Cancún
Mexico
- Chichén Itzá
- Tulum
- Isla Mujeres
- Cozumel
- Holbox
About Cancún
Cancún lies on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Founded in the 1970s as a planned resort, it quickly became one of Mexico's most visited destinations.
The Hotel Zone with its turquoise sea and white sand, nearby islands, Maya ruins and trips to freshwater sinkholes (cenotes) make up its appeal.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Hurricane season (June–November) — June–November is the Atlantic hurricane season (peak August–October). If you travel then, choose flexible bookings and follow official warnings.
How many days do you need?
Allow at least four days: a day or two on the beach and a boat trip to Isla Mujeres, one day for Chichén Itzá, and one for Tulum and cenotes along the way. Cozumel or Holbox need an extra day.
Where to stay
- Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) — Large resorts and beaches on the strip between the sea and the lagoon.
- Downtown (El Centro) — Local restaurants, the bus station and simpler lodging.
- Playa Mujeres and Costa Mujeres — North of the city, with quieter resorts.
From the airport to the city
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is south of the Hotel Zone, about 10 miles from downtown. ADO buses link the airport with the downtown bus station and Playa del Carmen; taxis and pre-booked transfers are common for the Hotel Zone.
Getting around
City buses run frequently between the Hotel Zone and downtown. Ferries to Isla Mujeres leave from Puerto Juárez and from piers in the Hotel Zone; Tulum and Chichén Itzá are reached by ADO bus, tour or rental car.
Good to know
- June to November is hurricane season, and sargassum seaweed can wash ashore in spring and summer.
- To protect coral reefs, some sites allow only biodegradable sunscreen.
- The currency is the Mexican peso; US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, usually at a poor rate.
Useful links
- ADO (intercity buses) ado.com.mx
- ASUR (Cancún Airport) asur.com.mx
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: December–February. The warmest month is May (average high 87 °F); the wettest is October (8.7 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79.9 | 3.26 | Ideal |
| February | 81.0 | 2.01 | Ideal |
| March | 83.1 | 1.54 | Good |
| April | 85.6 | 1.67 | Good |
| May | 87.1 | 3.39 | Good |
| June | 85.6 | 7.45 | Good |
| July | 86.4 | 3.81 | Good |
| August | 87.1 | 4.84 | Good |
| September | 86.2 | 6.00 | Good |
| October | 84.4 | 8.74 | Cool or rainy |
| November | 81.7 | 5.19 | Good |
| December | 80.8 | 3.01 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Constitution DayFebruary 1
- Benito Juárez's birthdayMarch 15
- Labour DayMay 1
- Independence DaySeptember 16
- Revolution DayNovember 15
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMexican Peso ($)
- Dialling code+52
- Plugs & voltageType A, B · 127 V · 60 Hz
- Emergency911
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.