Situated right off the coast of Playa Del Carmen is a snorkeler and scuba diver’s paradise. This little slice of heaven is known as the island of Cozumel.
This island, while just 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, really leaves an impression. It is Mexico’s premier diving destination as well as Mexico’s most visited port of call by cruise ships! There’s even an airport on the island–Cozumel International Airport (CZM), making it even more accessible to international travelers.
On Cozumel, it’s all about the laid-back beach life. Being so close to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, it’s a no-brainer to visit if you’re on the Yucatan Peninsula and are remotely interested in epic snorkeling or scuba diving or just interested in marine life in general.
But when exactly is the best time to visit Cozumel?
If you’re looking into taking a trip to Cozumel in the future, 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 the very best time to visit for your needs.
To learn more about when you should visit Cozumel, determine which factor below is most important to you. We hope this post helps you determine when to visit Cozumel, Mexico!
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!
Planning your trip to Cozumel? Save on travel costs by booking your accommodations through this platform! Their ‘no prepayment’ and ‘free cancellation’ features are unbeatable.
👉 Helpful Links:
Table of Contents
Where Is Cozumel Located in Mexico?
Cozumel is a go-to beach destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico, located in the State of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico.
It is a 34-mile-long by 11-mile-wide island off of Mexico’s Riviera Maya that consists of mostly undeveloped land. To the west of the island is Playa Del Carmen.
What Is Cozumel Known For?
Cozumel is best known as a cruise ship port and a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
In fact, Cozumel is known for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Why exactly is it so good here? Well, it’s because it’s part of the Mesoamerican Reef which is the second-largest reef in the world.
What that means is that you’re going to get the chance to see some pretty amazing marine life you probably won’t see anywhere else.
On top of that, you can also expect white sand beaches, jeep tours galore, unlimited beach lounging opportunities, and a truly laid-back lifestyle.
As we stated, Cozumel is a major cruise ship port. The island typically welcomes more than 4 million cruise passengers each year and as many as eight cruise ships per day. (Obviously due to the pandemic, today’s cruise passenger levels are way lower.)
Some of the best things to do in Cozumel include:
- Diving at Palancar Reef
- Exploring San Miguel de Cozumel
- Laguna Chankanaab & the National Marine Park
- Seeing the ruins at San Gervasio
- Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
- Stingray Beach
- Discover Mexico Park Cozumel (particularly popular among cruise ships!)
What Are Cozumel’s Travel Seasons?
There are three distinct travel seasons here: high season, low season, and shoulder season. Before we dive into Cozumel’s travel seasons, here’s a quick breakdown of how the weather fluctuates throughout the year in Cozumel.
- 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 Cozumel
Cozumel’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 Cozumel and the rest of Mexico to be very busy. Cozumel’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 Cozumel
Cozumel’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. Cozumel’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 Cozumel, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen 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 Cozumel if you’re traveling on a budget.
Shoulder Season In Cozumel
A ‘shoulder season’ is a travel term, defined by the time between the high season and the low seasons of traveling to a specific destination.
In our opinion, the best time to go to Cozumel is during the shoulder season, during the months of April, May, November, and December.
During these months, you’ll experience lesser crowds and more mild weather conditions, and pretty reasonable rates.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cozumel?
In our opinion, the best time to go to Cozumel is the shoulder months of April, May, November, and December. During these months, you’ll experience lesser crowds and more mild weather conditions.
We especially love going towards the end of November/first week of December right after Thanksgiving. Not only are flights and accommodations cheaper, but the weather is near-perfect during this time period!
Overall, you can visit Cozumel at nearly any time and expect to have a great time. But some times of the year are better than others.
If you’re planning on visiting Cozumel in the future, be sure to review the details below first to figure out the best time for you to visit based on what you’d like to do when you get there, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Best Time To Visit Cozumel For Perfect Weather
Cozumel 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 the Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas, which can lead to larger crowds and busier areas on Cozumel.
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 too cool.
