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Are you visiting Yucatán in May? Here are some hot tips to make the most of your stay: activities, events, and celebrations you won’t want to miss!
May is the hottest month of the year in Yucatán; historically, the hottest day has been May 11, but the difference might not be that noticeable. By night, expect temperatures around 24°C (74°F). During the day, you’ll see forecasts claiming highs between 37º and 40°C (97 - 104°F); be aware that May is very humid, which might make it feel closer to 45ºC (113ºF).
May might bring intense rainstorms in the afternoons; May isn’t the rainiest month of the year, but it does mark the beginning of the rainy season. Whether or not the rain actually falls, the cloud cover and associated humidity will make you sweat; prepare your sunscreen, dress in natural fibers, and drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
In May, wildfires are also very prevalent. While there are agricultural fires going on between March and May, according to an official calendar, these are scheduled, well-regulated, and supervised by authorities. However, the region's high temperatures, combined with gusts of wind, can give way to fires that can spread very quickly. Do you part by picking up and correctly disposing of any glass bottles you might encounter along your way, and by calling 911 if you see a fire starting, regardless of its size.
Events in May in Yucatán
THROUGHOUT MAY: IT’S BASEBALL SEASON!
The Leones de Yucatán return to the field with a new season full of excitement. Throughout May, they’ll be playing at home at Estadio Kukulkán on May 1, 2, and 3; 8, 9, and 10; 15, 16, and 17; 22, 23, and 24; and 26, 27, and 28. They’ll open the month facing Pericos de Puebla. During the week of the 8, they’ll take on Bravos de León; on the 15, the Guerreros de Oaxaca; the week of the 22, Olmecas de Tabasco; and starting on the 26, Diablos Rojos del México. They’ll be on the road for the rest of the month, but keep them on your radar. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just want to experience one of the passions that brings Yucatecans together, don’t miss the chance to catch a game at the stadium. And if the game doesn’t win you over, the food definitely will.
THROUGHOUT MAY: TOH BIRD FESTIVAL
This year marks the return of the Toh Bird Festival for its 25th edition. On this occasion, the official venue will be Hacienda Kankabal, located in Tunkás. This edition highlights the value of this site as a key spot for birdwatching and as a place to reconnect with the region’s natural richness. Throughout May, a variety of activities will take place, including birdwatching in different destinations across the state, talks, workshops, and more. Discover all the events for this month and the months ahead on their Facebook page Festival de las Aves TOH, and become a true bird lover.
MAY 2: NIGHTTIME BIKE TOUR
The nighttime bike ride has become a classic Mérida tradition! If you're in town on the first Saturday of the month (May 2 this time), don’t miss it! Ride along Paseo de Montejo, and enjoy a memorable evening with friends or family. After your adventure, why not wrap up the night with dinner at one of the avenue’s charming restaurants? merida.gob.mx/biciruta
MAY 3 - 24: SPORTS EVENTS IN YUCATÁN
If you’re into sports and want to experience Yucatán in a different way, this month brings several events you won’t want to miss. Here are three highlights: On May 3, in the Magical Town of Sisal, a triathlon will take place starting at 6 am: a 1 km swim from the pier, a 7 km trail run through mangroves and beach, and a 15 km MTB ride through the same landscape. Register at www.laliga.bike. On May 17, in the Magical Town of Valladolid, a half marathon will start from the Municipal Palace, with two distances: 5 km and 21 km. There will be prizes by category. Sign up at www.vivedeporte.mx. Finally, on May 24, in Ticul, the El Mirador de Ticul 2026 challenge will take place: 13 km on asphalt and 1 km on dirt road. There are three categories: a 3 km walk, a 5 km race, and a 14 km race. Register at www.dashport.run
FROM MAY 9 TO 30: CONCERTS IN MÉRIDA
Throughout May, Mérida fills with music thanks to a lineup featuring artists from a variety of genres. On May 9 at 9 pm, HUMBE will perform at Foro GNP Seguros. On the 17 at 8 pm, Ricardo Montaner will take the stage at the same venue. The music continues on May 22 at 9 pm with Myke Towers, followed on the 23, also at 9 pm, by La Sonora Dinamita de Lucho Argain. Later in the month, Grupo Frontera will perform on the 27 at 9 pm, and to close things out, Carlos Rivera will take the stage on May 30 at 9 pm. Get your tickets for all these concerts at eticket.mx
MAY 14–17: 1ST FEMEPA NATIONAL 2026
The 1st FEMEPA National 2026 arrives in Mérida for the first time, bringing together the country’s top padel players in a high-level competitive tournament. Over four days, Épica Pádel Club will host this national event, combining sport, community, and experience, with the participation of more than 700 players, 800 accompanying team members, and a local audience. Attendees will have the chance to support their teams, experience a top-tier competitive atmosphere, and discover one of the best padel clubs in the peninsula, along with some of the most relevant brands and sponsors in the padel world. A must-attend event that positions Mérida as a key destination for padel and sports in general in México.
