Last Updated
If you were wondering when the best time to visit Cancun and Riviera Maya might be, it turns out the upcoming months of April and May are some of the best, and here’s why:
April and May hit those sweet spots in the year when the busy spring crowds have left, but the weather is still guaranteed to be beautiful before the arrival of hurricane season.
Why Visit During These Months?
The winter crowds depart, and summer is approaching, the weather is still glorious, and the hotels are much more tolerable, with fewer people and better deals — you will notice that with the busy season coming to a close — flights, accommodation, and excursions become a lot more reasonable.
With the demand being lower, availability is also good during these times – despite prices not being as low as they would be during hurricane season, you are also not risking having your vacation ruined by adverse weather or a hurricane.
Springtime is also great for families – smaller crowds and pleasant weather makes families feel super comfortable exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes, and beaches.
It is also significantly less busy as kids are still at school, meaning adults aren’t taking time off work until the summer.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
Weather During These Months
It is worth noting that the weather will start to become a lot warmer in the spring months, and even the evenings can feel pretty balmy, so it is best to pack light clothing.
It can also get quite humid towards the end of April and into May, especially if there is rain too.
April is one of Riviera Maya’s driest months, so definitely worth a visit during this period for those sun seekers and beach lovers – the ideal beach weather from March basically continues into April without much change.
Sea temperatures are also at an average of around 78 Fahrenheit, which is great if you’re someone who enjoys watersports or simply just swimming and bathing in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean ocean.
May does begin to step into a slightly rainier climate but don’t let that put you off. Even when it rains in the Mexican Caribbean, it will usually clear after a couple of hours once the storm has passed, and you can go back to sunbathing or alternatively find an indoor attraction like a shopping mall or museum to keep you entertained – plus the humidity usually drops after a rainstorm.
Top tip: if the weather is getting a little hot for you, remember during the hours between 11 am – 2 pm, you can head inside and enjoy the AC, or maybe take a break in the shade, as these are the hottest hours in the day.
Events In These Months
Holy Week comes around the beginning or middle of April and is celebrated nationwide in Mexico.
Cancun becomes very busy, but all of its tourist services remain open. It’s wise to make early reservations if your trip coincides with this event. Otherwise, you will have no trouble enjoying your trip – but do bear in mind things may be slightly more expensive in April during this week and around Easter.
Children’s Day will be on April 30. Although not officially a holiday, El Dìa del Niño is a day in Cancun dedicated to children. The city has parties, festivals and also special discounts – you will usually find lots of activity in the zoos and parks on this day.
There is also the anniversary of the founding of Cancun, a month-long celebration in April. It marks the beginning of Cancun as a tourism hub. The founders came together to plan and develop the city, based on its wealth of natural wonders around 1970, and it’s been a tradition to celebrate it every April.
In May, the Mexican Caribbean welcomes the turtles as they arrive to nest and lay their eggs. It’s recommended to see this on Isla Contoy or Isla Mujeres or further south in Akumal – alternatively, the whale sharks start to arrive in May as well, if you fancy experiencing taking a dip with them.
Despite the weather being slightly less predictable, especially towards May, the weather is never guaranteed, and you will still see that beautiful Mexican sunshine you’d hoped for.
With the rates of accommodation, flights, and attractions significantly dropping as the crowds start to simmer, it’s the perfect time to head out on your vacation!
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.
Grampa Brian
Monday 27th of March 2023
I think the rainy season will be earlier than ever this year!! We have been here at Isla Mujeres through February and leaving early April, and feel it will be hot and humid with even more rain than we have had already. I think the writer is overly optimistic about good conditions going into April and May!!!