Cancun In September: Is It A Good Time To Visit? (2024)

Q: Is September or October better for Cancun?

For less chance of rain, I'd recommend choosing October over September. Both September and October can be decent months to visit Cancun if you're looking for a quiet and affordable vacation and don't mind some rainfall. As they fall outside of the peak tourist season, you're going to get fewer crowds and lower prices on travel costs. In a nutshell, both months are hot, humid, and rainy. In October, the average highs are essentially the same as in September -- a moderately hot 29.4°C (84.9°F). However, September is typically more humid and rainy. While rainfall still occurs in October, it's not as intense compared to September (Cancun sees the most rain in September). October in Cancun usually sees its fair share of rain, often coming in short and heavy downpours. While rain is prevalent, you'll still get to experience sunny blue skies periodically.

Q: 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.

Being one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, people are likely to visit Cancun at all times of the year. Because the climate in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera is semi-tropical, you can visit at nearly any time of the year and expect to have a great time.

But when exactly is the best time to visit? And is September a good time to go?

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.

If you’re looking into taking a trip to Cancun in September, 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 September 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 September.

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!

Table of Contents

Cancun In September: At-A-Glance

If you like saving money on your largest expenses (flight/hotel/resort stay) and don’t mind the increased heat, humidity, and rain showers, then Cancun in September will be a fine time for you to visit.

September sits well into the wet season and hurricane season. Despite that, Cancun in September is when things begin to cool off, but only ever-so-slightly. It’s still pretty hot with average daytime temps of 84°F (28.9°C).

If you don’t do well with rainy weather or humidity, the month of September may not be for you. Cancun tends to get quite humid, especially after a night of heavy rain.

Crowd Levels: Low

Ideal time for budget travelers: Yes

Events This Month: Mexican Independence Day, Autumn Equinox

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)

Where To Stay: Excellence Playa Mujeres (adults only), Beloved Playa Mujeres (adults only), or Finest Playa Mujeres (for families) — for an upscale experience, these all-inclusive resorts are the best bang for your buck, in my opinion!

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, taking taxis, pre-arranged transportation, or the local colectivo are common ways to get around.

Must-Do’s: Spend a whole day at Xcaret Eco Park, explore the island of Isla Mujeres, shop for souvenirs at Mercado 28, and marvel at Chichen Itza and swim in a cenote on the same day!

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: Make sure you have a valid passport way before your trip to Cancun. 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. With Airalo, you can install a digital SIM for 200+ countries/regions and get connected as soon as you land. I’ve used Airalo in Asia and Europe and both times it’s worked like a charm — it’s legit.

Before You Go Tip #4: Get yourself covered with travel insurance before your trip! SafetyWing is a travel essential for me these days! I love them so much because can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started. You can pause and resume coverage with flexibility and they’ve got you covered in 185 countries.

👉 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 September: What To Expect

If you don’t do well with rainy weather or humidity, the month of September may not be for you. Cancun tends to get quite humid, especially after a night of heavy rain.

So while the weather may be okay still for lounging by the beach and swimming in cenotes, it does make more inland activities (exploring ruins, jungle excursions) a bit harder to bear. We recommend prioritizing beach/water activities closer to the coast during the month of September.

Speaking of water activities, one of the most iconic things to do in September is to swim with whale sharks! While June/July are the best months to see whale sharks, you may still be able to catch whale shark season in September before they’re completely gone by the end of the month.

Swimming with Whale Sharks - Best Time To Visit Cancun - TravelsWithElle

And if you’re concerned about the dangers of swimming with “sharks”, don’t let their name scare you, whale sharks are large, harmless, and majestic creatures.

If you only had time to do 1-2 excursions in Cancun in September, we’d highly recommend this be at the top of your list! You can’t miss this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In terms of how September will impact your wallet…

During the month of September (it’s still low season), you will likely find some of the best deals on hotels and tours. This is because September is the rainiest month of the year so tourism tends to be low.

