Cancun

Best time to visit Cancun

• Winter (December to April): Winter is the best time to visit Cancun, with warm, dry weather that’s perfect for beaches and exploring Mayan ruins. Expect busier hotels.
• Spring (Late April to May): Fewer crowds, mild temperatures and lower humidity make this one of the best times to visit Cancun.
• Summer (June to September): The low season due to rain and hurricanes, but it offers cheaper rates and great snorkeling visibility.
• Fall (October to November): Rain and hurricane risks persist through October, but November brings better weather, smaller crowds and lower prices​​.

How many days to spend in Cancun

For a quick beach getaway, three to four days should be enough time to enjoy this coastal gem. But if you want to visit Mayan archaeological sites, explore nearby islands and cenotes, enjoy the nightlife and pick your favorite beach to relax on, a full week in Cancun is recommended.

The vibe of Cancun

Imagine lounging on powdery, white-sand beaches while listening to the lapping of the turquoise Caribbean waves. Zona Hotelera, a sleek strip of high-rise resorts, pulses with life day and night and boasts infinity pools, chic bars and clubs that thump with infectious beats. Venture to ancient Mayan ruins, where centuries-old stone structures rise dramatically from backdrops of lush jungle. Downtown Cancun is bursting with color, from edgy street art to bustling markets filled with the tantalizing aromas of panuchos (tortillas stuffed with refried black beans) and tamales (pork filling in a maize dough and steamed in corn husks).

What is Cancun famous for?

Cancun is renowned as the ultimate spring break destination, where sun-soaked days blend into nights of revelry. Beyond its legendary nightlife, Cancun offers soft, white-sand beaches made from powdered coral that stays cool underfoot. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, spanning over 600 miles (965 kilometers), is the world’s second-largest coral reef system, attracting divers and snorkelers from all over the world eager to explore its marine life. Cancun is also famous for being a launching point to the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the pyramid of El Castillo, a 1,000-year-old architectural phenomenon that demonstrates the Mayans’ advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics.

Events in Cancun

Cancun’s event calendar kicks off with the lively Día de los Reyes in January. Sample rosca de reyes (sweet bread) and drink hot chocolate on this traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates the three kings who visited baby Jesus. If you are visiting in February or March, Cancun Carnaval is one of the most exciting annual Cancun events, with outlandish parades, fireworks and dance parties galore. In early November, immerse yourself in the Day of the Dead, where streets come alive with vibrant altars, costumes and festivities honoring the departed. The month concludes with the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, when music lovers can listen to soulful tunes under the stars in Playa del Carmen.

Food in Cancun

With everything from street food to fine dining, Cancun’s food scene caters for every taste. To sample traditional Mexican fare, head to Mercado 28 in Downtown Cancun where you’ll find authentic tacos al pastor (shaved pork tacos with salsa and cilantro) and hearty cochinita pibil (Yucatecan slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus). Follow your nose through Parque de las Palapas to food stalls serving churros (fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar) and elotes, a delicious grilled corn on the cob slathered in cheese and spices. For seafood lovers, Zona Hotelera boasts an array of spots offering fresh catches prepared with a Caribbean twist. Don’t miss the chance to try lime-marinated ceviche, a local favorite.

Nightlife in Cancun

When the sun goes down, Cancun sheds its beachy calm in favor of nightlife thrills. Start the night at Avenida Tulum, alive with street performers and pop-up food stalls. For a local experience, head to the downtown area, where local cantinas and chic bars offer mezcal cocktails and spontaneous dance-offs. Then the adventure really starts in Zona Hotelera, where you’ll find legendary Cancun nightclubs like Coco Bongo and Señor Frog’s. With regular special events, nightly entertainment and capacity for thousands, these “superclubs” know how to throw parties that’ll challenge your stamina and keep the party going from dusk till dawn.

Shopping in Cancun

With a perfect blend of luxury and local charm, shopping in Cancun is a must for any retail enthusiast. Begin in Zona Hotelera at La Isla Shopping Village, where you can browse a mix of upscale brands and local boutiques along the scenic lagoon. To pick up handmade crafts and traditional goods – and try out your haggling skills – head to Mercado 28 in Downtown Cancun. Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center offers a blend of shopping and entertainment, including a cinema, ziplining and a climbing tower, all against the backdrop of the gorgeous marina.

Best beaches in Cancun