Best Time to Go to Cancún: When to Go for Sun & Savings

Key Takeaways

• If you can be flexible with your travel dates and travel to Cancún in the off season, you’ll find significantly cheaper flight deals. 
• Staying in Cancún City Center is more affordable than staying on the beach. 
• There’s a lot to do in Cancún, both on and off the beach. Sometimes, booking a tour is the easiest way to see the sights. 
• If you don’t mind hot weather or plan to spend most of your time in the water, visit Cancún in the summer for the lowest prices. 
• The Going travel app can help you find the best deals with little effort on your part. We’ll send you free, real-time alerts when prices drop. 

Best months to travel to Cancún

The best month to visit Cancún depends on a variety of factors, including weather, crowds, and price. Depending on which of these is important to you, this guide to Cancún travel tips by season can help you determine when is best to book. 

Best months for warm weather

Cancún is warm from November to April. The weather is mild but not too hot—in other words, perfect beach weather. This is the ideal season to visit Cancún, but for that reason, it’s also the peak tourist season and the most expensive. 

Best time for budget-friendly travel

The slow season in Cancún runs from June to the end of October, so it’s cheaper to travel during that window. Summer can be hot and muggy, while September and October occasionally have hurricanes. Flights and hotels are usually cheapest during this time, and the beaches and resorts are less crowded. The best month to visit Cancún depends on what you’re visiting for, but if you’re hoping to save money, summer to early fall is the best time. 

Least crowded months to visit Cancún

Because the weather is hot and there are sometimes hurricane risks, June–October are the least crowded months to visit Cancún. While summer is reliably hot, the likelihood of hurricanes varies from year to year, so there may be some years without them. If you’re okay with potentially having to cancel your trip at the last minute due to poor weather, October provides great weather with fewer crowds. 

Cancún travel tips by season

Cancún has generally warm weather year-round, but some months are hotter than others. There are also hurricanes to consider. The weather also impacts when people visit, so you’ll want to consider spring breakers and snowbirds when trying to find a deal. This Cancún travel weather guide can help you decide when to visit. 

Planning a Cancún getaway? Let the Going app do the hard work—real-time flight deals straight to your phone!

Winter

Winter is the busy season in Cancún, and it’s no wonder why. Weather typically hovers from 80–90ºF during the day and in the low 60s at night from December to March. Of course, this means people wanting to escape winter in the US flock there. 

This is the best time of year to go to Cancún if you want mild weather, but Cancún is the busiest and most expensive in the winter. Expect flight and hotel prices to be at their peak during this time. During Carnaval in February, prices can get even higher and crowds will be even larger. 

• Weather: 80–90ºF during the day; low 60s at night, mild and perfect for the beach
• Crowds: Peak season as visitors escape winter in colder regions. Expect high prices.
• Events: Carnaval in February attracts even more tourists and raises costs further.

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit Cancún if your goal is hot weather. Temperatures run in the 90s during the day and 70s at night. While it’s not as busy as during the winter, there are surges during spring break. Later in the spring, when many schools have already had their breaks, is a better time to visit for fewer crowds and lower prices. 

• Weather: Hotter, with daytime temperatures in the 90s and nights in the 70s
• Crowds: Busy during spring break (March–April); quieter in late spring
• Events: Watch out for spring break surges in popular resorts.

Summer

Summer in Cancún is hot and less busy than winter or spring. The weather is typically nice in the US in the summer, so not as many people are flocking to the Cancún beaches. It’s a great time to visit for hotel and flight deals, as well as fewer crowds. Plus, there are no major holidays bringing extra crowds or closing down business during the summer. 

• Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures in the low 90s. Occasional rain but plenty of sunshine.
• Crowds: Low tourist season; beaches and resorts are less crowded.
• Events: Few major events, meaning calmer beaches and attractions.

Fall

Fall can be an amazing time to visit Cancún, as long as you’re okay with flexibility. Hurricane season runs from June–November, with September and October typically being the peak months for storms. That said, there are plenty of years without hurricanes. 

Traveling in the fall means fewer people and cheaper hotels and flights. However, you might want to invest in travel insurance or take advantage of travel insurance through a credit card in case you need to cancel the trip at the last minute. 

Weather is typically 80–90ºF, with nighttime temperatures in the 70s. Often, even if it rains, it doesn’t last the whole day, and you’ll still get beach time. 

• Weather: Warm, with temperatures in the 80s–90s. Rain and hurricanes peak in September–October.
• Crowds: Few visitors due to weather concerns, making this the quietest season.
• Events:
  • Mexican Independence Day (September 16) features fireworks and parades.
  • Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1–2) offer amazing cultural experiences.

What to consider when planning your Cancún trip

Weather and climate considerations

The weather in Cancún is typically warm, with the warmest temperatures in the summer and early fall. If you want to avoid any rain, winter is your best bet. If you’re going for heat, visit in July or August. Hurricane season runs from June–October, but poor weather is most volatile in September and October. That means there are more deals in the fall, but you’ll need to be flexible in case your flight is cancelled. 

Crowds and tourism peak times

Winter and spring are peak tourism seasons in Cancún. In the winter, visitors from cold weather states in the US flock to Mexico for the beaches and to escape the snow. In March and April, Cancún is a popular destination for families and college students on spring break. If you like crowds and a party, visit during the peak seasons. To save money and avoid crowds, try visiting in the summer or fall. The weather is hot and sometimes humid, but that’s what jumping in the ocean is for. 

