Most people pack for Valladolid like it's Cancún. It isn't a beach town. You'll spend your days in cenotes, at Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam and on colonial streets at 30–37°C (86–99°F), so the packing problem is sun, swimming and bugs, not resort outfits.
Valladolid weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 34°C93°F | 35°C95°F | 37°C99°F | 35°C95°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 32°C90°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 20°C68°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 18 | 23 | 21 | 16 | 12 | 7 |
Season by season
Dry season
December–FebruaryThis is the easiest time to visit. Highs run 30–31°C (86–88°F), lows drop to 20°C (68°F), and rain falls 5 to 7 days a month. Mornings at Chichén Itzá are pleasant. Bring a light long-sleeve layer for early starts and cold buses.
Hot season
March–MaySpring is the hottest, driest stretch. Highs climb from 34°C (93°F) in March to 37°C (99°F) in May, with lows of 21–24°C (70–75°F) and just 4 rain days a month. The ruins have little shade, so go at opening time, wear a wide hat and carry more water than you think you need.
Rainy season
June–AugustThe rains arrive in June. Highs stay at 34–35°C (93–95°F), lows at 24°C (75°F), and rain days jump from 16 in June to 23 in August, often as heavy afternoon storms. It's humid and buggy. Pack quick-dry clothes, repellent and a light rain shell.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still wet with 21 rain days, and October has 16. Highs ease from 34°C (93°F) to 30°C (86°F) by November, when rain drops to 12 days. Hurricane season on the Yucatán runs through November, so keep your plans flexible.
What to bring to Valladolid
0 of 22 packed- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Rated up to 12 hours against mosquitoes, which covers a day of ruins and jungle cenotes in the rainy season, so put it on after you swim.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Your wet swimsuit goes in here between one cenote and the next.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Cold water for a full day at 37°C (99°F), and the tapered base fits the rental car cupholder on the drive to Ek Balam.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Shade is scarce at Chichén Itzá, and a handheld fan helps while you wait in line or for the colectivo.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Slip them on for the wet stairs down into a cenote and kick them off at the water's edge.
Packs into its own pocket for the afternoon storms from June to October.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A day of photos at the ruins and cenotes drains your phone, and this tops it up with no cable.
Clothing
- Breathable T-shirts · 4Days of 30–37°C
- Lightweight long pants · 1Evenings and bugs
- Swimsuit · 2Cenotes most days
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1Little shade at Chichén Itzá
- Quick-dry towel · 1
Footwear
- Walking sandals · 1Colonial streets and ruins
- Comfortable sneakers · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Dry bag · 1Phone at the cenotes
Health and toiletries
- Biodegradable sunscreen · 1Many cenotes ask you to skip or rinse
- After-bite cream · 1
- Electrolyte packets
Documents and money
- Passport
- Small cash in pesosCenote entry and small stalls
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Valladolid?
Bring sturdy walking sandals or light trail shoes for the ruins, plus water shoes or slides for cenotes. The stairs down into many cenotes are wet and slick. In town the sidewalks are narrow and uneven, so skip anything with a thin sole.
What do people wear in Valladolid?
Valladolid is a relaxed colonial town, and locals dress modestly. Light cotton or linen shirts, long shorts, skirts and sundresses all work. A wide hat matters more than anything else you pack. If you're doing several cenotes in a day, wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
What plugs does Valladolid use?
Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V, the same plugs as the US and Canada. UK, European and Australian visitors need an adapter, and our universal adapter covers these sockets. Check that hair tools handle 127V before you plug them in.
Tours and things to do in Valladolid
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Valladolid.
What should you leave at home for Valladolid?
Leave the jeans and the heavy jacket, since even the coolest months have 30°C (86°F) highs. Don't count on wearing sunscreen in the water, because many cenotes ask you to skip sunscreen or rinse off first. Heels don't work on the town's narrow, uneven sidewalks.
Packing for Valladolid: questions people ask
What should I wear to Chichén Itzá?
Light, breathable clothes, a wide hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. There's little shade and highs run 30–37°C (86–99°F), so go early.
Can I wear sunscreen in the cenotes near Valladolid?
Often not. Many cenotes ask you to skip sunscreen or rinse off first, so put it on after you get out.
When is the rainy season in Valladolid?
June to October, with August the wettest at 23 rain days. Storms are often heavy and come in the afternoon.
Is Valladolid hot all year?
Yes. Even the coolest months have 30°C (86°F) highs, and May hits 37°C (99°F).
Do I need bug spray in Valladolid?
Yes, especially in the rainy season and around cenotes and jungle ruins like Ek Balam. Bring a long-lasting repellent and apply it after you swim.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.