The city of Cancun, located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. However, like any other tourist destination, Cancun has its best and worst times to visit. In this article, we will explore the worst time to visit Cancun and what you can expect during this period.
Cancun’s worst time to visit is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. This period is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and a high risk of hurricanes. The summer months are also the peak tourist season, which means that the city is crowded and prices for accommodations and tourist services are at their highest.
The Summer Months: June to September
The summer months in Cancun are characterized by high temperatures, with average highs ranging from 32°C (90°F) to 34°C (93°F). The humidity is also high, making it feel even hotter. The summer months are also the wettest time of the year, with most of the annual rainfall occurring during this period.
The summer months are also the peak hurricane season in Cancun. The official hurricane season in Mexico runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being August, September, and October. During this period, the city is at a high risk of being hit by a hurricane, which can cause widespread damage and disruption to tourist activities.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions in Cancun during the summer months are as follows:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°C) | Average Low Temperature (°C) | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| July | 33°C (91°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| August | 34°C (93°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 180 mm (7 in) |
| September | 33°C (91°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Hurricane Risk
The summer months are also the peak hurricane season in Cancun. The official hurricane season in Mexico runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being August, September, and October. During this period, the city is at a high risk of being hit by a hurricane, which can cause widespread damage and disruption to tourist activities.
Some of the most destructive hurricanes to hit Cancun in recent years include: (See Also: Cheapest Time to Visit Universal Orlando 2025 – Save Big This Winter)
- Hurricane Wilma (2005): Category 5 hurricane that caused widespread damage and killed 35 people.
- Hurricane Dean (2007): Category 5 hurricane that caused widespread damage and killed 4 people.
- Hurricane Gilbert (1988): Category 5 hurricane that caused widespread damage and killed 318 people.
The Rainy Season: May to October
The rainy season in Cancun runs from May to October, with the peak months being June, July, and August. During this period, the city experiences heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding and disruption to tourist activities.
The rainy season is also characterized by high humidity, which can make it feel even hotter. The rain can also bring mosquitoes and other insects, which can spread diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
Effects of the Rainy Season
The effects of the rainy season in Cancun can be significant, including:
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall can cause flooding in low-lying areas, which can disrupt tourist activities and cause damage to property.
- Disruption to tourist activities: The rainy season can disrupt tourist activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
- Spread of diseases: The rainy season can bring mosquitoes and other insects, which can spread diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
The Crowded Season: December to April
The crowded season in Cancun runs from December to April, with the peak months being January, February, and March. During this period, the city is crowded with tourists, which can make it difficult to find accommodations and tourist services.
The crowded season is also characterized by high prices for accommodations and tourist services, which can make it expensive to visit the city.
Effects of the Crowded Season
The effects of the crowded season in Cancun can be significant, including: (See Also: Best Time Of Day To Visit Colosseum? Insider Tips)
- Difficulty finding accommodations: The crowded season can make it difficult to find accommodations, which can be expensive and hard to come by.
- High prices for tourist services: The crowded season can drive up prices for tourist services such as tours, restaurants, and bars.
- Disruption to tourist activities: The crowded season can disrupt tourist activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
Conclusion
Cancun’s worst time to visit is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. This period is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and a high risk of hurricanes. The summer months are also the peak tourist season, which means that the city is crowded and prices for accommodations and tourist services are at their highest.
The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can also cause significant disruption to tourist activities and cause damage to property. The crowded season, which runs from December to April, can make it difficult to find accommodations and tourist services, and drive up prices for tourist services.
Recap
Here is a recap of the worst time to visit Cancun:
- Summer months (June to September): High temperatures, high humidity, and a high risk of hurricanes.
- Rainy season (May to October): Heavy rainfall, high humidity, and a risk of flooding and disease.
- Crowded season (December to April): High prices for accommodations and tourist services, and a risk of disruption to tourist activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Cancun?
The best time to visit Cancun is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier, and the crowds are smaller.
Q: What is the peak hurricane season in Cancun?
The peak hurricane season in Cancun is from August to October, with the official hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Noah’s Ark – Explore Ancient Wonders)
Q: What are the effects of the rainy season in Cancun?
The effects of the rainy season in Cancun can be significant, including flooding, disruption to tourist activities, and the spread of diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
Q: What are the effects of the crowded season in Cancun?
The effects of the crowded season in Cancun can be significant, including difficulty finding accommodations, high prices for tourist services, and disruption to tourist activities.
Q: Can I still visit Cancun during the worst time to visit?
Yes, you can still visit Cancun during the worst time to visit, but be prepared for high temperatures, high humidity, and a high risk of hurricanes during the summer months, and heavy rainfall and a risk of flooding and disease during the rainy season. Be prepared for high prices and crowds during the crowded season.