The Best Time to Visit Cancun (And Things to Do Beyond the Beach)
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If you're looking for the best time to visit Cancun, the answer is “whenever you can go.” The city's location on the Caribbean coast of Mexico offers turquoise blue waters, fine white sand, and plenty of culinary and nightlife options to choose from for a classic beach getaway. On top of that, its location on the Yucatán Peninsula also makes it a great base from which to explore the cultural and archaeological sites inland, like Chichén Itzá, the pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There's way more to do in Cancun than just the beach, so you'll need to strategize well when it comes to when to go and how to spend your trip. To get the inside scoop on the best time to visit Cancun, I spoke to one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, Zachary Rabinor of Journey Mexico, who specializes in immersive itineraries throughout Mexico and the surrounding region. “Cancun itself is home to some of the finest beaches in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the world,” he says. But there are plenty of other activities, in the mornings and evenings, that can supplement days at the beach.
Below, we discuss with a travel expert when to visit Cancun, how long to stay, and what to do to get the best of the destination.
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When is the best time to visit Cancun?
People come to Cancun for the sea and sand, so the best time to go will naturally be when the weather is cooperative and the environment is looking especially gorgeous. “You will find warm and dry temperatures from November through March, with low humidity and less chances for sargassum seaweed on the beach,” says Rabinor of Journey Mexico. “If you like the hotter, tropical temps, but not torrential rains, late November and early December are nice as are April through early June.”
That said, the months outside those windows have their own attractions and virtues: “June through early August are great times for underwater adventures and animal sightings, when the visibility is excellent—including the amazing whale shark aggregations around Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox,” Rabinor says.
man walking towards the beach in the mexican caribbean
When is the cheapest time to visit Cancun?
To get the best overall value when visiting Cancun, aim for the week after Easter through June; then late October up until Thanksgiving week. Rabinor says that, during these periods, “hotel rates are lower, resorts are not too crowded, and the weather is still pleasant with little rain.” You can typically find last-minute promotions during those periods.
In the summer, you will also see lower hotel occupancy, and therefore lower room rates. At this time, Rabinor says you can expect lots of attractive promotions offering resort credits and complimentary nights for longer stays. A word of warning, however: “If you travel between June and November, be sure to not skip travel insurance, as it is hurricane season,” he says.
When is peak season in Cancun?
The end of year, from about mid-December to early January, is when hotel occupancy in Cancun—and the region—is at its peak, according to Rabinor: “You can expect busy beaches, restaurants, theme parks, and other attractions, as well as high hotel prices.” Other busy periods include the Christmas holidays as well as spring break season in the US, usually from early March through April. That said, if you're looking for a party vibe and/or make new friends while traveling, these are the windows of time to aim for.
When visiting Cancun for the first time, how much time should I spend and what should I do?
For first timers to Cancun, Rabinor suggest spending five days to one week. “That way, you can balance days of exploration with relaxing on the beach,” he says. Alternate between open days where you can go wherever the day takes you, with scheduled activities. Rabinor suggests a few things to do in the water: “Get out on the water to cruise, snorkel, and enjoy the landscapes and sunsets. The Underwater Museum of Art is worth checking out. You don’t have to scuba dive to do it; snorkelers are welcome too.”
The destination is famous for it's nightlife, so that will always be a fixture for the spring breakers, bur Rabinor also says that there's been development in the scene: “It's not just spring-break mayhem anymore. There are a wide range of options that include high-end dining and entertainment, along with incredible late night DJs, dance parties, and world renowned performers.”
If you have the time, you can drive south from Cancun and explore more of the Riviera Maya. Rabinor suggests checking out Puerto Morelos, a quaint fishing village that has a laid-back vibe (“Don’t miss the Marbella restaurant!”); Playa del Carmen, a lively place with great restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and access to the ferry that takes travelers to Cozumel Island; Akumal, a town with calm beaches and cafés; and of course the well-known beaches of Tulum. “Go a bit further and you’ll arrive at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Natural Reserve,” Rabinor says. “It's a wild, untouched paradise that’s home to diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty—not to mention a couple of lost-in-the-jungle, little-visited archeological sites.”
What else should I know before visiting Cancun?
If you love to travel for historic culture and archaeology, Cancun is also a great place from which to explore the rich history and culture of the Yucatán Peninsula. Go inland to visit iconic Mayan archaeological sites, like Chichén Itzá. It's where you'll find the Temple of Kukulcan, the area's famous step-pyramid, and the Great Ball Court. “If you’ve already been, check out the Ek' Balam site,” Rabinor says, referring to a neighboring Yucatec-Maya archaeological site, for more architectural and cultural sights to behold.
For natural wonders, explore the region's natural sinkholes, called cenotes, that were sacred to the Maya. “You can swim, snorkel, or dive in an array of cenotes,” Rabinor says, “or experience the underground world of Río Secreto, a cave system where you will find subterranean chambers, clear rivers, and stalactites and stalagmite formations.”
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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