Cancun has been a go-to vacation hotspot since the 70s, and its appeal has only grown stronger over the years. With its semi-tropical climate, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera offer sunny escapes nearly year-round.
But when exactly is the best time to visit?
If you were to ask me, I’d give you the green light to visit in February! I love visiting Cancun during low-humidity, low-rain months (from late November to February).
Others may love visiting in March/April for spring break madness, June/July for summer vacation, or September/October for the unbeatable low-season deals. So… the ‘right’ answer really depends on what you want out of your trip.
If you’re looking into taking a trip to Cancun in February, you’ll want to consider a few things. You’ll want a good understanding of the weather, hotel/flight deals, crowds and more to find out whether Cancun in February is right for you.
To help you plan your Cancun vacation, we’ve compiled this post to help you learn more about whether you should visit Cancun in February.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
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Cancun in February: At a Glance
If you’re seeking a delightful escape from winter’s grasp and wish to indulge in warm weather and sunny days, then Cancun in February will be an ideal time for your visit.
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February falls within the dry season, offering splendid weather with lower humidity levels. The days are sunny and warm, providing a tropical escape from the winter chill in other parts of the world.
The average daytime temperatures in February hover around a comfortable 82°F (27.8°C), making it an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat that you’ll find during other months.
While the chances of rain are significantly lower during February, occasional showers can still occur, so it’s always wise to pack a light rain jacket just in case.
Crowd Levels: Moderate
Ideal time for budget travelers: Okay
Events This Month: Carnaval, Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day), ZoukMX.
CANCUN IN A NUTSHELL
Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!
Nearest Airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Hotels We Love / Where To Stay:
- All-Inclusive (Adults Only): Excellence Playa Mujeres or Atlier Playa Mujeres
- All-Inclusive (Families): Hotel Xcaret Mexico – Technically in Riviera Maya, but the All Parks All Fun perk is so worth it!
- Luxury For Less: SLS Playa Mujeres – newly opened in Nov 2024
- Budget Boutique: La Villa du Golf à Cancun
How to Get Around: A rental car is not needed in Cancun. A lot of the tours/excursions provide transportation to/from your hotel. If you need to get around, opt for taxis, pre-arranged rides, or the local colectivo.
Must-Do’s:
- Spend a whole day at Xcaret Eco Park
- Day trip to the island of Isla Mujeres
- Shop for souvenirs at Mercado 28
- See Chichen Itza with your own eyes
Before You Go Tip #1: Be sure to shop for reef-safe sunscreen before your trip! Cancun’s shores are teeming with coral reefs, so you’ll want to avoid wearing traditional sunscreen as they contain chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs.
Before You Go Tip #2: Passport check! Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Mexico. If you don’t have a passport (or it’s about to expire), get a new one ASAP.
Before You Go Tip #3: If your phone carrier doesn’t give you free coverage in Mexico, get yourself a digital eSIM card through Airalo to prevent crazy roaming fees. I’ve used Airalo so many times now and it’s always worked like a charm.
👉 TRAVEL SMART: Before leaving for your trip, check for the latest travel advisories for Cancun/Mexico. The site provides the latest things to be vigilant about. Cancun is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
What Are Cancun’s Travel Seasons?
There are three distinct travel seasons for Cancun: high season, low season, and shoulder season. Before we dive into Cancun’s travel seasons, here’s a quick breakdown of how the weather fluctuates throughout the year in Cancun.
- WET SEASON: The wet season runs from May to October and tends to be actually hotter than the dry season.
- HURRICANE SEASON: Hurricane season spans June to November, with a higher likelihood of storms from August to October. Actual hurricanes are rare though, so it’s still a decent time to visit if you don’t mind periodic rain showers here and there throughout the day. (The area has seen only two hurricanes in the past 30 years.)
- DRY SEASON: The dry season is from December to April. Travelers will find cooler, more pleasant temperatures.
High Season In Cancun
Cancun’s high season typically stretches from late December to April.
This is peak season across the world’s sunbelt—especially in Mexico! From Christmas onward, expect Cancun and the rest of Mexico to be very busy. Cancun’s pristine white sands will be covered with flocks of tourists ranging from kids on their winter break, party-goers flocking in for Cancun’s infamous Spring Break events, and more.
Because of the increase of tourism during the high season, you can expect a similar spike in airfares, hotel rates, and all-inclusive resort costs as well. Especially around Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Spring Break!
Pro Tip: To get around this, visit Mexico in early December, before all the mayhem begins!
