Cancun is a stunning destination, known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife. But beware: not all times are equal when visiting this tropical paradise. Timing your trip poorly could turn your dream vacation into a series of unfortunate events. From overcrowded spring break scenes to the infamous sargassum seaweed invasions, there are several pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. To save you from a potential vacation disaster, we’ve put together this practical guide on the worst time to visit Cancun. Trust us, you’ll want to know these dates to keep your trip as enjoyable as possible. We’ve been to Mexico a few times (including in some scary weather) and done some extra research.
Looking for the best time to go to Cancun? Well, you’re not alone. While Cancun is a year-round destination, some times of the year are best avoided.
What is the worst time to visit Cancun?
Hurricane season havoc: when mother nature throws a tantrum.
The worst months to visit Cancun are during the hurricane season, which can bring a potential stormy twist to your vacation. The hurricane season runs from the beginning of June until the end of November, and it peaks from August to October.
However, if you decide to plan your holiday during this period, there is a slight chance rain can put some serious damper on your beachside plans. This thread can disrupt your travel plans, such as potential hotel closures, flight cancellations, and, of course, unpredictable weather.
DID YOU KNOW?
A hurricane is a powerful and dangerous storm; a tropical cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters. The storm has a centre called the ‘’eye’’, which is calm, but around it, there are very strong winds and heavy rain. Strong winds typically blow at a speed of 74 miles (119 km) per hour, or more.
Recent Hurricanes in Cancun
Although hurricanes themselves are rare, this period can still bring some strong winds and large waves. Hurricanes don’t hit Cancun directly every year. They can have a lucky near miss or strikes in the other part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Two major hurricane events in Cancun’s tourism history were Hurricane Gilbert on 15th of Sept 1988 and Hurricane Wilma on 21st October 2005. Wilma made a direct strike on the city and completely destroyed the city’s tourism industry for approximately 6 months.
If you don’t want to take a risk, the best time to visit this Mexican city is between December and March. You’ll be able to enjoy sunny days and the weather is more predictable.
Hurricane Beryl 2024 – our personal experience
In May 2024, we booked a holiday to Mexico to depart at the beginning of July. Well, the day we were due to fly, Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula as a category-two hurricane. It was the season’s second system and became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record. Also, Beryl was only the second recorded hurricane in July in history. Beryl didn’t hit Cancun directly (it made landfall north of Tulum), bringing winds up to 177 km/h (110 mph), according to the National Hurricane Centre.
Our flight from London Gatwick was delayed for a few hours, and the company rearranged our transfer to the resort. While Beryl brought heavy rains to Riviera Maya, Tulum and the Cancun area, there was no major damage, apart from fallen trees and a power outage. At the resort, the staff asked guests to stay in their rooms from the evening until the hurricane passed. Afterwards, they cleaned up from dawn the next day, with everything going back to normal in the afternoon.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If a hurricane is on its way, your holiday will either be cancelled or delayed for a few hours because the top priority is the passenger’s safety.
This is the email we received from TUI in the evening before our departure:
The best websites for Cancun Hurricane Information
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. They forecast between 17 to 25 named storms, with winds of 63 km/h (39 mph) or higher.
Our favourite sites for following the news during hurricane season, when in Cancun are:
We also follow a chief meteorologist Chris Justus Weather on YouTube when they forecast hurricanes in Cancun and the Caribbean.
If you are willing to take the risk of going on holiday at this time, you might be able to find a great deal. Plus if you’re lucky, you might get fantastic weather and enjoy Mexican attractions with fewer crowds.
Tips for visiting Cancun during the hurricane season
Visiting during the hurricane season can be an adventure, but it requires careful planning. Here are 7 tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, even when Mother Nature is feeling unpredictable. By following these tips, you can ensure safety and turn potential obstacles into manageable experiences.
1. Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance might seem like an extra expense, but it’s essential. Remember, not all travel insurance is the same – read the fine print to ensure it covers weather-related disruptions. Look for policies that cover trip cancellation, interruptions, and medical emergencies. It’s better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. Without insurance, a hurricane could cost you much more than just a ruined vacation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many travel policies/companies don’t cover you if you’re not registered with a GP or family doctor’s surgery.
2. Check the Ts & Cs
Always check the company’s cancellation and refund policy. Companies have different terms and conditions – understand their cancellation policies for flights, hotels, and tours. Occasionally, travel companies may have to make a major change to your holiday, such as a change of destination or, a change in flight time (for example, in case of a hurricane).
3. Check the Weather Forecast Constantly
Stay updated: Your safety depends on it.
Before and during your trip, monitor the weather forecast frequently. Don’t just rely on one weather app; use trusted sources mentioned earlier, and local news channels. Knowing what’s coming can help you prepare and make informed decisions.
4. Stay Informed – Information is Power: Use it Wisely
Besides official alerts, sign up for notifications from your airline and accommodation provider. Keep an eye on any emails or messages in the app from the travel company. They will be monitoring the weather closely and will let you know of cancellations or any changes. Here is the email we received from TUI when our flight to Cancun was delayed due to hurricane activity in the Caribbean.
5. Follow Local Advice: They Know Best
Local authorities, hotel management, and residents have experience dealing with hurricanes. If they advise you to stay indoors, recommend safe areas, follow their instructions without hesitation.
