Cancun weather

The sea temperature is at its hottest between September and October which also means that the hurricane risk is greater during that period. Cancun’s warm sea temperature makes it a popular destination for fans of water sports. November to April is Cancun’s dry season so expect prices to be at their peak during this time.

Cancun weather averages and climate

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
30.5	32.2	34.2	36.7	37.5	36.0	35.3	35.3	34.7	32.9	31.3	30.4	33.9

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
75	72	66	65	66	76	78	79	81	80	78	77	74

Average total rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
40	28	21	55	75	186	144	172	200	140	45	38	1144

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
5.0	5.0	6.0	6.0	7.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	7.0

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
5.3	5.7	6.7	7.0	6.7	5.9	5.0	4.8	4.3	4.7	4.7	4.6	5.5

When is the best time to visit Cancun?

The best time to visit Cancun is between November and March when the rainy season has passed and the hurricane season is yet to begin.  March is perhaps the most ideal time; it's the driest month, humidity is low which will make the 34 °C temperatures slightly more comfortable.

The wet season in Cancun begins in June, with hurricanes and tropical storms more likely from September to October, although they can start as early as June. Even if you are visiting Cancun during the wet season, it is unlikely to rain for prolonged periods unless there is a tropical storm.

The temperature of the sea varies very little throughout the year.

Spring

The spring in Cancun falls during dry season, with March experiencing the least rainfall (monthly average: 21 mm). Visitors to Cancun in the spring can enjoy an average of 6 hours of sunshine each day and this will increase to 7 hours by May.

Humidity levels are at their lowest from March to May when Cancun can also be a little breezier, with an average wind speed of 7 mph in April. If you are visiting Cancun in March, the average temperature is around 34 °C rising to around 37 °C by May.

Summer

The temperature in Cancun can drop marginally from June to August, as the resort enters its wet season, but it will remain in the 30's nevertheless.

 Humidity levels increase to around 80 % and there is a greater risk of hurricanes from June through to Octobe while the sea is at its warmest. Those visiting Cancun in the summer months can enjoy an average of 6 hours of sunshine a day.

Autumn

Cancun is still in its wet season at the beginning of autumn, so if you are travelling eptember, you can expect as much as 200 mm of rainfall.

This does decrease to a much drier 45 mm when Cancun’s wet season draws to an end in November.

There is an average of 5 hours of sunshine in November, making the days rather short. The autumn temperature in Cancun will drop from an average of 35 °C in September to around 31 °C by November.

Winter

If you are visiting Cancun in December, you can expect cooler temperatures, less rain and less breeze.

The sea will still be warm enough to swim and the average temperature in December and January will be around 30 °C.

If you are visiting Cancun in January and February, you can still expect around 5 hours of sunshine during the day.

When is rainy season in Cancun?

The rainy season in Mexico runs from late August to November. It's rare to get a full day of rain however, as most showers only last for a few hours. Although rare, there is a risk of hurricanes or tropical storms between June and November, which have the potential to provide a full day of heavy rain.

When is hurricane season in Cancun?

Atlantic hurricane season in Cancun occurs between the start of June and the end of November. The highest risk of hurricanes is between September and October, as they become more frequent due to sea temperatures being at their hottest. Though the risk of hurricanes directly striking a particular location is small it is worth being aware and keeping an eye on weather forecasts throughout your stay.

Cancun tourist information

Cancun is on the south east coast of Mexico, stretching out towards Cuba on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its name has become synonymous with partying and the high life, but this part of Mexico is also privy to some ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and relaxing luxury resorts.

The Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, giving it beautifully warm waters for those interested in the life aquatic. Sea temperatures here can reach 28 degrees in the summer months, making diving excursions and water sports a very popular pastime here. Cancun also has an Interactive Aquarium and a renowned Dolphinarium.

Playa Delfines and Forum Beach are probably the most famous of all the beautiful beaches in Cancun, but Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, Playa Marlin and Playa Las Perlas all have individual qualities. The main differences come in whether you are going to the beach to sunbathe, swim and read a book, or if you are going to party until the early hours; the Forum Beach and Playa Tortugas are popular with revellers, while stretches such as Playa Linda have a more tranquil charm.

Cancun is often divided into two main zones: the mainland (downtown/hotel zone), and the island. It is on the mainland hotel zone where you will find renowned attractions such as the Avenue Kukulcan - named after the Mayan snake deity - a haven for shopping, eating and nightlife.

The Mayan El Rey ruins are incredibly nestled in amongst the Hotel Zone, but for a more satisfying glimpse of Mayan ruins, you may wish to look to El Meco or even Tulum which is not too far away. A huge amount of iguanas run wild around El Rey; some visitors will find this enthralling whereas others may be unnerved.

September and October represent the rainy season in Cancun, although the resort tends to experience mild high temperatures throughout the year. Hurricanes have proved to be a real peril since Hurricane Gilbert struck in 1988; since then, hurricanes Wilma and Dean wreaked havoc in 2005 and 2007.

Cancun is on the appropriately named Riviera Maya which provides an abundance of high-class resorts and hotels. Cancun is both a trendy and exotic name in the European tourist industry and, as much as Americans make up the brunt of the visitors, Cancun also hosts many sightseers from across the Atlantic.