Low Season In Cancun
Cancun’s low season runs from May through October because this time period coincides with Mexico’s main rainy season. You can expect super hot, sticky, and sweltering days with frequent downpours and unpredictable weather. Cancun’s hurricane season also falls within the low season.
While it is the rainy season, rest assured you likely won’t be rained in during your entire vacation. The rain typically comes in short bursts–a downpour for a few days followed by sunny skies the next.
Also during the summer months, the shorelines of Mexico tend to draw in a lot of seaweed (sargasso). Hotels and resorts do their best to clean up the seaweed but do expect to see more seaweed than normal during the low season.
Since tourists tend to avoid Cancun during this time, you can often find the best hotel deals in the low season. You’ll get crowd-free beaches, cheaper airfare and hotel rates, and better hospitality. The is often considered the best time to visit Cancun if you’re traveling on a budget.
Shoulder Season In Cancun
In our opinion, the best time to go to Cancun is the shoulder months of April, May, November, and December. During these months, you’ll experience lesser crowds and more mild weather conditions, and pretty reasonable rates.
We especially love going towards the end of November/first week of December right after Thanksgiving. We’ve been three times during this timeframe and have always been met with nearly perfect weather!
Cancun In February: What To Expect
The amazing weather continues in February, with temperatures warming up despite it being a winter month. February is one of the coolest and driest months of the year in Cancun with the least chance of rain and no hurricane risk.
February is considered the ‘high season’ as many other travelers have the same idea–escape their cold homes by vacationing in Cancun! It totally makes sense, because Cancun in February features relatively low humidity, warm temperatures, and excellent conditions for beaching, swimming, and snorkeling.
However, crowds won’t be as crazy as they are in March/April, so you still get to enjoy the warm weather without having to worry about the massive Spring Break crowds.
The days are generally beautiful, warm, and sunny and the nights are cooler. What that means is that you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities with sunshine and enjoy evening strolls without sweating the whole time.
Nights are cooler, with nighttime averages hovering around 73°F (29°C). You may want to bring a light cardigan or sweatshirt, but chances are you’ll be pretty warm already.
Packing a long sleeve/light jacket, a light pair of long pants, and your normal beach clothes will be perfectly fine in February.
And while it’s not possible to say there will be no rain in February, if it does rain, it will only be light passing showers.
In terms of how Cancun in February will impact your wallet, hotels and resorts are usually pretty full, with the nice weather and all. Not to mention, Carnaval takes place in February!
Rates will be higher during February compared to other times of the year, so if you plan on traveling to Cancun in February, be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible.
With the exception of Spring Break, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, February is one of the more expensive times of the year to visit Cancun.
And because of the ideal beach weather, expect more crowded beaches, restaurants, and pools at your resort.
We also recommend making restaurant reservations and reservations for excursions wherever possible, as early as possible.
The last thing you want is to have planned a fun day trip for your friends only to find that there are no availabilities/timeslots left for your travel dates!
PRO TIP: While you could book excursions through your hotel concierge, we’ve found much better prices booking for ourselves on sites like Viator, our favorite way to book travel activities.
Cancun Weather In February
Temperature: Highs of 84°F (29°C), lows of 70°F (21°C). Skies are most of the time clear and sunny. It’ll be sunny and hot (but not too hot) during the days, and cooler in the evenings. Very rarely will you need a long sleeve at night.
Humidity: Humidity in Feb is lower than June through November, but higher than in January. All in all, humidity is relatively low for Cancun in February which is great because you won’t get that hot, sticky, stifling feeling on your trip.
Rain: February has 5 rainy days on average. Since the hurricane season and wet season are long gone, the chances of you running into a hurricane on your travels are virtually nonexistent! While there could always be rain due to Cancun’s semi-tropical setting, rain showers are unlikely in February.
Hours of Sunshine: 9 hours
Sea Temperatures: 79°F (26°C)
February Events In Cancun
ZoukMX – A 30-day dancer and music festival in Playa del Carmen featuring parties and dance workshops split between the beach and the jungle.
El Dia de Candelaria (Tamale Day) – On El Dia de Candelaria, people will dress up figures of Baby Jesus in special outfits and take them to the church to be blessed. They will also get together with family and friends to eat tamales.
Island Time Music and Fishing Festival – Features six days of music, fishing and fun benefiting The Little Yellow School House of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Enjoy world-class performances in intimate venues across the island.
