Cancun Weather in May
What is the Best Time to Visit Cancun?
May in Cancun is a magical time, as the weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without being too hot. Additionally, it falls just before the start of the rainy season, so you can expect plenty of sunshine and blue skies during your visit.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why May is the perfect time to visit Cancun, as well as what you can expect when you arrive.
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The average temperature in May is around 27°C (80°F), making it an ideal time for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the local area. Additionally, May falls just before the start of the rainy season, so you can expect plenty of sunshine and blue skies during your visit.
Also check our guides on:
– Cancun in January – Cancun in July
– Cancun in February – Cancun in August
– Cancun in March – Cancun in September
– Cancun in April – Cancun in October
– Cancun in May – Cancun in November
– Cancun in June – Cancun in December
Read also our guide on What to Pack for Cancun?
Generally speaking, rainfall typically happens between May and October in Cancun. However, there is an increased chance of rain during the latter half of May. So make sure to pack umbrellas and rain gear in your suitcase.
It is not typical for it to rain all day long during this time of the year.
In May, the average rainfall in Cancun is around 5 inches (130mm), and it usually comes in the form of short, intense downpours that last for a few hours, mostly in the afternoon or evening. During the rest of the day, you can expect warm and humid weather with plenty of sunshine.
When the rain begins to pour in Cancun, don’t fear! You can still enjoy a plethora of indoor activities. Shopping is one activity you should take advantage of. La Isla Shopping Village is considered the best mall. It even has its movie theater and restaurants ready for your enjoyment.
Additionally, Forum By the Sea gives visitors an opportunity to see Hard Rock’s Cancun location. If those two options aren’t what you are looking for, then maybe checking out one or more museums would pique interest?
The Museo Maya de Cancun (otherwise known as the best museum in all of Cancun) could provide insight into Mayan culture and history like no other place in town. There’s also the Cancun Wax Museum, Ripleys Believe it Or Not!, and Cancun Vintage Car Museum.
When you travel to Cancun, one of the most important items on your packing list should be sunscreen. The sun is incredibly strong in this region and definitely not something to be taken lightly.
In fact, it’s hot all year-round, so make sure you come prepared for a climate that ranges from “hot” to “very hot.” For more information on what kind of temperatures to expect, check out weather.com – they have great coverage on this sunny destination!
Cancun Travel Tips: When the midday heat hits its peak, seek refuge in some cool air conditioning! But don’t let that stop you from having an unforgettable experience..
During these hours (11am-2pm), plan to participate in water activities such as snorkeling at the MUSA and swimming in gorgeous cenotes for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Experiencing Cancun’s humidity is to be expected, considering that it resides in the Caribbean. This part of the world can essentially be likened to a jungle next to an ocean. Fortunately, being on the edge of the Caribbean Sea gives you access to a pleasant breeze while also offering some respite from all its moisture levels.
If you’re curious if a hurricane will hit Cancun in May, fear not — the chance of this happening is slim.
Hurricanes have rarely made landfall in Cancun over the past three decades. Only two major storms were recorded to have swept through the region — Gilbert on September 5th 1988 and Wilma on October 21st 2005.
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As the Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1-November 30, empirical evidence suggests that August through October has a higher likelihood of experiencing tropical storms.
If you’re looking for a great deal, Cancun is the place to be during Hurricane Season! Check out these Cancun hotel prices and take advantage of low costs.
Additionally, May in Cancun generally has fewer tourists than other months, making it an ideal time to visit.
Generally, Cancun is safe from hurricanes. A hurricane would need to make direct landfall there for the city to suffer immense damage.
That is something that does not often occur since these storms are huge in size, and only the area near its core (the eye) causes extensive destruction.
The Caribbean Sea stays warm throughout the year, allowing for a pleasant swimming and scuba diving experience.
It’s no surprise that with its inviting, warm waters between 77°F (25°C) and 84°F (29°C), tourists from all over flock to this destination! So don’t think twice – head down south and enjoy your favorite activities while soaking up some sunshine.
Expert Tip: Sargassum or Seaweed has been a big issue for Cancun in June for the past many years. Check our Cancun Seaweed Guide so that you can plan a great trip to Cancun with no unpleasant surprises.
Ready to take a dip in the warm water of Cancun? Book the best tours this Mexican beach town has to offer before it’s too late! To help you plan, we’ve compiled some of our favorite activities that promise an unforgettable experience. Don’t wait — reserve your spot on one (or all!) of these awesome Cancun Mexico Tours now!
From mid-May to mid-September, Cancun welcomes the majestic whale sharks – gentle giants of the sea that can reach up to 40-50 feet long.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you should take advantage of this annual occasion. I had an incredible time swimming alongside these admirable creatures on my tour, and if you’d like to read about it, feel free to click below!
Don’t miss out on your chance to get close and personal with nature’s true behemoths during Cancun Whale Shark Season from May 17th through September 17th (or possibly even into October!)
