Cancun Visitors Guide

Dry Season (Late November – April)

This is Cancun’s peak season with gorgeous weather, plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and minimal rain. Temperatures hover around 75–85°F (24–29°C) in winter. March and April are the driest months (only 1–2 inches of rain). This period sees huge influxes of tourists escaping winter, so expect higher prices and crowds, especially around Christmas/New Year’s and spring break (March). Book hotels and flights well in advance for this popular season.

Rainy Season (May – October)

The weather turns more hot and humid in summer, with daily highs 88–95°F (31–35°C). Rainy season peaks from June through October, bringing short but intense tropical downpours mainly in the afternoons or evenings. September and October are typically the rainiest months (7–9 inches of rain on average). This is also hurricane season (officially June 1 – Nov 30, peaking late August through October). Major hurricanes are rare, but afternoon thunderstorms and the occasional tropical storm are possible. The upside? Fewer tourists and lower prices on resorts, plus the jungle vegetation is lush and green. If you visit in summer/fall, travel insurance is wise, and keep an eye on weather forecasts.

Shoulder Months (May and November)

Months on the cusp of seasons can be a sweet spot. May is just after high season, with warm temperatures and only moderate rain, a great time for smaller crowds and still decent weather. November (after hurricane season) often has lovely weather – warm days and only occasional showers – but without the peak-season prices. By late November, tourism picks up again for Thanksgiving and the start of dry season.

• Spring Break (March): If a party scene with college crowds is what you seek, March is electrifying – major nightclubs host world-class DJs and events. If that’s not your scene, you might avoid mid-March when prices and partying are at their peak in the Hotel Zone. Many families and couples choose other months to visit or choose quieter destinations like Cozumel at this time.
• Summer Family Travel (June – August): Summer brings many families (school’s out!) and a more laid-back vibe than spring break. Yes, it’s hot and humid, but resorts compensate with fun activities, kids’ clubs, and deals. Expect afternoon thunderstorms to cool things off. Bring breathable clothing and plan pool/beach time for mornings, with indoor breaks during the steamy afternoons.
• Fall Tranquility (Sept – Early Nov): This is the quietest period. Some smaller hotels or restaurants take annual vacation closures in September. However, Mexican Independence Day (Sept 16) and Dia de los Muertos (Oct 31–Nov 2) can offer unique cultural experiences – you might catch local celebrations in downtown Cancun. This is also peak hurricane season (see below).
• Winter Holidays (Late Dec): Christmas and New Years in Cancun are extremely popular. The weather is idyllic, and tourists from around the world flock to celebrate on the beach. Resorts host dazzling Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve parties with fireworks over the ocean. It’s magical, but you will pay top dollar. If visiting during the holidays, book many months ahead.

Cochinita Pibil

Cancun draws people from all over Mexico to work, so you’ll find regional dishes from across the country. But being in the Yucatán, Yucatecan and Mayan-influenced food is especially notable. Some things to taste:

• Tacos & Street Food: You can’t go to Mexico and not eat tacos! In the Hotel Zone you’ll find some touristy taco spots, but for the real deal, head downtown or to local joints. Tacos al Pastor (marinated pork shaved off a vertical spit, topped with pineapple, cilantro, onion) are a favorite – look for the spinning spit at taco stands. Fish tacos (typically Baja style, beer-battered and fried fish with cabbage slaw and crema) are perfect given Cancun’s coastal location. Also try taco de cochinita pibil – a Yucatan specialty of slow-roasted achiote-marinated pork, typically served mornings (makes a great breakfast taco). Street food finds: empanadas, salbutes and panuchos (Yucatecan puffy tortillas with toppings), elotes (grilled corn with mayo, cheese, chili) sold from carts in the evening, and marquesitas – a must-try dessert: they’re crispy rolled crepes usually filled with edam cheese and something sweet (like Nutella or cajeta caramel). You’ll smell marquesitas being made at night near parks – follow your nose!

