High season in the Mundo Maya falls mid-December through May, often with sunny skies and green vegetation during the North American winter. However, November can be dry as a bone and sunny, while December, January, and even February can play host to wet “cold fronts” that sometimes sit around for days.

June, July, and August technically form the rainy season in the Mundo Maya. This could mean everything from a quick afternoon shower to days of rain. This green season is a beautiful, if humid, time to visit. Accommodations are often discounted significantly during this period. August is most popular with European travelers, while December and February are dominated by North Americans. Some businesses shut down completely during the months of September and October, the peak of hurricane season.

Important Events

The most well-known event in 2012 is, of course, December 21, but there will be events and ceremonies on each solstice and equinox date at different sites throughout the Mundo Maya. Plan your trip around one of these dates if you’re curious how they may be observed:

• Spring equinox: March 20
• Summer solstice: June 20
• Fall equinox: September 22
• Winter solstice: December 21

The winter solstice also happens to fall in the middle of the peak holiday season in most tourist areas. Accommodations near major Maya sites may be fully booked in advance—and rates may increase closer to the date.