Cancun Hurricane Season
With hurricanes being a potential threat to Cancun from June 1st to November 30th, it is crucial that both local inhabitants and tourists remain alert. Read on for more details on hurricane season in Cancun and Quintana Roo.
Nestled along the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is exposed to a special danger – hurricane season from June until November. Blistering winds and torrential downpours can bring about flooding in addition to landslides which may cause severe damage to property. The most threatening hurricanes typically come during August and September when storm surge is at its peak intensity.
As the hurricane season approaches, it is imperative that both tourists and locals in Cancun stay informed with accurate forecasts, possess an emergency kit at all times, as well as understand how to evacuate should evacuation prove necessary. Moreover, always keep up-to-date on instructions issued by local authorities for your own safety during any potential disaster situation.
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Cancun’s hurricane season typically runs from June to November, with more frequent storms occurring in August through October. Fortunately, it is uncommon for hurricanes to strike; the area has experienced only two occurrences during the past 30 years.
Firstly, take a deep breath and trust the judgment of your hotel staff – they were born here and have vast experience in taking care of visitors like you. The government has trained tourism sector personnel on how to execute hurricane protocols should an emergency occur. Therefore, rest assured that all instructions given by your hotel’s team are based on thorough preparations; they know precisely what steps need to be taken in such dire situations.
It is essential to stay informed of the latest updates, so we suggest that you follow reliable sources like NOAA and Protección Civil Cancún on social media. Local authorities will regularly post relevant information such as the current alert level for Tropical Cyclones (SIAT CT). Staying educated about tropical storms helps ensure safety during unpredictable weather patterns.
Don’t be hesitant to plan a getaway to the beautiful beaches of Cancun during hurricane season; it can still be an exceptional time for family vacations! With its intense weather, traveling through Central America may not seem like the best idea. However, don’t let that deter you from soaking up some sun in Cancun because even though it is peak storm season, there are plenty of days with pleasant and warm temperatures. Let’s take a deeper look at what each month holds:
As August is generally Cancun’s warmest month, the average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit mirrors that of June and July. With temperatures reaching up to 93°F as well as dipping down to 77°F, it’s best if you plan your visit within the first two weeks for optimal comfort. But be aware; with a 21% chance of rain showers every day, accompanied by an average 11 hours of sunshine – visiting during the rainy season could potentially ruin your vacation plans!
September marks the transition of Cancun from summer to autumn. With an average temperature of 82 degrees, a high of 91 and low of 72; humidity levels tend to make it feel even hotter than it already is! September is also the rainiest month, with 11 inches spread across 10 days. But there’s still plenty of sunshine too – 9 hours on average each day!
October is the perfect time to retreat from Cancun’s sweltering summer and anticipated crowds. On average, temperatures reach 81 degrees, with highs at 88 and lows of 75, while humidity steadily drops. Although there is an average of 7 inches over 11 days of rainfall, the sun shines for 8 hours each day! Come October to experience a mild yet pleasant reprieve amidst Mexico‘s vibrant cityscape.
If you’re seeking a vacation in Cancun free of the hustle and bustle that come with high-season, then hurricane season is ideal. With beaches, practically all to yourself, less tourists on tours, and lower humidity levels due to the rain; your experience will be nothing short of peaceful. Additionally, since school has resumed by August/September, you’ll witness significantly fewer families around – making for an even greater sense of serenity! Many opt for clearer skies in winter and springtime but if it’s solitude you crave, then there really isn’t much reason not to take the chance during fall season.
Cancun and Riviera Maya are rarely hit by hurricanes, so the chances of your vacation being disturbed by one is slim. However, it’s important to note that the most active time for hurricanes in this region is October – but don’t let that stop you from planning a trip here! If you have some hesitations about traveling during peak hurricane season, consider visiting in August or November instead; though unlikely, there is still a potential risk of inclement weather.
Cancun is a must-see destination, even during hurricane season. The odds of actually being hit by one are minimal and the mild weather makes it quite pleasant—somewhat rainier once you cross September but still worth it. Plus, there will be fewer tourists on the beach or joining tours than in other seasons! On top of that, you might have luck finding lower rates for accommodations and flights too.
Autumn may sound frightening when it comes to hurricane season in Cancun and Riviera Maya, but for budget-savvy travelers looking to avoid the crowds, this could still be a great time of year to plan your getaway. To make your trip even more magical, consider booking with Cancun Adventures who have an array of excursions and tours available!
The General Directorate of Civil Protection in the Municipality of Benito Juarez, home to Cancun, issued a press release requesting that all citizens become educated on the five alert levels for this hurricane season and implement necessary precautions. By doing so, we can create an environment whereby prevention is prioritized at all times.
Meteorological and hydrological events, measured on the Saffir-Simpson scale based on wind speed, occur more frequently between June and November. Category 1 of these events has winds surpassing 119km/h, which cause destruction to billboards, trees, and mobile homes as well as flooding in limited areas. In contrast to category 1’s damage level; category 2 with 153 km/h winds, can cause further devastation such as partial roof collapse or window destruction in addition to flooding highways and coastal roads.
When Category 3 hurricanes reach 177 kilometers per hour, destruction is imminent: signs are knocked down, roofs and windows of buildings shattered, mobile homes destroyed. In the more severe Category 4 storms with winds up to 208 kilometers per hour, 10-kilometer-long flooding of coastal areas occurs with serious damage to structures like rooftops and walls; trees uprooted, and billboards torn away.
Category 5 is the most intense of all hurricanes, with winds blowing at least 251 kilometers per hour. In anticipation of destruction that can include collapsed homes, buildings and cars – as well as three-meter flooding – the government must act quickly to evacuate a large number of people before it’s too late. Moreover, plants may be uprooted by these powerful storms. Last evacuation happened for Hurricane Wilma in October of 2015. There hasn’t been any major threat or alert since Hurricane Wilma.
With more than 90 shelters already identified, the Hotel Association of Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres is making sure to finalize all preparations with local authorities in order to ensure a safe haven for tourists amidst potential hurricanes. President Jesús Almaguer Salazar confirms that these hotels are taking heed of their responsibilities to provide maximum protection when severe weather hits Quintana Roo.
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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