Mexico (Cancún)
Mexico · North America
The best time to visit Mexico (Cancún) is February, March, April, and May. In summer, daytime highs average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 20°C (68°F), dropping to around 13°C (55°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Mexico (Cancún) – What you should know
Cancún and the Riviera Maya lie on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and enjoy a tropical climate with two clearly separated seasons. The dry season from December to April (driest from February to April) is the best travel time: ideal swimming temperatures, little rain and abundant sunshine. The rainy season from May to November brings daily showers — usually short and intense, rarely lasting all day.
The Caribbean summer does, however, have a serious downside: from June to November is hurricane season. While direct hits are rare, tropical storms can affect the region and cancel bookings at short notice. Those travelling at this time should definitely take out travel insurance.
The Caribbean Sea off Cancún has water temperatures of typically 26–29°C (79–84°F) year-round — superb for snorkelling and diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. The best visibility occurs from February to April, when the water is particularly clear.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)23– (73–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)31 (88) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 20° (68°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)27 (81) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h | 8h | 8h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) |
🌧Rain Days | 9d78mm (3.1") | 5d41mm (1.6") | 4d30mm (1.2") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 8d88mm (3.5") | 14d194mm (7.6") | 9d76mm (3.0") | 13d113mm (4.5") | 17d156mm (6.1") | 16d187mm (7.4") | 12d124mm (4.9") | 9d84mm (3.3") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
December offers great weather in Mexico (Cancún) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Mexico (Cancún)
November – April
The best time for Cancún and the Riviera Maya: mostly dry (driest from February to April), 25–30°C (77–86°F), Caribbean turquoise without rain clouds. Chichén Itzá and Tulum without extreme heat. Día de los Muertos in November is culturally special — ofrendas in the Maya communities.
May – October
Hurricane season: rain showers and occasional tropical storms, but Cancún's all-inclusive zone keeps working. The Caribbean water stays warm and prices are noticeably lower.
Events & Festivals
November
- Día de los Muertos· 1–2 November
Colourful ofrendas (altars) with marigolds, photos and food appear on the central squares. The surrounding Maya communities celebrate Hanal Pixán — the original version of the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Mexico (Cancún)?
- The best time to visit Mexico (Cancún) is February, March, April, and May. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Mexico (Cancún)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Mexico (Cancún) average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 20°C (68°F), dropping to around 13°C (55°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Mexico (Cancún) get?
- Mexico (Cancún) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 10 rain days per month. The driest months are February, March, and April.
- How warm is the water in Mexico (Cancún)?
- Water temperature in Mexico (Cancún) ranges from 26°C (79°F) (February) to 29°C (84°F) (September). During the best travel months (February, March, April, and May), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
FebMarApr
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebMar
