Cancun Hurricane Season: Everything You Need to Know & Safety Tips (2023)
Worrying about Cancun hurricane season? In this post, I will tell you all about it, what it’s like and how to stay safe.
The Cancun hurricane season officially runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. This might sound a bit intimidating, and it is important to take hurricanes seriously.
However, this does not mean that you cannot plan, and enjoy, a great vacation to Cancun in hurricane season.
Even within the official hurricane season, there are several months when it is very, very unlikely for a hurricane to hit Cancun.
If you are thinking about traveling to Cancun in hurricane season, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to travel safely.
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Cancun Hurricane Season: Need to know
The rainy months and hurricane season in Cancun are from June to November.
During these months, rain showers are more common than in the winter, and there is a rare chance for a hurricane to hit.
Despite that, many visitors choose to visit the Cancun area this time of year because there are fewer tourists, warm weather, and you can find good deals on hotels.
If that sounds appealing to you, below are some things you should know about Cancun in hurricane season:
👉🏻 Does Cancun get hit by hurricanes?
The great news is that Cancun rarely gets hit by hurricanes.
In 2021 Hurricane Grace passed near Cancun, but the area was spared any major damage.
In the very active 2020 hurricane season, hurricanes Delta and Zeta also passed by Cancun without doing much harm.
The last major hurricane to hit the area was Wilma in 2005.
So, yes, Cancun does occasionally get hit by hurricanes, but thankfully they are rare.
👉🏻 When is hurricane season in Cancun?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.
The peak hurricane season is from August to October. And, the chance of a hurricane hitting Cancun is the highest in September and October.
👉🏻 How often does Cancun get hurricanes?
Cancun rarely gets hit by hurricanes. The last hurricane to cause major damage was Wilma in 2005, and before that was Gilbert in 1988.
If you speak with local fishermen or boat captains, they all have beliefs about how often hurricanes hit, and when you can expect the next one.
Despite all the local superstitions, it is reassuring to know that Cancun does not often get hit by hurricanes.
Cancun weather during hurricane season
Not surprisingly, the hurricane season is also the rainiest time of year in Cancun.
If you plan to travel to Cancun this time of year, be prepared for passing rain showers.
Just because it is the rainy season, does not mean you will not see the sun. Often the rain storms pass through the area quickly- dumping a lot of rain before the sun comes out again.
Here is a look at the weather in the three of the peak hurricane season months:
✔ Cancun weather in August
August is one of the hottest months in Cancun. You can expect the daily high temperature to be around 90 degrees, and the average low temperature to be around 76 degrees.
The high temperature rarely passes 93 degrees, but it does feel hot in Cancun because it is muggy in August.
The humidity is usually between 70-90% during the day and only drops a bit at night.
August is known for having short, but intense, rainfalls, and slightly overcast days.
Despite its heat, many visitors love to come to Cancun in August because there are fewer crowds.
If you want to come in August be prepared to sweat, and make sure to spend as much time as you can in the water.
Plan water-based activities, such as trips to the cenotes, in order to stay cool.
✔ Cancun weather in September
September and October are the rainiest months in Cancun. The air temperature in September is similar to August- hot!
The daily high is around 88 degrees and the daily low is around 75 degrees. It will still feel hot in September because the humidity is high.
It is common for it to rain, although in the tropics rainfall usually comes fast and furious, but does not rain all day.
You can usually expect the skies to clear between rainfalls unless there is a tropical storm passing.
September is a great month to visit if you want to find deals on accommodations and enjoy the calm of the low season.
✔ Cancun weather in October
The hot summer temperatures are finally starting to cool off in October.
The daily high is around 85 degrees, and the temperature rarely passes 90 degrees. The daily low temperature is 72 degrees.
The humidity is still high in October, so despite the slightly lower temperatures, it will still feel hot.
October is one of the wettest months of the year, but as the month progresses, the rain starts to let up and the sky will clear up.
The month of October marks the transition from wet and hot, to more comfortable temperatures going into November.
If you plan a trip at the end of the month, you can enjoy fewer crowds.
It’s a great time to visit Mayan ruins, and you will be able to enjoy the sites without lots of other visitors.
Should you visit Cancun during hurricane season?
The idea of visiting Cancun during hurricane season might seem scary to many travelers.
However, it can be a great time to visit too. Make sure to buy trip insurance and be open to the idea of changing your trip dates in the rare event that a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching.
A large hurricane is unlikely to hit Cancun during your planned vacation, and if you do visit Cancun in these months, you risk having more rainy days but could be rewarded with great weather, empty beaches, and great discounts.
👉🏼 Is Cancun safe during hurricane season?
Yes, it is safe to visit Cancun during hurricane season.
With today’s technology, experts can predict hurricanes days before they hit an area.
This means that in the unlikely event that a hurricane is going to hit Cancun, you will likely have plenty of warning and time to change your travel plans.
In the even more unlikely event that you are in Cancun during a hurricane, you will need to listen to local authorities and your hotel staff, who will help keep you safe.
Most of the time though, hurricane season comes and goes without any hurricanes and it is safe to visit.
👉🏼 Is Cancun crowded during hurricane season?
No, the heat, humidity, and chance of storms keep many visitors away during hurricane season.
Hurricane season is the low season in Cancun.
The hotels and tours have fewer visitors, and if you decide to come then, it is a great time to shop around for discounts.
What Should you do during a hurricane in Cancun?
Hurricanes rarely hit Cancun, but that does not mean local authorities, tour operators, and hotel staff are not prepared to deal with them when they do.
Here is what you should do if you are in Cancun when a hurricane hits:
📌 Stay tuned to local media and news
With smartphones and social media, it is very easy to stay tuned into local media and news. As a hurricane approaches local government authorities will post all the information you need to stay safe.
📌 Know the emergency hotlines
Make sure to get the emergency hotline numbers well in advance of a hurricane hitting the area. Also, make sure to charge your electronics, especially your phone, in case the power goes out.
📌 Stay indoors
As a hurricane approaches and the wind picks up, make sure to stay indoors.
Strong winds can cause branches to break off of trees and in extreme cases power lines to fall down. Do not risk getting injured, and stay safely indoors.
📌 Take advantage of evacuation assistance when offered
As mentioned above, local authorities and hotels know what to do if a hurricane is approaching.
If they recommend you evacuate and offer you help to do so- take advantage of it. You do not want to risk being stuck in an unsafe place.
In an extreme weather event, your hotel may move you to another hotel away from where they expect the hurricane to strike.
Their goal will always be your safety, and they will try their best to keep you as comfortable as possible.
📌 Be prepared for lost network services and electricity
When a hurricane hits, it is common for the power to go out. You may also lose internet and cell phone service.
Let your loved ones know you are safe before the storm hits, charge your electronics, and be patient for services to be restored after the power goes out.
📌 Secure an emergency kit
Make sure you have plenty of drinking water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.
Grocery stores will be crowded as hurricanes approach, and the local government may enforce curfews to make sure everyone is home before the storm hits, so it is a good idea to plan ahead.
If you do not plan to evacuate for a hurricane, keep some essential supplies, such as extra bottled water, at your house all hurricane season, just in case.
When is the best time to visit Cancun?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. Maybe you want the best chance of clear, sunny days, or maybe you are willing to take the chance on some rainy days in order to get the best price.
Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit Cancun:
👍🏻 Best time to visit Cancun for good weather
The best weather in Cancun is in the winter months between December and April.
The rainy season is over, it is drier and less humid. The days are pleasantly hot, without being muggy, but you can still enjoy the beach and water.
It is the tropics so you still might get some rain, but the chance of having a lot of rainy days is low.
👍🏻 Best time to visit Cancun for the best deals and prices
Many visitors do not want to risk bad weather on their vacation, so they stay away from Cancun during the peak hurricane season of September and October.
This means that the hotels and tour operators are eager to get more people in the door.
You have the best chance of finding good deals and getting to enjoy empty beaches and tours, during these months.
👍🏻 Best time to visit Cancun for lesser crowds
The rainy season of June to October has fewer visitors than the dry, winter months. If you want to experience Cancun with fewer crowds, visit in September and October.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cancun Hurricane Season
Is hurricane season bad in Cancun?
It is rare for hurricanes to hit Cancun. Hurricane season brings more rain to the area, but there are also plenty of clear, sunny days too.
What months do hurricanes hit Cancun?
Hurricane season is from June to the end of November, with the most hurricane activity from August to November.
When was the last time Cancun had a hurricane?
The last major hurricane to hit Cancun and cause substantial damage was Wilma in 2005.
What was the worst hurricane to hit Cancun?
Wilma was the worst hurricane to hit Cancun.
In addition to record-breaking wind speeds, Wilma sat over Cancun for almost 50 hours. This prolonged wind caused extensive damage to infrastructure as well as the coral reef.
Wrapping Up: Cancun Hurricane Season
Cancun during hurricane season will have more rain than the rest of the year.
Thankfully, it is rare for Cancun to be hit by major hurricanes.
If you decide to visit the area during the peak hurricane season, make sure you have trip insurance in case you need to change your trip.
In the weeks leading up to your vacation, keep an eye on any hurricanes forming in the Atlantic.
It is unlikely that a hurricane will impact your travels, and if you do not mind a bit of rain, you may be rewarded with peaceful beaches and fewer crowds.
About the Author
Hey there! This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 12 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun’s spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!
