Cancun In May: Everything You Need To Know

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 tell you that I love visiting Cancun during low-humidity months like December/January.

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. The answer really depends on what you want out of your trip.

Thinking about heading to Cancun in May? There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind—like the weather, hotel and flight deals, crowds, and more—to decide if it’s the right time for your trip.

To make planning easier, we’ve put together this guide to help you figure out if March is the best month for your Cancun getaway.

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!


Cancun In May: At A Glance

The weather in Cancun is warm, with highs of 91°F (33°C), lows of 75°F (24°C). Cancun’s wet season technically starts in May, but with just 5 days of rain on average, you can rest assured that you won’t be rained in on your vacation.

DEAL ALERT: XCARET PARKS SPRING BREAK SALE! Get 15% off your Xplor, Xplor Fuego, or Xel-Ha booking if you purchase at least 7 days in advance. Use code SPRING25. Visit up to 1 year after purchase! Hurry, sale only lasts until March 17.

Plus, the sea turtles begin to nest on the beaches of Cancun and the whale sharks begin arriving in the ocean areas of Cancun!

Crowd Levels: Lower (May is considered shoulder season)

Ideal time for budget travelers: Yes

Events This Month: Cinco de Mayo, Festival de Cultura del Caribe, Cancun Jumpoff, Regata del Sol a Sol, Travesia Sagrada Maya


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

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:

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: May to October. Wet season tends to be hotter than the dry season.
  • HURRICANE SEASON: June to November, with peak storm chances from August to October. Hurricanes are rare (only two in 30 years), so expect occasional rain but still decent travel weather.
  • DRY SEASON: December to April. Cooler temps with lower humidity.

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 in 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 May: What To Expect

In May, the weather starts to kick it up a notch with the heat. Cancun’s wet season technically starts in May, but with just 5 days of rain on average, you can rest assured that you won’t be rained in on your vacation. The frequent showers don’t usually start until June.

Skies are usually very clear and you’ll get more than 11 hours of sunshine on average. Since rain is still rare this time of year, the weather is wonderful for enjoying various outdoor activities as well as swimming, scuba diving, and laying out on the beach.

During the nights, you can expect to find pretty warm weather with nighttime temperatures averaging 79°F (26°C). You will most definitely not need to carry around a jacket with you (unless you’re preparing for rain and it’s a light rain jacket).

Aside from the weather, the main benefit of visiting Cancun in May is your increased chances of encountering wildlife! The sea turtles begin to nest on the beaches of Cancun and the whale sharks begin arriving in the ocean areas of Cancun! There’s a lot of wildlife activity that you really must experience for yourself.

You’ll also find that this is the optimal time to visit Cancun’s popular attractions (swimming in cenotes, Chichen Itza, Xcaret Eco Park, etc) as there won’t be long waits or huge crowds.

Yep, there are noticeably fewer tourists in Cancun during the month of May. That’s not to say that Cancun is completely dead during this time of year, but it’s a really good time to visit if you’re looking for more peace and quiet compared to the prior few months.

It’s important to call out that May is one of Cancun’s shoulder season months, which means you still have a chance to visit before the real heat, humidity, and rain begins.

In terms of how Cancun in May will impact your wallet… we have good news! Come May, flight prices and hotel rates will be low, so you can easily plan your Cancun trip if you’re on a budget.

Pro Tip: We recommend you make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. You’ll get cheaper rates the earlier you book!

We also recommend making restaurant reservations and reservations for excursions wherever possible, as early as possible. (Viator, our favorite way to book activities, added a cool new feature that lets you know if an excursion is likely to sell out. Check it out!)


Cancun Weather In May

Temperature: Highs of 91°F (33°C), lows of 75°F (24°C).  It’ll be sunny and hot as the temperatures rise from April to May, but it’s not so uncomfortably hot that you’d need to be deterred from visiting. If it gets too hot, simply jump into the ocean, a cenote, or a pool to cool off.

Humidity: While it is more humid in May compared to the previous months, it still isn’t too bad with the breezes that come with May. May is the third driest month of the year, so the heat won’t feel stifling just yet. Humidity is way lower than what you’d face in June through November, so you really shouldn’t let this factor stop you from visiting.

Rain: May has 5 rainy days on average, with rainfall averaging 28mm. While the wet season technically begins in May, the frequent showers don’t typically come until June.

Hours of Sunshine: 11 hours

Sea Temperatures: 82°F (28°C)


May Events In Cancun

Cinco de Mayo – Cinco de Mayo signifies the Mexican army’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862. While it is a national holiday in Mexico, you won’t find any major events or parades on this date. You may find the occasional happy hour deal or resort party in the more touristy areas, but there won’t be as many as you’d find in the USA.

Cinco De Mayo - Cancun In May

Festival de Cultura del Caribe – This festival celebrates Caribbean cultures, including Mexican and Mayan cultures. The festival features food, parties, music, plays, and more.

