Best time to visit Cancun
The best time to visit Cancun, Mexico, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, Cancun has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you plan your visit:
- Dry Season (Late November to April):
- Weather: This is considered the peak tourist season with dry and sunny weather. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C). Humidity is lower during these months.
- Activities: The dry season is ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring archaeological sites without the interruption of heavy rainfall.
- Crowds: Cancun is popular during the dry season, and you can expect higher hotel rates and more significant crowds.
- Spring Break (Late February to Early April):
- Note: Late February to early April is considered the Spring Break period in Cancun. During this time, the destination attracts college students, and the atmosphere can be lively and crowded.
- Shoulder Seasons (May to June and September to early November):
- Weather: May and June represent the start of the wet season, but these months can still have pleasant weather. September and early November are part of the hurricane season, so there is an increased risk of rain and storms.
- Activities: These months can be a good time to visit for budget travelers as prices may be lower. However, be aware of the potential for rain and plan activities accordingly.
- Crowds: While not as crowded as the dry season, there may still be tourists, especially in September during hurricane season.
- Hurricane Season (June to November):
- Note: The official hurricane season in Cancun runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of hurricanes or tropical storms occurring between August and October. While hurricanes rarely make direct hits, there can be increased rainfall and storm activity during this period.
- Fall (Late November to December):
- Weather: Late November to December marks the end of the hurricane season and the beginning of the dry season. The weather is generally pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures.
- Activities: This period is a good time to visit for those looking for a balance between favorable weather and potentially lower crowds.
- Crowds: While not as crowded as the peak tourist season, late November and December can still attract visitors, especially during the holiday season.
The best time to visit Cancun, Mexico depends on what you want to do:
- WeatherVisit from December to April for warm, sunny weather with minimal rain. This is the peak season, so you can expect higher prices, crowds, and limited accommodations.
- WildlifeVisit in May to see nesting sea turtles and whale sharks. You can book a snorkeling or diving excursion to spot these creatures in their natural habitats.
- Fewer crowdsVisit in the summer or fall for fewer crowds and better hotel rates. However, the summer months are hot and rainy, so you should bring waterproofs.
- PartyVisit during the peak season for a lively party scene in the Zona Hotelera. This is especially true during New Year’s Eve, spring break, and Semana Santa.
- Explore cultureVisit in spring or fall to explore cultural sites like Tulum or Chichen Itza.
- Avoid hurricanesVisit in the winter to avoid Mexico’s hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Cancun is a great destination all year long, and every time of year has its own unique charm.
The best time to visit Cancun varies: Winter (Dec-Feb) is mild but crowded. Spring (Mar-May) offers moderate weather and wildlife. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot with rain but fewer crowds. Fall (Sep-Nov) has discounts but occasional hurricanes; Nov is mild and less crowded.
What are the best and worst months to visit Cancun?
Best and Worst Months to Visit Cancun
Cancun is a popular travel destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst months to visit:
Best Months to Visit
- December to April:
- Weather: Mild and pleasant temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Low humidity and little rain make this period ideal for outdoor activities.
- Crowds: Peak tourist season, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break (March-April). Expect lively atmospheres and numerous events.
- Activities: Great time for beach activities, water sports, and exploring nearby attractions like Tulum and Chichen Itza.
- Pros: Ideal weather, plenty of events and activities.
- Cons: Higher prices for flights and accommodations due to demand.
- May:
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with temperatures starting to rise but still comfortable. Rain begins to increase but is often limited to short afternoon showers.
- Crowds: Fewer tourists compared to the peak season, making it easier to find good deals.
- Activities: Great for enjoying beaches and outdoor activities without the heavy crowds.
- Pros: Good balance of weather and price.
- Cons: Slightly higher chances of rain.
Worst Months to Visit
- June to October:
- Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). This period marks the rainy season, with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
- Hurricane Season: September is particularly risky for hurricanes, so visitors should be cautious.
- Crowds: Fewer tourists compared to peak season, which can lead to better deals on accommodations and flights.
- Activities: While still enjoyable, the heat and rain can limit outdoor activities, and some attractions may close for maintenance.
- Pros: Lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Cons: Unpredictable weather, potential hurricanes.
- November:
- Weather: Transitioning from rainy season, temperatures are still warm but can be variable. It’s generally a good month but can still see some lingering rain.
- Crowds: Moderate crowd levels as it’s not quite peak season yet.
- Activities: Some events start ramping up as the holiday season approaches, but overall, it’s a quieter time.
- Pros: Fewer crowds than peak season.
- Cons: Uncertain weather conditions as the rainy season winds down.
Conclusion
- Best Time to Visit: December to April offers the best weather and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
- Budget Travelers: May is a good option for a balance of pleasant weather and lower prices.
