Cancun Weather in October

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How is Cancun Weather in October? - Complete Guide and Travel Tips

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Cancun in October: Weather and Travel Tips for 2023

What is the Best Time to Visit Cancun?

It’s always a great time to visit Cancun weather-wise. And October is no exception. And even though October might be the wettest month and maybe our least favorite to visit Cancun, the weather is still typically warm and sunny with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-35 Celsius).Cancun beach Mexico

Humidity is generally high since it is the end of the hurricane season. So you can expect some rainy days with afternoon showers and thunderstorms. But the rain will usually pass fairly quickly and the rest of day will be sunny, pleasant and warm.

Good news is that water temperature is also warm, with an average sea temperature of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-29 Celsius)…pretty warm. Overall, Cancun weather in October is good with plenty of sunny days for you to unwind and relax at the beach, get a nice tan and enjoy the many outdoor activities that the Yucatan has to offer. Just don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

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🇲🇽 Mexico Travel Resources We Use:

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Average Temperature in Cancun in October

Average Temperature in Cancun
Average Temperature in Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

Expect average high temperatures of around 87-88 degrees Fahrenheit (31-31 Celsius), and average low temperature of around 77-78 degrees Fahrenheit (25-26 Celsius). 

Of course, temperatures can vary slightly depending on your specific location in Cancun and the weather conditions at the time of your visit. After all, it is still typically hurricane season so the weather in Cancun can be quite humid making the days feel warmer than the actual temperature and weather forecast suggests.

Average Wind Speed in Cancun in October

Expect average wind speed of 9.4mph (15.1km/h). In the following chart, you can see the average wind speed for August, September, and  October in Cancun.

Average Wind Speed Cancun
Average Wind Speed Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

You can expect very pleasant weather during the day (with the occasional showers). Evenings should be a bit cooler as the temperature drops slightly at night to an average low of 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius). The sea should be warm and pleasant during the day.


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


How much Humidity in Cancun in October

Average Humidity in Cancun
Average Humidity in Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

Average rainfall in Cancun in October is 8.7in. Humidity is always high in Cancun and is especially high in October, with the average relative humidity ranging from  70-80%. This usually means that the air is very moist and can feel sticky, especially during the day.

Does it Rain in Cancun in October?

Average Rainfall in Cancun
Average Rainfall in Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

Rain is very common in Cancun in September and October, as the region experiences the tail end of the rainy season (wet season) and hurricane season. 

October is unfortunately the wettest month in Cancun and our least favorite month to visit the area. Expect some afternoon showers or thunderstorms, which are a lot more common in the second half of the month. These showers or thunderstorms are usually brief and pass quickly (10-25 minutes), and can at times feel like a blessing from the heat and humidity.

It’s important to keep in mind that weather in Cancun…much like the rest of the Caribbean… can be quite variable, and rain is always a possibility irrespective of the weather forecast. However, don’t be discouraged as the vast majority of your days here, the weather will likely be very warm with plenty of hours of sun and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

When is Cancun Hurricane season?

Average Wind Speed Cancun
Average Wind Speed Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

Technically hurricane season in Cancun runs from June to November, with the peak of the season being the months of September and October. However, it’s important to note that the risk of a hurricane striking Cancun is very very low. Most years see only a few tropical storms or weak hurricanes passing through the area.

If you are indeed planning to visit Cancun during hurricane season, it’s a very good idea to keep an eye daily on the weather forecast and stay informed about any potential storms or hurricanes approaching. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in the unlikely case that you need to evacuate your hotel.

Many hotels and resorts in Cancun …especially the larger ones…have emergency procedures in place in the event of a hurricane. So spend some time to familiarize yourself with these procedures of your hotel even before you set off for your trip.

And while it’s always very important to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane during your trip to Cancun, it’s also important to keep in mind that the risk of a hurricane occurring is relatively very low. Most visitors in October experience good average weather, lowe prices, and fewer crowds and have a great time during their trip.

Check Cancun weather forecast

Hotel prices and accommodation rates in Cancun in October

Average Hotel Prices Cancun
Average Hotel Prices Cancun (courtesy of USNews.com)

In Cancun, hotel prices can vary significantly depending on your location, the hotel amenities, the type of accommodation and or course the time of the year you will visit. Generally and as a rule of thumb prices tend to be higher during the peak tourist season (December to April), and lower during the low season (off-season is May to November).