Local events and festivals

February is the month of Carnaval in Cancún, meaning parades and parties are prevalent. Day of the Dead from November 1–2 is another time of celebration. Cancún hosts a Pride festival each year in May or June, which brings crowds from around Mexico and the US. And like any major city, there are concerts, food festivals, and other local events throughout the year. 

Look up your dates before visiting to see if there’s anything fun going on or any major events happening that will make prices more expensive.

Budgeting for your Cancún vacation

Finding affordable accommodations

When it comes to saving money on accommodation, the early bird gets the worm—or, in this case, the cheap hotel room. Last-minute deals are few and far between, and rooms fill up quickly during peak seasons. Plan ahead, and book your accommodation as soon as possible to find the best deals. 

Beachfront hotels are the most expensive places to stay in Cancún, while hostels downtown are the cheapest. In general, hotels in the city center are more affordable than those on the beaches. A bus links downtown to the hotel zone on the beach. Within the hotel zone, accommodations on the south end of the beach are generally cheaper than those in the central party zone or upscale northern area. 

Saving on flights

Book during the Goldilocks Window

The key to finding cheap flights is to plan ahead but not too far ahead. There’s a period we call the Goldilocks Window, when you’re likely to find the best deals. It’s not too far ahead of your trip but not too close either. The window falls 1–3 months before a domestic trip and 2–8 months before an international trip. 

While it can be tempting to wait for last-minute deals, the truth is they’re basically nonexistent. Airlines almost always raise prices at the 21-day, 14-day, and 7-day points before departure.

If you’re planning to travel during peak season, like winter or spring break in Cancún, we suggest looking for flights even earlier—think June or July for a winter trip. 

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Try the Greek Islands Trick

While named after the Greek Islands, the Greek Islands Trick actually works anywhere in the world. The goal is to get as close to your final destination as possible, then find an alternate route for the last leg. 

If flights to Cancún are out of your price range for March, consider flying into Mérida instead and taking a bus. You could even fly into Mexico City and try to find a cheap budget airline flight for the last leg. It requires more work, but the savings can be worth it. 

Food, transportation, and dining budget tips

Food prices range in Cancún, depending on whether you’re eating in a local restaurant or at a hotel. Dinner for two at a local restaurant can cost $25–$40, while tacos and choices from food stalls can be around $1. Similarly, beers cost about $1, while cocktails at resorts can cost up to $20. 

Taking the bus around Cancún ranges from $0.50–$2, depending on where you’re going. Taxis around the center and to beaches cost about $3–$20, depending on your destination. To get from the airport to the hotel zone costs about $25 if you reserve a taxi ahead of time; it’s about $45 if booked at the airport. 

For low-cost food, simply step outside of your hotel. Taco stands, restaurants in the center, and local bars will all be cheaper than eating at your hotel or resort. 

How to make the most of your trip

Tips for a relaxing beach vacation

While there’s not really such a thing as a quiet beach during Cancún’s peak tourist season, Playa San Miguelito is less busy than others. On the northern end of the beach zone, this beach has powdery white sand and few crowds. There are no amenities, so pack some snacks or walk to the nearby restaurants. 

Playa Delfines is arguably Cancún’s most popular and crowded beach, but it’s also huge, meaning you can still typically find a spot. Surfing isn’t huge in Cancún, but if you’re going to surf, Playa Delfines is the place to do it. This beach has restrooms and a lifeguard, as well as vendors selling snacks up and down the beach. 

If amenities are what you’re after, stay at a hotel on Playa Mujeres. Here, you’ll find upscale beach clubs, including some that are adults-only. 

Families with small children will love Playa Langosta, a beach with shallow water and lifeguards, plus restrooms, a playground, and restaurants on the beach. On the north shore of the hotel zone, this beach has it all and is the most convenient for family travel. 

Exploring Cancún beyond the beaches

It’s difficult to get bored of Cancún’s gorgeous beaches, but if you can tear yourself away, there’s more to do in the area that you won’t want to miss. Chichén Itzá is the area’s most famous monument and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Closer to Cancún, you can find the El Rey Mayan ruins in the hotel zone or visit the Mayan museum in the city center. 

You can also visit cenotes, freshwater sinkholes open for snorkeling through the caves. There are hundreds throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Either rent a car or book a tour that will take you to a few in one day. 

Planning fun activities

The hotel zone has a lot to offer in Cancún. There are beaches, nightlife, shopping, and tons of dining opportunities. It’s worth it to get out of the hotel zone and see Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, or golf at one of the beautiful courses, among a number of other activities. 

For things like Chichén Itzá or the cenotes, it’s easiest to book a tour and let someone else handle the driving and logistics. Others, like the Museo Subacuático de Arte and its underwater sculpture garden, or the ropes course at Xavage Park, are simple to do on your own. 

If you like watersports, there are plenty of dive shops in Cancún that will take you out snorkeling or scuba diving. Cancún is near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef on Earth and home to hundreds of fish, rays, dolphins, and more. If you visit from June–September you can even swim with whale sharks. 

Make the most of your Cancún adventure

Planning your trip to Cancún doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. You can save big on flights and accommodations by timing your bookings right, staying flexible with your travel dates, and exploring the Goldilocks Window. Whether you’re chasing sunny beaches, vibrant cultural events, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, Cancún has something for everyone. 

Let Going take the guesswork out of planning—download the app and get a membership today to unlock unbeatable deals and make your Cancún getaway unforgettable.