6. Enjoy the Calm Before the Storm
Make the Most of Sunny Days
Plan your activities day by day based on the latest weather updates. Take advantage of good weather when you have it, but be prepared to adapt your plans if conditions change. When the weather is good, enjoy the beach, water activities, and Mayan sites; make the most of your vacation. Remember, a little rain doesn’t have to ruin your trip!
7. Have a Backup Plan
Make plans, but keep them flexible – it’s the key to a stress-free vacation. Have alternative activities in mind that you can do indoors in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Rainy Season Blues: When the city gets a Splash
Cancun’s climate is semi-tropical and the sun shines for an average of 240 days per year. The average temperature hovers around 26°C (79°F), but it can climb to a sizzling, less comfortable 34°C (93°F) in summer. But before you pack your swimsuit, let’s dive into what you can really expect, as it’s not always sunshine and margaritas.
Now the shocking part: there is still plenty of rain from May to October, when the skies can open up without warning. And we’re not talking about light drizzles, but torrential downpours.
2 Seasons
Although the average temperature doesn’t vary much throughout the year, there are two distinct seasons in this city.
- WET SEASON:
The wet season runs from May until October, it’s slightly hotter and the increased humidity might make you feel like you’re swimming in your own sweat. This is when the weather starts to play a bit rough. Tropical storms and hurricanes can arrive as early as June.
Rainy season means you can expect frequent downpours, especially in soggy September and October. Showers can be sudden and sporadic and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. They usually clear up quickly, leaving behind a fresh, glistening landscape. But the showers can also be long and drenching, putting a damper on your plans.
DID YOU KNOW?
The driest month during the wet season is July with 70 mm of rainfall and 5 rainy days. The wettest months are October with 284 mm and September with 184 mm. Also, more rain means more mosquitoes. So, if you prefer to stay dry and bite-free, choose another time.
- DRY SEASON:
If you are looking to avoid soggy days and extra bug spray, think about visiting during the dry season. It runs from November to April. These are the driest months of the year, and also the sunniest. Also, the humidity is lower during these months and the weather is not a gamble. This, however, comes with an extra cost, driving up prices and increasing congestion.
Worst Time to Visit Cancun for Sargassum Seaweed
The beach invader you need to know about
Imagine arriving at Cancun’s stunning shores only to find them covered with an unwelcome guest: sargassum seaweed. In recent years, this marine invader has plagued Mexico’s Caribbean Coast and the entire Caribbean region.
What is Sargassum?
Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that drifts into the Caribbean from the Atlantic Ocean. While it’s a natural part of the marine ecosystem, its sudden and massive influx can transform a gorgeous beach into scenes from a seaweed-covered mess.
When does it strike?
This not-so-charming guest typically invades Cancun’s beaches between May and October, with peak concentration from May to August. However, the sargassum season can start even earlier. The severity of the seaweed blooms varies each year due to changes in ocean currents and temperatures, resulting in fluctuating levels of seaweed from day to day.
What does it cause?
- Unpleasant smell: As it decomposes, it creates a strong, unpleasant odour that can ruin the beach experience.
- Beach access problems: Large piles of sargassum can block access to the water, making it difficult to enjoy the sea.
- Environmental impact: It can also impact local marine life and ecosystems.
What resorts are doing
In response to the growing sargassum problem, Cancun’s resorts are actively working to maintain their beaches. It’s a significant challenge for the city’s hospitality industry and resorts try to provide their guests the best experience possible.
Resorts employ teams to clean the beaches with specialized equipment, including tractors, and use manual labour where machines can’t reach them. They also deploy barriers to prevent large amounts of seaweed from accumulating on the shore.
Environmental Tax
The Mexican government has introduced the environmental tax to address the sargassum issue. All visitors must pay this tax before checking out from a resort. As of 2024, the tax ranges from 30 to 70 MXN (approximately USD 1.50 to 3.60) per room, per night. This helps fund beach clean-up efforts.
Stay informed
For the latest updates on sargassum and its impact on Cancun and the Riviera Maya, regularly check the resorts’ live webcams. The Mexican government provides real-time updates and seaweed maps. Check the current condition before you book on the Sargassum monitoring page, so you can enjoy your vacation despite this natural inconvenience.
Worst Time to Visit Cancun – Spring Break Madness
If you’re more into relaxing by the pool with a good book than joining a foam party, the worst time to visit Cancun is during Spring Break.
Spring break in Cancun is the ultimate party paradise – but a nightmare if you prefer peace and quiet. Thousands of students flood the city and transform it into one gigantic college party. This is when this city turns into a party zoo. Expect loud music, crowded bars, hotels booked solid, prices soar, and energy that can be, either thrilling or exhausting. Unless you’re up to nonstop parties and sleepless nights, skip your vacation in March and early April.
Time it right
Mastering the art of timing your vacation can significantly impact whether your trip is a dream come true or a holiday disaster. To avoid the crowds, inflated prices, and seasonal nuisances like bad weather and sargassum seaweed, aim for the shoulder season-April and November. During these months, you’ll generally enjoy a sweet spot of pleasant weather, more affordable rates, and fewer tourists.
While taking risks can sometimes lead to finding great deals and perfect weather, careful planning and staying informed will ensure you make the most of your trip. To ensure the best experience, check out the Sargassum Monitoring Page and the National Hurricane Centre, which provide up-to-date information.
Now that you’re aware of the worst time to visit Cancun, you can confidently plan your vacation that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes hassle.
If you found this article about the worst time to visit Cancun interesting, please share!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