Because this is one of the slower months, it is a great time to visit for a more quiet, relaxing vacation. Your wallet will also appreciate all the great travel deals you’ll be able to snag for Cancun in September!

How To Get To Isla Mujeres - Travels With Elle

Cancun Weather In September

Temperature: Highs of 91°F (33°C), lows of 77°F (25°C). It’ll be hot during the days, and a tad cooler in the evenings, but just barely. You can expect average daytime temps of 84°F (28.9°C) and nighttime temps of 80°F (26.6°C). At that rate, you will not need a long sleeve at night.

Humidity: You will feel a lot of humidity in September. Almost all the days feel muggy because of this humidity. If it’s rained, expect higher humidity–that sticky, stifling, uncomfortable feeling.

Rain: September is the rainiest month of the year with 10 rainy days on average. An average of 270mm rain falls during September, which is a whole lot of rain. However, while heavier rains do occur, you won’t encounter a downpour every day. And while there will be rain, it will come and go and the sun does emerge.

Hours of Sunshine: 9 hours

Sea Temperatures: 84°F (29°C)

September Events In Cancun

Mexican Independence Day – The celebrations take place on September 15 and 16. They begin on the afternoon of the 15th in Downtown Cancun–expect mariachi bands, good food, and lots of tequila until 11 pm. On 16th, actual Independence Day, you’ll find parties lots of bars, and hotels in the Hotel Zone. There is also a massive parade downtown!

Autumn Equinox – A festival takes place at Chichen-Itza every year on September 22 where thousands of people head to Chichen-Itza to watch the late afternoon light reveal the figure of the serpent god Kukulkan on the El Castillo pyramid. If you can’t make it on the 22nd, there is another opportunity to see the projection on September 20th (2 days before).

Mexican Independence Day - Best Time To Visit Cancun

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: Xcaret is 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

Xcaret Park Review - Is It Worth The Money - Travels With Elle

Is September A Good Time To Visit Cancun?

If the above does not sound like you, then consider another month where the weather is a bit more tolerable.

September is considered part of Canun’s low season because of the high chance of rain showers and the fact that hurricane season is technically in full swing. Travelers usually won’t want to travel during this time and risk a trip with bad weather.

There will be very light crowds wherever you go, so if you’re looking to travel on a budget and want to score the best travel deals Cancun has to offer, September is a great time to visit.

Visiting during the low season means lesser crowds, cheaper accommodations, cheaper flights, and better, more attentive hospitality everywhere you go. And if you love snapping photos, you’ll be glad to find a lot fewer people in the background of your pictures!

However, you may need to be more flexible with your plans as the rain could force you to cancel or postpone your plans. We recommend getting travel insurance as well.

Is It Too Hot To Visit Cancun in September?

For people who are more sensitive to heat and humidity, yes. Not going to lie, Cancun in September is pretty humid.

While it might not seem too hot at face value, the humidity makes it feel hotter and more stifling than it is. Despite the fact that temps will fall slightly as the month progresses, the heat is still pretty intense due to the humidity.

If you do plan on visiting in September, we have a few tips to get around this uncomfortable heat.

Stay by bodies of water during the hottest times of the day. If it gets too hot, jump into a pool or cenote or the ocean to cool off.
Book a hotel that has air conditioning. If you’re visiting in September, we’d say this is a MUST.
Try to schedule excursions or trips that depart early in the morning and get you back to your hotel by midday. This way, you can head indoors and enjoy the air conditioning until the blazing afternoon heat wanes a bit.

Is It Rainy in Cancun in September?

Yes. In fact, September is the rainiest month in Cancun.

While rain does indeed fall, the showers typically pass after 2-4 hours. The sky tends to clear up quickly after periods of rain so you can get back to enjoying your day outdoors.

Are There Hurricanes in September?

