Mexico (Cancún)
Mexico · North America
The best time to visit Mexico (Cancún) is January, February, March, April, May, July, and December. In summer, temperatures rise to 32°C; in winter they can drop to 20°C. 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 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 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMAX | 27° | 28° | 29° | 30° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 30° | 29° | 28° |
MINMIN | 20° | 21° | 21° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 22° | 21° |
☀️Sunshine | 6h | 8h | 8h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° | 26° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° |
🌧Rain Days | 8d63mm | 4d33mm | 3d24mm | 3d29mm | 6d71mm | 11d155mm | 7d61mm | 10d91mm | 13d125mm | 13d150mm | 9d99mm | 8d67mm |
Best travel timeMonthly averages 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
November 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
Beste Zeit für Cancún und die Riviera Maya: trocken, 25–30°C, das karibische Türkis ohne Regenwolken. Chichen Itzá und Tulum ohne extreme Hitze. Día de los Muertos im November ist kulturell besonders — Ofrendas in den Maya-Gemeinden.
May – October
Hurrikan-Saison: Regenschauer und gelegentliche Tropenstürme, aber Cancúns All-Inclusive-Zone funktioniert auch dann. Das Karibik-Wasser bleibt warm, Preise deutlich günstiger.
Events & Festivals
November
- Día de los Muertos· 1.–2. November
Auf den Zentralplätzen entstehen farbenprächtige Ofrendas (Altäre) mit Ringelblumen, Fotos und Speisen. In den umliegenden Maya-Gemeinden wird der Hanal Pixán gefeiert — die ursprüngliche Version des Festes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Mexico (Cancún)?
- The best time to visit Mexico (Cancún) is January, February, March, April, May, July, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Mexico (Cancún)?
- In summer, temperatures in Mexico (Cancún) can reach up to 32°C. In winter, they may drop to 20°C.
- How much rain does Mexico (Cancún) get?
- Mexico (Cancún) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, March, April, May, July, and December.
- How warm is the water in Mexico (Cancún)?
- Water temperature in Mexico (Cancún) ranges from 26°C (February) to 29°C (September). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, May, July, and December), 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
