The Best Time to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

For a warm weather destination, the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico offers a wide variety of accommodations and activities for singles, couples, and families.

Consisting of three Mexican states (Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche), the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the wonderful vacation cities of Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen .

Much like contemplating the purchase of a diamond, I have my own 4 C's that I apply when considering when and where to take our next vacation. Climate. Cost. Crowds. Culture. Here's how the Yucatan Peninsula grades on each point:

Climate

The Yucatan maintains an annual average temperature of 80 degrees F. While the temperature itself does not vary much, the comfort level can change drastically and is primarily delineated by a wet season and a dry season. October to May generally hold the mildest temperatures in the Yucatan, but they can be very rainy. The two main rainy seasons occur during October to January and April to July. October averages 8 inches of rain on the peninsula and often marks the beginning of hurricane season.

September is usually one of the best months to visit Mexico weather-wise. The extremely hot and humid months of July and August have passed, but the wet hurricane season has not quite ramped up yet. The water is pleasantly warm, bordering on hot at times, from the past few months of extreme heat. This also makes for great snorkeling and scuba diving as the warmer waters increases sea life activity.

You can check current weather forecasts at www.weather.com or www.weather.yahoo.com.

Cost

We curb our costs greatly by going to all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel. It also makes it easier for us to accurately budget for the cost of our trip. Many all-inclusive properties are available in Cozumel and Cancun.

Travelers can find some great bargains on hotel rates with a little bit of research. September can be a great month to travel cost-wise. Comparing rates at the Cozumel Palace (www.palaceresorts.com), an all-inclusive resort, we find that a 7-night reservation for two people for a standard city-view room starts at $1,182.25 in January. In May, the same room books for $962.50, but, in September, we can get the same room for $892.50 plus a $300 resort credit. With all 7-night stays, the hotel includes free scuba diving in addition to the standard all-inclusive amenities like meals, drinks, and select entertainment and sports opportunities. While the January room rates may be higher, the hotel is currently offering a $400 per room airfare credit for stays from January 1 to April 10 that are booked before January 31, 2010.

In Cancun, the adults-only The Royal (www.realresorts.com) books an ocean-view junior suite for $3,931 for two people for seven nights in January. The same reservation in May would cost $2,479, which includes a 20% discount for bookings made by January 31, 2010. An equivalent stay in September would cost $2,522, with a booking made prior to January 31, 2010. The hotel is also offering free and discounted swim with the dolphin excursions for select dates, with minimum length of stay requirements, if booked prior to February 23, 2010.

If you don't think you would get your money's worth at an all-inclusive hotel, great deals can still be had at lodging-only establishments. The Casita de Maya (www.casitademaya.com), a small boutique hotel close to the Cozumel airport with a swimming pool books a deluxe queen bed room for two at $728 for the room alone, $833 for the room with continental breakfast in January. January 2 to April 15 is the hotel's high season. The same reservation in May would cost you $525 for the room only, $784 including breakfast. In September, you would pay $455 for the room and $553 for the room and breakfast for the identical accommodations.

Crowds

Mexico has become a top Spring Break destination for students and young adults, so expect large, wild crowds during the last week of March into the month of April. Since many schools have staggered their spring breaks, the period to avoid has become larger.

September emerges as another winner in the crowd category. Schools are all primarily back in session, so families with children are traveling less. Mexico is a favorite holiday destination, especially for those from colder climates. If you travel during the last two weeks of December, expect crowds. Staying at an all-inclusive hotel also limits the crowds at the beaches. Since most hotels maintain their beaches for hotel guests only, the population will be limited by the capacity of the hotel.

Culture

The Yucatan Peninsula provides access to many water and beach related sports. You can scuba dive - don't worry if you're not certified, most hotels offer programs to get you qualified to dive. Snorkeling is available for the less daring. Parasailing is another favorite of my children. The area also has many festivals and cultural events. Through March 31, 2010, the Merida Historic Center offers a 2 ½ hour House & Gardens Tour every Wednesday for 200 pesos. Once you've settled on a vacation date, check out the events calendar at www.yucatantoday.com. You'll find upcoming bull fights, poetry readings, even concerts - Elton John will perform at Chichen Itza on April 3, 2010.

As you can see, by cross-referencing my criteria, September is a clear winner in my calculation of one of the best times to visit Mexico. It wins with a tolerable climate, low cost, fewer crowds, while still offering a good dose of Mexican culture.

Weather information from www.weather.com.