CANCUN, Mexico – June 3, 2025 – Someone forgot to tell Cancun it’s supposed to be the “low season.” The jewel of the Mexican Caribbean is positively humming with activity, as hotel occupancy rates soared past expectations at the end of May, leaving industry insiders pleasantly surprised and turning earlier, more cautious predictions on their head.
According to the latest figures from the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association (AHCPMIM), hotels in Cancun proper were sitting pretty at a 75.7% occupancy rate. This isn’t just a random good week; it marks a significant jump from the cumulative average of 70.1% seen earlier in the year, signaling a robust turnaround in tourism sentiment.
The sun-kissed bliss isn’t confined to Cancun alone. The mainland of Isla Mujeres reported an even more impressive 76.3% of its rooms filled, while the charming coastal town of Puerto Morelos saw a healthy 62.1% occupancy. It seems the allure of turquoise waters and ancient Mayan wonders is proving irresistible, even as the traditional peak season waves goodbye.
And it’s not just the hotels – Cancun International Airport is practically buzzing! Imagine a constant stream of planes painting the sky. On the last day of May alone, the airport was a whirlwind of excitement with 518 flights arriving and departing. Throngs of international sun-seekers and eager travelers from all over Mexico were pouring in, ready to hit the beaches. Even more telling, this lively scene was noticeably busier than just the day before, a sure sign that word is out about Cancun’s sizzling shoulder season.
The arrivals board reads like a global guest list, with planes touching down from major international hubs such as Atlanta, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Paris, and New York. Domestically, visitors are flocking in from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Oaxaca, and Tijuana, among others. With over 40 airlines, including giants like American Airlines, Aeroméxico, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Avianca, and Volaris, consistently serving the destination, Cancun’s status as one of Latin America’s best-connected tourist hotspots is undeniable.
So, what’s drawing the crowds when guidebooks might suggest a quieter period? Savvy travelers appear to be cashing in on the “shoulder season” perks. Typically, May and early June offer a sweet spot: the weather is still largely fantastic, with warm sunshine and inviting sea temperatures, but the overwhelming crowds of the spring break and deep winter season have thinned out. This often translates to more attractive prices for flights and accommodations, allowing visitors to get more bang for their buck.
Even the perennial concern of sargassum seaweed, which can affect Caribbean beaches at certain times of the year, doesn’t seem to be a major deterrent for these enthusiastic visitors. While sargassum can be unpredictable, many resorts have proactive cleaning measures, and the allure of fewer people on the beaches, shorter lines at attractions, and those tempting travel deals seems to be outweighing potential seaweed worries for many. Plus, May marked the exciting start of whale shark season, offering a unique draw for nature lovers.
This vibrant end to May paints a more optimistic picture than some earlier forecasts. Just last month, Francisco Madrid, Director of STARC (National Center for the Study of International Tourist Arrivals) at Anáhuac Cancún University, noted a decline in international tourist arrivals to Mexican Caribbean destinations in the initial months of the year. He suggested that the summer season would be the real “test” of traveler behavior.
However, with hotel rooms filling up and planes consistently arriving, the Hotel Association is feeling bullish. They anticipate this strong tourist flow will continue into the first week of June, buoyed by the destination’s diverse hotel offerings and its exceptional air connectivity.
It seems the secret might be out: Cancun’s “low season” is looking surprisingly lively, offering a golden opportunity for those seeking sunshine, adventure, and a great deal, perhaps with a side of “I told you so” to anyone who thought they’d have the place to themselves. For now, Cancun is all smiles, and the beach chairs are filling up fast.
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