Best Months To Visit Cozumel For Beaching (And Beach Clubs)
The best months for relaxing at the beach or hanging out in Cozumel’s many beach clubs (like Mr. Sanchos Beach Club or Paradise Beach) are typically between December and April. During this time, the weather is usually sunny and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit.
The water is also warm and clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities!
For the best of the best weather, aim for the months of March or April, when temperatures range between 87 and 90 degrees daily.
Having said that, it’s important to note that this is also the peak tourist season, so the beaches and other attractions may be more crowded than usual. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, you may want to consider visiting Cozumel during the shoulder season, which is typically between May and August.
June, September, and October are the wettest months and should be avoided!
Best Time To Visit Cozumel For The Best Deals
The Yucatan Peninsula definitely has a peak tourist season, as well as a low tourist season during the year. Due to the great weather during the drier seasons, December through April are typically the busiest months in Cozumel.
Beyond the weather, though, these months are most popular due to the holidays. Lots of people go on vacations to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Cozumel in December and January for holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
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 Cozumel 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 October and November, 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 Cozumel For Avoiding Crowds
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, you’ll want to keep a few details in mind while planning your visit to Cozumel.
As we discussed before, the holidays are a popular time for people to visit Cozumel–specifically in December and January, 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 September or October.
There is a sizable amount of people who will flock to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Cozumel for their summer vacations throughout June, July and August, but still there are 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.
Best Time To Visit Cozumel For Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Cozumel is probably the best place to visit if you’re looking to spend some serious time in the water! There are a lot of opportunities to swim, snorkel, go diving, and engage in other water activities during your vacation.
If you want to do any of these things while in Cozumel, you’ll want to visit during a month when the water is warm, and the weather is beautiful.
The good news is that there’s really no bad time for snorkeling or scuba diving in Cozumel. Water surface temperatures average 80-85ºF year-round, cooling only slightly during the months of December to March.
But if you tend to run cold and want the warmest possible temperatures, 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.
Not to mention, the visibility underwater at the dive sites for snorkeling and deep-sea divers is consistently better during these summer months. The clearer the water, the easier it is to enjoy Cozumel’s wonders such as shipwrecks or the starfish and stingrays found at El Cielo!
For the lowest likelihood of rain and bad weather, you can try to 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 a wide array of fish and even sea turtles.
Pro Tip: Plan to enjoy your snorkel tours in the morning when the winds are calmer — the earlier it is, the lower chances of thunderstorms too.
Looking for the best water tours in Cozumel?
- 🪸Explore the waters off the coast of Cozumel on this Cozumel Coral Reef Snorkeling by Glass Bottom Boat with Guide
- 🤿 Immerse yourself in an underwater world of Cozumel with this Discover Scuba Diving with PADI-certified instructor
- 🌜 Enjoy a unique experience of Night Snorkeling: Observation of octopus and other species
Best Time To Visit Cozumel For Nightlife
Beyond visiting Cozumel to enjoy the beautiful beaches and world-class snorkeling and diving, did you know Cozumel has a nightlife scene of its own? Sure, Cancun is infamous for its party life and lively nighttime entertainment, but you can get down in Cozumel too! We’ll admit, it definitely does not get as crazy as it does in Cancun.
With tons of restaurants, bars, and lounges on Cozumel, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time. The island even has its own Senor Frogs! Other spots with fun music most nights of the week include Wet Wendys, The Pub, and Woody’s.
If partying is one of your vacation priorities, you will want to visit Cozumel either during March and April, or during the summer months.
March and April are when many people flock to Mexico during spring break–you can find lots of beach parties during the day, and energetic lounges/clubs 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 the increased crowds of the spring break season, you can also visit Cozumel during October, November or December.
Best Time To Visit Cozumel: Month-by-Month Breakdown
Each month offers different pros and cons when it comes to planning your vacation to Cozumel. To figure out which month is the best time for you to make your visit, consider these details:
January in Cozumel
You can kick off the new year in Cozumel with warm weather and calm crowds. During this month, you can expect warm days reaching in the mid-80’s, with a dip to the low 60’s during the nighttime. It’s comfortably warm, and past the tourist season during the holidays.