- Caution: Avoid June to October if you want to steer clear of high humidity and hurricane risks, with September being particularly challenging.
Regardless of when you visit, Cancun has plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches to rich cultural experiences!
Best time to visit Cancun
Consider your priorities, such as weather, budget, and preferred activities, when planning your visit to Cancun. Always check for current travel advisories and weather updates, especially during the hurricane season.
We tell you what is the best season to travel to Cancun and why, as well as when you can avoid hurricanes and rain. Although the Cancun tourism authorities indicate that any season of the year is good, the reality is that the best time to visit Cancún is from December to April during the peak season. Even though the crowds are heavier, you’ll experience near-perfect weather and find some of the cheapest flight and room rates for a winter getaway at the beach.
As of June 1, the hurricane season begins in Cancun. The warming of the water as the boreal summer progresses (the one that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere) causes the dreaded hurricanes to be generated in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean area.
Best time to visit Cancun
Although the Cancun tourism authorities indicate that any season of the year is good, the reality is that the best time to travel to Cancun is between December to May.
As of June 1, the hurricane season begins in Cancun. The warming of the water as the boreal summer progresses (the one that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere) causes the dreaded hurricanes to be generated in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean area.
In the last twenty years, only two hurricanes have hit the coast of Cancun, causing some damage. But even so, the best time to travel to Cancun is from the boreal winter (mid-December) to the end of the boreal spring (the month of May).
When it comes to traveling and choosing dates to search for flights to destinations, many questions come to mind. When is it cheaper? What will the weather be like in such a month? When does the high season start and end?
What is the best time to travel to Cancun?
They are all factors to take into account when organizing a trip. Many readers have asked us, What is the best time to travel to Cancun? In this post, we want to share information with you and resolve these doubts about this Mexican destination.
Statistical data is not misleading. From June to November, monthly rains reach an average of 120 mm per month. It is not a lot of rain, but when compared to the 55 mm average in the months that go from December to May, the chances of finding a shower on your vacation in Cancun are higher between June and November.
During the boreal winter (the best season to travel to Cancun), the temperature is not a problem because the average is 23 or 24 degrees Celsius (between 73 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit). Highs exceed 30 degrees Celsius on some days, and lows do not drop below 17 degrees Celsius.
Best time to visit Cancun
It would help if you considered that Cancun is a beach destination, making the sea a temperature regulator, creating a range from 17 to 30 degrees Celsius, which guarantees good weather during the winter of the Northern Hemisphere.
Cancun has spectacular beaches, and very close you have great archaeological ruins of the Mayan civilization. It offers many recreational activities for tourism thanks to its great hotel offer, variety of restaurants, and of course its mega nightclubs.
Best time to visit Puerto Rico
It has become a vacation paradise for many people … but surely you already know all this and if you are planning to visit Cancun what you are interested in knowing now is the best time to travel to Cancun. Well, in this article we are going to tell you about it.
Content summary
- 1 The best time to visit Cancun
- 1.1 From December to March is the best time to travel to Cancun
- 1.2 From May to November, the hurricane season begins
- 1.3 End of November and the month of April: Medium season
- 1.4 Advice for traveling to Cancun
- 1.5 When to buy cheap flights to Cancun
The best time to visit Cancun
Cancun, as you know, belongs to Mexico and is located in the state of Quintana Roo (one of the best known to tourists). The geographical location on the coast of the Caribbean Sea with more than 30 km of fine, white sand beach and warm and crystalline waters have made it the greatest tourist attraction in Mexico above its capital.
From December to March, is the best time to travel to Cancun.
The climate in these months of the year is spectacular, with warm temperatures but very little humidity, which allows you to enjoy phenomenal weather conditions. The water temperature is very warm, which encourages beach tourism.
Many tourists come from countries where winter is very cold to take a break and enjoy this magnificent area of the Mexican Caribbean. It is the main reason these months are considered high season and hotel occupancy are increased and the prices of hotels and flights. It is the most expensive time, but without a doubt, it is the best time to go to Cancun, and it is worth enjoying this wonderful area.
Best time to visit Cancun
With warm waters and temperatures that rarely drop below 20 degrees, Cancun could be a city with active tourism all year round. However, the time you decide to travel to Cancun will depend a lot on your priorities. Are you looking for the best weather or the best prices? Let’s go in parts, and we share some factors to take into account …
When do I find better prices?
If you are looking for the best prices to fly to Cancun, the cheapest time of year to travel is from May to November (low season), particularly September and October, since they are the two rainiest months.
From May to November, the hurricane season begins.
