Cancun weather is one reason why this Mexican resort enclave is the second most popular vacation destination in the Caribbean region.
Other reasons why Cancun draws so many tourists include its hotel, shopping and restaurant strip; the inexpensive bus transportation system; plenty of things to do; and convenient access to and from U.S. airports. It is 1.5 hours flight time from Miami and four hours from Chicago.
The best time to go to Cancun depends in part on whether you prefer to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the water, or if you like to spend most of your time shopping, dining and visiting the various attractions in the region. Some fabulous Mayan ruins are located nearby.
Cancun weather is generally warm throughout the year — in fact many hotels and resorts have open air lobbies — but offshore breezes can make the air and water more chilly in winter months.
Average Temperatures
The average year-round high temperature for this resort destination is nearly 88 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is just less than 74 degrees, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Cancun weather in May through September is the warmest time to visit when the average high temperature exceeds 90 degrees each month — peaking at 92.5 in August.
Cancun weather in December, January and February is coolest when the average high temperatures are about 83 degrees.
The average low drops below 70 degrees in January and February, and barely breaks 70 in December.
Average Rainfall
The average rainfall is 4.4 inches per month and the average number of rain days per month is 9.6.
The rainfall and rain days are about average for a Caribbean destination.
February, March and April are the driest months when it rains less than 1.8 inches a month. It also rains only five days a month during that time.
Total rainfall increases in June, drops in July and climbs during the most active hurricane season months of September and October, when it rains nearly nine inches per month.
November also has a higher than average amount of rain.
Best Times to Go
Vacationers will find that the best time to go to Cancun is February through May, while they should avoid it in September and especially in October.
However, be aware that water temperatures in February and March are chilly and not comfortable for swimming for any great length of time.