Most of the time the weather in Cancun is beautiful. You can swim year-round, but you may have a specific climate in mind, which your family may find most attractive for a vacation.

The average annual temperature of Cancun is 25.5 degrees Celsius [78 degrees F], with fluctuations of five to seven degrees. Frequent daytime highs range into the high eighties with periodic cloud coverage.

Visit our Cancun Weather Review for additional details.

SUMMER  – June, July, August

Summer is the hottest time of the year in Cancun, especially mid-July and August. During these months Cancun fills up with vacationers and the beaches are full.

Summer is also the rainy season however the rain tends to hit once a day [if it does rain] and only for a short period. Quite often you are relieved it rained as the rain tends to cool things down a little, at least for a short time.

On a cloudless day in August the heat can be unbearable for some people. Shoes are necessary because the beach can get too hot to walk on. Even walking any great distance can become a chore and if you are backpacking the extra weight can be a burden.

Sun-burn is a major factor during the summer months as well as dehydration. At 12:00 noon you can get burned in less than 15 minutes without proper sun-block and clothing.

FALL  – September, October, November

This is our favorite time of the year in Cancun. Partly because of the weather but also because things simmer down a bit between summer and the winter high seasons.

In September and October the ocean water is hot from the summer’s hot sun. The outside temperature drops making daytime temps hot but bearable. Evenings are beautiful and you can still swim at night and be comfortable.

Late summer and Fall is also hurricane season along the Atlantic coast. Hurricanes or tropical storms can occur anytime between June and December, however the common period is September – November. This does not detour vacationers, but it is wise to know your cancellation policy when booking and purchase Travel Insurance where applicable.

It is advisable to pay close attention to weather reports during these months. We have found on-line weather services are the best place for getting current tropical storm information. See Cancun Weather Resources below.

WINTER – December, January, Febuary

This is the best time of the year to travel to Cancun if you don’t want to experience excruciating heat. December-January, temperatures cool down and on cloudless days swimming is in the ocean is okay [mild temperature].

At this time of the year you get the least amount of daylight, which is something to consider, but Cancun tourist zones light up at night so it’s not really an issue.
Humidity and rain are at their lowest during this period. If rain and a day of clouds do occur, things can cool down considerably. It is advisable to take a light jacket/sweater with you just in case, to be comfortable.

SPRING  – March, April, May

Things start to heat up mid-February and by April you can be roasting on the beach. Water temperatures have not caught up but outside temps start to rise.

The “summer rains” start in April peaking in July-August. This is a wonderful time to travel because after “Spring Break”, things calm down until the summer travel season starts in late June. Water temps are warm enough to swim comfortably; it’s hot but not July-August hot. Weather-wise, it’s a great time of the year to visit Cancun.