Cancun is a beautiful place, but like all tourist destinations around the world, it has different seasons throughout the year. In this post, you will learn everything from what clothes to bring to what precautions to take during recommended activities in Cancun, and everything else related to the different seasons of the year in this Caribbean paradise.
Springtime in Cancun
Spring in Cancun runs from March to May. During this season, you can expect warm, sunny weather, perfect for all kinds of activities, especially if you're interested in diving, snorkeling, or exploring cenotes.
In addition, during spring in Cancun, you'll find fewer crowds and tourists (perfect for taking thousands of people-free photos) or enjoying the beaches in peace.
You can also find better prices on flights and lodging. If you plan to stay in an Airbnb, it will also be more economical, and you will have hundreds of lodging options to choose from.
The weather in Cancun during spring
Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 31°C, ideal for enjoying activities involving water, sun, and sand.
You may find a slight influx of tourists in March due to the end of the high season, but during April and May (after Easter), you won't find as many tourists.
Springtime activities and attractions in Cancun
It's nesting season for sea turtles, so you can volunteer to witness one of nature's most beautiful miracles in the Caribbean. It's also a great time to visit the mystical cenotes, which are much less crowded and probably have clearer water because of this.
For these types of activities, the Cenote Route is ideal, and Tulum and Playa del Carmen are not far behind. You can explore more corners of the Caribbean by simply taking transportation from your hotel in Cancun to your destination of choice. Some agencies have flexible options for traveling from Cancun to Tulum or from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, where you will find incredible cenotes worthy of a special place on your Instagram, or if you're feeling very creative, TikTok.
Activities like zip-lining, rappelling, or ATV rides are ideal during this season. No one can resist a little nature with such great weather.
April and May are considered mid-season, when you can find good deals on hotels and flights. Avoid booking during Holy Week, as this is a short season when nationals and locals take advantage of hotel stays at resorts and trips to the beach.
Summer in Cancun
Summer in Cancun runs from June to August and is characterized as the hottest season of the year. Although it is the high season, temperatures reach up to 33 degrees Celsius, a bit high for those visiting Cancun from cooler destinations. If you plan to escape the cold season in your country, this is the ideal season.
Summer activities and attractions in Cancun
The most popular activities during these months are: swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling, and day trips to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, among others.
Keep in mind that this is the hottest season, so we do not recommend prolonged exposure to the sun, such as visiting ruins or cenotes. (The use of sunscreen is prohibited in protected natural areas, so take precautions.)
Another recommended activity during the summer season in Cancun is visiting shopping malls, most of which are semi-enclosed, making the heat more tolerable. Beachfront and lagoon restaurants have both open and enclosed areas for your comfort.
Locals often take advantage of this season to have picnics on the beach in the afternoons (from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). The favorite beaches for this type of activity are: Playa Marlín, Playa Gaviotas, and Playa Delfines.
Another important issue is the rise in prices for accommodations, transportation from Cancun Airport, attractions, and tours. Therefore, we recommend making your reservation in advance, preferably during spring or fall, when prices are at their lowest.
Water parks in summer are a MUST! Don't miss a full day at Xcaret or Xel Há, with unlimited food, water everywhere, and Mexican culture around every corner.
Weather in Cancun during the summer
Summer in Cancún is usually very hot, with highs that can reach 33°C and humidity, which increases the heat index (meaning that sometimes you will feel like it is 5 degrees hotter than it actually is).
Summer is known for its lack of rain and cold winds, but thanks to its privileged location, unlike other southern cities such as Mérida, Chetumal, or Tabasco, Cancún has a sea breeze that mitigates the effects of humidity. However, we recommend drinking water frequently.
Autumn in Cancun
Autumn in Cancún runs from September to November and offers warm weather with temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 °C. Although it is the rainy and hurricane season, especially from September to October. Fewer crowds and more affordable prices characterize this time of year. If you like Mexican culture, you can enjoy two key festivities in Cancun: Independence Day (September 16) and Day of the Dead (November 2 and 3).
Fall is ideal for visiting archaeological sites and enjoying local cuisine in restaurants in downtown Cancun and the hotel zone.
If you venture out to explore the archaeological sites, we recommend renting a car in Cancun.
The weather in Cancun during the fall
During the fall, Cancun enjoys temperatures between 24 °C and 27 °C. September is the warmest month of this season, and during October and November, the temperature drops, preparing this tropical city for winter.
September and October are the rainy months. It is even considered hurricane season, so take your precautions.
Being low season, you will find fewer tourists, which results in a quieter atmosphere. Locals do not tend to overcrowd the places, either, so you don’t need to worry. It is the most peaceful season of the year. However, that's not to say everything is bad; you can find the lowest prices of the year on flights, lodging, and tours or activities.
