What is best month to go to Cancun?
A month-by-month guide to visiting Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is one of those places where you can visit year-round and still have a great time. As there are defined seasons, rainy periods and one-off events like spring break, you’ll pay different amounts for different times of year, and there’ll be different things to experience.
White sand beaches, turquoise water, and a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene await you in Cancun. Some of Mexico's most easily accessible beaches and the safest tourist strip are at their busiest and most expensive in the winter. Many vacationers think it would be a good idea to leave the snow behind in favour of warm sand and refreshing margaritas.
In this guide, we look at Cancun month-by-month to help you find the right time to visit.
When to visit Cancun
Try visiting Cancun in the summer or fall if you want to avoid the crowds and get better hotel rates. Humidity and occasional rain are to be expected, but you'll save money overall. In addition to hurricanes, spring breakers, and sargassum seaweed, visitors to the Yucatan coast in Spring will pay the highest prices, so avoid March and April unless you’re looking to party hard!
Best time to visit Cancun for warm weather
If you're planning a trip to Cancun in the winter, you should know that temperatures range from 75 to 90 degrees from December to April. Starting around Cinco de Mayo, the temperature and humidity rise to uncomfortable levels that last through the end of summer into September.
When it comes to hurricanes, Mexico's season is from June to November. Even if a hurricane doesn't make landfall, it may bring several days of wet, cloudy weather. Finding a cheap hotel in the stormy months of September through November shouldn't be too difficult.
Month-by-month Cancun guide
January
Climate-wise, January in Cancun is ideal, with mild temperatures and almost no chance of precipitation. Typical daytime highs are in the 80s, making this a perfect season to enjoy the sand and surf. Any time you feel the need to cool off, just take a quick dip in the ocean.
El Dia de Los Reyes, or King's Day, is celebrated on January 6 and is the most well-attended festival in Cancun during the month of January.
You'll most likely be a part of the Christmas vacationers who are still out enjoying the weather before heading home. As it is still the peak season, prices will be high and crowds will be plentiful at all of the top attractions.
February
Even though the air is still muggy in February, the ocean is a welcome relief from the heat. And the water is so clear that it's perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Cancun's Carnaval, a week-long festival preceding Ash Wednesday, takes place in the chilly month of February. In downtown Cancun, you can partake in Carnaval celebrations complete with parades, delicious food and drink, and, of course, copious amounts of tequila.
Given that this is arguably the ideal time to visit Cancun, the city is still bustling with vacationers. Plan ahead and arrive at the beach early to claim the prime location and participate in any planned activities.
March
If you're looking for a great time to go to Cancun for Spring Break, you should go in March. For one, it's when most people take their Spring Break, and for another, Cancun hosts some of the world's biggest parties during this time.
All the resorts are packed with college students, and there are nonstop beachside and town celebrations, usually involving copious amounts of alcohol. Forget about visiting Cancun in the month of March unless you're looking to party with a bunch of 20 somethings!
April
Hot days and infrequent showers characterise the April weather in Cancun. In Cancun, the beach season is at its peak and the water is at its most pleasant and warm at this time of year. Because of the lack of crowds and dry weather, this is the best time to see the sights.
The entire month of April is dedicated to celebrations honouring Cancun's anniversary, which takes place that month. El Dia del Nino, or Children's Day, occurs on April 30 and is celebrated with a holiday for children as well as discounts at many local attractions.
May
Visiting Cancun in May is the best time of year to have a one-of-a-kind adventure. The weather is almost ideal, and this is the best time of year to see wildlife.
End of May sees the first nesting sea turtles on the beach, and with them comes the annual migration of whale sharks. Go on a snorkelling or diving trip to see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment. This is the best month to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
You might expect Cinco de Mayo to steal the show in May, but festivities in Cancun have nothing to do with it. The resort parties and bar specials aren't anything to write home about.
June
Cancun's tourism industry experiences a dip in June, when hurricane season officially begins. The second half of the month sees an increase in the likelihood of showers, and the temperatures are expected to continue to rise as the summer draws near.
Additionally, the best month to dive and see these magnificent creatures is June, so make sure the water is clear and go for a dive.
Teenagers are out in large numbers because the end of the school year is cause for celebration. The first of June is Dia de la Marina, a celebration of the Mexican Navy with parades and fireworks.
July
A trip to Cancun in July is ideal for nature enthusiasts because that's when hatchling sea turtles begin their oceanic journeys. If you really want to get up close and personal, there are a few volunteer positions available, but otherwise you can just sit back and watch from the beach.
If you visit in July, you may also see some of the whale sharks that continue to populate the area.
August
Even in August, Cancun's wildlife is a sight to behold. The warm water attracts pods of whale sharks, nesting sea turtles, and baby turtles making their way to the ocean.
Cancun experiences a lot of rain and humidity in this month, so visitors are few and far between and there is plenty of space at hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Since it's the off season, prices will be lower, but you should still call ahead to make sure the tours you want to go on are available.
September
September is the wettest month of the year, but if you want to visit Cancun without the crowds, this is the best time to take advantage of good deals on hotels and tours because prices drop significantly.
On the 15th of September, celebrations of Mexico's independence from Spain officially kick off in the city centre. At this local party you can hear mariachi music, eat delicious food, and drink tequila!
Head to Chichen Itza or Tulum in September – the crowds will be smaller and heat much more bearable.
October
The beach is still a good bet in October because of the mild temperatures and the fact that the rain tends to taper off by the month's end. There won't be many other visitors, so you can have the ancient ruins and beaches to yourself.
There are many Halloween-themed events in Cancun in the month of October, but you'll need to remember to pack your costume.
November
In comparison to October and September, November is much drier and sees a surge in tourism. The weather is warming up again, but there aren't many people around until the holidays.
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a major draw to Cancun on November 1st and 2nd. Mexicans observe this special day to honour their ancestors and pay their respects to those who have passed away.
Late November is the best time to go to the beach, and it's also a great time to see the ruins and other sights in Cancun because it's not too hot and there aren't as many rain showers.
Read next: The 18 best things to do in Cancun
December
For those who wish to spend the holidays in Cancun's balmy climate, planning ahead is essential.
If you're visiting from the north, you can look forward to warmer temperatures and crowded beaches, restaurants, and resorts.
In addition to Christmas and wild New Year's Eve celebrations, the Cancun Marathon, also known as the Most Beautiful Marathon in the World, is held in December. There are plenty of post-race celebrations in downtown after the race, which takes place along the beach.
What is the cheapest month to visit Cancun?
Since the monsoon season in Cancun occurs between June and October, hotel rates are typically lower during this time. You can find cheap hotel rooms at this time, but you should still think about the weather. It may be the rainy season, but it isn't constantly raining. During these months, showers tend to be brief and are followed by clear skies.
How many days do you need to spend in Cancun?
Many visitors use Cancn as a jumping-off point for day trips to other destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula. To see and do everything in this area, you should plan on spending at least seven days here.
What month should you avoid?
Hurricanes are a common occurrence in Cancun, but few people know this. While June 1st officially marks the beginning of hurricane season and November 30th marks the end of the season, the peak months of activity are September and October. Even though large storms are uncommon in the summer, you should still be prepared for the heat if you decide to visit.
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