Your guide to Cancun
Cancun highlights
Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea A trip to Cancun means electric blue waters and countless ways to enjoy nature and wildlife in this spot near the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Swim with whale sharks from late May to September, explore sacred ‘cenotes’ (underground pools) and snorkel around the Cancun Underwater Museum. Or stake a spot on the city’s ivory beaches and take it easy with a dip in the Caribbean Sea.
Isla Mujeres
This tiny paradise is a short ferry ride from Cancun. It’s said to be home to the Mayan goddess Ixchel. The island’s Playa Norte’s shallow aquamarine waters make this area one of the best spots to swim. Rent a golf cart to explore, zip-line over the sea and refuel with catches of the day at Isla Mujeres’ seafood shacks.
Mayan treasures
Take a break from the beach and dive into Cancun’s Mayan history with a visit to the Museo Maya de Cancun. Or marvel at the unbeatable Caribbean sunrise from the Ixchel Ruins on Isla Mujeres. Tulum and Chichen Itza are popular day trips from Cancun for Mayan culture, the latter being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Cancun: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Mexican peso ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| High season | December - April |
| Low season | September - November |
Find the best time to go to Cancun
Weather in Cancun
March — May: Warm weather and clear skies make spring perfect for beach days. But expect spring break crowds and prices.
June – August: Rain arrives in June, along with higher humidity. Temperatures climb into the 30s°C. This is a good time for seasonal events like whale shark migration. Keep a close eye on weather alerts, as this is also the start of hurricane season.
September – November: Wet weather and threats of a hurricane continue into autumn. But you’ll also have long stretches of sunshine and thinner crowds.
December – February: High season begins as the skies clear and the sun shines through.Days are warm, and nights are cooled by mild sea breezes.The water is at its clearest — perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Events in Cancun
Carnaval (February to March): Cancun’s streets come alive with days of music, food stalls and special events like the crowning of a king and queen. The event ends with a high-energy parade of performers and decorated floats.
Mexican Independence Day (September): This multi-day celebration of Mexico’s independence from the Spanish Empire starts with the ceremonial Cry of Independence at the city’s Municipal Palace. Highlights include drone light shows, ballet performances, comedy routines and more.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (November): This beachfront festival features top jazz artists, plus musicians from other genres. Past performers include Herbie Hancock and Smokey Robinson. When the music stops, enjoy pool parties and post-concert events.
The best neighbourhoods in Cancun
Hotel Zone
A long strip of sand with countless hotels and exclusive resorts, the Hotel Zone is one of the most popular places to stay in Cancun. Upscale restaurants, dance clubs and gorgeous beaches await. As does the Mayan outpost El Rey — an archaeological site featuring a fascinating collection of ruins and friendly iguanas.
Good for: Beaches, luxury resorts, nightlife
Downtown Cancun
Buzzing with open-air markets, street food stands and colourful murals, Downtown is one of the best neighbourhoods in Cancun for an affordable stay. Hit the shops at Plaza Las Americas mall, catch live music at Avenida Yaxchilan’s bars and stroll through lush Kabah Park with its freewheeling spider monkeys and small Casa Maya museum.
Good for: Affordable hotels, markets, parks
Puerto Juarez
With its peaceful beaches, local seafood restaurants and boat-filled marinas, Puerto Juarez is where to stay in Cancun if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the bustling Hotel Zone. It’s also a great base for day trips to the beautiful Isla Mujeres, with UltraMar ferries leaving from Gran Puerto every half hour.
Good for: Seafood restaurants, beaches, marina
Things to do in Cancun
Beaches
All beaches in Cancun are public, promising turquoise waters and sugary sands. Do as the locals do and make a beeline for Playa Delfines or escape the crowds at the more secluded Playa San Miguelito. Families love Playa Langosta for its shallow waters, while spring breakers flock to Playa Gaviota Azul’s curved bay. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a slice of paradise.
Family friendly things to do
Cancun is known for being a party playground, but it’s just as fun for the whole family. Get up close with nature while snorkelling at Isla Mujeres or hit the water rides at Ventura Park. With pirate ship excursions and more water sports opportunities than you can shake a snorkel at, the family-friendly activities in Cancun are second to none.
Shopping
You’ll find no shortage of great shopping in Cancun. Practice your haggling skills at Mercado 28 or explore La Isla’s waterways while browsing its high-end boutiques. Want to give the folks back home a taste of your holiday to Cancun? The grocery stores in town have surprisingly good selections of tequila and mezcal, Mexico’s native spirits.
Take in the culture
Look beyond the beaches and cocktails and you’ll find plenty of culture and museums in Cancun. Discover Mayan ruins, visit the Museum of Mexican Folk Art near Xcaret and step into the city’s colourful history with a street art tour. To really punch up your night, watch a ‘lucha libre’ (professional wrestling) match at Luchatitlan or Plaza de Toros.
Nightlife
Cancun really gets going after dark. Punta Cancun is the party epicentre, with raucous reggaeton bars, all-night beach parties and stadium-sized clubs like Coco Bongo. Or for nightlife in Cancun that isn’t an extreme sport, head to the Hotel Zone’s swanky cocktail lounges and mingle with the locals in Downtown Cancun’s live music joints.
Places to eat
With the Caribbean Sea on its doorstep and the Yucatan, Tabasco and Chiapas regions influencing its cuisine, Cancun’s food scene is a patchwork of irresistible flavours. Sample street food in Parque Las Palapas and feast on fresh lobster at the iconic Lorenzillo's. The restaurants in Cancun’s downtown and Hotel Zone are as diverse as they are tempting, offering everything from traditional taquerias to fine dining.
Get ready for Cancun
Budget
For an affordable visit to Cancun, consider travelling in autumn — the crowds are lighter, and there are more deals on hotels and attractions. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 200 Mexican pesos ($). A domestic beer costs about $55, and a cappuccino is a little over $70. Expect taxi rides to start at around $257.
Day trips from Cancun
Explore Rio Secreto, an underground cave system with a flowing river, just an hour from the city. Guided tours take you into the depths of the caves and past stunning formations. For a cultural trip, visit Valladolid, a charming town with cobblestone streets and colonial mansions, about two hours away.
Getting around Cancun
Unless you really know what you’re doing, it’s best not to drive in Cancun. Traffic can be severe, and there’s usually limited parking. Walk around Downtown and the Hotel Zone, or take affordable buses. Taxis are available, but you should always agree on a price beforehand. For a stress-free arrival, it’s best to pre-book your airport transfer through your hotel.