This is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation where you can spend some time on the beach, snorkel, relax, and enjoy Cozumel at your leisure.
February in Cozumel
The heat starts to kick up in February, getting slightly warmer than January.
This is still a relatively uncommon time for tourists, though, so you still get to enjoy the warm weather without having to worry about crazy crowds.
February is also a great time for snorkeling, as the water is particularly clear and you can see everything you’re looking for.
Key events in February: Carnival – A lively and colorful celebration that takes place in February or March, just before the start of Lent. The event features parades, live music, dancing, and traditional costumes.
March in Cozumel
Cozumel continues to get warmer into March, where the daytime and nighttime temperature begin to match each other around the mid to high-80’s. It’s a great time to visit for comfortable beach weather and little to no rain!
March is also when spring break begins for some colleges, and students start to flood into the Cancun/Playa area for beach parties and club hopping. You can expect to find lots of parties and events around the Yucatan region.
If this energy is what you’re looking for, consider visiting in March to enjoy the company of other tourists.
Aside from the obvious Spring Break partiers, many other tourists are looking to escape their cold homes, so expect more crowds and higher hotel rates. March is also the last month of the year where you’ll get near-perfect weather.
April in Cozumel
April is the driest month of the year for Cozumel – you can expect rain maybe one to two days out of the month. It’s humid, but still comfortable, and you can enjoy various outdoor activities as well as swimming and diving on the beach.
You’ll also find that this is the optimal time to visit other popular attractions in the area (swimming in cenotes, Chichen Itza, Xcaret Eco Park, etc) as there won’t be long waits or huge crowds.
It’s important to call out that April is one of Cozumel’s shoulder season months, which means now is your chance to visit before the hot, humid, and rainy months begin.
While there will be spring breakers and party-goers in this part of Mexico in April, the crowds do start thinning throughout the month. It’s nothing as crazy as what you’d encounter in March.
May in Cozumel
Once May hits, the days start to heat up and it gets hot during the afternoon. May is a great time to visit if you’re looking to spend your days in the water, and your mornings and nights engaging in other activities.
By this time you could spend nights outdoors and be fine without a jacket! You can expect the high daytime temperatures to reach the 90’s and above.
Aside from the weather, the main benefit of visiting Cozumel in May is your increased chances of encountering wildlife! The sea turtles begin to nest on the beaches and the whale sharks begin arriving in the ocean areas of Cancun (mostly around Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres). There’s a lot of on-land wildlife activity that you really must experience for yourself.
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.
Key events in May:
Cedral Fair – This honors the anniversary of the first Catholic mass in Mexico, which was held in El Cedral. Celebrated for over 150 years, this is an annual festival that celebrates the island’s history and traditions. The week-long festival is attended by thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy parades, bullfights, music, food, and other cultural activities.
Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Cozumel – annual game fishing tournament where competitors from around the world to fish for marlin, wahoo, dorado, tuna and more.
June in Cozumel
June is the start of some of the warmest months of the year in Cozumel, with high temperatures reaching into the high 90’s during the daytime.
It’s a great time to visit if you’re looking to relax during your vacation, get a good tan, and spend some time out in the water!
June does mark the start of hurricane season in Cozumel, however, it is relatively unlikely you will experience hurricanes during this month. You can expect some rain throughout the month, so at worst, you should anticipate a few days spent partially indoors.
Because June is considered part of the wet season, this means accommodation rates and flight prices are usually very affordable during this month.
While the warmer weather may be good for swimming, diving, and snorkeling, it does make more inland activities (exploring ruins, jungle excursions) a bit harder to bare. We recommend prioritizing beach/water activities closer to the coast during the month of June.
July in Cozumel
Let’s not sugarcoat it–July is one of the hottest months in Cozumel. July brings even hotter and more humid weather than June, however, there are less rainy days on average.
