10 advantages of living in Mérida – summer edition

Between warmth, traditions and a thousand reasons to stay (or come now).

Living in Mérida during the summer may seem crazy to some (“How can they stand this heat?!”), but for those of us who really know it, it's an experience that combines flavor, history, freshness, and a vibe you can't find anywhere else. Here are 10 reasons why Mérida, in the summer, is simply irresistible.

1. The beach is 30 minutes away

Few cities have the luxury of being so close to the ocean. In Mérida, you can leave home, drive half an hour, and arrive at Progreso: a port with a boardwalk, beachfront palapas, ice cream parlors, cold beers, and calm waves. Looking for something more bohemian and private? Chuburná and Chelem are ideal for peaceful sunsets. If you prefer rustic and natural beauty? San Crisanto and its spring in the middle of the mangroves are a well-kept secret.

Chuburná. Source: chuburnayucatan.mx

2. Cenotes everywhere

Mérida is the gateway to the world of cenotes. This summer, escape to places like:

• Cenote Noh Mozón (in Pixyah): open, deep and with crystal-clear waters.
• Cenote X Batún (in San Antonio Mulix): perfect for spending the day with friends in its green areas and natural pools.
• Cenote Cuzama: a classic with a horse-drawn rail ride and underground cenotes such as Chelentún and Chak-Zinik-Ché.

There's nothing like diving into these icy blue waters to forget the 40°C heat. Literally, it's like entering another world.

3. Museums that refresh and inspire you

When the sun is beating down, it's best to seek shade... but not just any shade: one with art and culture.

• Casa de Montejo Museum: one of the most emblematic mansions in Mérida. You can see how the Spanish colonizers lived during the Conquest.
• Museo del Mundo Maya: a space where history and archaeology meet. Fascinating exhibitions on Mayan culture, but also interactive activities and events that connect you with the past in a unique way.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY): for lovers of modern art. Temporary exhibitions by local and international artists.

Montejo House Museum, Loltun House

4. Swimming pools everywhere – or better yet, water parks

Having a swimming pool is almost mandatory in this city. But if you don't have your own, there are places to enjoy the water without spending a lot:

• Baxal Ja (in Xmatkuil): huge, family-friendly, and inexpensive. Water slides, green areas, and picnic area.
• Waterpark Cenote Azul (Homún): ideal if you want to combine fun and nature.
• Villas Kukulcán Water Park: slides, pools, and areas to spend the whole day. Very popular with local families.

5. Rooftops for breezy evenings and views

When evening falls, the heat subsides and Mérida is transformed. Warm lights come on, soft music plays, and the city looks beautiful from above:

• Pipiripau: good atmosphere, creative drinks, and a view of the historic center.
• Zulú Rooftop (on Paseo 60): ideal for sunset cocktails and fusion food.
• Cielo Rooftop (at the Decu Downtown hotel): if you want a more relaxed and aesthetic place, this spot is top notch.

6. Ice cream parlors that are a tropical paradise

Because nothing says “summer in Mérida” like a good coconut ice cream.

• Heladería Santa Clara: famous for its traditional flavors such as soursop, orange, and piña colada.
• La Colmena: ideal for trying ice cream combinations such as mango with chili, chocolate with chia, or the incredible “coffee with cookie” option.
• Heladería La Reyna: homemade ice cream with fresh ingredients, highlighting its “mango with chamoy” flavor. They also have vegan and sugar-free options.

7. Summer cultural events

From the “Noche Blanca” to the “Festival de la Ciudad,” summer in Mérida always has something going on:

• Video mapping at the Cathedral: a light show that tells the story of Yucatán. Free and magical.
• Serenatas en Santa Lucía (Thursdays): Yucatecan trova, traditional dances, and local atmosphere.
• Tandas Regionales en la Plaza Grande (Sundays): regional theater with 100% authentic Yucatecan humor.

White Night in Yucatán - Getaways through Unknown Mexico

8. Seasonal food

Yes, you can eat well all year round in Yucatán, but in summer you crave specific things:

• Esquites con chile: those from Santa Ana or Santiago are delicious.
• Fresh seafood: at places like La Pigua, Crabster, or the famous Los Trompos de Progreso.
• Fruit with chili: try watermelon with piquín chili or cucumber with lime at the markets.

9. Nighttime walks to survive the heat

When the sun goes down, Mérida takes on a special energy:

• Walk along Paseo de Montejo: with its illuminated mansions and cooler air.
• Night visits to Izamal or Valladolid: nearby magical towns where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and the summer atmosphere with less heat.
• Night bike ride (Bici Ruta Nocturna): every month, the City Council organizes bike tours through the historic center.

10. The people

Yes, the heat is intense, but the real warmth comes from the people. In summer, everyone looks for ways to be together: in the shade, under a palapa, with a raspado in hand.

There are smiles everywhere, children playing, entire families on the sidewalk, people saying “buen provecho” even if they don't know you. Mérida is safe, welcoming, and has a leisurely pace that, in summer, invites you to enjoy yourself calmly.

Living in Mérida during the summer isn't just about enduring the heat: it's about learning to love it. It's about finding beauty in sweat, laughing at the weather while eating a marquesita, and jumping into the pool every other day as if it were therapy.

Here, summer isn't something you endure, it's something you savor. Because while some people look to escape, you find reasons to stay: the sea, culture, community, history, and flavor. So if you're here, enjoy it. And if you're far away... come on over. We're waiting for you with a glass of horchata and a hammock ready.