Best Time to Go to Cancun 2023: All You Need

Cancun’s white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant city life attract U.S. sunbathers even when temperatures across the United States drop. Due to the mild temperatures, Cancun attracts many tourists during the winter. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

But, to break things down, Cancun’s tourist season is summarized as follows for your convenience:

December through April is peak season.
Seasons between the summer and winter (Shoulder Season): April–May and October–November
Low Season: June through October

With this information, think about going to Cancun in the summer or fall if you want cheaper hotel rates and fewer tourists. Even though there will be humidity and some rain, the costs will be lower. You should also prepare for hurricanes, spring breakers, and sargassum seaweed if you plan on visiting the Yucatan coast.

Now let’s go over all the information you need to know about when to visit Cancun.

What Are the Travel Seasons in Cancun?

Cancun has three distinct travel seasons: high season, low season, and shoulder season. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, so you must decide when is the best time to visit Cancun based on the type of vacation you want.

#1. High Season

The high season in Cancun typically lasts from mid-December to the end of March. The holiday season brings crowds looking for warmer weather for Christmas and New Year’s. In March, the rowdy spring breaker is tearing up the beaches and partying in the resorts.

Tourist crowds are thick everywhere you go, so plan ahead of time if you want to visit during peak season.

Prices tend to skyrocket during these months, especially around Christmas and Spring Break. The cost of air travel is exorbitant, as are hotel rates.

#2. Low Season

Cancun’s low season runs from June to October, as this is Mexico’s main rainy season. Days are extremely hot, heavy, and sticky, with frequent downpours and erratic weather.

Despite the rainy season, it does not always pour. During these months, rain usually falls in short bursts, followed by sunny skies.

Most people avoid Cancun during this time, so if you go, you’ll find empty beaches and hotels. Furthermore, prices will be lower than the rest of the year, making this the best time to visit Cancun on a budget.

That being said, expect to sweat profusely because it’s going to be hot, hot, hot (and don’t forget your raincoat!).

Also, during this time, the Mexican coast gets a lot of seaweed (sargasso), which can make the sea unsuitable for swimming. While this is unavoidable, most resorts do an excellent job of sweeping and cleaning their beachfront areas.

#3. Shoulder Season

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Cancun, shoulder season is your best bet! Cancun has few visitors, pleasant weather, and reasonable rates during the months of April, May, November, and early December.

While not as cheap as low season, shoulder season is the best time to visit Cancun if you don’t want to gamble with the weather.

There will also be plenty of places to stay (though it is still recommended to book ahead of time), and you should be able to find a good deal on flights.

If you want to enjoy the beach in relative peace and eat out without having to wait an hour, book your trip to Cancun during one of these months.

Year-by-Year Guide to Visiting Cancun

If you’re thinking about visiting Cancun during a specific month, take a look at this comprehensive breakdown that includes weather, festivals, and highlights for each.

January

Cancun is warm and sunny in January, with little to no rain. Days are typically 80° or higher, making it an ideal time to visit the beach. The water is nice and cool, so whenever you need to cool off, take a quick dip in the ocean.

You’ll most likely be among the Christmas Break tourists soaking up the last rays of sunshine before heading home. Expect crowds as it is high season, with high prices and crowded attractions.

Cancun’s biggest January festival is El Dia de Los Reyes, or King’s Day, which is celebrated on January 6th and marks the 12th day of Christmas.

This is when Mexican families exchange gifts and eat sweet bread… whoever gets the slice with a little baby Jesus baked into it gets to host the next holiday!

February

Between Christmas and Spring Break, February is a fantastic time to visit Cancun. The weather is absolutely beautiful, with bright sunny days and cool evenings.

The water is still nice and refreshing in February, so you can jump in after a long day on the beach. The water is also very clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.

There are still a lot of tourists in Cancun because this is one of the best times to visit. Book activities ahead of time and get to the beach early for the best spot!

Carnaval, a week-long celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday, takes place in Cancun in February. Carnaval celebrations in downtown Cancun include live music, various types of tacos, parades, and, of course, plenty of tequila.

March

If you’re a Spring Breaker, March is the best month to visit Cancun. Not only is it the traditional time for Spring Break, but Cancun also hosts some of the world’s largest parties during this period.