Even when there are heavy downpour storms in July, they tend to pass relatively quickly so you can continue to enjoy your day outdoors. Just be prepared by packing a wind-proof umbrella and/or a light rain jacket.
July is a great time to visit if you’re looking to see a lot of marine life while swimming and snorkeling, as the visibility underwater at the dive sites is consistently better during these months!
Again, we recommend sticking with water activities near the coast, but if you do venture out into the jungle or to the ruins, be sure to bring plenty of water with you to combat the semi-stifling heat!
During the quiet month of July, there is a slight uptick of tourists (compared to June) as this usually marks the start of summer vacation. However, there is still a general lack of crowds which is totally awesome for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful trip.
Accommodation rates and flight prices are still very affordable during this month.
August in Cozumel
The last official month of summer brings lots of humidity and high heat, and even though it does tend to cool down throughout the month, you won’t feel much of a difference due to the constant mugginess.
There’s a bit of rain that often takes place in August, but it really starts up towards the latter half of the month (the closer it gets to September).
While the weather may not be the most pleasant, August is a good month to visit to enjoy the last bits of the summertime and to see marine life. The turtle hatchlings that started in late July continue on in early August, and usually, the pods of whale sharks (up north) are still in the area to enjoy.
If you’re looking to primarily enjoy outdoor water activities, August is a great month to visit. Swimming, snorkeling, other beach activities, as well as spending a night out on the town are ideal activities!
September in Cozumel
Though Cozumel and the entire Yucatan Peninsula generally does not experience many hurricanes in practice, September marks the peak of hurricane season for Cozumel. What you’re more likely to experience a decent amount of rain because September is Cozumel’s wettest month.
When it’s not raining, though, you can expect warmer water temperatures compared to August, and plenty of opportunities to spend time on the beach.
Two huge perks of visiting in September? The summer crowds have usually gone as the kids are back in school by then. Additionally, you can still witness many of the sea turtle babies hatching at this time!
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 Cozumel has to offer, September is a great time to visit.
Key events in September:
Fiestas de San Miguel Arcangel – religious festival honoring the patron saint of the island. Features daily processions, colorful foods, and arts and crafts fairs.
Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – nationwide festival celebrating Mexican Independence Day! Features parades, fireworks, musical performances, colorful folkloric dance performances, and lots of food and drink.
October in Cozumel
October tends to bring more rain, but less overall rain compared to September. At this time, the hot/humid weather will start to drop down a little, bringing more comfortable temperatures along with less overall humidity.
October is the lull between the busy seasons of the summer and the holiday months. This is one of the lower tourist months, and is a great time to visit for a more relaxed vacation.
You’ll likely find some of the best travel deals during this time!
Key events in October: Cozumel Bird Festival – A three-day event in October that celebrates Cozumel’s diverse bird population. The festival includes bird-watching excursions, lectures, and workshops.
November in Cozumel
November brings even cooler weather than October. Having said that, remember that Cozumel weather is pretty much summer all year round!
Come November, Cozumel experiences the tail end of hurricane season. The weather in November is usually warm, sunny, yet still unpredictable.
During the day you can expect the temperature to remain around the mid-80’s range. This is excellent weather for lounging on the beach, enjoying the beach clubs, as well as other activities including hiking, sightseeing and more.
There could very well be rain, especially towards the beginning of the month. Having said that, it’s rare that you will be rained in for a full day as Cozumel usually experiences passing showers that last for a few hours.
As you reach the end of November, you can expect more people starting to flock in to spend their holidays in Mexico (and to escape the cold where they live).
You can expect the general nightlife to liven up as you approach December, but with slightly older crowds than the spring break months.
Key events in November:
Cozumel Scuba Fest – Scuba Fest consists of 9 dives on the most beautiful reefs of Cozumel and includes the “Punta Francesa” reef in honor of Simone Cousteau, the first woman diver and mother of Jean-Michel.
