Discover the Best Time to Visit Cancun for Ideal Weather

Cancun is an extremely popular tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exciting nightlife, it is a favored travel spot by many. Cancun is situated on the edge of the Yucatan Peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, making it a tropical climate. One of the best spots to find all-inclusive hotels and adventure, many people wonder when is the best time to visit Cancun. After considering average temperatures, rainfall, hurricane threats, and cloud coverage, the best time to visit Cancun for ideal weather is between March and May.

Cancun’s Climate 

Cancun, located in Mexico, features a tropical climate. The average temperature ranges from 67°F to 90°F. Cancun features hot and cool seasons. The hot season is between June 11 and September 25, whereas the cool season is between December 4 through March 5. The hottest month in Cancun is July, and the coldest month is January. In addition to heat, Cancun also hosts high humidity. Cancun features significant changes in humidity throughout the year. The muggiest time of the year is between March 16 and December 14, with August being the muggiest month. The best time to visit to avoid humidity is in February. 

Average Temperatures 

Spring offers comfortable temperatures. While not as cold as the winter months, it is not yet the blistering summer heat. The average high temperature is 85°F, and the average low temperature is 73°F. 

Summer is the best season if you enjoy hot-weather activities, but if you are someone who does not enjoy the heat, you should avoid these months. As the hottest time of the year to visit, summer offers an average high of 89°F and an average low of 77°F. 

Similar to the spring months, fall features lovely weather. Cooling off from the heat of the summer but not quite the cold temperatures of winter, this season offers an average high temperature of 86°F and an average low temperature of 73°F. 

Weather is cooler in the winter, with an average high of 82°F and an average low temperature of 68°F. January has the coldest temperatures in Cancun. 

Hottest and Coldest Temperatures Ever Recorded 

Cancun has a range of temperatures, the average between 73°F and 84.5°F, but there are always outliers. Although this is the normal range, the area has recorded highs and lows.  The hottest temperature ever recorded in Cancun was 102°F, and the lowest temperature ever recorded in Cancun was 45°F. 

Rainfall Patterns in Cancun 

Although Cancun has a tropical climate typically features rain and muggy weather, it does feature a rainy and dry season. The rainy season is between May and October, and the dry season is between November to April. 

Dry Season (November-April)

Despite being in the dry season, from late November to early March, wind from the north comes in, bringing chilly and windy days. Additionally, cloud coverage and rain can happen during this time. The average rainfall per month here is 2.4 inches. 

Rainy Season (May-October) 

Although it is the rainy season, the rain that falls is usually short and intense. Showers and thunderstorms usually break up the day. Slight breezes offer a small respite from the heat but do nothing to help with the humidity. This is when you need to be aware of hurricanes, as they happen more during the rainy season. The average amount of rainfall per month in this season is 6.5 inches. Rainfall is particularly intense during August and September.

Sunshine and Cloud Coverage in Cancun 

If you want to soak up the sun on your Cancun vacation, the best time to visit is between March and May. While clouds can dot the skies year-round, cloud coverage significantly differs throughout the year. The clear part of the year is from October 30 through May 20. February is the clearest part of the year, with 76% of its days being cloudless or partly cloudy. The cloudiest month of the year is September, in which clouds cover the skies 76% of the time.  Additionally, if you like longer and sunnier days, then the summer months are your best bet. Sunrise arrives earlier, and the sun sets later during that season. 

Wind and Storms in Cancun 

Wind and storms vary in Cancun due to a variety of reasons, one of those reasons being the time of year. October 17 to June 5 is the windier part of the year. This more closely corresponds with the dry season. During the dry months, when there is less rainfall, there is more wind. The average hourly wind speed during this time is around 9.2 miles per hour. 

In contrast, from June 5 to October 17, the wind begins to die down. This is during the rainy season. The average wind speed during these months is 6.7 miles per hour, with the calmest month being August. Despite there being limited winds, this is the rainy season of the year, so tropical storms are more common. 

Natural Disasters in Cancun 

Hurricanes:

Hurricanes are a terrifying natural disaster. Known to cause incredible amounts of damage on their own, they can also spawn tornadoes, create rip tides, and cause flooding when they reach land. The tropical climate of Cancun supports hurricanes. Hurricane season in Cancun runs from June through November, with the most common months being August through October. The hurricane season officially ends on November 30th. 

Although Cancun is located directly in the path of hurricanes, it has been fortunate to have only been directly hit by hurricanes twice, once in 1988 and once in 2005. While the best way to avoid hurricanes is to not travel during hurricane season, most hotels are now built to withstand up to category three hurricanes. Additionally, Cancun now has 24 hurricane-proof areas and evacuation procedures at most resorts and hotels should a hurricane hit during your travels. 

Summary of the Best Time to Visit Cancun 

Let’s review the top reasons why the best time to visit Cancun for ideal weather is between March and May. 

Comfortable Temperatures 

The months of March-May are during the spring months. Spring offers comfortable temperatures. While not as cold as the winter months, it is not yet the blistering summer heat. The average high temperature is 85°F, and the average low temperature is 73°F.  This climate is still perfect for beach laying and ocean swimming, but not so hot that you melt like a popsicle. 

Less Rainfall and More Sunshine 

The dry season is between November and April, so for the majority of this time, you can expect less rainfall during your vacation. In addition to less rainfall, you can also expect fewer clouds and more sun! If you want to soak up the sun on your Cancun vacation, the best time to visit is between March and May. The clear part of the year is from October 30 through May 20.

Less Chance of Hurricanes 

Hurricane season in Cancun runs from June through November, with the most common months being August through October. The hurricane season officially ends on November 30th. So, if you travel during March and May, you miss this season entirely. Not having to worry about natural disasters helps with the relaxation factor of your vacation. 

Bonus Reason! 

While this reason has nothing to do with the ideal weather, it is another reason to travel during this time to make for an ideal vacation. Less crowds! December to April is the peak season for travel to Cancun. Peak travel season means more crowds and higher prices. So by going between March and May, you are missing the high prices, bad weather, and big crowds. It is a win-win-win!

Fun Facts About Cancun 

• Cancun means “nest of snakes” in the Mayan language. 
• Cancun is only about two hours away from the world wonder: Chichen Itza.
• There is an underwater museum of art (MUSA) with life-size sculptures you can see by booking a glass-bottom boat or snorkeling tour. 
• Most of Cancun’s beaches are made from crushed coral. 
• Cancun is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest reef system in the world.