Palenque, set in the lush jungles of Chiapas, features a tropical humid climate with high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The region experiences a pronounced rainy season from May to October and a drier, sunnier period from November to April. Year-round warmth, high humidity, and vibrant greenery make Palenque an adventurous destination for history and nature lovers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Palenque’s climate is tropical and humid, with little temperature variation but distinct wet and dry seasons. Average daytime highs range from 27°C in January to 36°C in April and May, with nighttime lows typically between 16°C and 23°C. The hottest months are April and May, when daytime temperatures can exceed 37°C and humidity remains high. Even in the coolest months, temperatures rarely drop below 12°C at night. The jungle environment ensures high humidity throughout the year, making the air feel warmer and supporting lush, green vegetation.
The rainy season runs from May to October, with June to September being the wettest months. During this period, Palenque receives frequent, heavy downpours and thunderstorms, with monthly rainfall often exceeding 400 mm. Humidity peaks above 85%, and the risk of hurricanes is highest from August to October. Despite the rain, there are still sunny intervals, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. The dry season, from November to April, brings sunnier days, lower humidity, and much less rainfall – monthly totals drop below 60 mm, and showers are brief. Daylight varies only slightly, with 11 to 13 hours per day, and winds are generally light, averaging 5–7 km/h, but can be stronger during storms. The region’s climate supports year-round jungle exploration, but visitors should be prepared for intense heat and rain, especially in summer.
| Average climate data for Palenque, Mexico | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 27 | 29 | 32 | 36 | 35 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 36 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 16 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 16 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 81 | 51 | 49 | 69 | 93 | 215 | 92 | 142 | 174 | 175 | 105 | 79 | 1,324 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 16 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 207 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 84 | 78 | 71 | 64 | 65 | 81 | 78 | 80 | 85 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 78 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 55 | 40 | 34 | 27 | 32 | 49 | 37 | 42 | 52 | 56 | 53 | 48 | 44 |
| Average UV index | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The best time to visit Palenque is from November to April, during the dry season. These months offer the sunniest weather, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall – ideal for exploring the archaeological site, jungle trails, and waterfalls. Temperatures are warm but manageable, and outdoor activities are rarely disrupted by rain.
The least favourable time to visit Palenque is from June to September, when heavy rainfall, high humidity, and the risk of hurricanes can disrupt travel plans. While the jungle is at its greenest and crowds are fewer, frequent downpours and muddy trails can limit outdoor exploration and make some areas inaccessible.
Palenque has a tropical humid climate with high temperatures and humidity all year. There is a pronounced rainy season from May to October and a drier, sunnier period from November to April.
The best time to visit Palenque is during the dry season, from November to April. These months offer sunny weather, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall—ideal for exploring ruins and outdoor activities.
Palenque is hot year-round, with average highs of 27°C in January and up to 36°C in April and May. April and May are the hottest months, with occasional peaks above 37°C and intense sun.
Yes, Palenque receives abundant rainfall, especially from June to September, when monthly totals can exceed 400 mm. The dry season is much less rainy, with brief showers and more sunshine.
Palenque is at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes from August to October. While direct hits are rare, heavy rain and strong winds can occur, so monitor forecasts during this period.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, a hat, and insect repellent. For the rainy season, bring rain gear and quick-drying clothes. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early mornings.
Yes, mosquitoes are common, especially during the rainy season. Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers when hiking in the jungle to avoid bites.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is April (35.5 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (26.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 31 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is May (22.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (16.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 19.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (214.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is March (48.7 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,323.6 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is September (23.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is March (11.9 days). Over the whole year there are 207 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is November (84.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is April (63.7 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 78.3 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (6.7 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is September (4.9 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 5.8 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is October (55.8 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is April (27.2 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 43.9 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are June and July (Average daylight: 13 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are January and December (Average daylight: 11 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 10.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 7.9 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are March, April, June and July (UV index: 7). The month with the lowest average UV index is January (UV index: 5). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.2.