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) / Día de Todos Los Santos (All Saints Day)
Ironman Cozumel – A grueling triathlon that takes place in November, attracting athletes from around the world. The race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
December in Cozumel
Arguably the best month to visit Cozumel, December offers a bit of everything for vacationers.
The weather continues to stay in that comfortable mid-80’s range during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night.
You can still enjoy wonderful beaching conditions during the day, but won’t break too much of a sweat when you’re out exploring! Very rarely will you need a long sleeve at night.
At night, you can expect more tourists at the various bars and restaurants, with many people visiting for the holiday season.
Key events in December: Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – an island-wide festival celebrating The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Features pilgrimages, races, food, folkloric dances, and musical performances.
When Is Cozumel’s Wet Season?
The wet season runs from May to October. This is when tropical storms usually hit the Yucatan Peninsula. While you may think a wet season will be cold, it actually tends to be hotter than the dry season.
Hurricane season in Cozumel 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.)
When Is Cozumel’s Dry Season?
The dry season is from December to April. Travelers will find cooler, more pleasant temperatures.
If you don’t do well with rain or wind, we would recommend visiting during the dry season.
When Is Cozumel Most Humid?
If you’re looking to avoid high humidity weather, try to avoid the months of May and June.
May and June are the hottest and most sweltering months, with high humidity, high rainfall and high temperatures.
Is Cozumel Cold in December?
While it might be cold in December for many other cities/destinations in the world, Cozumel is not one of those places. In fact, December is arguably the best time to visit Cozumel, Mexico!
Days are warm, nights are cool and comfortable, and skies are almost always sunny and clear. Average highs are around 82°F (27°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 76°F.
Get ready for some near-perfect weather in December!
Does It Rain All Day in Cozumel 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 Cozumel, 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 Cozumel, Mexico
- 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 Cozumel. 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).
- Cozumel is extremely tourist-friendly. If you can’t speak a lick of Spanish, you’ll be okay. This region (Yucatan Peninsula) largely caters to English-speaking visitors, and you’ll find that English is spoken by most locals, hotel/restaurant staff, and tour guides.
- Cozumel is 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 Cozumel.
Essential Packing List For Cozumel, Mexico
- Lightweight Packable Day Bag | Inside my larger travel backpack, I always bring a lightweight, packable backpack to use for day-to-day exploration. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini is perfect for carrying a few snacks, a lightweight jacket, cameras, phones, a water bottle, and whatever else I need for the day.
- Packing Cubes | Start packing smarter. The key to smart packing is going to be compartmentalization, aka packing cubes. This set comes with a bunch of different sizes, so you can create a separate compartment for undies and socks, for clothing, for toiletries, and for anything else you may want to organize. By using packing cubes, it’s so much easier to pull out only what you need, rather than dig through all of your luggage to find that one thing you’re looking for.
- Laundry Bag | Tropical weather = lots of sweaty, smelly worn clothes. Don’t soil your entire bag by mixing worn clothes with your unworn clothes! Definitely bring a laundry bag to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes to maintain the utmost freshness.
- Clothing | Pack your usual summer clothes for your Mexico vacation, as well as a few layers for unexpected cooler temperatures. This includes tanks, shorts, swimsuits, and swim coverups!
- Light Rain Jacket | Traveling to tropical areas does not necessarily mean there won’t be rain or wind. Packing a light rain jacket will definitely come in handy in unpredictable tropical climates. This one for men and this one for women are some of the best jackets for any kind of travel. They’re ultralight, wind and water-repellent, and take up virtually no space so they’re easy to carry wherever you go.
- Adventure Sandals | Tevas and Chacos are my go-to brands for multipurpose summer sandals. If you’re planning on having an adventurous day or two, you should definitely consider getting adventure sandals — comfortable for long-distance walking, safe for submerging in water, and super durable.
- Walking Shoes | One pair of closed-toed shoes (walking shoes or running shoes) is always crucial for any trip. These ones that I’ve been traveling around with are super light and breathable. I can even walk 15+ miles in them before getting sore feet.
