So you’re planning a trip to Cancun and want the inside scoop to determine when is the best time to visit Cancun? Firstly, let us commend you for choosing to vacation in Cancun. Cancun is full of beautiful white sand beaches, amazing blue water, and a host of great resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars! However, there are many factors to consider when determining when to visit Cancun including the weather, the crowds, and the occasion. Let us break it down for you and help you determine when the best time to visit Cancun is for you and your vacation goals!
When is the Best Time to Visit Cancun, Mexico
The best time to visit Cancun really depends on the experience you are looking for, here are the major factors that play into finding the best time to visit Cancun:
Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Weather
Cancun is known for its beautiful, tropical weather, but with tropical heat comes tropical storms.
December – February: A Little on the Cool Side
If you choose to vacation in the late winter-early spring, note that water temperatures, while still pleasant and amazingly refreshing, will be a little cooler than they typically are in the late spring and summer months. Additionally, many Cancun visitors who vacation between January and March note that early mornings and late evenings can be chilly and may require a light jacket. This cooler water and weather makes exploring the jungle or staying out on the beach irresistible and reduces your risk of heat stroke.
March – June: Getting Warming
If you choose to vacation later in the spring – early summer, expect heat approaching or surpassing the 90s nearly every day and a higher potential for warm rainy days. While the heat may be intense at times, the ocean water remains cool and refreshing.
June – November: Cancun’s Rainy Season
Moving into the summer and fall season, hurricanes are a risk factor to consider. If you choose to vacation during this time range, you will likely experience warm, sunny days sandwiched between humid, rainy days and potentially full on hurricanes. The risk of experiencing hurricane weather is lower between June and August and increases later in the fall season.
September – October: Cancun’s Hurricane Season
If you want to experience the heavy rains, winds, and tropical storms that come along with Cancun’s hurricane season, then the best time to visit Cancun is between September and October. Otherwise, we recommend avoiding this time of year due to the high risk of tropical storm weather.
December – April: Beautiful Tropical Weather All Around
If you are looking to avoid any and all rain fall on your tropical vacation, the best and most popular time to visit Cancun definitely falls between December and April. Temperatures range between 75 and 90 degrees during this time of year with a few cold and rainy days here and there.
Best Time to Visit Cancun for Smaller Crowds
Now that we have covered the best time to visit Cancun for weather, we will move on to considering when to visit Cancun for smaller crowds.
For Peace and Quiet
Cancun is the least busy during the rainy season, so if you are willing to sacrifice having a higher chance of rainy weather for a peaceful and relaxing vacation free of crowds, the rainy season between June – August is the best time to go.
Avoid Spring Breakers
If you are looking for a beautiful, romantic getaway with your honey or are trying to have high quality family fun, you MUST avoid the Spring Break season between March-April.
Spring Breakers in their teens and early twenties are notorious for being rowdy, obnoxious, and sometimes NSFW. However, these are not the only Spring Breakers to consider.
Spring break for most elementary and middle school students tends to fall around March – April, so if you want to avoid resorts that are overridden with children, strongly consider scheduling your vacation outside of these Spring Break months.
Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Deals
Rates for resorts, hotels, and flights all decrease dramatically during Cancun’s rainy season. If you are looking for the best deals, the best time to visit Cancun definitely falls between the months of July and October.
Visiting Cancun during the rainy season makes for tropical weather that is a little more sporadic and harder to predict. Most days range between 80 and 90 degrees, but during a storm can drop dramatically. Let it be known however, that the chances of encountering a hurricane on your vacation during Cancun’s hurricane season are very slim, as there have only been 2 major hurricanes in Cancun within the last 30 years.
Best Time to Visit Cancun for a Romantic Getaway
If you are simply looking for a vacation full of romance and relaxation for you and your partner, the best time to visit Cancun would probably fall between May and July. The late spring – mid summer season is typically free of rowdy Spring Breakers and may be less crowded by families with children.
We recommend looking for a resort that is strictly for Adults Only when booking a romantic getaway to Cancun. These resorts usually come with a more premium price tag, but are well worth the money when you don’t have to deal with rambunctious children splashing around the pool and screaming in restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Cancun for Nightlife
If you are a young person looking to experience the wild nightlife that Cancun has to offer, the best time to visit Cancun is during spring break season! Cancun during spring break season offers the best nightlife and thousands of young people looking to meet up for a good time.
When Will You Visit?
Now that you know the best times to visit Cancun for good weather, smaller crowds, romance, and nightlife it’s time to make a decision.
Will you be exploring the jungle with the family in the cooler months (December – March)?
Will you be avoiding the crowds and searching for the best deals during the rainy season?
Or will you be partying with the Spring Breakers during the spring break season?
Let us know when you decide to visit Cancun and give us the highlights of your trip!