College students are saturating the resorts, and there are massive parties in town and along the beach almost constantly. I would avoid Cancun in March unless you want to be 20 again.

If you happen to be in the area, check out the Inception Music Festival, the world’s largest Spring Break party (it lasts an entire month!).

For a more refined experience, consider attending the Wine and Food Festival, a five-day event featuring world-class chefs, winemakers, celebrities, and beach parties.

April

April marks the start of shoulder season, and crowds begin to thin. The venue will not be completely empty, but it will be significantly less crowded than it was in March. This is also the time when prices begin to fall, allowing you to secure a reasonable rate on accommodations.

Cancun in April has some of the best weather, with hot days and only a few showers. It’s the best time of year to visit Cancun’s beaches, and the water is warm and inviting. This is also the best time to visit attractions because there will be no long lines and little chance of rain.

Cancun’s anniversary is celebrated throughout the month of April with parades, exhibits, music, and other festivities. There’s also El Dia del Nino, or Children’s Day, on April 30th, when children are excused from school, and many attractions offer special discounts.

May

May is a magical month in Cancun and the best time to visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only is the weather near ideal but now is also the best time to see wildlife in the area.

Nesting sea turtles begin to appear on the beach at the end of May, and whale sharks begin to migrate to this area as well. Set out on a snorkeling or diving excursion to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat… it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be taken advantage of this month!

While you might think Cinco de Mayo is the highlight of May, celebrations in Cancun are non-existent. There will be the occasional bar deal or resort party, but nothing to write home about.

Instead, attend Cancun Jumpoff, a four-day festival filled with music, beach parties, and nonstop partying.

June

With the arrival of June comes the start of hurricane season in Cancun, signaling the beginning of a low season for tourism. While the weather is still pleasant, showers (especially in the second half of the month) and rising temperatures are on the way as summer approaches.

June is also whale shark season, so check the water visibility and go diving to see these majestic creatures in full force.

Because it is the end of the school year, there will be a large number of partying teenagers celebrating academic completion. On June 1st, Mexico celebrates Dia de la Marina, or Navy Day, with fireworks and parades.

July

If you enjoy wildlife, July is a great month to visit Cancun because it is the month when baby sea turtles leave for the ocean. It’s incredible to see the little creatures for the first time wandering towards the water. If you want to get up close and personal, there are a few volunteer opportunities, but otherwise, you can watch from afar on the beach.

During July, there are still plenty of whale sharks in the area, so keep an eye out for them!

Because it’s the low season, you’ll probably be able to get a good deal on flights and accommodations in July, but be prepared for sporadic rain and scorchingly humid days. This month, the water is at its warmest, making it ideal for splashing around in the ocean.

Destination X The Urban Summer Oasis, a five-day festival with DJs, bikini contests, beach parties, and lots of wild times, takes place in Cancun in July.

August

When it comes to wildlife, Cancun in August remains enchanting. The warm water attracts whale shark pods, nesting sea turtles, and turtle babies, who continue to make their way to the ocean.

Because it is stormy and extremely humid in Cancun during this month, crowds are thin, and there is plenty of space at resorts, restaurants, and attractions. Prices will be reasonable because it is low season, but it is a good idea to confirm that any tours you are interested in are still running.

If you’re in Cancun in August, head to Playa del Carmen for ZoukMX, a 10-day dance festival split between the beach and the jungle.

September

After a long and hot summer, September in Cancun is when things start to cool down. This is your last chance to catch whale sharks because they’ll be completely gone by the end of the month, but there may still be some sea turtles around.

Because September is the rainiest month of the year, the best deals on hotels and tours begin to appear, but if you want to visit Cancun without the crowds, this is the best time to take advantage of good deals.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated in September, with festivities beginning on September 15th downtown. Expect mariachi bands, incredible food, and plenty of tequila while locals celebrate until 11 p.m. El Grito, or the call for independence will be heard at this time, followed by fireworks and wild partying.

Independence Day is celebrated on the 16th with a massive parade downtown.

October

Cancun in October is a budget traveler’s dream, with few tourists, inexpensive accommodations, and cooler weather as the rainy season continues.

