Cozumel is a dive and snorkel island, so the packing problem is the water, not the weather. You need sun protection that won't harm the reef, something for rocky shore entries, and a dry bag for the boat.
Cozumel 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 | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F |
| Low | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 20 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 15 |
Season by season
Dry season
December–MayThe best weather of the year. Highs run 29°C (84°F) in December–February and climb to 33°C (91°F) by May, with lows of 21–25°C (70–77°F). April is the driest month with 6 rain days; December and January still average 15, mostly quick showers. These numbers are from the Cozumel station, 2 km (1.2 miles) from town. Pack light clothes, swimwear and one thin layer for windy boat rides.
What to bring to Cozumel
0 of 24 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and cash dry on dive boats and snorkel trips.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Take it before the boat leaves; the channel can be choppy on windy days.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Quick to rinse after salt water and fine for the walk from boat to beach.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Holds enough cold water for a full day in 33°C (91°F) summer heat.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes come out at dusk, especially in the rainy months.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Helps on humid summer afternoons when lows stay at 25–26°C (77–79°F).
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Keeps your phone charged for photos on long excursion days.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Rash guard · 1Means less sunscreen on the reef
- Quick-dry shorts and tops · 5 setsHighs of 29–33°C
- Light rain jacket · 1June and September average 20 rain days
- Thin layer · 1Windy boat rides
- Long pants or dress · 1A few resort restaurants ask for it
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairSharp ironshore and rocky shore entries
- Light sneakers · 1 pairEast side and San Gervasio ruins
Gear
- Dry bag · 1For the snorkel and dive boats
- Snorkel mask · 1
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1
Health and toiletries
- Biodegradable mineral sunscreen · 1Required by the protected marine park
- After-sun gel · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Cash in small bills · 1Small purchases on a cruise stop
- Travel insurance · 1Hurricane risk peaks September–October
Tech
- Plug adapter (non-US visitors) · 1Type A and B sockets at 127V
Rainy summer (June–August)
Hot and sticky. Highs hold at 33°C (91°F) and lows at 25–26°C (77–79°F). June averages 20 rain days, July 14 and August 16, usually afternoon downpours that pass fast. Bring quick-dry clothes, a light rain jacket and a waterproof bag.
Hurricane season peak (September–November)
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November, and the risk peaks in September–October. September averages 20 rain days, October 18 and November 16, with highs of 31–32°C (88–90°F). Pack for rain, keep plans flexible and buy travel insurance.
What shoes should you pack for Cozumel?
Water shoes and sandals. Much of the coast is ironshore, sharp volcanic-looking rock, and shore entries for snorkeling are rocky. Bring light sneakers if you plan to explore the east side or the ruins at San Gervasio.
What do people wear in Cozumel?
Casual beachwear and shorts. In San Miguel town, cover up over swimwear when you leave the beach. A few resort restaurants ask for long pants or a dress at dinner, but most places are relaxed.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in Cozumel?
Yes. The reefs are a protected national marine park, and park rules ask for biodegradable sunscreen; many dive and snorkel operators enforce it. Pack a mineral sunscreen and a rash guard so you need less of it.
What to pack for a Cozumel cruise stop?
Swimwear under your clothes, sunscreen, a dry bag, cash for small purchases and your ship card and ID. If you get seasick, take motion sickness tablets before the snorkel or ferry boat, not once you feel ill.
What plugs does Cozumel use?
Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V, the same plugs as the US and Canada. US visitors need no adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one. Phone and laptop chargers handle 127V fine; some older buildings have two-prong sockets only, so a three-prong plug may not fit.
Tours and things to do in Cozumel
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cozumel.
What should you leave at home for Cozumel?
Heavy jackets, jeans and dressy shoes. Even the coolest month's low is 21°C (70°F). Leave chemical sunscreens that aren't reef-safe, and don't bring a drone without checking current rules.
Packing for Cozumel: questions people ask
What should I wear in Cozumel in December?
Light clothes and swimwear. December averages a 29°C (84°F) high, a 22°C (72°F) low and 15 rain days, mostly short showers.
What is the driest month in Cozumel?
April, with 6 rain days on average.
Do I need water shoes in Cozumel?
Yes for shore snorkeling. Much of the coast is sharp ironshore rock.
Do I need an adapter in Cozumel?
Not from the US or Canada. Mexico uses Type A and B at 127V. UK and EU visitors need one.
Is Cozumel hot in summer?
Yes. Highs reach 33°C (91°F) from May to August, with lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F).
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