The best time to visit Cancun depends on what you’re looking to do on vacation there.
Cancun is a classic Caribbean getaway destination because this long stretch of coastline in the south of Mexico has everything you could want from a tropical vacation.
Cancun has beaches, resorts, and bars, but there’s also world-class Scuba diving, adventures awaiting in the jungles of Quintana Roo and plenty of Mayan ruins too.
If you’re after sun and clear skies then peak season is the best time to visit Cancun, in the dry season between December and May.
If you’re looking for great deals on resorts and flights or if you want to see the whale sharks off the coast, then the wet season, between June and November, is a good option – you’ll just have to brave a few rain showers each day.
To help you decide when’s the best time to visit Cancun, here’s our month by month guide to exploring the Caribbean coastline of Mexico.
Best Time to Visit Cancun: Month by Month Breakdown
January in Cancun
January is high season in Mexico, and it’s definitely not the best time to visit Cancun if you’re looking for cheap prices and a quiet getaway.
This is peak season, but it is the best time to visit Cancun if you’re looking for some of the best weather.
The weather in January is absolutely glorious because it’s neither too hot nor too cold.
This is winter, but temperatures still average around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and the Caribbean water is still marvelously warm.
This is the dry season too, and the skies will be clear and there’s little chance of any rain.
It’s a good time for snorkeling and diving as the water is clear, and there’s little run off to make things murky.
On land, take advantage of the cool weather to get out and explore the Mayan sites in the usually humid jungles of Quintana Roo.
February in Cancun
Temperatures rise slightly in February, but not on a huge scale, making this a great month weather-wise to be in Cancun.
Again, this is still high season, however, it’s much, much quieter compared to January.
Hotel prices won’t be much cheaper but you’ll have more space to yourself at tourist attractions after the holiday rush is left behind in January.
There are clear skies and little rain, so February makes for a great time to get out to the Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza or Tulum, which will be pleasant to stroll around for most of the day given the lack of humidity.
Jump into the water for some great snorkeling or diving. If you’re feeling adventurous, then this is Bull Shark breeding season and you can get up and close with these beautiful sharks in the waters off the coast of Cancun throughout February.
March in Cancun
March is the beginning of the end of the high season, and while it can be a good time to visit many of the historic and cultural sites where the crowds will be thinner, Cancun itself can be raucous at certain times.
That’s because it’s Spring Break and Cancun is one of the most popular getaways.
Avoid the Spring Break hot spots though and you’ll find plenty of quiet places to visit still.
The weather is excellent in March, with clear skies, and temperatures averaging just under 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
It’s the driest month of the year, so take advantage of this and hit the coast to scuba dive or snorkel in clear waters, especially as this is the last month when you can see the Bull Shark breeding frenzies.
April in Cancun
April is the last month of the high season, and you can expect the crowds to thin out in lots of places – although avoid the Easter break if that falls in April and again, watch out for Spring Break too.
Temperatures are on the rise in April, and this is the last month where you’re guaranteed dry weather, so take advantage of this and get diving or exploring the cenotes and Mayan ruins. After April, things begin to not only get hotter but more humid too.
Enjoy the last of the excellent weather and enjoy potentially lower prices and quieter beaches too with a visit to Cancun in April.
May in Cancun
May is a transitional month weather-wise but it’s the best time to visit Cancun if you want to catch low prices and still get mostly dry weather.
The temperatures are on the rise now as summer approaches and you can expect it to be at least 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) especially towards the end of the month.
Be prepared for a few showers though and pack a raincoat when you’re out exploring. Any storms though won’t last too long in May.
You can get great end of season resort and flight deals so if you’re on a budget this is a fantastic time to plan a holiday and to escape the crowds too.
June in Cancun
June is when the rainy season begins in Cancun, however, it’s not the worst month for rain, and it’s still a good time to visit.
It tends to be quieter this time of year and you can get low season prices and beat the crowds too.
Remember though, that temperatures are rising and that it’s starting to get more and more humid too.
While the Mayan sites might be quieter you’ll also need to get there early to avoid the worst of the heat, and walking around all day in the tropics will be a sweaty affair, to say the least.
July in Cancun
July is also a rainy month, and weather-wise, it’s much more humid in July than in June.
It’s a great time to spend swimming though, because the water in the Caribbean is outrageously warm through July, although visibility if you’re planning on snorkeling or diving declines due to run-off from the land.
It’s also a good time to visit the cenotes as they offer a wonderfully cooling experience with cold clear water to enjoy.
August in Cancun
August is again hot and humid so you’ll want to spend most of your time at the beach if you can.
Luckily this is low season so prices for hotels and resorts can be a steal, making this the best time to visit Cancun if you’re on a budget.
Importantly, this is prime time for whale sharks along the coast, as they are here in huge numbers feeding in the Caribbean waters.
You can snorkel or dive with these beautiful fish in warm waters, and they are so large that the lower visibility won’t stop you from seeing them.
August is technically hurricane season in the Caribbean, although these are rare in Cancun. Just stay informed of the weather when you are in the area and keep safe.
September in Cancun
September is still low season in Cancun, and it’s also still hurricane season, so keep safe and keep informed.
Temperatures are cooling down though as the height of summer is over and things will start to get slightly drier, just be prepared for a few big storms.
September is the last month to catch whale sharks along the coast, so head to Isla Mujeres for the best chance to see these huge fish in their natural environment.
As this is low season, you can get excellent deals on flights and resorts, and you’ll still be able to enjoy the mostly great weather, just pack a raincoat.
October in Cancun
October sees falling temperatures and Lower levels of humidity, and it can be the best time to visit Cancun before the high season starts again.
You might see the odd large storm and this is the last month of the hurricane season, but it’s worth the risks for the lower costs.
Things are quiet in October and the whale sharks have left, but it’s a great month for just relaxing on the beaches and enjoying the warm weather.
At the end of October, you can even experience the Day of the Dead festival, which begins on Halloween.
November in Cancun
November is the transitional month before the dry season and peak season truly begins in December.
If you’re looking for some autumnal sunshine and to escape colder weather elsewhere then this is the best time to visit Cancun.
Temperatures are falling, of course, compared to summer but it’s still hot, with highs in the late twenties.
Things are quiet compared to the rush that’s about to begin in December and over the festive period.
December in Cancun
December is one of the busiest times to be in Mexico, and if you want a quiet holiday or getaway then this is not the best time to visit Cancun.
If, however, you are searching for winter sunshine and a hot destination where you can spend Christmas on the beach, then this is the time to visit.
Prices are not cheap in December though, as this is peak season, and many resorts and hotels can be booked out.
Prepare to pay a premium for the luxury of spending Christmas and New Year in Cancun, but if budget isn’t an issue, then you’ll be treated to glorious weather.
More on Mexico:
- 12 Best Day Trips from Mexico City worth Taking
- The Amazing Mexico City Pyramids of Teotihuacan
- Manzanillo Mexico Travel Guide: A Cancun Alternative
- 30 Things to Do in the Riviera Maya for an Epic Vacation
- 30 Awesome Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
- 29 Amazing Things to do in Cancun
- 28 Incredible Things to do in Cozumel
- Celebrating 15 Years of Travel with Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
- Finding Eco Adventure in Cancun
- Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun
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Article by Lina Stock
Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA
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