month
CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF THE MÉRIDA ENGLISH LIBRARY
The Mérida English Library will celebrate its 30th Anniversary Gala Event this January, a gala marking three decades of work as a nonprofit organization. The evening will honor MEL’s founding members as well as all those who, over the years, have created the programs that make the library a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Thirty years of hard work, shared stories, volunteer efforts, and of course, books, deserve a special celebration. The event will include dinner, drinks, music, and a festive atmosphere for the community. Additionally, the gala has an important purpose: it will serve as a fundraiser for the future expansion of the Mérida English Library’s facilities. To learn more and register, visit: meridaenglishlibrary.com/register
Throughout January, MEL will continue with its high-season events and programs:
- Conversaciones con Amigos – Monday 7, 9 pm
- MEL House & Garden Tour – Wednesdays, 9:30 am. Check out their off-site and evening tours!
- MEL Talks – Wednesdays, 7 pm
- Santa Ana Art Gallery Tour – Thursdays 8 and 22, 10 am
- Wine Tasting – Thursday 15, 7 pm
- Storytime – 10 & 24, 10 am
- Bingo Night – Saturday 31, 7 pm
www.meridaenglishlibrary.com
IG: meridaenglishlibrary
FB: Merida English Library
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