When to go
When to go

Cancun attracts most of its visitors during the high season, from mid-December to the end of April, when temperatures are comfortable and humidity is low. During the winter holiday season of December and January, the hotels are packed with families and couples. March heralds a different crowd, and with it, a different vibe. High school and college spring breakers take over the island, kicking off a two-month frenzy that transforms this 16-mile strip of land into a non-stop party. Bars burst with 18-21 year olds sporting neon allyou- can-drink wristbands and dozens of multi-level clubs pump techno, pop, and hip hop music (and sometimes foam), onto the dance floors. If you are looking for a romantic vacation or a quiet getaway, avoid traveling to Cancun during the college coup, or plan to stay in a hotel geared to families and couples.

The low season runs from May to mid-December. Summer months are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging in the high 80s on the coast and high 90s inland. Mexicans take advantage of the dearth of U.S. tourists, and again, the atmosphere changes. Beaches, hotels, and restaurants are still quite crowded, and bars continue to fill up with graduating high school and college kids, but most of the visitors come from other areas of Mexico. August to October is hurricane season, with September historically carrying the highest probability of a storm. While unfavorable conditions are most likely during these months, Cancun can go several years without being directly hit by a hurricane. And, though weather is unpredictable, the payoff is that prices are lower and restaurants and hotels are comparatively vacant. In these months, it is decidedly easier to find a deserted strip of sand, or sip a cuba libre (rum and coke) in peace. Affordable deals and low occupancy also make this an opportune time to plan a last-minute vacation.
 
Cancun calendar

January

  • 1/1 Nuevo (New Years Day): A legal holiday traditionally observed with families and with the closure of banks, schools, and most businesses.
  • 1/6 El Día de los Reyes Magos: Of equal or greater importance than Christmas, and traditionally marked by the exchange of gifts.

February

  • The annual Carnival Cancun marks the beginning of Lent. An extremely festive atmosphere pervades the city, with parades, food, music, and dancing in the streets. A great time to visit and experience the culture.
  • 2/5 Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day): Speeches and ceremonies are enacted throughout Mexico in celebration of the Constitution.
  • 2/24 Día de la Bandera (Flag Day): Mexicans show their patriotism and deference to the national flag through animated festivities.

March

  • Late in the month, Inicio Primavera (Spring Equinox) occurs: The sun casts a shadow of the serpent Kukulcan, moving down 91 steps of the main pyramid at Chichan Itza. This is a particularly popular time to visit the ruins.
  • 3/21 Aniversario de Benito Juarez: Banks and offices closed in honor of the President, who was noted for heading up the 19th-Century reform movement.

April

  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Pascua (Easter): Yearly in middle to late April, with major celebrations and processions across the country. Popular vacation time beaches and hotels are crowded.
  • Late April/early May, Sol a Sol International Regatta: Boat races begin in St. Petersburg, Florida, and end in Isla Mujeres with music and dance festivals.

May

  • 5/1 Día del Trabajo (Labor Day): Banks and offices closed.
  • 5/5 Cinco de Mayo: Celebrates Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of the Puebla (1862) with parades and fireworks. Banks and offices are closed.
  • May 8-12 Cancun International Gay Festival: Call (800) 765-4370 for information.
  • In the middle of the month (close to Memorial Day), Cancun hosts its annual Jazz Festival, with fanfare and musical performances.

August

  • 8/17 Cruz de la Bahía founding of Isla Mujeres (1854): Parades, music, and dancing throughout the region.

September

  • 9/16 Día de la Independencia (Independence Day): Folk dancing, mariachi bands, and fireworks all over Mexico celebrating independence from Spain (1821).
  • 9/21 Fall Equinox: Sun casts a shadow of a serpent moving down the steps of the main pyramid at Chichan Itza. This is a very popular time to visit the ruins.

October

  • Second week: Isla Mujeres International Music Festival.

November

  • 11/1-11/2 Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Families gather for All Saints Day at gravesites of loved ones for picnics.
  • 11/ 20 Día de la Revolución: Parades, ceremonies and speeches throughout the country in honor of the Revolution of 1910. Banks and offices closed.

December

  • 12/3-12/8 Fiesta de la Concepción Immaculate (Feast of the Immaculate Conception): Music, fireworks, and bullfights.
  • The week before Christmas, parades throughout Mexico commemorate Mary and Josephs journey to Bethlehem.
  • 12/25 Navidad (Christmas Day): Candlelight processions and festive celebrations with the breaking of piñatas are typical during the week of Christmas and New Years.