With its warm climate and vibrant culture, Mérida offers plenty of opportunities to dress up or down. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic sites, dining at a local restaurant, or hitting the town for some nightlife, this guide will help you find What to Wear in Mérida.
Dress for the Heat and Humidity
In Mérida, it’s important to dress accordingly. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for staying cool and comfortable. Loose-fitting clothing is also a good choice for what to wear in Mérida. This allows air to circulate and helps to prevent overheating. Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Consider carrying a small umbrella or parasol for extra shade.
When it comes to footwear, sandals, or breathable sneakers are a must. Avoid closed-toe shoes or anything made of synthetic materials. Notably this type of footwear can trap heat, making your feet feel suffocated. Always bring a light sweater, jacket or wrap. I never leave home without a light linen or cotton pashmina even in the hottest part of the summer. The temperature differential between inside and outside can be very drastic and cause you to catch a summer cold (yuck). This is especially helpful if you come upon a church you’d like to visit. It is respectful to have your shoulders covered. However, many people visit churches in tank tops and/or bare shouldered. Call it my upbringing or worldly travel experience, I would never visit a church in Mérida with bare shoulders.
Keep it Casual for Daytime Exploring
Always bring a hat, fan, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, consider carrying a small backpack to hold essentials such as:
- water
- sunscreen
- map
- mosquito spray
- hand santizer or wipes
- other essentials for comfort
You’ll find a variety of dress during all times of the day and night. I like to dress super casual but cute during the day and choose cotton pants and cute tops or linen dresses. These is my go list to for what to wear in Mérida.
What to Wear in Mérida – Embrace the Local Style for Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife and what to wear in Mérida, it’s all about embracing the local style. Men can wear a guayabera, a traditional Mexican shirt with embroidered details, paired with dress pants or dark jeans. Women can opt for a flowy dress or a blouse with a colorful skirt. Don’t forget to add some flair with statement jewelry or a bold accessory. Just remember, the key to embracing the local style is to have fun and feel confident in what you’re wearing.
Men can’t go wrong with a classic guayabera, which is both stylish and practical in the warm climate. Pair it with dress pants or dark jeans and some comfortable shoes, and you’ll look like a local. Women can opt for a flowy dress or a blouse with a colorful skirt, adding some statement jewelry or a bold accessory to complete the look.
In the evening, I like to “dress” for dinner. No matter what I choose to wear in Mérida, I always bring a wrap. Because I like to sit outside, as the evening gets cooler, I wear the jacket to take the chill off. There is no dress code of what to wear in Mérida per se, rather people dress accordingly for the weather and their personality. For example, I would never go to a fancy restaurant dressed in shorts. I also like to accessorize but you’ll find the weather will do a number on your jewelry.
Don’t Forget Comfortable Shoes for Walking
Whether you’re exploring the city during the day or night, comfortable shoes are a must in Mérida. The city’s cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet, so opt for sneakers, sandals, or flats that provide support and cushioning. Plus, you’ll want to be able to walk around and explore all that Mérida has to offer without any discomfort. So, leave the high heels at home and prioritize comfort when choosing your footwear.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Mérida
As long as you are prepared for the hot, humid, tropical climate, you’ll do great in Mérida. People wear a variety of clothing as this is such a popular tourist destination. The most important thing to keep in mind is dress in what is most comfortable to you. Don’t let your clothing stop you from attending an event or going into a fancy restaurant. There are no dress codes here and pretty much anything goes, as long as you feel confident and secure.
