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Weather in Palenque
Maya temples swallowed by jungle mystery
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About Palenque
Palenque's Mayan temples rise dramatically from the Chiapas jungle, with carved stone glyphs and architectural sophistication. The 7th-century civilization flourished here before abandonment. The jungle's constant sounds create atmosphere.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, December
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Palenque
Explore the Mayan temples and carved glyphs
Hike through jungle trails connecting ruins
Visit the museum displaying artifacts from the site
Listen to jungle sounds from howler monkeys and birds
Explore nearby Misol-Há waterfall and cenote
Camp or stay in nearby Palenque town for overnight immersion
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
31C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
April
34C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
34C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
June
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
July
33C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
August
33C
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
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
The Maya ruins at Palenque rise dramatically from the Chiapas jungle, with intricately carved temples and the tomb of Pakal the Great set against a backdrop of rainforest, waterfalls and the sound of howler monkeys. The nearby town serves as a base for exploring the ruins early before the heat and crowds arrive, as well as trips to the jungle waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.
Best areas to stay in Palenque
Palenque Town
The main town with hotels, restaurants and transport links, about 8km from the ruins.
El Panchán (Jungle Zone)
A cluster of jungle lodges and cabañas near the ruins entrance, popular with budget travellers.
Near the Ruins Entrance
A handful of hotels close to the archaeological site, convenient for early entry.
Agua Azul / Misol-Ha area
Waterfall sites about 1-1.5 hours away, often visited as a day trip with overnight stays nearby less common.
Getting to Palenque
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Flights
The nearest airports are Villahermosa (about 2.5 hours) and Tuxtla Gutiérrez (about 5 hours), both with domestic connections via Mexico City.
⏱
From London
~12-13 hours from London via Mexico City, plus a connecting flight and road transfer.
🚕
Getting around
Colectivos run between the town and the ruins; tours from Palenque or San Cristóbal cover Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Palenque?
The dry season (roughly November to April) makes hiking and visiting waterfalls easier, though the site is hot and humid year-round given its jungle setting.
How early should I arrive at the ruins?
Arriving at opening time (around 8am) avoids both the worst heat and the largest tour groups, and gives the best chance of hearing (or seeing) howler monkeys in the surrounding forest.
Are Agua Azul and Misol-Ha worth visiting?
Yes — Agua Azul's cascading turquoise pools and Misol-Ha's single dramatic waterfall (with a path behind the falls) are popular half-day trips from Palenque town.
Is the town of Palenque worth staying in?
The town itself is fairly low-key, but it's a convenient and affordable base — many visitors prefer staying near the jungle entrance closer to the ruins for a quieter atmosphere.
How much time do you need at the Palenque ruins?
Half a day covers the main temples and museum, though early arrivals often spend longer exploring the surrounding jungle trails and lesser-visited structures.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Arrived right at opening and had the main temples almost to ourselves with howler monkeys calling in the trees — unforgettable atmosphere.
Esteban C. · March 2024
★★★★★
The combination of ruins, jungle and waterfalls makes Palenque feel completely different from the Yucatán sites — Agua Azul's colour was incredible.
Julia M. · November 2023
★★★★☆
Very hot and humid, so bring water and go early. Staying in El Panchán right by the jungle was a great call for an early start.
Ramon T. · July 2023
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