Home › Destinations › Bacalar
Weather in Bacalar
Seven-colour lagoon of liquid turquoise
—
Loading live weather...
About Bacalar
Bacalar's Laguna displays seven shades of blue and turquoise in shallow waters, stretching 42 kilometers through jungle-fringed shores. The town remains refreshingly undeveloped. Cenotes and natural springs dot the area.
Best months to visit
January, February, March
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Bacalar
Kayak the seven-colored lagoon spotting wildlife
Snorkel cenotes and underground rivers
Swim in natural springs
Paddleboard the calm lagoon waters
Explore the small Fuerte de San Felipe fortress town museum
Hike trails through jungle and wetland
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
February
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
April
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
June
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
November
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Bacalar is built around the Laguna de los Siete Colores, a freshwater lagoon whose shifting bands of turquoise and blue come from varying depths and a white limestone bed. Far quieter than the Riviera Maya towns to the north, it's known for swimming, kayaking and sailing across the lagoon, as well as the Maya ruins and cenotes scattered around its shores.
Best areas to stay in Bacalar
Centro
The small town centre around the plaza and fort, with restaurants, shops and the main pier.
Lagoon-front (Costera)
The road running along the lagoon shore, lined with guesthouses and hotels with private docks.
Cenote Azul area
A short distance south of town, home to one of the region's deepest cenotes and a few restaurants.
Canal de los Piratas
A narrow lagoon channel popular for floating and swimming, reachable by boat or kayak from the town.
Getting to Bacalar
✈
Flights
Chetumal airport, about 40 minutes away, has limited domestic connections; most visitors arrive by road from Tulum (about 2-2.5 hours) or Cancún (about 4 hours).
⏱
From London
~10-11 hours direct from London to Cancún, plus a road journey of around 4 hours.
🚕
Getting around
Bikes, golf carts and the town's walkable centre cover most needs; boat tours are the best way to see the lagoon's colours up close.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Bacalar?
November to April has the most reliable dry weather and clearest water; the lagoon's colours are most vivid under strong midday sun.
What is the Laguna de los Siete Colores?
A 42km-long freshwater lagoon named for its seven shades of blue and turquoise, created by varying water depths over a white limestone floor — best appreciated by boat or from a lagoon-front dock.
Is Bacalar good for swimming?
Yes — many guesthouses have docks directly on the lagoon, and the Canal de los Piratas, a narrow channel with a gentle current, is popular for floating along on inflatables.
How does Bacalar compare to Tulum?
Bacalar is considerably quieter and less developed, with a freshwater lagoon rather than ocean beaches, and a slower, more low-key pace overall.
Is Bacalar easy to get around without a car?
The small town centre is walkable, and bikes or golf carts are popular for reaching lagoon-front spots and the Cenote Azul a short ride south of town.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The colours of the lagoon really do look photoshopped in person — we spent two days just swimming off our hotel's dock and kayaking at sunrise.
Wendy A. · April 2024
★★★★★
Such a contrast to the busier coast — quiet streets, hammocks over the water, and a boat tour that stopped at a cenote in the middle of the lagoon.
Theo B. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Rented bikes to get around and floated down the Canal de los Piratas in the afternoon — simple but one of the most relaxing days of our trip.
Carla N. · November 2023
Ready to visit Bacalar?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
