Mexicali Weather in May

May heat in the city

May feels like the start of Mexicali's long, dry heat. Afternoons can be punishing, even though mornings and evenings are cooler. With little cloud and long daylight, you'll have plenty of sun, but sightseeing is more comfortable around dawn or after sunset.

Save outdoor time for a stroll through La Chinesca, the city's historic Chinese quarter, when the sun is lower. The Sol del Niño science museum gives you an indoor option during the hottest part of the day. May is a poor month for long walks in exposed areas; the desert scenery is better enjoyed from a car.

Holidays and crowds

May Day and Mother's Day are observed in Mexico, and Cinco de Mayo is marked in some places. It's not Mexico's main national holiday, though, and you shouldn't expect a large city-wide celebration in Mexicali.

If you hate crowds, May is generally calmer than the cooler months from November to March. The heat puts many leisure visitors off, so you may find sights less busy than in winter. It's also outside the most comfortable season, but don't count on every hotel or restaurant being cheaper; local demand and business travel can affect prices.

Make the heat work for you

May's dry weather suits short city visits, indoor museums and dinners of Mexicali's famous Chinese food. The high reaches 36°C, warmer than April and well below June's 42°C, so this is a transition month rather than peak summer. Skip strenuous outdoor plans in the afternoon, especially if you're travelling with young children.

Travelling with kids? Try Sol del Niño during the hottest hours, then head out for dinner when the day cools. One local tip: visit La Chinesca for its Chinese-Mexican food, a distinctive part of Mexicali's history, rather than treating the city as just a stop on the highway.