Activities and attractions in Cancun during the fall season
This is the ideal season to visit Mayan archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Tulum, with cooler temperatures than in summer, but still warm enough to enjoy the Caribbean beaches.
Take part in the Independence Day celebrations in September and the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November. One of the favorite attractions at this time of year is the Xcaret festival de Vida y Muerte Here you can enjoy live music with some of Mexico's renowned singers and bands, traditional Mayan dances, and, if you're lucky, a Mayan ceremony, with all the steps that were carried out during the sacrifices and offerings for these seasons (don't worry, everything is safe).
There is no better season to enjoy the best cuisine in Cancún. Starting in September, chiles en nogada, pozole, tostadas, tacos, and various stews make special seasonal appearances on the menus of restaurants in both the city center and the hotel zone.
During October and November, even international cafés join in the celebrations with authentic Mexican chocolate from Oaxaca. Don't miss out on an afternoon of bread with hot chocolate, and you can even try Pan de Muerto (named after the Day of the Dead holiday).
Are you thinking of traveling to nearby cities? Visit Chichén Itzá in Yucatán, where, in addition to seeing one of the seven wonders of the world, you can witness (during September) the equinox, which treats visitors to a spectacle of natural shadows on the pyramid of the main temple.
Keep the following in mind if you visit Cancun in the fall
Hurricane season: Stay informed about the weather forecast and consider purchasing travel insurance with cancellation coverage.
Be prepared for rain: Bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing, and keep in mind that some outdoor activities may be affected. Don't blame your travel agency—they can't control the weather ;).
Take advantage of the benefits: Enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists.
Winter in Cancun
Winter in Cancun runs from November to February and is a very popular and pleasant time of year, with warm but not humid temperatures averaging between 19 °C and 28 °C and very little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as visiting beaches and Mayan ruins. However, it is the high season, so it is common to find more tourists and higher prices. During this season, we recommend booking in advance.
Weather in Cancun during the winter
Daily highs hover around 27-28 °C, with mild lows around 18-20 °C, making the climate perfect for enjoying yourself.
Days are usually sunny, with calm winds and clear skies, with little chance of rain, ensuring clear skies (ideal for photos or photo shoots).
Humidity is minimal during this season, making the climate very pleasant.
Many couples choose this season to celebrate their wedding in Cancun, due to the pleasant climate and the beautiful, clean environment.
Activities and attractions in Cancun during winter
In winter, unlike other destinations, Cancun is the perfect time to enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and take long walks or go on hikes.
The mild climate during winter is perfect for exploring the Mayan ruins near Cancun, such as the ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, among others.
In addition, during the Christmas season, you can learn about different Mexican traditions, markets, and seasonal sweets. Added to all this is the festive atmosphere in the city, where fairs, decorated houses, and streets frame the holiday season like no other.
We do not recommend water activities if you are sensitive to the cold. On the other hand, if you have no problem with this type of activity, you can go catamaran sailing, snorkeling, or diving without any problems. The interesting thing about Cancún is that you can enjoy summer activities at any other time of the year.
Keep the following in mind if you visit Cancun in winter
Winter, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays, is the busiest season.
Prices: As a result of high demand, flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive.
What to pack for winter in Cancun: Although it is hot for many, it is advisable to bring a light sweater for the evenings or for places with air conditioning. Also, if you plan to visit the beaches at night, the cool breeze can work against you, so take precautions.
During the winter, you can also enjoy water activities, and some hotels even heat their pools. Bring several swimsuits and beach cover-ups, as well as sandals for public places such as water parks.
Book in advance: To secure your spot on tours, hotels, or transportation and get better prices or options, it is recommended to book in advance.
Regardless of the season in which you visit Cancun, follow these recommendations.
- Book your transportation, lodging, tours, activities, and tickets in advance. This will help you avoid long lines and limited availability.
- Compare EVERYTHING: prices, packages, inclusions. You'll save money, effort, and disappointment, even if it seems tedious.
- Follow road and traffic recommendations. This applies to those who plan to rent a car or simply get around on their own.
- Research Cancun Airport, boarding gates, lost items, assistance, terminals, which airlines fly to Cancun, and opening hours. This will help you in case of any inconveniences, flight changes, baggage delays, or departure of your chosen transportation.
- Check the weather and humidity one or two days before your departure to Cancun, as these can vary at any time.
- Identify the places you would like to visit before your trip, so you can visit the places you really want to see.
We hope this post helps you plan your trip to Cancun.
Do you have any questions? Contact us.
Published on Sep 20, 2025