Carnaval – Taking place a week prior to Ash Wednesday, Carnaval is a lively time to be in Cancun, especially in downtown Cancun! Expect parades, concerts, and parties all over the city.
Is February A Good Time To Visit Cancun?
Yes. Because of the amazing weather and multitude of events that February brings to Cancun, it is one of the most popular times to visit Cancun.
While the weather will be great, there are a few other things you need to consider before pulling the trigger on a February Cancun vacation.
Many tourists are looking to escape their cold homes, so expect more crowds and higher hotel rates.
If you’re looking for the best travel deals, February might not be the best month to visit Cancun.
Is Cancun Cold in February?
While it might be cold in February for many other cities/destinations in the world, Cancun is not one of those places. In fact, February is one of the best months in terms of sunny skies and warm weather in Cancun, Mexico!
Days are warm, nights are still cool and comfortable, and skies are almost always sunny and clear. Average highs are around 84°F (29°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 73°F (23°C).
Get ready for some near-perfect weather in February!
Is Cancun Rainy in February?
No. February sits in Cancun’s dry season. This is one of the driest months in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula which means there is a low chance of rain.
In fact, there are only 5 rainy days on average in Cancun. If the rain does come, it usually passes by pretty quickly.
Best Time To Visit Cancun For Perfect Weather
December to April
Cancun has great weather for much of the year, but for the best weather you should visit between the months of December and April. The average temperature stays around the mid-80’s, with little to no rain on most days.
It’s important to keep in mind around March and April the spring breakers will start to visit Cancun, which can lead to high crowds and busy areas.
So while the weather might be amazing, if you’re looking to avoid these groups of rowdy travelers, you’ll want to travel closer to the December, January or February months.
This time is great as the temperature is extremely comfortable, without having to worry about hurricanes or too much rain in general. It’s ideal weather to spend time on the beach, while not feeling too hot or cool.
Best Time To Visit Cancun For The Best Deals
May To November
Cancun has a peak tourist season, as well as a low tourist season during the year. Due to the great weather during the summer/spring seasons, November through April are typically the busiest months in Cancun.
Beyond the weather, though, these times are most popular due to the holidays. Lots of people go on vacations to Cancun in November and December for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
On top of that, it is also particularly common for people who live in cooler areas to visit and escape the cold winter weather.
The popularity of these times of the year generally leads to a more expensive trip overall, with higher flight prices, hotel rates, and resort costs.
So, if you’re looking to snag a deal on your Cancun vacation, you’ll want to look into visiting between May and November.
This time of year brings fewer tourists due to the higher likelihood of rain and some inclement weather. Hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and airlines will usually lower their prices to attract tourists.
However, if you wait until the sweet spot between September and October, you can enjoy some of the more comfortable temperatures with a lower likelihood of bad weather (and still take advantage of those great deals).
You May Also Like: Go City Cancun Explorer Pass Review: Is It Worth The Money?
Best Time To Visit Cancun For Avoiding Crowds
September and October
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, you’ll want to keep a few details in mind while planning your visit to Cancun.
As we discussed before, the holidays are a popular time for people to visit Cancun – specifically in November and December, and March and April for spring break. If you’re looking to avoid massive crowds, you’ll want to make sure you visit outside these months at the very least.
For the least amount of tourists visiting while you’re on your trip, you’ll want to look into visiting sometime in October or September.
Lots of people flock to Cancun for their summer vacations throughout June, July and August, leading to lower crowds than the holidays but still a sizable amount of tourists.
September and October lie in the sweet spot where you’re just out of the summer, but the holidays haven’t come up yet.

Best Time To Visit Cancun For Swimming, Snorkeling and Diving
The summer season
Cancun is a great place to visit if you’re looking to spend some serious time outdoors and in the water! We’re talking swimming, jetskiing, snorkeling, scuba diving at some of the most diverse reefs in the world, and more.
If you want to do any of these things while in Cancun, you’ll want to visit during a month when the water is nice and warm.
The best time for water activities? In the summer or early fall months. July, August, September and even October guarantee the warmest water of the year, allowing you to enjoy long periods of time swimming and snorkeling.
For the lowest likelihood of rain and bad weather, you can avoid hurricane and rain season by going closer to June and July. This is also a great time to see the most amount of marine life, including baby turtles and whale sharks.
Best Time to Visit Cancun for Whale Sharks
Speaking of sharks, did you know whale sharks are some of the most popular marine life people come to see when visiting Cancun? Don’t worry, despite them being in the shark family, they’re actually docile and friendly, and love to feed on plankton (not people).
