When traveling to Cancun, some prefer the lively atmosphere that comes with high season, the reality is that many people that travel with family and children have limited options to take vacations, and places like restaurants, bars, and clubs tend to fill up on with tourists and locals.
But others seek tranquility, space, and, above all, wish to relax without crowds or too many people around them, which can be achieved by traveling during the low season in Cancun.
Many people ask us: “What is the best time to travel to Cancun?” or “What is the best month to visit Cancun?” The truth is that the best answer to that question is: “It depends.”
First, you need to think about what is best for you. The best time for you to travel to Cancun might not necessarily be the cheapest time or the cheapest month to visit Cancun.
If you have children, your options are limited as you must adapt to their school vacation dates. Even if you are traveling with friends or your partner, the cheapest season may not suit you if you want to spend lively days filled with activities and events.
Now, if the atmosphere doesn’t matter much to you, you have flexibility in your dates, and what you want is to save money finding the lowest prices, the exact question you should ask is: “What is the cheapest month to travel to Cancun?” or “What is the cheapest season to visit Cancun?”
In that case, we would definitely recommend traveling during the low season and monitoring discounts during those times.
High Season Key Dates and Benefits
When is High Season in Cancun?
The high season in Cancun undoubtedly consists of three periods throughout the year:
- Easter Week: This is the first vacation period of the year and varies each year. Families with school-aged children primarily take advantage of this time to go on vacation. It is common to hear that when Easter week begins, big cities empty out, and long lines form at toll booths, as many people head for beach destinations like Cancun.
- Summer Vacation: Summer is the peak high season for Cancun hotels, with occupancy rates soaring considerably. This is because it includes Mexico’s longest vacation period of the year, starting in July and ending in mid-August, as everyone seeks to cool off at a beach destination.
- Winter Vacation: Traveling to Cancun in winter is a luxury that attracts many foreigners escaping the cold of their home countries. The weather is moderately warm, and there is a delightful Christmas atmosphere. Christmas dinners in hotels and local restaurants are excellent options for those missing the warmth of home. If traveling with family, it’s a great time to relax, enjoy the sea and beach without the intense heat of summer, and experience the festive atmosphere, possibly receiving many gifts. Some even stay until New Year’s.
If you want to visit Cancun during high season, these are the three best periods.
It may be more expensive and crowded, but if you’re looking for the best atmosphere or have limited flexibility with your dates, you can still find good deals if you book in advance.
Main Factors than influence High Season in Cancun
- Weather Conditions: High season runs from December to April, offering warm temperatures (70s to 80s°F) and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach activities.
- Tourist Demand: Increased visitor numbers during winter months and holidays (like Christmas and Spring Break) lead to crowded attractions and longer wait times.
- Pricing Trends: Higher demand results in inflated prices for accommodations and flights, making it more challenging to find affordable options during peak season.
- Seasonal Events and Festivals: Events like the spring equinox at Chichen Itza and holiday celebrations attract additional tourists, further boosting demand.
- Natural Factors: Issues like sargassum (seaweed) can affect beach conditions from late February to October, impacting visitor experiences during high season.
Tips for Traveling in High Season in Cancun
- Book Early: Secure your accommodations and flights well in advance to ensure availability and better rates. High season leads to increased demand, so early booking is essential.
- Consider Mid-Week Stays: If possible, plan your trip for mid-week rather than weekends. Hotels often offer lower rates during weekdays when demand is lower.
- Plan Activities in Advance: Research and book popular tours and activities ahead of time to avoid long waits and guarantee your spot, especially for excursions that can fill up quickly.
- Arrive Early at Attractions: To beat the crowds, arrive at popular attractions right when they open. This strategy helps you enjoy a more relaxed experience before the influx of visitors.
- Explore Off-Peak Hours: Visit restaurants and attractions during off-peak hours (e.g., late afternoon or early evening) to avoid the busiest times.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather conditions or crowd levels. Flexibility can enhance your experience and help you avoid frustration.
- Use Local Transportation: Consider using local buses or shared shuttles instead of taxis to save money and experience the local culture.
- Pack Essentials: Bring light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Having some cash in Mexican pesos can also be helpful for smaller purchases.
- Stay Informed About Weather Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts as high season coincides with potential seaweed influxes (sargassum). Research beach conditions ahead of time to choose the best spots.
- Enjoy Alternative Activities: If beaches are crowded or affected by seaweed, explore local markets, cultural sites, or nature reserves for a more authentic experience away from the tourist hotspots.
Low Season Key Dates and Benefits
When is Low Season in Cancun?
The low season in Cancun can be defined as a hotel occupancy rate of around 70-80%, whereas in high season, occupancy can reach 95%-100%. This is significant considering that Cancun has approximately 40,000 rooms.
The low season is usually seen as the cheapest time to travel to Cancun because, with lower occupancy, hotels and service providers often offer more aggressive discounts and promotions to “fill” their spaces.
The low season dates in Cancun are as follows:
- January to March: Personally, I would say that if I wanted to travel to Cancun and explore its surroundings, the months from January to March would be the ideal time to do so. Why? Firstly, the weather is not as hot as in summer. Secondly, you have the comfort of being attended to promptly, being the first to serve yourself at the buffet, the first to check in, and the first to obtain the hotel Wi-Fi password (among other things). Additionally, as mentioned, if you book in advance, you can find good deals on hotels, flights, and services.
- After Easter to June: The period from after Easter until the start of summer vacation is similar to the previous case. If you’re looking for a good tan in one of Cancun’s beautiful beaches, spring is a great time to do it, and you can enjoy being treated like royalty.
- August 20 to December 15: Considering that many families are still on vacation in mid-August, the last week is typically when they return home. If you want more tranquility, I recommend traveling from August 20 to December 15, just before the Christmas holidays begin. The weather is milder, but keep in mind that from July to November is the rainy season (and hurricane season) in this area.
However, don’t worry; Cancun is better prepared for hurricanes than many coastal cities in the United States. Just note that, being a tropical climate, it’s somewhat unpredictable to know in advance whether it will rain during your trip.
As for the rain, it’s not comparable… here, even the rain is enjoyable and appreciated, I assure you!
Advantages of Traveling in Low Season to Cancun
The tourism industry is, of course, interested in keeping hotels full year-round. That’s why travel agencies in Cancun offer promotions such as free hotel nights, preferential rates, free breakfasts, and other discounts during low season that are definitely cheaper compared to high season offers.
It’s also logical that flying is cheaper during low season, making it very likely the best time to travel to Cancun. While you can find great deals any month of the year, finding bargains is much more probable during the low season.
In terms of what you’ll experience during your trip, the atmosphere will be quite different. Most of the time, you won’t encounter crowds on the beach, a shortage of loungers, or long waits for service, among other advantages.
Final Recommendations
Whether you travel during high or low season to Cancun, remember that almost always it’s better to book in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises like “Sorry, we have no rooms available.”
It will also be much more convenient and comfortable to search for low rates from your home or office. If you’re very adventurous, booking your trip last minute could be an option, though it carries a higher risk of encountering high rates and is more suited to people who are more adventurous and don’t mind a lack of planning.
That said, there are indeed good last-minute deals to Cancun, and if you are flexible with your dates, you might find great bargains during both low and high seasons. If you want to do something spontaneous, this could be your option!
Feel free to request information about packages to Cancun during low season or, if you prefer, packages during high season… Enjoy your trip from the very first click!