Best time to go to Cancun Average weather of Cancun, Mexico
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Cancun?
With its sunny and mild climate, the city of Cancun is perfect for visits and sunny vacations all year round. However, the best time to go to Cancun is during the dry season which runs from November to May.
During this period, the temperature is generally above 25°C (77°F) and most days are sunny. Moreover, throughout the dry season, Cancun hosts cultural events that make it even more attractive.
The holiday season corresponds to the high tourist season. This is when travelers are most numerous and prices are higher.
Also, during Spring Break, around the month of March, American students gather in large numbers in Cancun. It is also a very lively period, to choose or avoid depending on your expectations.
The Easter period is also particularly touristy. Therefore, if you want favorable weather but limited tourist crowds, you can plan your trip to Cancun during the months of January, February, late April, or early December.
Moreover, during the months of June to October, in the rainy season, rains occur more frequently and outdoor activities may be limited. However, for those seeking tranquility and/or more affordable prices, the rainy season in Cancun will be ideal for a trip. It corresponds to the low tourist season. The beaches are relatively deserted and the weather remains decent. Indeed, although precipitation increases, it occurs in the form of passing showers. Sunny days remain predominant.
On the other hand, during the rainy season, the temperature rises and exceeds an average of 30°C (86°F) . The heat can sometimes be stifling and it is advisable to limit outings during the hottest hours.
Finally, the rainy season coincides with the hurricane season, especially during the months of August to October. Fortunately, these phenomena are rare and rarely cause significant damage.
If you are wondering when to go to Cancun to swim, know that swimming is pleasant all year round in this region of Mexico, as in the Riviera Maya. The sea temperature ranges between 25 and 29°C (85°F) throughout the year.
So, when is the best time to go to Cancun? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Cancun are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, November and December
- On average, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October
- The rainiest months are June and October
- The best months for swimming are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December
Annual weather in Cancun
Weather details in Cancun month by month
Weather and climate in Cancun
Located in the Yucatan region of Mexico, the city of Cancun enjoys a tropical climate with two main climatic periods throughout the year.
- A dry season from November to May, characterized by mild weather and low rainfall.
- A wet season from June to October with hot and rainy weather.
The months of May and November serve as transition months between these two seasons, where one can experience either pleasant or rainy weather depending on the year.
The weather in Cancun is relatively pleasant, resembling some neighboring countries like the southern United States or Belize.
Dry Season in Cancun
The dry season in Cancun lasts from November to May, with fairly rare rainfall and mild to hot temperatures. Generally, temperatures range between 25 and 30°C (86°F) during this season.
In this region of the world, the proximity to the sea mitigates the heat, as is also the case in Tampico, for example. Indeed, the heat is more stifling further inland, such as in Mexico City. This is also why many travelers enjoy the beaches and climate of Cancun.
Moreover, during the dry season, the sky is sunny and the sea has an ideal temperature for swimming, close to 27°C (81°F) .
Overall, the temperature difference compared to the wet season is relatively small. However, mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially between December and February. Make sure to bring something to cover up before traveling.
Lastly, as Cancun has a tropical climate, it is worth noting that showers are possible even during this season. They are usually short-lived and mostly occur in the late afternoon.
Climate in Cancun during the Wet Season
The wet season in Cancun spans from June to October. During this time of the year, Cancun's climate is characterized by a particularly high humidity level.
As a result, rain showers become more frequent, especially from August to October with nearly 20 rainy days per month. However, the rain is not continuous: precipitation comes in the form of intense but brief showers.
Furthermore, the rainy season in Cancun is hotter than the dry season. Temperatures range between 28 and 32°C (90°F) during this time of the year.
The issue lies in the high humidity level, which creates a suffocating sensation. This may limit outdoor activities if you are traveling during this season. The air is heavy and humid... Thus, the proximity to the sea for cooling off is appreciated.
Additionally, Cancun's climate during this period is marked by the presence of hurricanes. These phenomena, which can occur from June to November, are more common between August and October.
In this region, like in Florida, it is not uncommon for tropical depressions to develop into hurricanes. Nevertheless, hurricanes are rare and generally cause little damage.
Finally, it is during this season that swimming is most enjoyable, with water temperatures close to 29°C (85°F) .
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Cancun
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Cancun: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Cancun
Find out when Cancun has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Cancun
- Very low season in Cancun
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: May, June, September and October. - Low season in Cancun
The months with low numbers of tourists are: February, April and July. - High season in Cancun
The number of visitors to Cancun is high in: January, March, August and November. - Peak season in Cancun
The largest number of tourists visiting Cancun is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Cancun month by month
Best time for low prices in Cancun
Average prices of hotels in Cancun month by month
Generally, September is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Cancun. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, January is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Cancun
A return flight between London and Cancun is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 618 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 318 more for your airline ticket to Cancun if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Cancun
Average price of hiring a car in Cancun
On average, it costs $ 32 per day to hire a car in Cancun. This price varies by $ 11 depending on the month. In october, hiring a car costs an average of $ 26 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in december is $ 37.
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