June and July
To maximize your chances of seeing a whale shark when on vacation, you’ll want to visit Cancun during shark season. This season primarily takes place in June and July when the water is warm and the weather is at its best.
Sometimes, though, shark season extends past these couple months and can span anytime between mid-May and mid-September.
It’ll be hard to plan your trip around the potential for an extended season, so it’s best to just book your trip near June/July.
Best Time To Visit Cancun For Nightlife
Cancun is infamous for its party life and lively nighttime entertainment, with tons of restaurants and nightclubs you can visit each night to guarantee a fantastic time.
Spring Break + Summer
If partying is one of your vacation priorities, you will want to visit Cancun either during March and April, or during the summer months.
March and April are when many people come out to Cancun during spring break–you can find lots of beach parties during the day, and packed nightclubs later on in the evenings.
The summer is another popular time for the younger crowd to come out to party, as the weather is at its best and it stays warm late into the night.
If you’re looking for a lively crowd to party with, but don’t exactly want to deal with all the craziness of spring break, you can also visit Cancun during October, November or December.
A lot of people (us included) tend to visit during this time to visit the various clubs and other attractions Cancun has to offer. And unlike the spring and summer months, this time of year the people visiting tend to be older and more relaxed.
If that sounds more like you, I’d skip March/April and visit towards the end of the calendar year!
Does It Rain All Day in Cancun During the Rainy Season?
Yes and no. While there is a possibility it could rain all day, there’s also the possibility that it could rain for 30 minutes during the day with nothing but sunlight the rest of the time. It could also rain overnight with no rain in sight in the daytime.
The rain can be heavy at times in Cancun, but it is unlikely to rain for the whole of your trip. Usually, if it does rain, it will only last for 1-3 days.
Rest assured, if you do vacation during the rainy season, you will not be rained in during your entire vacation!
Essential Travel Tips For Cancun
- Check the weather forecasts before you leave on your trip to Cancun. It’s a tropical place, so no matter the season, I’d err on the side of caution and pack a windproof umbrella and light rain jacket.
- Thinking about doing excursions/activities during your trip? We love Go City’s Cancun attraction passes. Unlimited activities at steep discounts!
- There’s been sort of a seaweed problem in Cancun. Want to make sure you’re going to be getting crystal clear waters? Check the latest seaweed conditions report before heading to the beaches on Cancun or Isla Mujeres.
- The most popular times to visit Cancun range from June to early August and November to March (high season). If you’re looking for a quieter experience, plan your trip for mid-August to October.
- Cancun hurricane season runs from June through November. Most weather experts recommend purchasing travel insurance if you plan on visiting during hurricane season.
- Bring pesos with you just in case you need to pay with cash. If you’re mostly just staying at your hotel, having US dollars on hand is fine.
- When using a credit card, choose to pay in the local currency instead of your home currency. You’ll get a better exchange rate and will be paying less than the home currency option. (In my case, I would pay in $MXN instead of in $USD.)
- The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Your hotel will likely provide you with free filtered water.
- Cancun is English-friendly. If you can’t speak a lick of Spanish, you’ll be okay. Cancun largely caters to English-speaking visitors, and you’ll find that English is spoken by most locals, hotel/restaurant staff, and tour guides.
- Cancun is generally ‘safe’, but always practice self-awareness and caution. Certain areas of Mexico have long held a reputation for being unsafe due to cartel violence, but resort areas and tourists are not targeted. Just exercise increased caution as you would anywhere–avoid being flashy, don’t walk around alone at night, be wary of your surroundings, and you should be just fine.
- Taxis in Cancun are costly, and buses are cheap. Taxis in Cancun follow a set price (Ex: ~$45 from Playa del Carmen to Cancun’s Hotel Zone; ~$26 from Cancun International Airport to the Hotel Zone).
- Savvy travelers usually take the local bus transportation (colectivo), which is reliable, frequent, and super cheap (under $1/ride) to ride between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun during the day.
- For long distances, we always prefer pre-booking private transfers to get from the airport to hotels (or even hotel to hotel). Prices for these services are usually cheaper than if you were to call a taxi!
THE FOUR MOST POPULAR CANCUN TOURS
- 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves: see some of the Yucatan’s absolute best features, all in one day!
- Chichen Itza All-Inclusive, Tequila tasting, Cenote Swim, Buffet & Valladolid: a whole day tour that combines culture, history, nature and food–I loved this tour!
