Cancun is by far the top tourist destination on the Yucatan Peninsula. It has it all, including gorgeous blue waters, pristine white beaches, a rich cultural legacy, ancient Mayan ruins, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Given its attractions and travel safety record, you might be curious to know what’s the best time to visit this city.
In summary, here are the best times to visit cancun:
- Best time to visit Cancun: December – April
- Coldest Month: January
- Sunniest Month (Sun): March – April
- Peak Tourist Season: December – April
- Off Season: June – October
- Hurricane Season: August – October
Ready to go to Cancun? Great! These articles will help your movement in the city:
Are you planning a last minute trip to Cancun? We’ve put together all the resources you’ll need for a fun & safe travel:
🛌 Best & Safest Places to Stay in Cancun:
👉 Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres – 4 swimming pools, Beachfront, 9 restaurants,
👉 Riu Caribe – Spa and wellness centre, 3 swimming pools, Fitness centre
👉 Grand Park Royal Cancun – Fitness centre, Outdoor swimming pool, Free WiFi
👉 Moon Palace Nizuc – Airport shuttle, Outdoor swimming pool, Beachfront,
⛱️ Fun Activities & Tours in Cancun:
👉 Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
👉 Jungle Buggy Tour from Playa del Carmen Including Cenote Swim
👉 Mayan Jungle Tour: Speed boat, Snorkel & Snack
🚗 Best & Safest Cancun Transportation Services:
👉 Airport Pickup Service – Welcome Pickups
👉 Rent a Car – DiscoverCars
🙏 Stay Safe While Travelling:
👉 Safetywing (for medical insurance)
👉 VisitorsCoverage (for trip insurance)
Best Weather in Cancun: When to Jet Off for Sun-Kissed Adventures?
The winter and early to mid-spring months have the best weather in Cancun.
In winter (December to February), Cancun has an average temperature of 83.7°F (28.7°C), making it ideal for vacationers seeking a balmy respite from the chilly weather at home.
The ocean’s temperature in the winter (81°F/27°C) is slightly lower than during the summer (84°F/29°C), but it’s nevertheless ideal for sunbathing or taking a sailing tour.
Cancun’s coldest month is January, which, when you think about it, isn’t all that cold, given the lowest average temperature on average is 69.17°F (20.6°C). Just make sure to pack a light sweater to not get chilly on your outdoor adventures or at night.
In the spring (March to April), the temperatures are delightfully warm, hovering at 88.7°F (31.5°C). Springtime welcomes great beach weather, clear blue skies, and a less strong sun ideal for sunbathing.
The coldest temperatures in spring, on average, drop to 70.7°F (21.5°C), so you still wouldn’t necessarily need a jacket.
Aside from being sunny and pleasant, winter and springtime have two more advantages — little to no rain and no hurricanes. Yay!
The dry season in Cancun lasts from November to April. February has the least amount of rain, with only 1.8 inches (45.7 millimeters). The arrival of the dry season also signifies the end of the hurricane season, which runs parallel to the rainy season and peaks between August and October.
Fun Things to Do
Taking all of the gorgeous weather-related variables into account, winter and spring bring a wealth of experiences to Cancun.
You can explore the tropical jungles and get a glimpse of Cancun’s fascinating fauna , zipline, hike, or dive in a cenote without worrying about being soaked in a downpour.
Winter and early spring are also prime months for whale watching. From December to April, these gentle giants migrate from colder northern waters to the warm Caribbean, so you can get on a boat tour and come face to face with them.
And don’t forget the pyramids. Cancun is surrounded by some of Mexico’s most stunning pyramids, including Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. These archeological sites are huge, so the nice weather will definitely make the exploration more pleasant.
The nice weather also allows for magical tour boats in the nearby locations, for example, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. These islands offer magnificent beaches and snorkeling opportunities, and they’re among the safest and cheapest destinations to visit.
Best Prices & Low Crowds in Cancun: When to Catch a Good Deal?
The December to April period brings beautiful weather, but it’s also the high season, which results in crowds and higher prices. So, if you aren’t ready to deal with either, the best time for you to experience the city would be during the shoulder season and off-season.
The shoulder season in Cancun is in May, right after the Spring break partying, and in November, right before the Christmas festivities. This is the sweet spot for tourism in Cancun since the city isn’t overly crowded, and the prices aren’t too high yet.
The weather during the shoulder season is hot. In May, the temperature revolves around 90.9°F (32.7°C), while in November, the average is 85.3°F (29.6°C). The nicest part about the shoulder season is that both months are transitional between the dry and wet seasons, so even if the humidity climbs slightly, you’ll still enjoy plenty of sunshine hours.
The off-season runs from June to October — and this is the season when Cancun is at its quietest and cheapest. The reason why Cancun gets so affordable and low on tourists is due to the frequent rain and the possibility of hurricanes.
Cancun is extremely hot and humid in the off-season. Average highs can reach 92.5°F (33.6°C), with August being the hottest month. The rainiest months are September and October, with an average of 8.8 inches (224.6 millimeters) of precipitation. Furthermore, hurricanes are at their peak during these three months.
