Traveling to Cancun in February: Weather, Events, and Amazing Things to do
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If you planning a trip to Cancun in February, this post is for you! You will learn about Cancun weather in February, the top tours and things to do, and more practical tips.
February is a great time to visit Cancun, especially if live somewhere with a cold winter, and you are chasing the tropical sunshine. Then, Cancun is the perfect place.
In fact, February is in the dry season in Cancun, so you can expect hot days, comfortable evenings, and clear skies.
The great weather in Cancun attracts a lot of tourists looking for a break from the cold weather.
February is in the middle of the high season and although Cancun became famous as a spot for the spring break crowd looking for night-and-day parties, in recent years Cancun has also developed its reputation as a family-friendly destination.
Whatever atmosphere you are looking for, you can find it in Cancun.
But let’s find out in detail what Cancun is like in February.
How is the Weather in Cancun in February?
When you picture a Cancun vacation, you probably imagine yourself relaxing on a beach. You want to make sure that the weather predictions line up with your expectations.
Thankfully, the weather in Cancun is ideal for a beach vacation. Here are all the details you need to know about what the weather is usually like in February.
Cancun Temperature in February
February is one of the winter months, and it does have some of the coolest temperatures you will find in Cancun. But do not worry, it is not cold!
Cancun is a tropical climate and in February the daily average temperature is around 77 degrees.
The daily high temperature is around 82 degrees. It is rare for it to get hotter than 86 degrees in Cancun. The lowest high temperature is around 77 degrees.
This means that the days are hot, but not uncomfortably so. It cools off in the evening in Cancun in February and the average low temperature is around 68 degrees. It rarely drops below 58 degrees.
The coldest days in Cancun happen when a norte blows in. Nortes are strong cold fronts that blow in from the north; hence the name norte.
These cold fronts bring strong gusts of wind that are sometimes accompanied by rain.
During a norte, the daily high temperature may be in the 70s and the nighttime temperature drops down to the high 50s.
This is the coldest weather you will experience in Cancun. You can identify a true Cancun local in a norte because they will be wearing a thick jacket and long pants.
Most tourists are comfortable in a norte with a light sweatshirt or lightweight pants. Most nortes do not last more than a day or two.
The strong wind will make the ocean rough. Sometimes the port captain will decide to close the port to aquatic activities such as catamaran tours, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
This is for everyone’s safety. Once the norte blows past, the port will reopen. Nortes are a great time to head into the jungle to check out some archeological sites.
There are different Maya ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula to explore, and the cooler weather makes it very comfortable to visit them.
Whatever you do, if you are in Cancun during a norte, do not forget to wear sunscreen. The cooler weather can trick people into forgetting to reapply sunscreen, but the sun is still strong!
What is the Ocean like in February?
The ocean and beaches are great in February. The ocean temperature is around 78-79 degrees. This is a comfortable temperature for swimming and snorkeling.
The visibility of the water is great. February has clear, sunny days, which help with the visibility, which is usually around 60-100 feet.
February is a great time to scuba dive in Cancun. During the winter months, the waters off the shore of Quintana Roo are visited by groups of eagle rays.
These majestic creatures arrive around November and stay until the beginning of spring. Local scientists are still trying to learn exactly what brings them to this area in the winter months.
If you sign up for a diving or snorkeling excursion you may be lucky enough to spot one! If you plan to scuba dive you may want to use a wetsuit.
Water conducts heat away from your body much faster than air does, so you will feel chilled by the end of your dives. Most dive shops rent 3mm wetsuits.
If you want to do snorkeling or scuba diving during your vacation, it is a good idea to book it at the beginning of your trip.
If a norte blows in, the port captain will close the port to recreational activities and you will need to reschedule your excursion.
If you schedule your aquatic activities at the beginning of your trip and have strong winds, you will still have time at the end of your trip to get in the water once the wind passes.
Norte cold fronts are predictable, and most dive shops keep a close eye on the weather report. They can help you pick the best days of your trip to go scuba diving or snorkeling.
Does it Rain in Cancun in February?
If you check the weather report, you will see that it always shows a chance of rain in Cancun. Do not let this worry you!
Cancun is a tropical location, so even during the dry season, it is not uncommon to have a short rain shower pass by.
Clouds and rain can move in quickly, and in February it can rain anywhere from five minutes to an hour before the clouds move on and the sun comes out.
The chance of having a ‘rainy day’ decreases during the month of February.
In the tropics, it is always a good idea to carry a lightweight raincoat with you. Rain showers can sneak up on you at any time, but do not let this affect your plans.
Locals are used to short-lived rain showers and they do not let a little rain affect their day.
Tours and excursions are usually not affected by a little rain. Remember, even if it starts raining, the sun will probably be out again soon.
The weather changes fast in Cancun, so do not let it stress you out!
How is the humidity in Cancun in February?
Cancun is a tropical location. You are near the jungle and the ocean, and this means that the weather is always humid.
The good news is that it is not as humid in February as it is during the rainy season. It is slightly more humid than the month of January, and the humidity is around 70-80%.
The temperatures are still relatively cool for Cancun, so it will not feel uncomfortable. If you have hair that gets a little crazy with humidity, plan on some curly hair days!
The humidity in February is lower than in the rainy season. Combined with the cooler evening weather, the low humidity means that there are fewer mosquitos out!
If you are someone that the mosquitos cannot resist, it is still a good idea to bring bug repellent. Thankfully though, February is not peak mosquito season.
Will Cancun be Sunny in February?
If you are craving a change from bleak winter days, the most important question you might have about the weather is this: will it be sunny? Yes!
