A broad view on the weather in San Cristobal

Understanding the Seasons in San Cristobal de las Casas

In the land of the Mayans (San Cristobal being one of those places), where they have lived for centuries and continue to thrive today, the wet and dry seasons embody a profound duality that resonates deeply with the ancient and modern Mayan worldview. For the Mayans, rain symbolizes life — a time when the earth awakens, rivers swell, and crops flourish, sustaining communities and nourishing the spirit. The wet season brings renewal and growth, reflecting the vibrancy and abundance of existence. Conversely, the dry season is not seen as a negative force, but rather as an essential counterpart to life, akin to death in its role within the cycle of existence. This mirrors other dualities, like day and night or the material and spiritual realms. Each season is interdependent, giving meaning and purpose to the other, reflecting the cyclical nature of life as understood by the Mayans — a dance of life and death, renewal and rest, all bound by the sacred rhythm of the universe. The wet (rainy) and dry seasons are fundamental elements to consider when discussing 'how is the weather like in San Cristobal'.

To understand the weather in San Cristobal de las Casas, or in the broader state of Chiapas, it’s essential to move beyond the rigid, four-season framework familiar to much of the Western world and other countries that, while not part of the Western world, follow a similar perspective. Here, the year is not neatly divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Instead, the climate is shaped by these intertwined cycles of wet and dry seasons, where the shifts between rain and dryness dictate the rhythm of life. This duality creates a unique and ever-changing experience of weather, one that requires a more fluid understanding — embracing both the nurturing rains and the restful dry periods as integral parts of the tropical experience in this vibrant region.

Ohhhh!!! Please forgive me! Before I keep going, if you’re only trying to see if it will rain on the day you’ve booked a tour, or if you’re trying to determine the "best time" to visit the city and view rain or temperatures as potential inconveniences, here are two links that might provide answers to these common questions:

10 day weather forecast -San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal temperature and rain monitor month by month

Now we can keep taking about the weather in San Cristobal...

The first way to understand the weather here is by dividing it into two simple categories: rain and no-rain seasons. This is quite straightforward, with roughly six months of rain followed by six months without rain. Figure 1 illustrates these two distinct seasons:

As you can see (green bars), the six months without significant rain are January, February, March, April, November, and December. Meanwhile, May, June, July, August, September, and October make up the rainy season. This doesn’t mean it will never rain in February or that the rain won’t stop in September, but it gives you an idea that half the year has a much higher chance of rain, while the other half has almost no rain at all. Additionally, the maximum and minimum temperatures are in red and blue, respectively.

It's easy to distinguish the rainy season from the dry season, but if we take a closer look, something interesting emerges: in the middle of the rainy season, during July and August, rainfall often decreases noticeably, contrary to what one might expect. This phenomenon, known as the 'canicular' season, holds special significance in Mayan culture.

The 'canicular' season, or 'canícula,' is a short dry spell that interrupts the regular pattern of the rainy season, typically lasting a few weeks. The term itself comes from the Latin 'canis', meaning 'dog', and refers to the hottest part of the year (or the driest in the rainy season), also known as the 'dog days of summer.' However, for the Mayans, the canicular period is more than just a meteorological occurrence; it represents a momentary pause, a balance within the natural cycle that underscores the duality of their worldview — a time when the life-giving rains temporarily relent, allowing the land to breathe and reset before the next wave of showers. This period is often viewed as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and seasons, reflecting the Mayan understanding that life, growth, and fertility are inherently tied to these rhythms.

Rainy season

During the rainy season, there is a high chance of rain almost every day. However, this doesn't mean it will rain continuously all day. Typically, the rain comes in bursts, lasting for a couple of hours before it stops, allowing you to go back outside and enjoy the streets again.

An example of a long rainy day will be, if you're on a day trip to a place like Sumidero Canyon (1 hour driving), you might encounter rain while you’re on the boat ride through the canyon. Later, as you make your way back to San Cristobal, you might drive through another spell of rain along the road. By the time you reach San Cristobal, there could be yet another round of rain waiting for you. This sequence of events might make it feel like it’s been raining non-stop for five or six hours, but in reality, the rain has just followed you along different points of your journey.

The nature of the rainy season is that these showers are usually scattered and can happen in different locations at different times, giving the impression of prolonged rain even though it isn't constant.

During these six months of the rainy season, there may be a few occasions when it rains continuously, day and night, for up to a week at a time. Such extended periods of heavy rain can feel overwhelming for both residents and visitors alike. These stretches of relentless rain can significantly impact your travel plans, making outdoor activities less enjoyable and potentially affecting transportation and accessibility. If you happen to visit during one of these rainy spells, it would be unfortunate timing. Unfortunately, there's little anyone can do to change the weather.

Dry season

I'll describe the dry season in two parts.

In San Cristobal, the dry season brings sunny days with cool, crisp air in the mornings and afternoons. Rain won't interrupt your plans, and the evenings are pleasantly comfortable for resting. The dry season is quite enjoyable if you plan to stay in San Cristobal itself, as the weather is generally mild and perfect for exploring the city.

However, it's important to remember that San Cristobal is located in the mountains of Chiapas (Los Altos de Chiapas), and the dry season can be quite different in other areas. If you plan to venture out on tours to nearby destinations like Sumidero Canyon, Chiflon Waterfalls, or the ruins of Palenque, be prepared for more extreme conditions. In these lower-lying areas, temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, combined with high humidity levels. This makes the dry season feel very different from one place to another, with each location presenting its own unique climate challenges.