When to Visit Cancun, Mexico: a month-by-month guide

Cancun, Mexico, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins and other unique attractions has made it an ideal vacation spot for visitors from all over the world.

Over the past 5 years, Cancun has maintained its reputation as a top tourist destination in Mexico. It offers an eclectic mix of luxury resorts, authentic Mexican restaurants, and preserved Mayan history. Cancun is easily accessible and has become a favorite among travelers, particularly from the United States and Canada.

Cancun enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination with warm temperatures and distinct dry and wet seasons.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cancun, Mexico:

When it comes to deciding the best time to visit Cancun, it mainly depends on your preferences and priorities. While the dry season (November to April) offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, the wet season (May to October) brings hotter temperatures and increased humidity. Nonetheless, Cancun remains a popular destination throughout the year, offering a range of experiences to suit different interests and travel styles.

Quick Answer: When is the Best Time to Visit Cancun, Mexico?

• The best time to visit Cancun (considered the “peak season”) is from October – April. This is when the temperatures have dropped a bit and the mild rainy season has paced.
• Note that most tourists visit Cancun between December – April.
• The off-season in Cancun is from May – September. It’s very hot.

In the article below we’ll give a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect when visiting Cancun! 

Cancun’s High Season:

Cancun’s high season runs from December to April, when the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This is the ideal time for tourists seeking to escape the cold winter months in the United States and Canada. However, as this is the peak season, expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities.

Cancun’s Low Season:

The low season in Cancun occurs from May to October, characterized by hotter temperatures, increased humidity, and more frequent rainfall. Despite this, many travelers still choose to visit during this time to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds. Additionally, the wet season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and be prepared for possible tropical storms.

Which months is the sargassum (seaweed) bad in Cancun?

Cancun can experience bad sargassum (seaweed) issues from time to time, particularly during the warmer months. The sargassum season in Cancun typically starts around April and can last through November. However, the severity of sargassum varies from year to year, and it’s not consistently bad every month during this period.

The worst months for sargassum tend to be between June and September, but it’s essential to keep in mind that conditions can change rapidly, and it’s difficult to predict the exact timing and intensity of sargassum influxes. It’s a good idea to check for updates on sargassum conditions before your trip if you’re concerned about it affecting your beach vacation.

A Month-to-Month Guide to Visiting Cancun:

No matter when you choose to visit Cancun, you’ll find a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your trip:

Cancun in January

Average Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

Highlights: Warm weather | Busy | High season in Cancun

Events: New Year’s Day | Día de los Reyes Magos (Jan 6)

January in Cancun is inviting, with warm temperatures, various local events, and a bustling travel scene.

Though most travelers enjoy the balmy daytime temperatures, keep in mind that evenings and early mornings can be cooler. Consider bringing a light sweater or jacket for venturing out during these times.

In addition to ringing in the New Year, Cancun also celebrates Kings’ Day on January 6th, where gifts are traditionally exchanged.

Cancun in February

Average Temperature: 70°F – 84°F (21°C – 29°C)

Highlights: Warm weather | Busy | High season in Cancun

February is in the midst of the high season in Cancun. The weather remains superb, with warm, sunny, and dry conditions.

Cancun in March

Average Temperature: 73°F – 86°F (23°C – 30°C)

Highlights: Warm temperatures | Low humidity | 9 hours of sunshine each day

Events: Spring Break

March in Cancun is an excellent time to visit. The weather is warm, with low humidity, and sunny skies nearly every day.

There are plenty of local events happening in Cancun during March, but the most notable is Spring Break, attracting many visitors for the beach and parties.

Cancun in April

Average Temperature: 75°F – 88°F (24°C – 31°C)

Highlights: End of high season | Great weather | Warm temperatures, sunny, dry

Events: Semana Santa (Holy Week)

April in Cancun marks the end of the peak/high season. This is an ideal time to visit as the crowds begin to thin out, but the weather remains fantastic.

The main event in April is the deeply sacred Semana Santa, the Catholic Holy Week of Easter. While this period is celebrated throughout Mexico, the festivities in Cancun are particularly special. Expect parades, street decorations, and various religious observances.

Cancun in May

Average Temperature: 75°F – 90°F (24°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Smaller crowds | Hotter weather with short rain showers | Some local businesses may close for the month

Events:

May in Cancun is typically one of the hotter months. The air is warm and humid. You may notice that some restaurants and local businesses decide to close for the month of May and take vacation.

Visit during May if you’re looking for a slower pace of travel.

Cancun in June

Average Temperature: 77°F – 90°F (25°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Lowest hotel/Airbnb rates | Rainy | Hot

Events:

By June, the low season is really in full swing. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, great hotel/Airbnb deals, and a relaxed atmosphere – June is a great time to visit.

Cancun in July

Average Temperature: 77°F – 90°F (25°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Low season | Hot and rainy | Rain most afternoons

Events: –

July is known for its high temperatures and rain. You can expect to find very few tourists here during July, and if you’re out and about, you should plan to bring an umbrella most days. You’ll typically get an afternoon thundershower.

Cancun in August

Average Temperature: 77°F – 90°F (25°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Hottest month, rainy | Lush surroundings due to rain

Events:

August in Cancun is hot and rainy (similar to May, June, and July).

One selling point is that the lush tropical vegetation comes to life during this period due to increased rainfall.

Cancun in September

Average Temperature: 76°F – 89°F (24°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Moderate Temperatures | Mexican Independence Day

Events: Mexican Independence Day

If you’re visiting Cancun in September, you should be prepared for hot temperatures and rain.

One of the most festive dates to spend in Cancun is Mexican Independence Day, September 15, celebrated with colorful parades and festivities.

Cancun in October

Average Temperature: 75°F – 87°F (24°C – 31°C)

Highlights: Dry season starts | Temperatures cool

Events: Halloween

October is the first month of the high season in Cancun. It’s typically one of the best months for travelers looking for smaller crowds, but still great weather.

Cancun in November

Average Temperature: 73°F – 85°F (23°C – 29°C)

Highlights: Less crowded | Great weather | Start of high season

Events: Day of the Dead

November is one of our favorite times to visit Cancun! It’s still not as busy as December – April, but the weather is near perfect every single day.

The best event is Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead, when Mexicans honor the souls of the deceased.

Cancun in December

Average Temperature: 70°F – 83°F (21°C – 28°C)

Highlights: Great weather | Festive atmosphere

Events: Christmas | New Year’s Eve

December is typically a busy month in Cancun as travelers from around the globe flock to Cancun for the perfect beaches and weather.