While September is considered a part of Cancun’s hurricane season, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to experience hurricanes each and every year.

In fact, the Cancun area has only been hit by two major hurricanes that occurred 17 years apart–Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

The chances of a hurricane hitting Cancun are very slim, but it is still a possibility to be aware of.

Throughout the month, you can more realistically expect to find some rainy days as well as some days where people are out and about enjoying the sun and the beach.

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 duration 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!

Best Time To Visit Cancun For Perfect Weather

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

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).

Best Time To Visit Cancun To Avoid Crowds

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

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).

To maximize your chances of seeing a whale shark when on vacation, you’ll want to visit Cancun during whale 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

Beyond visiting Cancun to enjoy the beautiful beaches and resorts, many people go to take part in the vibrant 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.

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!

Essential Travel Tips For Cancun in September

If you’re traveling in September, we recommend booking air-conditioned rooms/suites for increased comfort. We’re not going to sugarcoat it, September is pretty hot and humid.
To make sure you bring all the right travel gear and have all your bases covered, always check the weather forecasts before you leave on your trip to Cancun. No matter the season, it’s smart to bring a windproof umbrella and light rain jacket with you.
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.
Cancun hurricane season runs from June through November. While hurricanes are unlikely, 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. Pick up pesos from an ATM wherever you depart from before heading to Cancun. Not all places accept credit cards on the island (small shopfronts, food vendors, etc.), and ATMs are few and far between.
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. Instead of spending your money on plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle and a rechargeable Steri-Pen (the way more environmentally friendly option).
Cancun is extremely tourist-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 pretty 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.
No matter what you’re budget is, you’ll find tons of accommodation options in Cancun. Most budget accommodations and hostels are located in downtown Cancun, while luxury and resort options are largely found in the Hotel Zone or more remote areas nearby such as Playa Mujeres or Puerto Morelos.
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).
Many travelers opt for local bus transportation (colectivo), which is reliable, frequent, and inexpensive (under $1/ride) to ride between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun.
Looking for transportation priced somewhere in the middle? A private transfer booked ahead will be your best bet. This is how we usually like to get around in Cancun.

Other Popular Destinations Near Cancun, Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions: Cancun In September

Is Cancun crowded in September?

September is considered the low season in Cancun, so it is generally less crowded than other months of the year. However, the city can still be busy during the middle of the month due to the Mexican Independence Day holiday.

You’ll find that lots of people flock to Cancun for their summer vacations throughout June, July, and August, leading to a sizable amount of tourists (but still lower crowds than the holidays). September and October lie in the sweet spot where you’re just out of the summer, but the holidays haven’t come up yet.

Is Cancun humid in September?

Yes, Cancun is typically very humid in September. The humidity levels can range from 70-90%, which can make it feel quite uncomfortable for some visitors. Cancun tends to get quite humid, especially after a night of heavy rain.

If you don’t do well with rainy weather or humidity, the month of September may not be for you.

Is September or October better for Cancun?

For less chance of rain, I’d recommend choosing October over September. Both September and October can be decent months to visit Cancun if you’re looking for a quiet and affordable vacation and don’t mind some rainfall. As they fall outside of the peak tourist season, you’re going to get fewer crowds and lower prices on travel costs.

In a nutshell, both months are hot, humid, and rainy. In October, the average highs are essentially the same as in September — a moderately hot 29.4°C (84.9°F).

However, September is typically more humid and rainy. While rainfall still occurs in October, it’s not as intense compared to September (Cancun sees the most rain in September). October in Cancun usually sees its fair share of rain, often coming in short and heavy downpours. While rain is prevalent, you’ll still get to experience sunny blue skies periodically.

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 September is right for you. We personally enjoy visiting a bit later in the year.

Between December and January, these months are tied for the “best” time to go to Cancun — at least for us!

If Cancun in September is NOT what you thought it was, consider visiting Cancun during another month of the year. Check out our other Cancun guides by month: