When to visit Cancún

Cancún’s winter months are usually sargassum-free, meaning you won’t have to deal with stinky seaweed belts washing ashore, which can make sunbathing and swimming downright disagreeable. On December 31, the discos, hotels and booze cruises crank it up a few notches as they usher in the New Year with gusto.

March sees tens of thousands of college kids descend on the hotel zone to party in the thumping discos and rowdy beach bars. If you’re thirsting to partake in the merrymaking, you’ll find wild bashes on any given night, otherwise, you should plan on visiting during quieter times. This is peak travel season and the high hotel rates and airfares reflect that.

Scuba diving and snorkeling conditions are generally good throughout most of the year but May and June are particularly appealing due to the excellent underwater visibility and the fact that many of the popular sites feel less crowded during these low-season months. And believe us when we say that’s a huge plus if you’re heading out to Isla Cozumel, the region’s top diving destination. From December through February, you may encounter so-called nortes, strong winds that can make drift diving more challenging.

A visit in July or August gives you a much better chance of spotting massive whale sharks off the coasts of nearby Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox. These gentle giants migrate to the area each year to mate and feed on the abundant plankton. A whale shark tour allows you to have the thrilling opportunity to swim alongside the largest fish species on the planet.

Cancún loves a good excuse to party and this is one of the biggest fiestas of the year as Mexico commemorates its independence from Spain. Mariachis toot their horns in lively bars, dance parties carry on into the wee hours and large crowds gather outside city hall to celebrate with fervor as fireworks light up the night sky. If you have a hankering for tequila, this is when.

Every spring and autumn you can witness a remarkable event in nearby Chichen Itza when a shadow formation of a serpent appears on the northeast stairway of the site’s iconic El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. It’s an impressive sight to behold, and not surprisingly draws large crowds, but it’s well worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

Day of the Dead festivities are in full swing on November 1 and 2, the time of year when Mexicans welcome back the souls of their departed loved ones. Colorful altars pop up in hotel lobbies, offerings adorn the graveyards and traditional markets sell pan de muerto (bread of the dead), skull candy and seasonal crafts. On October 31, many of the tourist-friendly bars organize costume parties for Halloween but we much prefer the Day of the Dead celebrations.

In June and during most of October, you can score great deals on lodging, plane tickets and car rentals. Weather-wise October is cooler than June but both months get lots of rain. July marks the beginning of the Mexican vacation season, so you may see prices increase from the middle of the month through August.