- Xcaret Day Trip with Transportation: one of the best eco-parks in the entire world, it’s so worth a visit–don’t miss the Mexico Espectacular show at the end of the day!
- ATV Tour, Ziplines and Cenote Swim with Lunch and Transportation: a great tour for adventurous travelers that want a good mix of adrenaline and nature
Other Popular Destinations Near Cancun, Mexico
- Isla Mujeres – Laid-back vibes, golf carts, snorkeling, and underwater museum.
- Playa Del Carmen / Riviera Maya – Trendy nightlife, cenotes, and all-inclusive resorts.
- Isla Holbox – Quieter (least touristy), bioluminescence, whale shark hotspot.
- Cozumel – World-class scuba diving, coral reefs; it’s also a cruise stop.
Cancun In February: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cancun crowded in February?
Yes, February is one of the peak months for tourism in Cancun, and it tends to be crowded. Many travelers from colder regions flock to Cancun to escape the winter, leading to higher hotel occupancy rates and bustling attractions.
Is Cancun humid in February?
In February, Cancun experiences lower humidity levels compared to the previous months. The air feels more comfortable and less muggy, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that Cancun is a coastal destination, and some humidity is still present, so staying hydrated is essential.
Is January or February better for Cancun?
Both January and February are great times to visit Cancun, as they offer dry and mild weather and fewer crowds than the coming months of March/April.
February is ever-so-slightly warmer than January, with temperature highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit (Jan averages 78.8°F). As both months are considered high season, you can expect travel costs to be similar.
Is February or March better for Cancun?
Both February and March offer great travel conditions in Cancun, making it an ideal time for a beach vacation. However, there are some differences you’ll want to consider:
Weather: Both months provide warm and sunny days, with February experiencing slightly lower humidity levels. Both months are excellent for enjoying the beaches and various outdoor activities.
Budget: February and March are part of the peak season, so prices for flights and accommodations are generally higher compared to the off-peak months. However, some budget-friendly deals can still be found if booked in advance.
Quieter Time vs. Party Atmosphere: February is a better choice for travelers seeking a quieter and more relaxed vacation. While it is still a peak month, it is just before the spring break rush, offering a more serene environment. March, on the other hand, is famous for spring break, attracting college students and partygoers from around the world. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife and a lively atmosphere, March might be the perfect time to visit.
Best For: February is best for couples, families, and travelers who prefer a more laid-back experience with fewer crowds. It’s an excellent time for romantic getaways and tranquil beach days. March is best suited for those seeking an energetic and festive ambiance, especially for spring breakers looking to have a lively party vacation.
What are the best months to visit Cancun?
The best months to visit Cancun are typically December through April. The weather is near-perfect at this time of year, which happens to fall in the middle of Cancun’s dry season. This is considered the peak tourist season in Cancun, so it is going to be a little more crowded than in other parts of the year.
As long as you plan your trip and book hotels/flights before the spring breakers do (they usually flock to the area in mid-March to April), then you can still take advantage of lower travel costs. If crowds are not your thing, the sweet spot is during late-November and December. January and February are going to be crowded months to visit, but not as crowded as it’ll be in March and April.
What are the worst months to visit Cancun?
Based on weather conditions, the “worst” months to visit Cancun are typically June to October, as they are the hottest and most humid months of the year. Given that these months fall inside of Cancun’s hurricane season, there is a higher chance of rainfall and tropical storms (though actual hurricanes are rare).
If pristine beaches are what you’re after, you’ll want to avoid visiting during these months too. Cancun not only has its hurricane season from June to November but also a seaweed season that begins around May and lasts until October.
We hope you found this post useful and now have a better idea of whether Cancun in February is right for you.
If Cancun in February is NOT what you thought it was, consider visiting Cancun during another month of the year. Check out our other Cancun guides by month:
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC
Happy vacationing!
Planning your trip to Cancun? Other posts you’ll like:
- Cancun Travel Tips: Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Trip
- 25+ Exciting Things To Do In Cancun To Make Your Trip Unforgettable
- Xcaret Park Review: Is It Worth The Money?
- 17 Unforgettable Things To Do On Isla Mujeres, Mexico
- Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: 60 Essential Things To Bring With You
- Go City Cancun Explorer Pass Review: Is It Worth The Money?
- 7 Swoon-worthy All-Inclusive Resorts In Riviera Maya (Adults-Only!)