Absolute Best Time to Visit Bacalar

Bacalar is a magical town, and we’re not referring to the sense of spirit or its beauty. Quite literally, Bacalar is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos filled with culture, legends, history, and cenotes.

Unlike popular cities in Mexico like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Bacalar has a more off-the-beaten-path vibe, perfect if you’re searching for tranquility.

This magical town is also home to the Laguna Bacalar, which translates to the Lake of Seven Colors. Due to the different depths within the lake and how sunlight hits the clear water, it appears to have different shades of blue and turquoise. Though not near the ocean, this freshwater lagoon has all the ingredients for a tropical atmosphere perfect to go swimming, sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

Pack your sunscreen! Travel Yucatan can help you find incredible hotels in Bacalar, tours, and transfers with expert advice and travel guides to plan your Bacalar getaway.

All that’s left to answer is what is the best time to visit Bacalar, so let’s dive into our seasonal guide!

 

Bacalar in the Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit Bacalar as it’s the end of the dry season, which means fewer rain showers and crowds, and plenty of sunshine to do water and outdoor activities. In addition, the fewer crowds mean there’s more of a tranquil vibe in the air. So, whether you want to relax in the water or learn about the history and Mayan roots, Bacalar is ideal for this.

Springtime Weather

Bacalar’s springtime weather is just delightful as the dry season brings very little rain and temperatures between low to high 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it’s the dry season with warm weather, it’s the perfect time to be outdoors and go kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding.

Best Things to Do in Spring

Like the idea of visiting Bacalar in the spring? If so, we recommend you:

  • Go kayaking in the Bacalar lagoon.
  • Go diving or snorkeling at the Cenote Azul – visibility during Spring is optimal, making it easy to explore underwater.
  • Visit Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, and Cenote Cocalitos.
  • Explore Fort San Felipe.
  • Early morning wildlife and bird-watching at Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).
  • Plan a day trip to visit Mayan ruin sites, such as Chacchobén and Kohunlich.
  • Take a boat trip through El Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel) – this narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea. In this area, you might also see the stromatolites – these are living organisms that resemble flat rocks and Bacalar is one of the few places on earth where they can be found. Please don’t step on the stromatolites!

Springtime Events

Some of the biggest events of the year take place in spring. Although Bacalar is way more laid back than other places on the Yucatan Peninsula, keep in mind these 2 biggest events:

  • Semana Santa (Holy Week): Holy Week celebrations take place all over Mexico, including celebrations in Bacalar. It’s a great time to find good deals for Bacalar Hotels and don’t be surprised when you see some religious ceremonies and cultural events take place.
  • Spring Break: Unlike Cancun or Playa del Carmen, spring break in Bacalar is low-key, which you may find more relaxing in comparison. However, some restaurants or local bars may host live music or gatherings.

 

Bacalar in the Summer

Because Bacalar, Mexico has a tropical climate, summers will be extra warm and humid compared to the rest of the year. But, you can still enjoy all the outdoor and water activities, and eat delicious seafood tacos.

Summertime Weather

The start of summer brings the wet or rainy season to Bacalar. However, don’t let this stop you as showers tend to be heavy but brief – a welcome refresh to cool down from the heat of the day. Rains tend to arrive late in the day, so you can enjoy the mid-80s to high-90s temperatures during the day and let the sporadic rain cool you off in the evenings.

Best Things to Do in Summer

For plenty of summer fun, we recommend you:

  • Visit Los Rapidos.
  • Go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or lie down on a hammock in the Bacalar lagoon.
  • Go diving or snorkeling at one of the Cenotes, such as Cenote Azul, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, or Cenote Cocalitos.
  • Explore Fort San Felipe.
  • Early morning wildlife and bird-watching at Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).
  • Plan a day trip to Chetumal and Merida.
  • Take a boat tour through El Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel) – this narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea.
  • Visit Mahahual – it’s an hour’s drive from Bacalar and a great place for scuba diving at the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve or the Xcalak National Reef Park.

