Most people pack for Cancun like it's the dry Caribbean of the brochures. From June to October it rains on 20 to 25 days a month, and hurricane season runs June to November. The other thing people miss is the cenotes, where many ask you to skip sunscreen and the steps are wet rock.
Cancun weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 27°C81°F |
| Low | 22°C72°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 21 | 20 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 13 |
Season by season
Cool season
December–FebruaryHighs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F), the most comfortable stretch of the year. It isn't bone dry, with 9 to 15 rain days a month, but you'll get plenty of beach time. Evenings at 22°C (72°F) only need a light long-sleeve.
Hot season
March–MayThe driest stretch, with April down to 6 rain days, and the heat building to 32°C (90°F) by May. Spring break and Easter fill the Hotel Zone. Pack serious sun protection and a big water bottle for day trips to Chichen Itza and Tulum.
Wet season
June–AugustHighs of 31–32°C (88–90°F), lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F) and 20 to 25 rain days a month. Storms tend to hit hard and pass, then the sun is back. Hurricane season starts in June, so book flexible and pack a waterproof cube for wet swimsuits.
Rainy season
September–NovemberSeptember and October sit in the heart of hurricane season, with 23 and 21 rain days. Highs ease from 32°C (90°F) to 29°C (84°F) by November, when rain drops to 17 days. Get travel insurance and keep an eye on forecasts.
What to bring to Cancun
0 of 21 packed- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Pool decks, beach bars and slick cenote steps are where you'll spend your days, and a foam clog you can rinse off handles all of them.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Summer rain plus daily swims means something is always wet, and this cube keeps the soggy swimsuit off your clean clothes on the way home.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Cenotes and jungle ruins are mosquito country in the wet season, and this lotion lasts up to 12 hours without damaging your sunglasses.
Set it on the table for dinner outside and it builds a 10 meters (20 feet) zone of mosquito protection in about 15 minutes.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 32°C (90°F) on the plaza at Chichen Itza, with almost no shade, a bottle that keeps water cold for 24 hours earns its space in the bag.
- Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone EarplugsSleep & Comfort
These waterproof putty plugs keep water out of your ears on swims and snorkel trips, then do the job again against Hotel Zone noise at night.
US and Canadian plugs fit as they are, but everyone else needs a US plug, and this one adds three USB-C and two USB-A ports for the room.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shirts and shorts · 4Rain on 20–25 days a month Jun–Oct
- Swimwear · 2
- Swim cover-up
- Lightweight rain poncho · 1Wet season, June–October
- Resort dinner outfit · 1
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairCenote steps are wet rock
- Breathable walking sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Snorkel mask · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreenRinse it off before cenote swims
- After-sun aloe gel
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceHurricane season June–November
What shoes should you pack for Cancun?
Sand, pool decks and wet cenote steps, not long walks. A foam clog or sport sandal handles the Hotel Zone and cenotes like Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos, and one pair of breathable sneakers covers the ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum. Leave hiking boots at home.
What do people wear in Cancun?
Swimwear, cover-ups, shorts and linen. Some resort restaurants ask men for long trousers and closed shoes at dinner, so pack one smart-casual outfit. There's almost no shade on the main plaza at Chichen Itza, so a hat and light long sleeves beat a tank top.
What plugs does Cancun use?
Mexico uses type A and B sockets at 127V, the same shape as the US and Canada. US plugs fit directly, and the universal adapter's US plug covers everyone else. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 127V, but check single-voltage appliances from 230V countries.
Tours and things to do in Cancun
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cancun.
What should you leave at home for Cancun?
Leave the jeans and heavy shoes, you won't wear them. Skip regular sunscreen on cenote days, since many cenotes ask you to shower and go without it. And don't pack beach towels, resorts hand them out.
Packing for Cancun: questions people ask
When is hurricane season in Cancun?
June to November, with the most risk around September and October. Book flexible rates and get travel insurance if you go then.
What should I wear in Cancun at night?
Light, smart-casual clothes. Evenings stay around 22–26°C (72–79°F), and some resort restaurants ask men to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Can I wear sunscreen in the cenotes?
Many cenotes ask you to shower first and skip sunscreen to protect the water. Check the rules before you go and cover up with a rash guard instead.
What is the best month to visit Cancun?
March and April are the driest, with 6 to 10 rain days and highs of 29–30°C (84–86°F). December to February is cooler at 27°C (81°F) but sees 9 to 15 rain days.
Do I need a plug adapter in Cancun?
Not if you're from the US or Canada. Mexico uses type A and B plugs at 127V, so UK, European and Australian travelers need one.
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