Mexican officials estimate that more than 20 million international travelers arrived in Mexico in 2022, and the airport that saw the most international visitors is in Cancún. In 2022, Cancun International Airport received the highest number of international air travelers with more than 9.3 million people.
The white sand beaches and close-to-perfect year-round weather are some reasons why Cancún is the top destination in Mexico. Another reason is that there’s no shortage of adult fun and entertainment. Even if you’re not big on parties, Cancún offers something for everyone.
Another win for travelers is that Cancún is a budget-friendly destination that will give the feel of an expensive and luxurious getaway. Luxury resort stays, like NIZUC Resort and Spa and Le Blanc Spa Resort, range from $500 to $1,000 per night.
The downside to this popular destination is the crowds. Aside from being surrounded by people, the other problem with Cancún is its location. Situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula along the Caribbean Sea, Cancún is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.
If you are trying to figure out the best time to visit Cancún, here are the pros of cons of each season. The best time depends on the traveler’s tastes and preferences.
Winter: December to February
Expect temperatures to reach a high in the low 80s during winter, making it the perfect place for travelers looking to escape the cold weather. In a place that can get both humid and hot to the point of discomfort, this is one of the best times to explore the beaches and the El Rey or El Meco Archaeological Sites.
During this time, expect higher prices for accommodations and excursions because of the influx of crowds during the holiday season. Christmas and New Year’s also will attract more crowds.
Early December, right after the New Year and February are the cheaper times to travel to Cancún. If you plan to go in February, be on the lookout for The Carnival Parades, which usually take place in February. Hotels book up fast because people book months in advance.
Spring: March To May
While the weather is still mild during this time, with high temperatures in the lower 80s and lower humidity, the spring break crowd will begin making its way to Cancún. If you don’t mind a younger group of college students needing a break, this could be a fun time to visit Cancún,
Don’t let the college students deter you from visiting. There’s no better time to explore the outdoors. If you go in May, for example, whale sharks have just arrived and the sea turtles are nesting.
Visiting in the spring also will allow you to explore the Mayan ruins and inland jungle tours comfortably.
Summer: June To August
Summer in Cancún also means it’s the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. During this time, you can expect hot and humid temperatures and more rainy days than any other time of year. However, there is a win here: flights and accommodations are cheaper, and the beaches, top attractions and bars are less crowded.
If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t allow rain to stop you, you will have no problem in Cancún.
You want to be in the water when it’s not raining, as it’s the best way to cool down. You also should consider a snorkeling or boat tour because your chances of seeing whale sharks up close and little sea turtle babies are high.
If you plan to visit during this time, travel insurance is a must to prepare for unforeseen weather events. Expect temperatures in the 90s during the summer.
Fall: September to November
As hurricane season dwindles, fall can be tricky in Cancun. Statistically, most major hurricanes occur between August and October. The last hurricane to hit Cancún was Hurricane Wilma, which made landfall on Oct. 21, 2005. This means the chances of a hurricane ruining vacation are pretty low, but the weather during the fall is among the hottest and wettest times of the year.
September is the rainiest month of the season and doesn’t get better until November. The trade-off is that you will find the best flight deals and accommodations during the fall.
The Best Season to Visit Cancún
If you want to save money on your flights and accommodations, the clear winner is the summer and fall seasons. While there is a risk for the weather to disrupt travel plans, there is some room within these seasons to enjoy what people love about Cancún.
Meanwhile, travelers who don’t mind paying extra during the busy times of year will find that winter and spring will allow you to explore Cancún during the best times of the year. Travelers alsowill find meeting people will be easier if they are visiting solo, as more travelers visit Cancún in the winter and spring months.