Yucatán has held its place among Mexico’s top ten hottest states but has seen a steady decline in its rank over the years. Once ranked second in 2023, the state dropped to third in 2024 and currently sits at fourth place in 2025, according to data on average maximum temperatures from Mexico’s National Water Commission (Conagua).
Heat Records Across the Peninsula
In 2023, Yucatán ended the year with an average maximum temperature of 34.1°C, just shy of Campeche’s 34.2°C, which secured the top spot. June was the hottest month for both states, recording highs of 37.3°C in Yucatán and 37.8°C in Campeche. Meanwhile, Quintana Roo, another state in the Yucatán Peninsula, placed seventh with an average of 32.6°C, peaking at 34.7°C in August.
By 2024, rising temperatures marked a historic year nationwide, with 15 of Mexico’s 32 states experiencing increased average temperatures. However, the Yucatán Peninsula diverged from this trend, as all three of its states saw slight decreases. Yucatán’s average dipped to 33.8°C, while Campeche and Quintana Roo recorded 34°C and 32.4°C, respectively. Sinaloa claimed the top position in 2024, with an average temperature of 34.4°C.
A Year of Extremes and Records
The year 2024 brought numerous milestones for Yucatán:
1. Hellish Heat: All 18 localities monitored by Conagua reported “hellish months,” with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher. Notable records were set in Mérida, which saw highs of 44.2°C in May, and extreme heat persisted for 11 weeks.
2. Agricultural Losses: Drought affected 67% of Yucatán’s municipalities, while forest fires ravaged over 20,000 hectares—nearly 26 times the area burned in 2023.
3. Heat-Related Fatalities: For the second year in a row, heat-related deaths reached record levels, with 18 fatalities in 2024 compared to six in 2023. Cases of heatstroke and dehydration more than doubled, affecting 245 individuals.
A Cooling Trend in 2025?
This year appears to have brought some relief. As of February 28, 2025, Conagua reported no drought conditions in any of Yucatán’s municipalities. Additionally, the onset of extreme heat arrived 11 days later compared to 2024. Only two days of temperatures above 40°C have been recorded so far, and forest fires have been minimal, with just 13 hectares burned.
Yet, temperatures are once again climbing as the Extreme Heat Season begins. Conagua predicts Yucatán will rank as the fourth hottest state in Mexico for March 2025, with an average maximum of 32.9°C—slightly below its historical high of 33.2°C for the month.
A Persistent Challenge
As Yucatán residents brace for the hot months ahead, the state continues to navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures, from droughts and wildfires to health risks. Even as cooler trends provide momentary relief, the broader impact of extreme heat underscores the need for resilience and preparation.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