Cancun JumpoffThis event is like a huge 4-day spring break party for adults. Expect lots of music, beach parties, pool parties, and even overnight parties!

Pool Party Spring Break - Cancun In March - TravelsWithElle

THE FOUR MOST POPULAR CANCUN TOURS

Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about doing a lot of different excursions during your visit to Cancun, consider getting yourself a Go City Cancun attraction pass to save BIG money on things like ziplining, snorkeling, catamaran sailing, and more.

Don’t Miss: Cancun Travel Tips: ALL The Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Trip


Is May A Good Time To Visit Cancun?

May is an awesome month to visit Cancun if you want to cut costs, avoid crowds, and still be able to enjoy the hot, dry weather before the wet season truly begins. It’s an especially great time to go for people looking to travel on a budget or for those looking for more peace and quiet.

There will still be quite a few tourists around, but the popular attractions won’t nearly be as crowded as they were in prior months.

With most of the international tourists heading back home from their Spring Break holidays, you will also find more hotel availability at cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and better hospitality almost everywhere you go.

Humidity and heat may be an issue for more sensitive travelers, but it’s really not as bad as it will be in the summer months (June to October).

Having said that, for ideal hiking/outdoor exercising conditions, May is not recommended. Instead, you should go earlier in the year if you want a little cooler weather during the afternoon.


Is Cancun Cold in May?

No, quite the opposite. In fact, May is one of the best months in terms of sunny skies and warm weather in Cancun, Mexico! It is one of the drier months of the year, so it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy outdoor excursions.

You will certainly not need a jacket for the entirety of your trip (unless it’s a light rain jacket).

Days are warm, as are nights, and skies are almost always sunny and clear. Average temperatures hover around 81-83°F (27-28.5°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 75°F (24°C).

Aside from some mugginess on the breezeless days, get ready for some near-perfect weather in May!


Is Cancun Rainy in May?

No, not yet. Even though May marks the first month of Cancun’s rainy season, there are only 5 rainy days on average. May is one of the drier months in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula which means there is usually a low chance of rain.


Is Cancun Busy in May?

With Spring Break finally over, crowds will certainly thin out in May. Because of this yearly trend, hotel and flight prices will start to come down too. The high season is officially over, meaning a vacation in Cancun is now more affordable again.

There will be noticeably fewer tourists in Cancun during the month of May. That’s not to say that Cancun is completely dead during this time of year, but it’s a really good time to visit if you’re looking for more peace and quiet.

It’s also a popular time for honeymooners and couples!


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.

20+ Things To Do In Cancun, Mexico - Travels With Elle

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.

20+ Things To Do In Cancun, Mexico - Travels With Elle

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).


Best Time To Visit Cancun To Avoid 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 Things To Do In Cancun Mexico - Excellence Playa Mujeres

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! There are a lot of opportunities to swim, snorkel, go diving and engage in other activities during your vacation.

If you want to do any of these things while in Cancun, you’ll want to visit during a month where the water is warm, and the weather is beautiful.

To have the best time on the beaches while in Cancun, you’ll want to go during 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 turtles and sharks.

13 Best Things To Do On Isla Mujeres - Travels With Elle

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).

13 Best Things To Do On Isla Mujeres - Travels With Elle

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 isn’t just about beaches and resorts—it’s also famous for its nightlife. With a wide range of restaurants and nightclubs, the city offers plenty of options to keep the party going every night.

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.

Best Time To Visit Cancun - TravelsWithElle

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!

Wet Season - Best Time To Visit Cancun

When Is The Sargassum Season in Cancun?

June to October

Sargassum season in Cancun typically runs from June through October.

However, the timing and intensity of the season can vary from year to year. Depending on the year, Sargassum can begin washing up on Cancun’s beaches in early April until mid-November. While the amount of Sargassum does vary year over year, you can expect the beaches will generally be covered with a thick layer of seaweed.

Some years, you’ll barely even notice it, especially during the early months of April and May. In other years, it can be a huge problem.

The Sargassum season in Cancun has caused some inconvenience for beachgoers, as the seaweed can make swimming and sunbathing uncomfortable.

Having said that, the town’s businesses have also been working hard to clean up the beaches, and many of the beachfront resorts will do their best to clean up the seaweed on their private beaches.

If you are planning to stay in one of the beachfront hotels, you can call/email them before booking to make sure the beaches are maintained.


Essential Travel Tips For Cancun In May

  • If you have a popular hotel in mind that you want to stay at, it should be booked 4 to 6 months in advance. While the mega-resorts will likely still have availability, the cute boutique hotels and eco-resorts are usually the first ones to fill up!
  • 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 in 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 most locals, hotel/restaurant staff, and tour guides speak English.
  • 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!

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.

If Cancun in May is NOT what you thought it was, consider visiting Cancun during another month of the year:

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

Want more Cancun travel tips? You might like:

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AUTHOR

Elle Leung

My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)!

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