October is off-season in Cancun, and actually the best month to visit if you are looking for affordable hotel rates and deals. 

Average Tourist Volume Cancun
Average Tourist Volume Cancun (courtesy of USNews.com)

It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different hotels and find the best deals for your trip. Book at least three months in advance for the best deals.

You can find the best hotels and resorts in Cancun in our detailed guide.

Things to do in Cancun when it rains

Xcaret beach Cancun in Mexico
Xcaret beach in Cancun.

October weather in Cancun can be quite tricky. But even though there will probably be a few rainy days during your trip to Cancun, most of your days will be nice sunny and pleasant so you can have a great time.

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Now, since rain is always a possibility here are some ideas for activities you can do when it rains in Cancun:

  1. Visit a museum or one of the many art galleries: Cancun’s many museums and art galleries can be great indoor activities for those rainy days.
  2. Visit a spa: Many hotels and resorts in Cancun have spa facilities that offer a variety of services from massages and facials to manicures.
  3. Go shopping indoors: Cancun has several indoors shopping malls and markets so maybe its time to go shopping for clothes, souvernis and gifts.
  4. Watch a movie: Cancun has many great and modern movie theaters. You can catch one of the latest release in either English or Spanish.
  5. Play indoor sports: Some of the hotels and buf resorts have indoor sports facilities, like basketball courts and bowling alleys to keep everyone in your group happy and entertained for a few hours until the rain passes.
  6. Game night: Many hotels and resorts have game rooms with plenty of board games, cards, and other activities that will keep you entertained…if this is your thing.
  7. Visit an indoor water park: Good news as Cancun has several great indoor water parks. Spend a good part of your day going down water slides, relaxing in a pool, or enjoy some other fun aquatic activity.

Overall, there are plenty of options for things to do in Cancun when it rains…so don’t let a little rain dampen your vacation in this amazing place.

Best Beaches in October for Cancun

Cancun weather in October
Cancun Weather in October – Best beaches

Cancun has plenty of beautiful white sandy beaches for you to choose from and enjoy during your time here. Some of the best beaches in the area for October are:

  • Playa Delfines: This is our favorite Cancun beach. Playa Delfines has crystal clear turquoise waters and ivory white sand. Its a dream. It is…as you can imagine… a very popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Playa Marlin: This is a more secluded and less crowded beach with white sand and turquoise waters. It is a popular beach for snorkeling. We love it here as you can relax at the beach and enjoy the near-perfect natural setting and souroundings.
  • Playa Tortugas: Playa Tortugas is very close to the Hotel Zone. We love it cause the waters here are usually clear and very calm making the beach great for kids and the coral reefs are stunning, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

So even though you will most probably have some rainy days during your October vacation in Cancun, the weather will still be very pleasant weather, with plenty of sunny days for you to be able to enjoy the magnificent Caribbean sea and white sandy beaches.

How warm is the sea and water in Cancun in October?

Average Sea Temperature in Cancun
Average Sea Temperature in Cancun (courtesy of WeatherAtlas.com)

Water in Cancun in October is generally warm. The average sea water temperature is around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-29 Celsius), making October a great time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports. The warm average water temperatures, and the generally sunny skies, makes October a great time to visit Cancun for both beach and outdoor adventures.

Of course the average sea temperature can vary slightly depending on your specific location in Cancun and the weather conditions in the area at the very time of your visit. 

Things to do when visiting Cancun in October

If you are planning to visit Cancun in October then the good news is that are many cultural activities and outdoor adventures that you can enjoy. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Cancun in October:

Chichen Itza Mayan Pyramid in Mexico
Chichen Itza Mayan Pyramid in Mexico
  1. Visit the ancient Mayan ruins: Cancun is home to several ancient Mayan ruin sites. Our favorite Mayan site is the area is the Myan ruins in Tulum and Chichen Itza. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and your visit there will offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and rich culture of the region.
  2. Go on a nature tour: Cancun and Yucatan peninsula are home to an incredibly diverse variety of flora and fauna. We highly recommend booking a tour to explore the natural beauty of the area and the beautiful parks.
  3. Go scuba diving: Cancun is a global hotspot for scuba diving with a large variety of great dive sites. This is an amazing opportunity to see up close the marine life and coral reefs of the Caribbean.
  4. Take a cooking class: Do you like Mexican cuisine. Well, maybe its time to learn how to prepare some traditional Mexican tacos and enchiladas at home as many hotels and resorts in Cancun offer cooking classes to their guests.
  5. Go on a boat tour: Plenty of daily boat tours take you to the surrounding islands and the popular cenotes (which are natural sinkholes popular for swimming and snorkeling).
  6. Go on a birdwatching tour: If birdwatching is your thing, then rejoice as Cancun and the surrounding region are home to a variety of bird species. There are many birdwatching tours available from local tour operators.
Weather in Cancun in October - Scuba Diving
Weather in Cancun in October – Scuba Diving

Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun in October. So rest assured that there is something for everyone to enjoy since the weather in this beautiful corner of Mexico will be on your side. 

What are the Holidays and Festivals in Cancun in October?

October is a month full of festivals and holidays for Cancun and the surrounding region. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience the culture and immerse in the traditions and history of the area.

Our favorite holidays and festivals that take place in Cancun in October are:

  1. Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos): Technically this is not an October holiday as it takes place on November 1st..but we couldn’t; resists including this here. Day of the Dead in Mexico is a celebration of the lives of loved ones who have passed away. It is a colorful holiday marked by parades, decorated altars, and traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine.
  2. Columbus Day: Takes place on October 12th and it celebrates the arrival of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. This is a national holiday in many countries, including Mexico.
Cancun In October: Dia de los Muertes Festival
Dia de los Muertes Festival

What to bring and how to pack for Cancun?

Packing for a trip is a very different experience for each traveler. This is our detailed packing list of the items you should consider packing for your trip to Cancun include:

  1. Light, loose-fitting clothing: Cancun is warm all year-round, so pack comfortable and easy to wear clothes.
  2. Swimsuit: Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches and warm waters, so if you are planning to spend time in the water make sure you pack your swimsuit.
  3. Sunscreen: The sun in Cancun is very intense, so even if your skin is not sensitive to the sun make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF…and often .
  4. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects are very common in Cancun, so it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to help protect yourself from those annoying mosquito bites.
  5. A light rain jacket or umbrella: Rain is common during the hurricane season (June to November), so it’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket or umbrella…just in case.
  6. Comfortable shoes: Cancun and the surrounding area offer plenty of outdoor activities so it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes suitable for these activities.
  7. Cash and credit cards: Some Cancun establishments accept only cash while others accept both cash and credit cards, so it’s a good idea to have a mix of both during your stay here.
  8. Passport: If you are traveling to Cancun from outside of Mexico, you will need a valid passport to be able to enter the country. So don’t forget to pack your passport.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Mexico really depends on your nationality, your passport and the purpose of your trip. In general, citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism or business purposes and for stays of up to 90 days. However, to avoid any surprises, it is always important to check the specific requirements for your country and the length of your stay, as these requirements can change.

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or most countries in Europe, you do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 180 days. However, you will need a valid passport to enter Mexico. You should also check the expiration date of your passport to make sure it is valid for the duration of your stay.

Cancun Weather in October

If you are planning to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days or if you are planning to work or study in Mexico, you will need to apply for a visa at a Mexican consulate or embassy before you travel.

Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?

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.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Yes, it is generally hot in Cancun in October, with average high temperature ranging from the mid-80s to average low temperature of 90s Fahrenheit (29-35 Celsius). The humidity is also generally high and you can expect some afternoon showers and thunderstorms, which will usually pass quickly and will be followed by blue skies. The average water temperature is also warm, averaging around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-29 Celsius).

Overall, the weather in Cancun in October is generally goof for spending time at the beach and enjoying the many outdoor activities.

Yes, even though the chances are very low. Hurricane season in Cancun runs from June to November, with the peak of the hurricane season occurring in September and October. However, the risk of a hurricane hitting Cancun is relatively very low, and most years only see a few tropical storms or very weak hurricanes passing. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast before and during your visit to Cancun.

You can check the weather forecast here

Cancun is generally considered a safe destination in Mexico. The vast majority of visitors to the city experience absolutely no problems during their trip. And while the risk of a hurricane striking Cancun is relatively low, it’s always important and advised to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm during your trip to Cancun.

In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, follow the instructions of local authorities and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of you and your family or group. This may include evacuating your hotel for a safer location.