- For women: Adidas Cloudfoam runners are classic looking and ultra-comfortable.
- For men: ON Running Shoes have risen in popularity, and for good reason! They are comfortable as heck, my boyfriend loves his pair.
- Cooling Facial Mist | When you’re faced with mid-day humidity, it can be very hard to deal with. Keeping a small bottle of facial mist in your purse or backpack on a hot day will save your life. This mist takes all the cooling, soothing ingredients you can think of—aloe, cucumber, and green tea—and combines them into one refreshing spritzer for your face.
- Dry Shampoo | Bring some dry shampoo to use in between washes to instantly revitalize and freshen your semi-dirty hair.
- Leave-In Conditioner | I recommend bringing a leave-in conditioner to help nurture your hair after spending time in pools and the salty ocean. As someone with naturally frizzy hair, my hair tends to get tangled, coarse, and even more frizzy after it’s submerged in water. This leave-in conditioner is a cult favorite – just put it in your damp hair after your shower and comb it through.
- SPF 30+ Sunscreen (For Face) | COOLA sunscreen is my new go-to facial sunscreen. My face doesn’t feel sticky or goopy, which is so important for feeling comfortable when you’re out and about in humid areas. If you’re going anywhere in the tropics, you’ll be close to the equator so you really want to use a high SPF – I don’t go below SPF 30 in hot and sunny climates. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s reef-friendly!
- Sunscreen (For Body) | Applying sunscreen to your body is absolutely necessary for tropical destinations. Even if it’s overcast and cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors. If you plan on snorkeling near the reefs, choose a coral reef-safe brand like Coola or Sun Bum, as traditional sunscreen contains chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs.
- After Sun Cooling Spray| Let’s be real– you’re probably going to be spending the majority of your vacation outdoors under the sun. Chances are, you’re going to get a nice tan, and maybe even a sunburn or two! Even if you don’t get sunburned, you should still treat your exposed skin to some much-needed hydration with an after-sun cooling spray or after-sun lotion.
- Emergen-C packets or Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets | These are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!
- Hand Sanitizer | Hand sanitizer gel or wipes are a must any time you’re going to be in contact with surfaces many other people have touched. Never leave your hotel room without it! And if you do happen to forget it, remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes | Feeling a bit gross but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher. The feminine wipes I like are infused with cucumber and aloe. Trust me, you will feel and smell so much better. Always good to have a few handy in your travel bag.
- Oil Blotting Sheets | On a typical day in a hot and tropical place, your makeup will slide/sweat off your face in exactly three seconds after stepping outside. Rather than layering on more makeup, first, focus on tackling your shiny, sweaty glow. The solution? Use blotting sheets whenever your face starts getting sweaty.
- Cooling Face Mask | After a long day of exploring, nothing will feel better than propping your feet up and slapping on a cooling face mask for 10-20 minutes. Lay back and relax!
- Insect Repellent Lotion | Mosquitos love hot climates, so I would definitely recommend packing insect repellent with a high DEET percentage, no matter the season you’re traveling. Sawyer makes some really great bug repellent products, and they’re travel-friendly too!
- Permethrin Insect Repellent Spray for Clothing | This clothing insect repellent spray is a game-changer. If you’re going to be outdoors in areas where mosquitos are prevalent, I’d highly recommend preparing your clothes with this fabric spray!
- How does it work? This is a treatment spray for clothes that adheres only to fabrics, leaving no smell or residue on clothes and doesn’t harm human skin. Permethrin spray lasts for up to 6 machine washes, which is more than enough for most tropical trips. Real life story– I hiked Machu Picchu after treating my hiking clothes with this, and I only got a total of 2 mosquito bites after the 4-day trip, whereas some of my friends got 20+ bites. Worth it.
- Pro Tip: Buy and use before you leave for your trip. A few days before departure, spray all of your clothes, plus anything else made of fabric that you’d like treated.