Summertime Events

Soak up something special and plan your trip around this Bacalar annual event:

  • San Joaquin de Bacalar Fair: In celebration of the patron saint of Bacalar, this expo feria kicks off in August with a series of religious events, starting with the religious procession through the streets accompanied by prayers and music. The event takes place for a few days at the fairgrounds, and there are local food, dance, and music performances, and the crowning of the Queen of the Expoferia.

Bacalar in the Fall

Bacalar in the Fall means milder temperatures and lower humidity compared to the summer months, making it once more one of the best times to visit Bacalar. The Lagoon of Seven Colors will remain the place to visit during your Bacalar getaway. There are also fewer visitors; however, the wet or rainy season will continue until October.

Fall Weather

Fall weather brings the end of the wet season in Bacalar, and you can expect warm weather and more frequent rain showers. Even though rain may come often, it’s often quick and still provides you with plenty of sunlight to enjoy some fall activities.

Keep in mind that due to its tropical atmosphere, hurricane season is active in Bacalar and runs until early November. However, while the likelihood of a hurricane directly hitting Bacalar is relatively low, check weather reports as you plan your Bacalar getaway.

Best Things to Do in the Fall

With less crowds, you’ll have some of the most popular activities all to yourself in the fall. Be sure to:

  • Go kayaking in the Bacalar lagoon.
  • Go diving or snorkeling at one of the Cenotes, such as Cenote Azul, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, or Cenote Cocalitos.
  • Explore Fort San Felipe.
  • Early morning wildlife and bird-watching at Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).
  • Visit Mayan ruin sites, such as Chacchobén and Kohunlich.

Fall Events

One of the most famous Mexican events takes place in fall. Although Bacalar doesn’t offer a celebration quite as big as other cities, this is a good chance to enjoy the local, less touristic, version of the event:

  • Festival Día de Muertos: Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday taking place in November and it’s a deep cultural celebration honoring the deceased. In Bacalar, you may see some of the festivities, including decorated altars with marigold flowers, candles, and photos of loved ones. Families also make ofrendas (offerings) to welcome the spirits and celebrate their memory with music and processions.

Bacalar in Winter

Winter in Bacalar will not bring you a winter wonderland, but rather an escape from the cold weather. With its mild, refreshing climate from December to February, it makes outdoor activities especially much more enjoyable.

Wintertime Weather

Wintertime in Bacalar brings the start of the dry season, mild temperatures of mid-to-high 70, fewer crowds, and a gentle breeze – perfect to relax.

Best Things to Do in Winter

Join the snowbirds on their wintertime retreat. You’ll love skipping the snow and instead enjoying:

  • Visit Los Rapidos.
  • Go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or take a boat tour in the Bacalar lagoon.
  • Go diving or snorkeling at one of the Cenotes, such as Cenote Azul, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, or Cenote Cocalitos.
  • Explore the Fort San Felipe.
  • Early morning wildlife and bird-watching at Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).
  • Visit Mayan ruin sites, such as Chacchobén and Kohunlich.
  • Take a boat trip through El Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel) – this narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea.
  • Visit Mahahual – it’s an hour’s drive from Bacalar and a great place for scuba diving at the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve or the Xcalak National Reef Park.

Wintertime Events

Other than Christmas and New Years Eve, there are two other big winter festivals you’ll love joining in on:

  • Bacalar International Film Festival: During the film festival, screenings promote and encourage all genres of arts, from artists to musicians to social awareness.
  • Bacalar Carnival: Taking place in February, this carnival features costume contests and parades where people can show off their detailed costumes and choreographed performances. There’s lively music from local musicians and special guests.

 

When Will You Visit Bacalar?

This small town in Quintana Roo is just beautiful, and we can argue back and forth about which season is the best time to visit Bacalar, but at the end of the day, the best time is when you can make it to Bacalar.

Ready to book? You can find great rates on Bacalar Hotels at Travel Yucatan. Book ahead of time for the best deals.

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