Best time to visit Cancún in 2025

Peak season in Cancún (December to April)

Christmas in Cancún. Gentle waves caress the shining sands. A whisper of wind takes the edge off the dry heat. The smell of sunscreen mingles with the zest of the margarita in your hand. Does it get any better than this? For most people, the answer is no! The best time to go to Cancún is widely recognized to be the December to April period. 

This is Cancún’s peak season. The Mexican sun is still blazing down, but the temperature hovers between 68°F (20°C) to 82°F (28°C), a comfortable range for most tourists. Peak season presents a great opportunity to develop a glorious tan while you lounge in the Zona Hotelera, explore the pristine sands of Isla Contoy (a great day trip for anyone based in Cancún), or swim with sea turtles. 

Warm enough to enjoy watersports, scuba diving, and sunbathing, but not so hot that you’ll be hiding in the shade — sounds perfect, right? The problem is, it sounds perfect to every other potential visitor as well, so if you visit during this season, you’ll be one of thousands who had the same idea.

Demand pushes the prices of flights and accommodation all the way up, especially during the US spring break, making the whole trip a lot more costly (especially for families and larger groups). In peak season, beaches are often crowded and tours (like the Isla Contoy boat trip, for example) sell out faster. That’s why it’s worth at least considering some of the other travel seasons for Cancún. 

Who is Cancún’s peak season right for?

Go to Cancún in peak season if you want sunshine without oppressive heat and don't mind spending a little more on travel and hotels. Kids and older travelers will fare better because the average temperature is milder, but just bear in mind that Cancún’s resorts, bars, and restaurants are going to be busy. Places on tours of the surrounding islands and jungles fill up fast, so plan in advance. 

If you’re eager to see one of Mexico’s most exciting Carnival festivals, February is the best time to travel to Cancún. Carnival is an epic week-long festival marking the start of Lent and running from late February to early March. The Carnival parade centers around the Malecón Tajamar promenade, but you can find festivities, street parties, and live music throughout the city.

Shoulder seasons in Cancún (April to June and October to November)

Cancún’s shoulder season is up for debate, but it probably has two — April to June and October to November. If you don’t already know, a shoulder season is the period when a region is less popular with tourists, but still has a lot to offer. The prices of flights and hotels often drop during this period, but unlike the low season (the least popular time to visit), the weather is still pleasant and attractions (like tours and museums) are open.

From July, the combination of heat and humidity becomes slightly too intense for comfort, but throughout late April, May, and June, the temperature sits around 86°F (30°C) — intense, but not horrible. The rainy season hasn’t fully set in yet, so you can get your sunscreen on and hit the beaches. You won’t have to fight your way through a crowd like you would in the peak season.

Prices stay low through the rest of summer and early fall, but because of the weather, that’s probably the worst time to visit Cancún. In shoulder season, you can still save money, but without a high risk of storms.

Who is Cancún’s shoulder season right for?

Shoulder season is all about relaxed, sunny holidays at affordable prices. These are the ideal months for travelers who want a beautiful Cancún experience without breaking the bank. Traveling with a large family group during summer break? Shoulder season is for you. Just bear in mind that the later you go, the more likely you are to encounter heavy rain showers and storms. 

Another great reason to visit Cancún during shoulder season is the arrival of the whale sharks. From April onwards, these stunning creatures can be seen in the tranquil blue waters around the Yucatán Peninsula. You can even sign up for boat tours that allow you to swim alongside the sharks. These gentle giants aren’t dangerous to humans — they eat small organisms like plankton instead of hunting for larger creatures.

Low season in Cancún (July to September)

Still don’t like the look of those shoulder season prices? Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that in the low season, from July to September, travel and hotel options are even more affordable! The bad news? July to October is also hurricane season.

With rising heat and humidity, tropical storms become a real issue for the region, with high winds battering islands and coastal communities like Cancún. Not only can this cause travel disruption and ruin your day trip plans, but it could also pose a serious danger to life. Think carefully before booking a vacation this season and consult governmental guidance closely. 

The silver lining of hurricane season is that a lot of tourists aren’t going to risk a vacation to Cancún during those months. You’ll be able to find bargain flights and great prices in the Zona Hotelera, and most of the city and the surrounding area will be pretty quiet. Just remember that many tours and local attractions may not be operating in these months.

Who is Cancún’s low season right for?

Low season is a solid choice for travelers who really want to stick to a budget while dealing with fewer crowds. If you don’t mind heavy rain and humidity, you can still enjoy all the fun the city has to offer, including great food, live music, and delicious cocktails. For more adventurous travelers, the out-of-season factor might actually be the main draw, with hurricanes and uncertainty adding some spice to the trip. Again, though — be safe and follow government guidance in severe weather events.

It’s also important to remember that the storm risks go up later in the season — visit in July or August, and you’ll still be able to enjoy great beach weather. In fact, visitors in early August can take part in the Fiesta de la Playa en Cancún, a massive beach party that attracts visitors from around the world.

Use this packing list to get ready for Cancún

You’ve bought your tickets, the hotel is booked, and all that’s left now is to pack. This handy checklist should help you get Cancún-ready! Don’t forget to bring:

Light, breathable clothes. Cancún is hot, regardless of when you visit. Outside of peak season, humidity can also be intense, especially for people who are used to a drier climate. Make sure to bring linen shirts, light cotton dresses, and loose shorts, preferably in white (white clothing reflects sunlight, while darker fabrics absorb the rays and make you hotter).

At least two swimsuits. Let’s be real — if you’re going to Cancún, you’re going in the ocean. The turquoise waters around the coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, their sunlit depths alive with colorful marine life and vibrant coral. Bringing at least two swimsuits is a great move because it means you can always have one drying in the sun while you’re using the other. 

High SPF sunscreen. Soaking up the sun is what Cancún is all about, but it’s important to do so safely. You’ll probably be in direct sunlight for hours at a time, which could lead to painful burns, long-term skin damage, and an elevated risk of cancer. That’s why a high SPF sunscreen (30 SPF and up) is a must-pack item. If you want to go swimming, make sure that the sunscreen you choose is reef safe. Reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain chemicals that harm wildlife around the coral reefs.

A waterproof phone pouch. Speaking of coral reefs, a lot of Cancún’s beauty lies around and under the waves, so bringing a transparent waterproof pouch for your phone is a great idea. It’s an excellent addition if you want to take snaps in the water, but also worth picking up if you’re going to lounge by a hotel pool. Taking selfies is a lot more fun when you’re not worrying about your phone taking a dip.

A light rain jacket. If you’re traveling in shoulder or low season, it’s quite possible that you’ll run into some stormy weather. Packing a rain jacket makes sense, but make sure it’s a light and breathable design. The last thing you want in Cancún’s humid, rainy season is a heavy jacket that keeps in the heat.

An eSIM app. One of the simplest ways to get internet in Mexico is with an eSIM. These services connect you to local networks, and most offer flexible, affordable plans, saving you from extortionate roaming fees. To get set up, just download an eSIM app like Saily, pick the data package that works for you (Saily offers an eSIM plan for Mexico that includes Cancún), and you’ll be online in a few taps. 

Ready for Cancún?  

If you plan your trip right, a vacation in Cancún can be a fantastic mixture of sunny relaxation, jungle exploration, and ocean excursions. Find the season that works for you, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure! 

Remember, if you want to use your phone in Mexico with cell data, it’s worth getting an eSIM app. When you set up an eSIM from Saily in advance, your plan activates as soon as you arrive in Mexico. No need to deal with Cancún airport Wi-Fi — you’ll be online when you land. Let Saily handle your mobile data while you focus on white sands and sparkling blue water.