While it’s still warm enough to go to the beach, October has a lot of showers that clear out towards the end of the month. However, due to the low number of tourists, you will be able to enjoy the ruins, sandy stretches, and tours in a mostly private setting.

If you plan to visit Cancun in October, bring a Halloween costume (cat ears will suffice), as there are plenty of festivities to celebrate the holiday but few places to actually buy something to wear.

The Cancun Jazz Festival, which takes place over four days at the Hard Rock Hotel and features a variety of live concerts, is also held in October.

November

November resumes shoulder season, with far less rain and far more tourists than the previous months. Sunny days return, but crowds remain light until the holidays arrive.

Late November is an excellent time to visit the ruins and other Cancun attractions because the weather is not oppressively hot, and showers are scarce.

Snorkeling is also excellent in November due to the clear water.

The real draw to Cancun in November is Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. This one-of-a-kind holiday is when Mexicans pay their respects to those who have died.

Sugar skulls, offerings, and decorating family altars are used to guide spirits home, and traditional experiences are held in various parks throughout town. Of course, in typical Cancun fashion, it is followed by a slew of parties in the Hotel Zone.

December

Welcome back to the peak season in Cancun! While the beginning of December is relatively calm in Cancun, crowds of tourists return in the middle of the month for the holidays.

If you want to spend Christmas on the beach in Cancun, make sure to book your flights and accommodations well in advance, as thousands of others do.

If you’re coming from the north, expect crowded beaches, restaurants, and resorts, as well as much warmer weather.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancun to Avoid Crowds?

The busiest seasons in Cancun are winter (December to April) and spring break, making summer and fall the least crowded times to visit. Rainfall is more likely from June to November, which deters visitors. Cancun receives as much or more rain in September, the wettest month than Seattle does in December.

Regardless of the season, visiting Cancun in the summer or fall is a great way to get a local’s perspective on this otherwise touristy city. Though you won’t be able to share the town’s dance floors with a slew of other tourists, you will undoubtedly get lower rates and a better seat at restaurants with fewer tourists around. If you wait for the brief window when good weather and low crowds coincide — October and November — you’ll get the best of both worlds.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Weather?

If you want to spend your vacation lounging on the beach under a clear sky, a trip during the high season might be best for you. Temperatures in the winter range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit from December to April, with January being the coldest month. Winter is also the wettest season, with March being the driest and clearest month. Visit in March for comfortably warm 75- to 85-degree days ideal for beach lounging, but be prepared to battle swarms of spring breakers.

Cancun becomes very hot and muggy by Cinco de Mayo, with daily highs in the upper 80s or 90s from May to September. You’ll also miss Mexico’s hurricane season, which runs from June to November if you visit during the winter. While these storms do not always land, they can bring Cancun several days of rain and overcast weather.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancun for the Best Prices?

If you don’t mind a little humidity and rain from Cancun’s hurricane season, the cheapest times to visit are after spring break, May to June, and during the fall shoulder season, September to October. The weather is less pleasant during the shoulder seasons, resulting in fewer visitors and lower rates.

Booking hotels and flights at least three months in advance and going all-inclusive are two other ways to save money on a trip to Cancun, even if you go during peak tourism season. Resorts that include meals, beverages, and activities can significantly reduce the cost of a trip to Mexico.

Cancun’s Worst Seasons

Spring and summer break revelers can be both good and bad, depending on whether you want to join them. However, crowds, prices, and events such as DJ sets, foam parties, and bikini contests all increase during the school holidays.

Another disadvantage of visiting Cancun in the spring and summer is the presence of seaweed. Cancun not only has a hurricane season from June to November but also a seaweed season from May to October. Sargassum seaweed, which is brown, floating, and notoriously foul-smelling, is a growing problem on Cancun’s beaches as a result of climate change and pollution. The Mexican government uses aircraft to monitor massive seaweed patches in an attempt to keep it from reaching land, but some of it inevitably ends up littering the white sand. During these months, hotel staff and city workers will often quickly shovel up clumps of the nasty muck, but large patches can impede swimming and boat access.

With the influx of party animals, stinky seaweed traps, and increased risk of hurricanes beginning in spring and lasting into fall, high-season visitors may have chosen wisely after all.

Best Time to Go to Cancun 2023: All You Need