Are you looking for the best weather, to avoid the crowds, or when to find the best deals? Find out what is the best time to visit Cancun that suits you best.
Every month, Cancun welcomes thousands of visitors who come to relax and have fun in one of Mexico’s most important touristic destinations. So you can really say that Cancun is a year-round destination. However, depending on your own priorities, you’ll soon find out that the best time to visit Cancun can vary according to your needs.
While some people prefer to travel when the weather is at its best, others are more comfortable avoiding the crowds, and then there are those who’d only travel to Cancun when they find a nice deal. Plus, you might also want to know when there are any special events happening before you plan your trip.
The Best Time to Visit Cancun
For the Best Weather
Temperatures are mostly warm in Cancun throughout the year, ranging from 73º F (23º C) to 86º F (30º C). Still, there is some variation between the seasons, making some months better for visiting than others.
December and January are the coolest months, but they offer some of the driest days. Yet, some travelers might find it too cold for swimming and you should definitely pack a sweater or light jacket to wear during the evenings.
Temperatures remain mild but pleasant from February to April. The hottest and most humid months are June, July, and August.
When is the Cancun rainy season?
On the other hand, there are two distinct seasons in Cancun: the dry and the rainy seasons. Running from May to October, when it comes to rain in Cancun, the wettest months are usually June and October. However, showers generally don’t last long, so you can still enjoy sunny periods and hot weather.
Times to avoid
By far, the worst time to travel to Cancun (at least in terms of weather) is during hurricane season, which technically runs from June to October and peaks in the last two months. If you are traveling during those months, you should always check the weather forecast and purchase travel insurance.
For Avoiding the Crowds
For travelers who want to avoid crowds, it is best to travel off-season. Peak season in Cancun runs from December to April. During these months, many travelers flock to this hot Caribbean destination to escape winter at home. This is also the period when you will find the highest prices for hotels, flights, and services.
July and August can also get busy since a lot of families prefer to travel during the school summer holidays. Cancun is less crowded from May to June, and from September to November. However, keep in mind that some of those months are also the rainiest. If you want to avoid the crowds and still have some good weather, May is probably your best bet.
Times to avoid
Peak season in general; but most of all, avoid traveling to Cancun during Spring Break (in 2020 that could be anytime from the last week of February till the end of March). During those weeks, you can find the biggest, and loudest, crowds in Cancun.
Also, if possible, avoid traveling during weekends. That is when most travelers try to get in or out of Cancun, and airports and highways are packed with people.
Finding the Best Price Deals
If you are traveling to Cancun on a budget, the best time to save some money and get the best rates is during the off-season. During May and June, hotels in Cancun offer some discounted rates. However, you will find the best deals from the end of August through the fall months.
The cheapest time to go to Cancun is also the least popular because of hurricane season, during September and October. If you want to travel during this time, check the extended weather forecast for a couple of weeks. If there are no warnings for hurricanes, you’ll probably face some rain; but you will likely score a good last-minute deal.
Times to avoid
Peak season, from December to April, offers the best weather but these are also the most expensive months to travel to Cancun. July and August also see a hike in prices, since most families travel during the summer holiday period. You can expect to pay more for everything during that time.
In short, the best time to visit Cancun depends on what you are looking for:
- If you want the best weather and don’t mind paying full price, anytime from December to April is good for you.
- If you want to avoid crowds, May is a solid choice and also offers decent weather.
- If you are looking for the best deals, September and October are your best options; but beware that it’s also hurricane season!
More Cancun Travel Inspiration
- Cancun on a Budget – these 12 Cancun travel tips will help you get the best deals so you can enjoy your trip to the max!
- Unique Things to Do in Cancun – find out about the most unusual side of Cancun and venture off the beaten path!
- Playa Mujeres vs. Cancun – we give you five reasons why Playa Mujeres might be a better choice for your holiday!
- Best Things to Do in Cancun With Kids – if you are traveling with your family, here are some things your kids will love!
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Photo Credits
Cover and second pin photo courtesy of Gerson Repreza via Unsplash.
First pin photo courtesy of Andreas NextVoyagePL via Unsplash.
All images embedded from Instagram belong to their respective owners.
Have you been to Cancun? Do you have any travel tips you’d like to share with us? Leave a comment and let us know!
Bianca Bauza
Travel Writer
Bianca is a world citizen who spent almost four years traveling around South America and Europe. Her passions include photography, street art, outdoor sports, and cooking exotic dishes. She’s now based in the Netherlands where she lives with her partner and young daughter. She still enjoys traveling, on her own or with her family, and is always looking for an opportunity to see new places.
[…] spring months. If you’re feeling adventurous but need to save the cash, then the months between September and October will work best for you. Remember that this time of year is peak hurricane season in the region and […]