Cancun has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. This means that in principle you can travel to Cancun at any time. But the difference between January and August is greater than the thermometer alone suggests. Humidity, precipitation, the risk of tropical storms and the amount of sargassum also play a role.
Cancun is warm all year
Daytime temperatures are well above 25 degrees for much of the year. The winter months are generally drier and slightly cooler. Summer is hotter and significantly more humid. That means 30 degrees in July can often feel much hotter than around 28 degrees in winter.
December to February
These are among the most pleasant months weather-wise. Expect:
- warm days
- comfortable evening temperatures
- less humidity
- relatively limited rainfall
For Norwegians who want sun and warmth in the middle of winter, this is a very attractive period. The downside is that demand is also high.
March and April
March and April are very popular months. The weather is usually warm and relatively dry, while the most intense heat and humidity of summer have not yet fully arrived. This is also the period when Spring Break and Easter can affect prices and crowds.
May
May is a transitional month. Temperatures and humidity begin to rise, and the risk of rain increases. It can still be a great month to visit Cancun, but the climate feels more tropical.
June to August
This is hot. And humid. Expect:
- high temperatures
- high humidity
- heavy rain showers
- lots of sun between the squalls
Rain does not necessarily mean all-day rain. Tropical downpours can be intense but relatively short. At the same time, this is the period when sargassum can be more prominent along parts of the Caribbean coast.
September and October
These are months many travelers are more cautious about. Temperatures are still high, but the period falls in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season. This does not mean a hurricane will strike Cancun if you travel in September. But the risk of tropical weather is higher than in winter.
November
November is an interesting transition. Toward the end of the month the weather often becomes drier and more pleasant, while the busiest winter period has not necessarily started yet. This can make November an attractive compromise month. When is the rainy season? Cancun does not have a “rainy season” where it necessarily rains all day for weeks. The period from roughly summer to autumn generally has more precipitation and higher humidity. A weather forecast that shows rain every day can therefore be misleading. It can mean: sun for most of the day + a heavy rain shower in the afternoon.
Hurricane season
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The risk is not the same throughout the period. Late summer and early autumn are historically the most active part of the season. You should take this into account when booking, especially regarding flexible hotel and flight terms. How is the sea temperature? The Caribbean Sea is warm year-round. For many Norwegians the sea temperature will feel very pleasant even in the winter months. In summer the water becomes really warm. What about sargassum? This is a separate factor. Sargassum is floating brown seaweed that periodically drifts onto the beaches. The amounts vary both through the year and from day to day. NOAA and the University of South Florida track sargassum in the region and publish ongoing risk assessments for coastal areas. (AOML)
Read our complete guide to sargassum in Cancun→Plan this better
