Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
The capital city of Morelia has the nickname “the most Spanish city in Mexico.”
Due to its stunning colonial architecture, lovely plazas, gardens, and atriums, this picturesque place is very worth spending at least a few days and exploring it fully.
An interesting thing to notice is that the majority of tourists who have been visiting Morelia were actually Mexicans, while nowadays, more and more foreigners have discovered this amazing place and are setting off to Morelia.
We have to say that this historic city is one of Mexico’s 34 Unesco World Heritage Sites and is definitely worth visiting.
Warnings & Dangers in Morelia
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
If we take a look at the safety score of Morelia, it can be concluded that there is a need of being watchful and worry about your safety, as many different kinds of incidents might happen.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
If you decide to use public transport in Morelia, you have to be particularly alert on busses, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, especially when there the buses are crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Tourists in Morelia have to be aware of the fact that distracted and disoriented people are the possible victims of pickpockets and they need to stay watchful at all times.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
When natural disasters are in question, Mexico is prone to both earthquakes and tremors, as well as hurricanes on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Violent crime happens among gang members who are killed because different organizations compete for control of trafficking routes. Tourists should be vigilant and stay away from dangerous areas of the city.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Generally, there is no threat of possible terrorist attacks in Mexico, being that there were no instances in recent history.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
There is always a possibility of being scammed, particularly if you are not attentive enough. Drinking too much alcohol might cause you to be less watchful, and thus becoming a victim of a crime.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women who have decided to travel on their own should be particularly alert when traveling on public transport, being that several serious sexual offenses have been reported to have occurred in tourist areas.
So... How Safe Is Morelia Really?
Being that tourists have heard that crime and violence are serious problems in Mexico and the security situation can pose a risk for foreigners they are always wondering whether it is worth risking their lives and coming to Mexico.
There have been instances when passengers have been robbed and assaulted by unlicensed taxi drivers, so our suggestion is to avoid taking a taxi, and if you have to, to use only those with the sign on the roof.
Also, check whether the meter is reset or make a deal about the price of the ride in advance.
Younger people like going to night clubs and bars, but they have to be aware that these places are full of scammers who would try to spike your food and drinks if they leave them unattended.
There were reports when travelers have been robbed or assaulted after being drugged through drinks in night clubs.
When petty crime is in question, pickpocketing is a serious problem in major cities and tourist resort areas.
Tourists should avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches and limit the amount of cash that they will carry with them.
How Does Morelia Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Morelia | 46 |
| Playa del Carmen | 69 |
| Cabo San Lucas | 68 |
| Acapulco | 63 |
| Cancun | 71 |
| Guadalajara | 62 |
| Mexico City | 45 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
Useful Information
Visas
Tourists are not required to have a visa when coming to Mexico, but they need to complete an immigration form either when they arrive or online in advance and have it with them when entering and leaving the country.
Currency
People coming to Mexico will have to use the official currency - Mexican Peso when they pay for things. Make sure you exchange your money in the licensed exchange bureaux.
Weather
When it comes to weather conditions in Morelia, it can be said that its climate is classified as warm and temperate. The highest temperatures are in May, at around 20.9 °C, while the lowest average temperatures are in January.
Airports
Tourists coming to Morelia by plane land on General Francisco Mujica International Airport, or simply Morelia International Airport. This is an international airport in Álvaro Obregón, a city near Morelia and it is named after the former governor of Michoacán, Francisco José Múgica.
Travel Insurance
People say "Better safe than sorry" and that is really true when it comes to travel insurance. You should be prepared to pay for medical treatment yourself if you do not have taken travel insurance and expenses can be quite high.
Morelia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Low °C | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| High °F | 72 | 75 | 79 | 82 | 79 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 72 |
| Low °F | 43 | 45 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 43 |
safe in Morelia
We started to travel to Morelia and neighboring Patzcuaro over ten years ago.
We are retired. We have never had a problem. We have found the local people to be friendly and helpful. Morelia has a population of about one million people and a lot of universities.
I agree you should not wear expensive items and best to stay in El Central which is the old beautiful part of the city.
Patzcuaro is a small town about one hour from Morelia and we stay there much of the time.
It is good but not necessary to be able to speak some Spanish. While we feel safe in both localities you have to understand the cartels are present and caution is wise.
Safety in Mexico
I have traveled throughout Mexico as a woman alone most of the time. I have only had one incident that was negative that is worth mentioning. I took the overnight bus from Oaxaca city to Mexico City, traveling with a friend I had met at the immersion school I attended in Oaxaca. the bus drivers stowed all our luggage down below and I did notice they left my bag for last for no known reason-at that time. Since it was an overnight bus most of us were soon asleep. I remember waking up very late in the drive and the drivers got off the bus, I had assumed at the time for a bathroom break. We all awoke when we were near our destination in Mexico City, refreshed and ready to see the sites. My friend and I went directly to the Hotel as to unburden ourselves of our luggage. When I opened my luggage I found all my jewelry, perfume and other things I had bought on the trim missing. I did file a report with the police because I knew the only people to have access were the bus drivers when they stopped during the night, they were the only ones that got off the bus. Predictably nothing ever came of filing the report and I doubted when I was doing it that anything would ever happen. I went through the motions for my peace of mind but knowing Id never see my things again. I have heard since that this is something that does happen frequently. My sister had the same thing happen to her at Athens Greece Airport with the Taxi Drivers however, they took two entire bags, not just things from the bags. So it doesn’t matter where you are in the world you should always know where and keep your luggage and valuables close.
As I said above I traveled extensively throughout Mexico and a lot of that time alone. I have never felt unsafe and have always had a good time and met nice and interesting people. I usually do not go to the dance spots and drink very little at lunch or dinner, I just feel its prudent to keep your wits about you when you’re a female traveling alone. I always walk with purpose and try to blend in as much as possible to not look like a tourist which can become a target for nefarious deeds.
Long story that could have been shortened but remember you can travel safely alone and have a great time. Just use good judgement and don’t put yourself in compromising situations.
Travel Well and Safely,
Vicky
I spent a few days in Morelia and felt very safe there – if you’re planning on sightseeing during the day and getting back to where you’re staying by shortly after supper (10 pm or so), it seems pretty safe with just the usual precautions against pickpockets and such. I can’t vouch for the nightlife.