The worst season is from May to November, it is the rainy season, and the Caribbean coasts of Mexico are frequently hit by Hurricanes that can ruin a vacation. Although the hurricane season officially begins in May, most of them usually occur in September and October.
However, during the entire period, if there are no hurricanes, the rains are usually stormy. They do not usually last more than a few hours, so almost certainly, if you are surprised by a storm in a few hours, the sun will be shining again.
This season is considered a low season and offers very good prices and opportunities; if you are lucky, you can enjoy not all bad weather, but the probability that you have bad weather is medium-high.
We also have to talk about the environmental temperature that suffocates with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and a greater thermal sensation due to high humidity.
End of November and the month of April: Midseason
It is a good time at the end of November because the hurricane season has just finished, and the temperatures drop a bit in April and the beginning of May. Before the hurricane and rain seasons begin, you can enjoy a warm climate, very pleasant and dry weather without rain, as well as less tourist overcrowding.
Advice for traveling to Cancun
Our super traveler tip is that if you like photography, you can take advantage of the end of November and the beginning of December before the high season arrives. You can take beautiful photos of very green nature after the rainy season by visiting Mayan ruins surrounded by the jungle.
We also recommend some activities that you cannot miss on your visit to Cancun. Here are our top 3 essential activities:
When to buy cheap flights to Cancun
You can find flights to Cancun in the low tourist season from January to May, at this time you can find very good prices. You can check the lowest price using the best flight comparator right here.
Take into account that the prices of hotels and air tickets are lower throughout the year in the middle of the week. If you have time availability, you can pay less if you travel, for example, from Monday to Thursday compared to staying on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Best time to travel to Cancun When is high season?
The high season in Cancun runs from the end of November to the first week of March. Prices are highest from mid-December to mid-January. Many Europeans travel to escape winter, and due to high demand, this is when flights and hotels are most expensive. Remember that Carnival and Easter are two very busy times of the year in Cancun because Mexicans take advantage of these days off to relax on the beach.
When is the best weather in Cancun?
If you are looking for good weather, the months between December and April are the best, since the average temperature is 29 ° C and the rains are infrequent.
When is it not advisable to go because of bad weather?
The chances of hurricanes increase in September and October, so there are two months in which it is not recommended to visit Cancun.
And then … What is the best time to travel to Cancun?
In short, the best time to travel to Cancun is during the intermediate season, in early December and in April. These are months of excellent weather, almost no rain, good prices, and without the high demand of the high season—the perfect combo.
With white sand beaches, natural wonders, archaeological sites, and endless things to do throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit Cancun, Mexico. However, depending on your interests, we will help you select the best time to travel to Cancun.
Between May and August, if you are looking for delicious warmth.
Known for its tropical climate, Cancun offers a great escape from the cold. If you’re looking for a hot getaway, book your flight between May and August, when temperatures reach as high as 33 degrees Celsius (92 ° F). Perfect for taking a dip at the beach!
The warm water temperatures make this season ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the ocean; This is also when whale sharks visit the Caribbean!
From October to May to avoid sargassum.
From April to September, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea change their hue due to the presence of sargassum. If you want to immerse yourself in beaches free of this algae, the best season is October to May.
Fun fact: some resorts like Seadust Cancun have gone to great lengths to prevent algae from reaching shore by implementing a barrier that favors marine life. It is still a prototype, but perhaps soon, you will not have to worry about this factor when deciding the best time to travel to Cancun.
Between February and May, when there is less rain.
The best time to travel to Cancun and avoid rainy days is between February and May. Did you know that April and May are generally the months with the least rainfall in Cancun?
Also, one of the best things about the weather in Cancun is that it could rain in a moment, and in the blink of an eye, the sun can shine again. Therefore, regardless of the season in which you travel, you will surely have the opportunity to sunbathe in the sun of the Mexican Caribbean. September, October, and November to save
For those traveling on a limited budget, September, October, and November are excellent options to go to Cancun since you can save when purchasing your air tickets, hotel rooms, and even tours.
If you want to stay in the most luxurious suites with the best views, this is the best season to do so because upgrades are often very attractively discounted.
From December to May, when there are no hurricanes.
Cancun is in a hurricane zone. Although it doesn’t happen very often, three cyclones hit Cancun last year, leaving thousands of travelers without the vacation of their dreams. That is why we recommend you check the weather conditions before traveling.
The season from December to May is also when the tide is lowest and calm, so you can swim in the blue waters of Cancun with confidence that the waves will be calm. Divers also get the most visibility during these months.
Expert Tip: If you’re in Cancun for the vernal equinox on March 20 or 21, head to Chichén Itzá to see the famous light and shadow show. You will feel revitalized!