Overall, while it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane during your trip to Cancun, it’s also important to keep in mind that the risk of a hurricane occurring is relatively low. Most visitors to Cancun experience very good weather and have an amazing time during their visit to this magnificent place.

Cancun is a city located on the very eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Cancun is about 250 miles (400 kilometers) east of Mexico City and about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Mexico’s boarder with Belize.

Cancun is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and great weather. It is a popular tourist destination for travelers from around the world and the city is home to a variety of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. The area is rich in cultural and historical attractions, ancient Mayan ruins and stunning eco-parks. Cancun is also known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests.

Google Map Cancun

There are several ways to get to Cancun, but the most common and convenient are:

  1. Fly: Cancun has its own international airport (Cancun International Airport, or CUN), which is located about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from downtown Cancun. Cancun International has direct flights from many cities around the world.
  2. Drive: Cancun is 250 miles (400 kilometers) away from Mexico City, and it is easily accessible by car via the Federal Highway 180. Its an 8-9 hour drive from Mexico City to Cancun, of course depending on traffic and road conditions.

In most cases, US phones will work without any problems in Mexico, as long as they are compatible with international roaming and your mobile carrier offers this service. However, keep in mind that using your phone in Mexico can be expensive, as roaming fees can in some cases be very high.

Before you travel to Mexico, it’s a good idea to check with your mobile carrier to see what international roaming options are available to you and the costs associated with those services.

Many carriers offer international roaming plans that allow you to use your phone in Mexico and other countries for a set fee, which usually is more economical than paying per-minute or per-megabyte roaming fees.

If you plan to use your phone a lot during your trip to Mexico, you should consider getting a local Mexican SIM card. This can be a cheaper option, especially if you plan to make a lots of calls or use data while you are in Mexico.

Overall, while US phones will generally work in Mexico, it’s important to check with your mobile carrier before your trip, to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you get back home and see your phone bill.

Renting a car in Mexico can be a very convenient and cheap way to get around, and it is generally safe to do so. However, it’s important to keep in mind that driving in Mexico is very different from driving in other developed countries, and you should exercise caution while driving in the roads here.

These are out tips that will hopefully keep you safe while driving in Mexico:

  1. Get a good map: It’s always a good idea to get a good map of the area you will be driving in (or download the map on your phone), as GPS coverage can be spotty in some parts of Mexico.
  2. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws: Driving laws in Mexico can be different from those in your home country, so spend some time to understand the local laws before you start driving.
  3. Stay alert: Traffic in Mexico can be very unpredictable, and it’s important to stay alert and to be prepared.
  4. Avoid driving at night: We highly recommend that you avoid driving at night in Mexico, as roads can be poorly lit and there is a much higher risk of accidents.
  5. Avoid driving in isolated areas: Mexico is a developing country and is a good idea to avoid driving in isolated areas.

Short answer is no! In most parts of Mexico, it is not safe to drink tap water, as it contains contaminants that can cause illness. However, it is generally safe to use tap water to brush your teeth and shower.

When you are visiting Mexico, stick to bottled water for drinking and for preparing food and drinks. Bottled water is widely available in Mexico and is generally very safe to drink. Many hotels and restaurants have purified water which is also safe to drink.

If you are staying in a hotel or resort, you can usually ask the staff for bottled water and some hotels and resorts may have purified water available for guests to use.

Overall, stick to bottled or purified water during your stay in Mexico to reduce the risk of illness.

Mexico travel insurance is not required, but it is a very good idea to purchase it to protect yourself in case of unexpected events or circumstances. We are travelling extensively and we don’t go anywhere without it. These are some of the situations that travel insurance has been a lifesaver for many travelers:

  1. Medical emergencies: If you get sick or injured during your trip to Mexico and need medical attention or treatment, the travel insurance will cover most of the medical and transportation costs.
  2. Trip cancellations or interruptions: If you have to cancel your trip or cut it short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster (i.e. hurricanes) or a family emergency, travel insurance will reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, such as flights and hotels.
  3. Lost or stolen belongings: If your belongings are lost or stolen while you are traveling in Mexico, travel insurance will reimburse you for the cost of replacing the lost items.
  4. Travel delays: Who hasnt’t experienced them? If your flight is delayed or you experience other travel disruptions, travel insurance can help you cover the costs of additional expenses, such as meals and accommodations.