- Insect Repelling Lightweight Pullover | Too lazy to treat your clothes with insect repellent? I know, it’s a process. The ExOfficio BugsAway pullover is the next best thing– it’s super lightweight too.
- Hat, Bandana, or Buff | Keep the sun off your skin with a fancy sunhat, bandana, or a Buff. All three can be used to shield your neck or forehead from the sun. As a bonus, bandanas and Buffs can be used as headbands to keep hair and sweat off of your face. Soak your bandana or Buff then put it on your head, face, or neck for a quick cool down.
- Cooling Towel | Perfect for working out, a day at the beach, or simply sitting there baking in the sun—you’ll feel Chill Pal‘s cooling effect as soon as you take it out of the package. To activate the cooling towel, just soak it in water and wring it out, then wear it as a bandana or use it as a towel. Another hot weather game-changing travel essential.
- Travel Towel | These are light and quick-drying, which is exactly what you need in hot, humid climates. Super useful if you plan on having beach days or staying in hostels. This one is a great option.
- Travel Clothesline | This is a small and portable clothesline that allows you to hang up your wet clothes almost anywhere. I’ve found that it’s really handy whenever I have wet bathing suits or towels that need to be air-dried. I love it for its multi-purpose functionality!
- Dry Bag | Another multi-purpose item on the list! Dry bags are completely necessary for keeping your dry belongings (clothes, electronics, money, etc)… dry. Don’t set foot on a kayak, boat or canoe without putting your stuff in a dry bag. Trust me, it’s better than ending up with a phone or camera submerged in water in the case where the boat tips or something. It’s also super handy for carrying around wet bathing suits and towels. Or even doubling as your laundry bag!
- Underwater Smartphone Housing | Don’t want to invest in an underwater camera? That’s fine, just stick your phone in the AxisGo’s underwater housing! It’s designed to protect your phone from the harshest weather conditions while offering the freedom to safely capture those special moments underwater.
- Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing to all the great food spots… the last thing you want is to be stranded with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
- Soft Hydration Flask | Stay hydrated in the warm weather with a water bottle that can go anywhere with you—and fold up when not in use. I love the packability of these bottles!
- Snorkel Set | If you plan on snorkeling a lot, bring your own set to save on rental costs.
- Medicine | If you get motion sickness, consider bringing a motion sickness reliever like Dramamine for various watercraft adventures or even the ferry ride over to Isla Mujeres. If you need other meds, don’t forget your pain killers, antacids, etc.
- WayAway | This site compares flight ticket fares from hundreds of agencies. You’re going to get the best prices on the market, at least $10 lower than those on Skyscanner, Kayak, and Priceline.com. The best part is? The WayAway Plus membership. With the membership, you’ll get up to 10% cash back on airline tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, and other travel services.
- DEAL ALERT! Use code ‘travelswithelle’ for 10% off WayAway Plus.
- Booking.com | Honestly, this is my go-to accommodation booking site. This site has free cancellation and no prepayment required on reservations which is huge for me. It also has amazing abilities to filter accommodation options by rating and price. Honestly, it’s shaved off so many hours of endless research for me and has made booking hotels and other accommodations a breeze.
- Viator | Viator is a huge online marketplace for all things tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, ATV tours, sailing trips, walking tours, hot air ballooning, and more.
- Go City | Go City offers great value-for-the-money attraction passes in various destinations around the world. Whenever I want to play tourist in a city, I always check to see if Go City operates in that city. The money you can save with this pass is unreal (as opposed to buying admission tickets for various attractions separately).
- SafetyWing | SafetyWing is by far one of the best travel medical insurance for travelers as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those heading abroad.
We hope you found this post useful and now have a better idea of when to visit Cozumel. Happy vacationing!
Want more Mexico travel tips? You might like:
35 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips: What You Need To Know Before Going
10 Best Places to Snorkel in Cozumel, Mexico
How To Get To Cozumel From Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Beyond
15 Essential Cancun Travel Tips: Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Mexico Trip
17 Unforgettable Things To Do On Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: 60 Essential Things To Bring With You