More tips for choosing the best time to travel to Cancun
Those who are not fans of extreme temperatures will feel most comfortable during the winter months, where temperatures ranging from 22 ° C to 28 ° C can be expected.
Book your stay at Seadust Cancun Family Resort and assure you and your loved ones of an unforgettable vacation regardless of the season you choose to travel to Cancun. Take advantage of “Seadust Week,” when we have the best rates of the month!
How is the weather in Cancun?
According to the National Meteorological Service of Mexico, the ideal climate to travel to Cancun begins in what is known as boreal winter, in mid-December, until the end of boreal spring in May (high season). During this period, the temperature is 29 degrees. However, depending on your plans and priorities, you can go any month of the year unless there is a hurricane watch.
Therefore, when deciding to take this adventure through the Caribbean Sea, we must check the meteorological data and find out if there is an alarm. In the last twenty years, only two hurricanes have hit the coast of Cancun. The rainy season begins in June and ends in November (low season).
The Government of Mexico keeps everything related to its meteorology updated through its website.
Regional and foreign tourists
Cancun is a versatile area. Easter and Carnival are busy seasons; visitors are not only foreigners but also Mexicans in search of sun and sea.
Beaches for all tastes
In Cancun, the coastline is turquoise blue and white sand. Ballenas, Tortugas, Las Perlas, Delfines, and Norte are some beaches that will leave you with a big smile when you visit them. Of course, if this is your plan, avoid going in the rainy season.
The beaches have excellent services and amenities for their visitors, which fit all tastes and budgets. There won’t be a place where you don’t want to take a photo and keep every memory.
Playa del Carmen is also popular among travelers, but this one is located in the Riviera Maya, located at a distance of 80 km from Cancun. There is an excellent hotels offered in both places, but Cancun takes the prize as the main tourist destination.
From diving to visiting the turtle sanctuary
And from Cancun you can take a ferry to go to Isla Mujeres, there is 13 km of the sea that you will enjoy aboard a safe boat, which will take you to this place full of entertainment. You can snorkel, dive, see the coral reefs, go to the Mayan temple and even visit a turtle sanctuary.
Go kayaking in Punta Nizuc.
Another famous site in Cancun is Punta Nizuc, where water sports are a great attraction whenever the weather allows it. Its sea promises us to see beautiful corals, which are part of the reefs of the Yucatan coast. This area is a protected natural area. You can also see turtles and manatees, go kayaking and visit the archaeological site of San Miguelito, the aquarium, and the crocodile farm.
Tulum from Cancun
In Quintana Roo, various hotels meet your travel needs. If you want to rest, work in peaceful spaces or go on an adventure, traveling to Cancun never disappoints because it has it all.
At a distance of 130 km from Cancun is the architectural city of Tulum, and there the menu of activities is extensive. From staying admiring the endless beaches to touring the Mayan ruins or discovering the underwater cave system in that area. If it rains, you will also get indoor activities.
gastronomy on the rise
Cancun is synonymous with exquisite seafood and traditional Mexican food. Its gastronomy is enormous; You will get Asian, Chilean, Peruvian, Arab, and Italian food.
The dishes are colorful and fresh. There will be no shortage of tamales, empanadas, tacos, carnitas, cochinita with tortilla, ceviche, and toxic fish, prepared whole and baked with rice, onion, beans, and tomato.
Also, in hotels and restaurants, you will find shrimp broth and fish consommé, which lift your spirits after a night of drinks and beer.
Cancun nightlife
If it is about places to dance or drink while listening to good music, you will find picturesque nightlife in Cancun. The hotels offer their entertainment, but there are also establishments to have a good time until dawn.
Boulevard Kukulcán is very popular; you will find restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and the entire hotel zone.
With money or without money, you can have fun.
Although we must plan how much to spend or, on the contrary, carry a loose budget, you must know that in Cancun, there are also things that you can do for free and that are available to all visitors.
For example, access to beaches, beach sports, plazas, and shopping centers. Or visit the Nichupé lagoon, the Mayan Museum, and the Ruins of San Miguel and enjoy outdoor shows prepared in this area that breathes and lives for tourism.
Renting a car is usually the most independent way to get to know Cancun, and it is cheaper than using the taxi service. There is also comfortable and safe public transport.
Plan your adventure in advance
To visit some places, you must buy tickets, and most of these sites have the option of making the purchase online. You can coordinate this according to the date you will travel to Cancun.
Cancun is one of those places where you will always want to return, leaving you wanting to organize your next vacation. Remember the tips about the weather and choose the best time according to your needs and tastes.
If, in addition to wanting to know what is the best season to travel to Cancun, you want to continue exploring destinations and learn the best tips for tourism, follow the news on our blog!
Best time to visit Cancun