Is Merida Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Merida, Mexico
Safety Index:
78
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
67
* Rated 67 / 100 based on 3 user reviews.

Merida is the capital of the Yucatán state in Mexico, and as such, serves as an important city of the country.

When it comes to its luxury, Merida is full of extremes: you’ll find premium hotels, resorts, and restaurants, yet downtown you’ll find stores and restaurants that suit every budget.

It’s a relatively peaceful city, more or less unscathed by the drug war.

This is possibly the case because of the rumors that the city is a safe zone for the families of the victims of drug cartels, a neutral spot of sorts.

The city also has a rich history with a very charming colonial center and wonderful well-preserved architecture.

Warnings & Dangers in Merida

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Merida is a very safe city: in fact, many say that it's the safest city in Mexico. Just in case, you should apply all possible precaution measures, to minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Even though public transport is an issue in Mexico, in general, Merida doesn't seem to have that problem. Still, be very careful as this is one of the primary places where pickpockets operate.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and bag snatching is a somewhat common issue in Merida, especially in public and crowded places like bus and train stations and airports. Keep your belongings by your side at all times and try to leave all your valuables in a security deposit box of your hotel.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Merida isn't prone to suffer from natural disasters like many other cities in Mexico. The biggest risk for tourists lurks at the beaches of the Pacific Ocean as there have been reports of swimmers drowning.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings are not typical for this area since this is a very peaceful city when it comes to violent crimes. Still, avoid poorly lit and abandoned areas.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Merida's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

You should be very vigilant, decline all drinks sent by strangers, double-check all information and negotiate everything in advance. Be wary of people trying to distract you as it may be a scheme to try and steal from you.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Many women have traveled safely to Merida, without having any problems, and it's the norm here. Still, avoid parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, and visiting them alone, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people.

So... How Safe Is Merida Really?

In general Merida is a safe city, however, certain places are a little bit dangerous.

But this happens in every city in the world.

Many say that Merida is one of the safest cities in the continent, so there are no seriously bad neighborhoods.

Having said all this, you may want to be careful in the south side of the city since there have been rumors about violent gangs living in small private housing areas.

Other than that rumor I have never seen even a fight in the city.

It doesn’t have bad neighborhoods: instead, some of the neighborhoods are inhabited by a more affluent society while others by the working class.

Just don’t get too relaxed – petty crime still exists there; don’t leave cameras, computers, bags, etc. sitting around.

Keep an eye on your things.

While safe and charming, it is the real world, too.

And while the city is safe as can be, tourists are still advised to stay in populated areas, avoid poor neighborhoods, and if they do visit them, not to go out at night.

And though they aren’t too common, you might encounter some beggars.

They are usually not a threat but avoid being surrounded by them because they might try to steal something.

How Does Merida Compare?

CitySafety Index
Merida78
Playa del Carmen69
Cabo San Lucas68
Acapulco63
Cancun71
Guadalajara62
Mexico City45
Sao Paulo (Brazil)45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)43
Sofia (Bulgaria)73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)61
Niagara Falls (Canada)87

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Legally entering Merida (and Mexico, in general) is fairly easy: all nationals receive a traveler's permit upon entering Mexico, and it costs 15 USD, while there are still some countries do need to acquire a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Mexican embassy for further details.

Currency

Currency

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Merida. ATMs are widespread throughout the country, and while credit cards are accepted in most top-end hotels, restaurants and stores, Mexico is considered largely a cash economy.

Weather

Weather

Merida has a tropical climate and is hot, pretty much, year-round, with moderate to high humidity. The average annual high temperature is 33 °C, and the winters are warm, muggy, and mostly clear.

Airports

Airports

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, formerly referred to as Mérida-Rejón Airport, is an international airport located in the city of Mérida. It is located on the southern edge of the city.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Merida, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Merida Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 24° C
Feb 24° C
Mar 26° C
Apr 28° C
May 29° C
Jun 28° C
Jul 28° C
Aug 28° C
Sep 28° C
Oct 26° C
Nov 25° C
Dec 24° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
303134353635353434323130
Low
°C
171718202121212121201917
High
°F
868893959795959393908886
Low
°F
636364687070707070686663

Mexico - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Acapulco63
Aguascalientes80
Cabo San Lucas68
Cancun71
Chichen Itza70
Chihuahua40
Cozumel85
Cuernavaca65
Culiacan55
Durango75
Ensenada90
Guadalajara62
Guanajuato53
Hermosillo90
Huatulco85
Isla Holbox85
Isla Mujeres80
Ixtapa68
Juarez32
Leon68
Los Cabos80
Manzanillo68
Matamoros40
Merida78
Mexicali42
Mexico City45
Monterrey55
Morelia46
Nogales50
Nuevo Laredo40
Oaxaca74
Piedras Negras67
Playa del Carmen69
Puebla80
Puerto Morelos85
Puerto Vallarta70
Queretaro City63
Reynosa35
Saltillo70
San Luis Potosi80
San Miguel de Allende75
Sayulita90
Tijuana41
Tulum80
Valladolid90
Veracruz70
Zacatecas70
Zapopan70
Zihuatanejo70

Where to Next?

3 Reviews on Merida

  1. T
    The doodoo man says:

    Poopoo the doodie

    Hotdog go to bathroom? Yes, hotdog go to bathroom. Make a poopoo AND make a wee wee.

    1. N
      None ya Business says:

      Doodoo nothing man

      Grow up!

Merida Rated 3.33 / 5 based on 3 user reviews.

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