La Habichuela Downtown

• Hotel Zone Restaurants: These cater to tourists and offer convenience and ambiance, often with lagoon or ocean views. You’ll find many upscale eateries here, from seafood grills to steakhouses to modern Mexican cuisine. The prices will be in USD or high-end pesos (expect to pay U.S./Europe prices at fine dining spots). Examples: restaurants at La Isla or Luxury Avenue malls, or famous spots like Lorenzillo’s (seafood over the lagoon with live lobster tanks), Puerto Madero (Argentine steakhouse), or Thai Lounge (beautiful setting with overwater tables). The Hotel Zone is also home to many chain restaurants (Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters, Outback, etc.) if familiarity is desired, though local spots are far more interesting.
• Downtown Dining: For a more authentic (and affordable) food experience, venture to downtown (El Centro). Yaxchilan Avenue is known for its cluster of local restaurants and bars. Parque de las Palapas has food stalls in the evenings selling tacos, marquesitas, churros, etc., great for a street food dinner. Mercado 28 has eateries too (some geared to tourists with combo meals). Popular local restaurants downtown include Los de Pescado (great fish tacos), El Polilla, La Habichuela (a long-standing Mayan cuisine restaurant, more upscale), La Parrilla (fun traditional Mexican with mariachi), and Tacos Rigo or Tacun for late-night tacos. Prices downtown will be much gentler on your wallet, and you can feast on authentic food for the price of an appetizer in the Hotel Zone. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by more locals.

Resort Buffet

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive, you’ll have abundant food on-site. Resorts usually have several restaurants: buffets, a la carte specialty restaurants (Italian, Asian, Mexican, etc.), snack bars by the pool, etc. Quality can vary significantly by resort, but the top resorts have truly gourmet offerings. It’s easy to just eat at the resort (and you’ve already paid for it), which is fine, but do consider trying at least one meal outside to experience real local flavors. Even AI resorts’ “Mexican night” may not capture the essence of a hole-in-the-wall taco joint. One idea: do lunch off-resort one day or hit up a downtown spot on a day you’re out on an excursion.

Agua Frescas

• Alcoholic: You must sample a margarita or three while in Cancun. They taste better by the sea! Beyond the classic lime margarita, try flavors like mango, tamarind, or strawberry. Another refreshing drink is the paloma – tequila with grapefruit soda (Squirt) and lime, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass. Of course, tequila shots are a staple for many, but remember the good stuff is meant to be sipped, not slammed (but we won’t judge your party). Cancun clubs will also introduce you to mezcal (smokier cousin of tequila), which is worth trying if you like bold flavors. For beer, Corona and Modelo are ubiquitous, but also look for Dos Equis, Bohemia, Victoria or the darker Negra Modelo – all solid Mexican brews. At convenience stores, a cold 40oz of beer (caguama) is a fun novelty if you’re having a casual hangout.
• Non-alcoholic: Agua frescas are on offer almost everywhere, and typically, a café, restaurant or bar will have a daily special. Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea), horchata (sweet rice milk with cinnamon), and fresh fruit juices (so many tropical fruits!) will keep you hydrated.

Lunch In Cancun

One thing to note is that local Mexican dining times can be a bit later. Breakfast can be 8-10am. Lunch (comida) is typically 2-4pm for locals. And Dinner is often 8-10pm or even later if out dancing. However, since Cancun runs on a tourist schedule, you’ll find restaurants open early for breakfast and through typical North American dinner hours. If you go to a local place at 6pm and it’s empty, don’t be surprised – people might not show up until 8. But in the Hotel Zone, you won’t notice much difference; they’re accustomed to early diners too. Buffets at resorts often open by 6 or 7am for breakfast and 6pm for dinner to accommodate tours and families.

Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Did you know that Cancun sits beside the second largest barrier reef system in the world? The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef runs from the tip of the Yucatán down through Belize and Honduras. Snorkeling or diving in this reef (at spots like Cozumel Island, Punta Nizuc or Puerto Morelos) is a must for nature lovers. You can see colorful corals, thousands of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and maybe even nurse sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless). To protect the reef, use biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen (or better yet, wear a rash guard and skip sunscreen entirely when snorkeling). Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral, and places like Xel-Ha and Garrafon Park actually ban regular sunscreen and will ask you to use eco-friendly versions. So it’s wise to bring your own reef-safe lotion. Also, never touch or step on coral, and practice good buoyancy so you don’t accidentally kick it.

Coatis Walking By

Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer some amazing wildlife opportunities:

• Sea Turtles: During summer months, sea turtles nest on Cancun’s beaches! Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles come ashore at night (May through September) to lay eggs. Many resorts have turtle protection programs as well. They mark the nests, and when the baby turtles hatch (about 2 months later), guests can often help release them safely to the sea at dusk. If you visit during nesting season, be mindful on the beach at night: avoid using bright lights or flash photography that could disorient turtles, and don’t approach a nesting turtle (give her space to do her thing). Seeing baby turtles scramble to the ocean is often a trip highlight for nature lovers!

Xcaret Park

Believe it or not, outside of spring break weeks, Cancun is extremely popular with families. The combination of kid-friendly resorts, calm beach areas, and loads of activities makes it a hit with all ages.

• Family-Friendly Resorts: Many resorts cater to families with features like kids’ clubs, children’s pools/water parks, babysitting services, and family suites. For example, resorts like Fiesta Americana Condesa, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, and the massive Grand at Moon Palace are known for being great for kids. They have waterslides, game rooms, mini-golf, even kids’ spa treatments in some cases! When booking, look for all-inclusives where kids stay/eat free promotions, and check if they have separate adults-only areas (so you know they manage both audiences well). Check out our Cancun All Inclusive Resorts Guide for more details.

Xoximilco Dinner Boats

Not into thumping clubs? Consider a nice dinner show (Xoximilco park offers a dinner on boats with mariachi – family-friendly, though everyone can drink tequila on board), or a sunset cruise with wine, or simply stargazing on the beach with a cocktail. There are also night markets occasionally downtown or at Puerto Cancun marina, where you can stroll and enjoy local food and music.

Beachy Clothing

• Swimwear: Bring at least 2 swimsuits (so one can dry while you wear the other). You’ll basically live in them by the pool or beach. Ladies might want a bikini and a one-piece for variety; gents, swim trunks (and consider if your resort or activities require more modest style – most places anything goes, though some upscale resort restaurants might not want speedos at lunch, haha).
• Cover-ups & Casual Wear: Pack light, breathable cover-ups like sarongs, kaftans, or t-shirts/tank tops and shorts to throw over swimwear when walking around the resort or going into town. Cotton, linen, or quick-dry fabric is best; humid climate makes synthetics sticky unless they’re moisture-wicking.

Sunblock is Necessary

• Sunscreen (Reef-Safe): Bring ample sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher). It can be pricey at resorts. If you plan snorkeling/reef swimming, get reef-safe formulas (zinc or titanium based). Even if not, it’s good to use to protect the environment. Also, you’ll likely reapply often due to sweat and water, so a couple of bottles for a week isn’t overkill. Don’t forget SPF lip balm!
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be around, especially around mangroves or after rain, and at dawn/dusk. Pack a repellent with DEET or picaridin. If you go to the jungle or cenotes, you’ll want it (though you should rinse off before entering the water).

Quickdry Beach Towel

• Travel Documents & Copies: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), driver’s license (if renting a car), credit cards, travel insurance info (if you have), and a printed copy of your flight/hotel confirmations. It’s smart to also have digital scans of passport/IDs in your email or phone. As of now, no more tourist card needed to be filled for Cancun, but you might still want to carry proof of return flight, etc., just in case immigration asks (rarely do).
• Cash & Cards: Bring some USD cash (for tipping, especially – although pesos are better to tip, dollars are accepted). You can exchange to pesos on arrival or use ATMs. A mix of one-dollar bills and larger ones if bringing USD. Also, notify your bank of travel for card use in MX.