Best time to visit Cancún
The best time to visit Cancún is usually February, April and May, when a typical day grades B, B and B. August and September are the weakest (C and C). Seaweed is usually lightest in January and December and heaviest in July and August. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
Cancún month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B | 80°F | 80°F | 45% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
| February | B | 81°F | 80°F | 38% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
| March | B | 84°F | 80°F | 37% | Moderate | Packed | Very low |
| April | B | 85°F | 81°F | 28% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
| May | B | 88°F | 82°F | 43% | High | Busy | Very low |
| June | B- | 87°F | 83°F | 70% | High | Busy | Very low |
| July | C+ | 89°F | 84°F | 61% | High | Very busy | Low |
| August | C | 89°F | 85°F | 67% | High | Busy | Moderate |
| September | C | 88°F | 85°F | 76% | High | Moderate | High |
| October | B- | 85°F | 85°F | 67% | High | Moderate | Low |
| November | B- | 83°F | 84°F | 54% | High | Busy | Very low |
| December | B | 81°F | 82°F | 48% | Moderate | Very busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 86 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in Cancún
Resorts with the best typical February, and their grades for the next few days.
- Holbox Island Hotels Feb ASatC+SunC+MonC-TueCWedC
- Villas Flamingos Feb ASatC+SunC+MonC-TueCWedC
- Villas Delphines Feb ASatC+SunC+MonC-TueCWedC
- Xaloc Resort Feb ASatC+SunC+MonC-TueCWedC
- Club Las Hamacas Feb ASatC+SunC+MonC-TueCWedC
- Impression Isla Mujeres Feb A-SatCSunC+MonBTueB-WedC+
- Atelier Playa Mujeres Feb B+SatC-SunCMonB-TueC+WedC
- Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres Feb B+SatD+SunCMonB-TueC+WedC
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit Cancún?
- The best time to visit Cancún is usually February, April and May, when a typical day grades B, B and B. August and September are the weakest (C and C). Seaweed is usually lightest in January and December and heaviest in July and August. The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is sargassum season in Cancún?
- In a typical year seaweed is heaviest in July, August and September and lightest in January and December. The Atlantic sargassum belt varies a lot from year to year; Veabird's weekly sargassum report tracks the current season.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Cancún?
- Crowds are usually lightest in September and October and heaviest in March and December (College & school spring break and Semana Santa / Easter). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in Cancún?
- Storm risk runs from about July to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in Cancún?
- The sea is warmest in September and October (about 85°F) and coolest in January and February (about 80°F).