Fun Things to Do
Even though the shoulder season and off-season are infamous for being hot, humid, and stormy, we can assure you that they are just as gorgeous as the other months in Cancun.
Rainy days provide welcome relief from the blazing sun — perfect for exploring the city’s indoor attractions. You can, for example, go to museums, the most famous of which is the Museo Maya de Cancun, or go shopping at some of Cancun’s most beautiful plazas, such as La Isla Shopping Village, Kukulcan, or Plaza Las Américas.
Remember that what seems like a rainy day can simply be a passing shower. The rainy season just implies that there is a greater chance of rain — not that it rains continuously. There will still be plenty of sunny days to relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, take a boat excursion, or explore the old ruins.
While winter and spring are prime times for whale watching, from mid-May to mid-September, you’ll get the benefit of swimming with one of the most beautiful shark species in Mexico — the whale sharks.
There’s more. Cancun’s sea turtle season spans from May to October. This is the period when sea turtles breed and go to the shores to lay their eggs. The hatching season usually happens from August to October, and it’s truly a sight to see. However, be prepared to head out at night, as that’s the time the turtles deem the safest and are at their most active!
The likelihood of a hurricane affecting your vacation is small, as Cancun has only been hit by two significant hurricanes in the last 30 years: Gilbert on September 15, 1988, and Wilma on October 21, 2005.
Meteorologists today have access to cutting-edge technology that allows them to warn both visitors and residents well in advance of any storm activity. Plus, you can monitor the storm activity by yourself on the National Hurricane Center website — and don’t forget to follow the regulations issued by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico.
The peak hurricane season (August to October) doesn’t stop Cancun from having fun. In fact, the fall months have some of the best festivals tourists can go to, including Independence Day, Day of the Dead, Festival Internacional del Caribe, Festival Gourmet International, and Festival de Vida y Muerte Xcaret.
So, if you want to save money on your Cancun vacation while avoiding crowds, the months of May through November are ideal. On the one hand, there will be blistering heat and frequent rain, but on the other hand, the city will be less crowded, the prices will be lower, and the adventure and festivity options will be endless as always.
Worst Time to Visit Cancun
As we already established in the previous sections, there is no such thing as a “worst time” to visit Cancun. However, everyone has a travel preference, and we’ve concluded that the drawbacks of some seasons outweigh the benefits, leading many people to plan their holiday for another month.
So, the seasons that are considered “not ideal” for some tourists are spring and summer. The reason for that is Spring break, seaweed season, and hurricanes.
Spring break in Cancun typically falls during the months of March and April. This period is popular among students and young adults, as well as travellers looking to party 24/7. Cancun is also more expensive during Spring break, so people who aim for chill vibes and budget-friendly offers usually skip March and April.
Apart from that, are you familiar with the sargassum seaweed that washes up on Mexico’s coast? Cancun has them, and they wash ashore from May to October. This seaweed often releases an unpleasant smell and destroys the beaches’ aesthetic. If sunbathing in Cancun’s stunning turquoise seas is on your bucket list, this is very likely to ruin your experience.
Alongside the smelly seaweed, there’s the occasional rain in Cancun you’ll have to worry about. And let’s not forget the hurricanes that spike in August.
But hey, don’t get discouraged. You won’t have a bad time if you pick one of the above-mentioned months. All you need to do is plan better! For example, if you wish to avoid crowds during Spring break, skip out on popular bars, beaches, and clubs that are known for throwing large parties and gathering a large number of people.
In terms of seaweed, research which beaches in Cancun are the cleanest, as not all beaches receive the same level of seaweed influx – some have more, while others have less or none at all.
Remember that rain doesn’t fall all day, every day. Look at it as a mere refreshment from the scorching sun. Plus, hurricanes aren’t a guarantee, so make sure you follow the National Hurricane Center for the latest updates on the weather and plan your trip accordingly.
Conclusion
So, have you found your dream time to visit Cancun, or are you feeling overwhelmed by all the new information we’ve just shared with you? Don’t worry, as we’ll summarize everything for you! Consider it a farewell gift before you embark on your next adventure.
If you aim for good weather, the best time to go to Cancun would be from December to April — perfect for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
However, this is also the peak tourist season, so if you like a quieter experience and more budget-friendly prices, then May to November is for you.
Are you concerned about hurricanes? Just skip the August to October period, and you’ll be fine!
And for those who like to get festive, mark a date around November, and you’ll be amazed by how festive Cancun can be.
Remember, no matter when you decide to step foot on these sandy shores, Cancun’s embrace is one of pure magic — so stay safe , respect the local customs, and appreciate the delights this city has to offer.
More Mexico Travel Guides
We have more useful articles to help you stay safe as a tourist in Cancun:
- How to rent a car in mexico
- Mexico’s driving requirements
- How to travel safely in mexico
- Laws in Mexico for Tourists
- Mexico’s Gay & LGBTQ Laws
- How to avoid getting sick in mexico
- How to stay safe as a solo female traveller in mexico
- How to avoid getting killed as a tourist in mexico
- How to avoid getting Kidnapped by mexican cartels
- The most common natural disasters in mexico