Located two and a half hours from Cancun, Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Small wonder, then, that it is one of Mexico’s most iconic landmarks.
Travelling to Chichen Itza from Cancun could be done through rental car, ADO bus or a guided tour. While the bus may affordably get you there, it will take much longer than other options.
Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to explore Cancun? Then this guided tour is perfect for you! For an incredibly low price of just $79 per adult ($64 per child), it includes Chichen Itza transportation, cenote swimming, visiting Valladolid, as well as lunch.
And if that’s not enough to convince you – they also offer luxury tours and private trips specifically tailored to your needs at Chichen Itza. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal today!
If you’re visiting Cancun, your vacation won’t be complete without a trip to Xcaret Waterpark. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the cenotes – sinkholes with freshwater that comes from the longest underground river on earth.
Swim and explore Sac Actun while discovering an array of hidden gems located underneath Yucatan Peninsula.
Take a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, where nearly 6,000 captivating cenotes are nestled. The most breathtaking cenotes in Mexico are located just outside Cancun on Highway 307; this is known as Ruta de Cenotes.
Here you’ll find four stunning waterholes: Sol y Luna, Verde Lucero, Zapote and La Noria! Prepare for an adventure unlike any other!
If you lack the time or inclination to visit Chichen Itza, you can still experience Mayan ruins in Cancun.
El Rey Ruins, El Meco Ruins, Yamil Lu’um Ruins and San Miguelito Ruins at the Cancun Maya Museum all offer a unique glimpse into an ancient culture without requiring as much commitment.
While these sites may not leave you with quite the same impression as Chichen Itza would, they are sure to provide plenty of insight and fascination.
Embedded in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, Cancun is home to some of Mexico’s most spectacular beaches – making it a highly sought-after vacation destination.
Popular Playa Delfines Beach resides just outside the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and numerous other resorts, providing guests with picturesque options for their leisure time.
Escape the noise and energy of Cancun by taking a swift 20-minute ferryboat ride to Isla Mujeres, one of Mexico’s most tranquil Caribbean islands. If you’re an island lover, don’t forget to visit Isla Contoy National Park for an unforgettable experience.
Treat yourself to a thrilling zip line tour through the lush jungles of Xcaret Park, witness an electrifying performance by traditional Mexican dancers at night and partake in many more mesmerizing experiences.
When visiting Mexico’s Yucatan region, don’t miss out on its crown jewel: Xcaret! Here you’ll be able to submerge into unforgettable activities – all while soaking up nature’s beauty as if it were your own backyard. So why settle for swimming pools when you can enjoy something far greater?
Beat the heat in May by visiting Laguna Nichupte and Cancun’s beautiful beaches! While many recognize Cancun as a Mexican beach destination, that only tells part of the story.
On its opposite side lies Nichupte Lagoon, an immense area with 7400 acres (30 km²) and seven lakes – perfect for swimming, snorkeling or any other water-sport you choose!
If you’re renting a car during your stay in Cancun, consider taking advantage of the many day trips available to explore magical towns just a short drive away.
Just an hour south is Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya; two hours further down brings you to Tulum.
Explore Valladolid or Izamal–two picturesque pueblos magicos, full of charm and history for travelers seeking adventure off-the-beaten path.
Cinco de Mayo is a significant holiday for many in Cancun. As such, many of the restaurants in the city are decorated with festive decorations and offer specials on food and beverages. Some bars even host special parties for this day. On the contrary, May 5th is just an ordinary day to most Mexicans; hence it’s not as widely celebrated by them.
Pick from a variety of pool and beach parties, club nights, and entertainment provided by some of the world’s most celebrated DJs, hip-hop artists, R&B singers, soca stars and reggae legends. Get ready to make this your wildest Spring Break yet!
For those intrigued by the Mayan culture, Travesia Sagrada is an absolute must-see! Immerse yourself in this incredible reenactment of a 300-person trek from Xcaret Park to Cozumel Island.
This pilgrimage originally honored Ixchel, the revered goddess of fertility, moon and childbirth. Don’t miss out on this remarkable experience!
On the whole, Cancun is absolutely a safe travel destination. That said, it’s essential to keep in mind that no city on Earth can promise 100% safety. Always take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings as you would at any tourist spot regardless of countr.
If you’d like more detailed information about travelling safely through Cancun or planning a solo journey there, we encourage checking out our article “Is Cancun Safe Now – Guide?“? for all the answers and additional tips in this comprehensive Cancun solo travel guide.
Cancun is a city located in the southeastern part of Mexico, specifically in the state of Quintana Roo. It is situated on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is bordered by the Caribbean Sea.
The Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) isn’t located too far from the beaches. As one of the busiest airports in Mexico, there are many direct flight options from most major cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Then turn toward booking a private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation! Round trips are only $65 per 1-3 people, while 4-6 cost $75 and 7-8 individuals run at $80.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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