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Best time to visit

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Best time to visit Cancun runs from December through early March. Winter usually gets crowded, but it also boasts the near-perfect weather, so don't miss a chance to sunbathe and get lost in the Mayan Jungles. Late March is the party time as spring breakers take over the city. May–June is the time to spot sea turtles nesting on shore and see golden stingrays and whale sharks offshore. Summers in Cancun are usually hot and humid, but you are more likely to find great deals. By the way, June to August are months to taste seasonal delicacies like Chapulines and Cactus ice-cream. If you plan your journey from September to November, you can be easily caught flat-footed by the storms as fall is the hurricane season. However, during this time, you have an opportunity celebrate Equinox at Chichén Itzá or Day of the Dead as well as see baby turtles and enjoy exotic fresh fruits.

37 things to do in Cancun

Rain and Hurricane Season (Summer)

May–October Weather

Hot and wet tropical weather prevails in Cancun over the summer months

Mole Poblano

October 31–November 2 | December 25 Food

This spicy chocolate sauce made of over 20 ingredients is believed to have a divine origin

Christmas (Navidad)

December 16–February 2 Event

With las posadas, los pastorales, and other seasonal fun, Mexican Christmas is so much more than food and presents. It extends much further than New Years to Día de la Candelaria

Turtle Nesting and Hatching

May–mid-October Nature

Dozens of sea turtles crawling to and from the sea means nesting season is on in Cancun

Pozol, Tepache, and Tesguino

June–August Food

Besides tequila, expert Mexican brewers make perfect drinks from fermented corn dough, corn kernels, and pineapple skins

Guayaba (Guava)

August–April Food

This exotic fruit is eaten whole along with the skin and seeds, and its specific piquant flavour makes for refreshing fruit drinks and cocktails

Dragon Fruit or Pitaya

May–June Food

This watery and moderately sweet fruit is refreshing by itself and is a great ingredient for desserts

Tamales

late January–February 02 Food

A vast variety of stuffed cornmeal dumplings crown the feast of Candlemas

Diving and Snorkelling​

March–August Activity

Life size statues, starfish, turtles, sharks, manta rays, and schools of multicoloured fish—what isn't there at the bottom?

Cenotes

December–August Activity

Legendary Mayan sanctuaries turned into gorgeous natural swimming pools

Diez y Seis (Independence Day)

September 15–September 16 Event

A midnight cry for freedom, day-long reenactments, and at last the independence declaration—Mexico literally lives it over again and again

Crocodiles

December–May Nature

An encounter with a real crocodile is an amusing and awe-inspiring experience ​that requires caution

Sport Fishing

March–June Activity

Fisherman rejoice! Cancun is a fantastic fishing destination!

Rambutans

June–August Food

Good looking, nice tasting, easily peeled, and long-lasting in the sun—rambutans deserve the highest praise!

Mango

May–September Food

The affordable price and abundance allow you to eat as many of these sweet fruits as you want. Also, try mango-based drinks, desserts, and salsas!

Tuna (Prickly Pear)

September–December Food

You might have heard some cacti yield edible fruit, but have you ever tried grilled cactus leaves?

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

October 30–November 3 Event

Mexicans indulge in traditional foods and their favourite tequila to show respect​ for their ancestors, leaving a few glasses for the visiting souls

Equinox at Chichén Itzá

March 21 | September 21 Nature

Ancient Mayan architects​ calculated everything precisely to the very sunlight reflections and shadows

Beach Season

December–March Activity

Enjoy an excellent beach holiday and explore the world's largest natural aquarium

Kitesurfing

November–May Activity

A kitesurfing paradise, just half an hour drive north of Cancun

Baby Turtle Release

July–mid-November (Atlantic Coast) | December–March (Pacific Coast) Nature

Have you ever held a baby sea turtle in your hands? This is a great occasion to carry a whole dozen

Cactus Ice Cream

June–August Food

Locals call it tuna ice-cream, which often confuses customers, yet tuna is a cactus flower and smells like a cucumber rather than fish

Bullfighting

November–March Event

Mexico remains one of few countries where this traditional entertainment is still legal, but it feels like it's to be banned soon

Lime Season

June–August Food

A lime complements every dish and beverage available in traditional Mexican menus, the only exception is coffee

Sailing

November–May Activity

Discover mini-paradises hidden in the Carribean while sailing around Cancun

Iguanas at El Rey Ruins

December–May Nature

Thousands years ago Mayan tribes were the main residents of the area, today hundreds iguanas occupy their place​

Golden Stingray Migration

May | November Nature

Do you feel like sharing the company of 10,000 deadly, poisonous stingrays? Watching them from the distance might be a better idea

Rosca de Reyes

December 25–January 6 Food

Slices of the sweet bread include baby figurines. If you get one, consider yourself lucky!

Chapulines or Grasshoppers

June–October Food

Insect invasion doesn't pose a threat to Mexico, as long as crispy grasshoppers are actually a local favourite snack

Flamingos

April–July | November–February Nature

About 40,000 flamingos gather in one place to bring up their chicks

Spring Break

late February–early April Activity

30 days and nights of Cancun's non-stop partying draws thousands and thousands young souls seeking fun and relief

Swimming with Whale Sharks

mid-June–August Activity

Who would miss the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these harmless and surprisingly gentle sharks?

Granadas or Pomegranates

August–September Food

Enjoy red juicy pomegranate seeds alone, or topped over chiles en nogata

Mayan Jungles

December–May Activity

Snorkelling, ziplining, horseback riding, boating, and other fun in the jungle—an action-packed weekend​ is guaranteed

Piñata

late December–early January Activity

Would you break a colourful doll to get sweets hidden inside? This funny ritual is a part of many Mexican celebrations

Dia de la Raza

October 12 Event

The festival provides another occasion for flamboyant public parades and scholarly debates about Mexican roots

Cancun Jazz Festival

November 11–13, 2023 Event

An all-inclusive music weekend in Riviera Maya

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