IG: epicapadelclub
MAY 18: VISIT A MUSEUM TODAY!
Did you know that May 18 is International Museum Day? To celebrate, many museums in Mérida and Valladolid, home to the largest concentration of these spaces in Yucatán, host special activities and events around this date. Don’t miss them!
MAY 22 AND 23: NOCHE BLANCA
Noche Blanca is back. Save May 22 and 23 for a night filled with art, knowledge, and fun at one of the most important cultural events in the region. Enjoy a wide range of artistic offerings, open-air stages throughout the city, and free access to museums, galleries, theaters, and much more. merida.gob.mx/nocheblanca
Traditional Fairs and Fiestas in Yucatán
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.
- Bokobá
May 3 - 5 (Virgin of the Assumption) - Chicxulub Pueblo
May 3 - 5 (The Three Crosses) - Chumayel
Through May 5 (Holy Christ of the Transfiguration) - Euan (Tixkokob)
April 3 - 9 (Virgin of the Immaculate Conception) - Komchén (Mérida)
May 4 - 25 (San Isidro Labrador) - Libre Unión
May 1 - 11 (The Holy Cross) - Mayapán
May 13 - 14 (Holy Christ of Love) - Teabo
Through May 5 (Holy Christ of the Transfiguration)
You can also take advantage of what some local businesses (advertisers in Yucatán Today) are offering this month
SCHOOL VISITS IN MAY: GET TO KNOW THE MÉRIDA ENGLISH LIBRARY
This month, the Mérida English Library will promote School Visits at MEL, a guided tour program at the only library in the state with more than 20,000 literary resources. Through this initiative, teachers from all educational levels can book a date on their website to learn about how the library operates, explore its collection of books and materials, and discover the different programs and activities that make up its community. You can find more information here: https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/melblog/school-visits-at-mel?rq=school
Throughout May, the library will continue operating as usual from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. It will also open during special hours: Mondays from 7 to 9 pm for Conversations with Friends, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 pm for language classes.
In addition, several of its regular programs will continue throughout the month, including Storytime on Saturdays, May 16 and 30; Tai Chi classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am; the Mérida Writers Group on May 6 and 20; Pilates classes on Fridays at 10:45 am; AA meetings on Thursdays at 7 pm; the Fiction and Friends Book Club on May 28; and Bingo Night on May 30.
https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/
To be confirmed...
May 20 to 28: Your new hammock awaits in Tekom
Find or renew your hammock at the Hammock Fair in Tekom, southwest of Valladolid, from May 20 to 28. They come in all colors and sizes! Make the most of your stay and visit their cenote K’om Ha, at the center of the community.
May 21: Celebrate Yucatán's Cultural Diversity
The World Day for Cultural Diversity is on May 21; celebrate by immersing yourself in the authentic Maya culture of our state. Some options to explore the authentic everyday life of the Maya include CECIDHY in Izamal, Co’ox Mayab, and Xocen Birding Trail.
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