Geography

• Progreso, Mexico, with a population of 50,000, is situated on the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, a half-hour drive north of Merida, the state of Yucatan's largest-populated city. Progreso serves as a port for cruise ships with a 4-mile-long pier from which ship passengers disembark and are taken to the shore.
  
  

Climate

• The weather in the region stays warm all year long, with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. April through August sees the hottest months of year, with temperatures in the 90s. There are two rainy seasons in the Yucatan Peninsula, one in October through January and another in April through July, during which it can rain nearly every day and there are chances of hurricanes.
  
  

Best Time to Visit

• The busiest part of the year in Progreso is summertime, in particular July and August, when tourists fill up the city as well as its beaches. According to TravelYucatan.com, a good time to visit the region is in September when the hot summer weather has passed but the rainy season of October through January has not yet begun, children are in school and the busy tourist season has waned.
  
  

Beaches

• Progreso's beaches are a popular spot for tourists as well as residents due to its clean, emerald-green water with very little undertow. On the weekends, beach-goers can see sailboats taking advantage of Progreso's good sailing winds, which average in the range of 12 to 15 knots. Restaurants line the "malecón," the promenade along the water, and patrons can be served at tables right on the sand while enjoying the proximity to the water. Various water sports activities can be enjoyed at Progreso's beaches.
  
  

Things to Do

• In addition to enjoying Progreso's beaches, there are many attractions for visitors. Progreso is especially known for its Mayan archaeological sites as well as the nearby charming colonial city of Merida, the state capital of Yucatan. Tourists can visit the famous Chichen Itza site, as well as the lesser-known but rich sites of Uxmal, X'cambo and Dzibilchltun. Now known as "The White City," for its white architecture, Merida was first established in 1542 around the Plaza Grande and retains its historical charm in its churches, cathedrals and buildings in the downtown historic center. Visitors can enjoy tours of the city's historical sites, the City Museum, the Yucatan Museum of Archaeology and the delicious Yucatan cuisine.