Cancun in February has great beach weather, with sunny days. Throughout the month you can expect consistently sunny days, with overcast weather happening only 24% of the time.
This means that around 76% of the time the sky is clear and the sun is shining!
The days get longer throughout February. All month you will have over 11 hours of sunlight, which gives you plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the beach.
Just remember to wear sunscreen. Look for eco-friendly or reef-friendly sunscreens.
Reef-friendly sunscreens are mineral sunscreens that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
In February the UV index is usually around 9. The sun is strong all year in Cancun and the last thing you want to do is get a painful sunburn.
Is Cancun Windy in February?
There is usually a pleasant ocean breeze in Cancun. This refreshing breeze helps keep you comfortable while you relax on the beach or sip margaritas under a palapa overlooking the ocean.
February can be windy. The winter months are when Cancun gets cold fronts with strong winds blowing from the north.
Nortes bring windy days, with strong gusts of wind. They usually blow in and can last anywhere from a day to a few days.
Nortes make the ocean rough, and the port captain may decide to close the port to aquatic activities. If you are planning on taking a ferry to Cozumel Island or Isla Mujeres, the ferries will continue to run in a note.
Just beware, the ride will be rough. If you are prone to seasickness it is best to take anti-seasickness medicine or avoid using the ferry during a note.
After the norte blows through, the wind will die down and change direction, and the waves will go back to normal.
Is There Seaweed in February?
February is not seaweed season, so you can expect clean beaches. Sargassum is a brown algae that floats on the top of the ocean.
In recent years climate change has impacted the ocean currents and temperature, resulting in more sargassum washing ashore.
The sargassum is not harmful to people, but some people find it makes their skin itchy. At its worst, sargassum can arrive on the beach and in the shallow water in big patches. When it dries on the beach it can have a smell.
There is the most sargassum in the summer. During the summer, hotels and beach-front restaurants work hard to clean the dried sargassum off their shores.
It is always possible for small pieces of sargassum to wash ashore; however, February is not seaweed season. You can expect clean beaches and clear water on your visit.
You may also like:
✔️ Traveling to Cancun in November
✔️ Traveling to Cancun in December
✔️ Traveling to Cancun in January
Best Time to Visit Cancun
With white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and delicious tacos, there is never a bad time to visit Cancun.
February is in the middle of the high season, and for good reason, the weather conditions are great!
February has long been popular with the spring break crowd, but in recent years Cancun built a reputation as having many family-friendly resorts.
Whether you are looking to party, relax on the beach, or spend quality time with your family, Cancun is a great choice.
Cancun’s tropical climate means you can enjoy the beach all year round. February is one of the coolest months in Cancun, but this is actually ideal for many travelers.
For many people, the summer months in Cancun can be really hot and humid, but February is a perfect balance.
It is hot enough during the day to enjoy aquatic activities, but not so hot you want to hide in air conditioning. You can expect clear skies in February.
There is always a chance of passing rain showers in the Caribbean, but it is rare to have rain all day in February.
Pack a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt because the evenings can be pleasantly cool this time of the year.
The fact that February is a great time to visit Cancun is not a secret. February is the high season. Plan your trip early because hotels fill up this time of year.
If there are any excursions you do not want to miss, make sure to book them as soon as possible.
It is hard to find great deals for hotels during the high season; however, you can often find good airline deals. There are many charter airlines that fly directly from major US cities in the high season for great deals.
If the cold weather gets you down, planning a trip to Cancun in February is a great idea. The beach conditions are great, and the sun will be shining.
Book a resort that meets your vacation requirements, whether that be spring break partying or a peaceful getaway!
Packing List for Cancun in February
Nothing is worse than arriving at a vacation spot and realizing you packed all wrong! Thankfully, packing for Cancun is pretty simple.
You want comfortable beach clothes, layers in case it is chilly in the evenings, and sun protection. Here is a guide to help you pack.
✔️ Swimsuit and beachwear – It may be obvious but it can happen to forget it.
✔️ Reef-friendly sunscreen – Look for a mineral sunscreen that uses titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
✔️ Sandals or flip flops – You will want a pair of shoes you can slip on to wear to the pool and beach.
✔️ Tennis shoes or hiking sandals – If you plan to visit any ruins you will be happy to have comfortable walking shoes.
✔️ Lightweight Raincoat – This can serve as a windbreaker and will come in handy if you find yourself in any unexpected rain showers.
✔️ Mosquito Repellent – There are not a lot of mosquitos in February but it is always a good idea to bring repellent in case you go to ruins in the jungle or are someone that mosquitos love to bite.
✔️ Sun protection hat and clothing – If you plan to spend a lot of time in the water a rashguard can be a great thing to keep the sun from burning you.
Click on the image below to check the item⤵️
Beach bag and towel. Check if your hotel will provide beach towels, if not you will want to bring one.
✔️ Dry bag and waterproof phone case – These will come in handy if you are doing any excursions on boats, or just to keep your belongings safe at the pool and beach.
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Water bottle – It is true that no one drinks tap water in Cancun, but there are still many opportunities to fill a reusable water bottle and reduce the amount of single-use plastic water bottles you use.
Many small hotels will have large garafones, or 20-liter jugs of water you can use to refill your water bottle.
Bigger hotels often have water filtration systems that make the tap water drinkable, you can check with your hotel.
Whenever possible, try to fill up your water bottle before leaving your hotel to avoid buying plastic water bottles.
✔️ Sense of adventure! There is so much to explore in Cancun. Whether you have traveled to Mexico many times or it is your first time visiting, make sure you try something for the first time.
What to Wear in Cancun in February
It is hard to find the perfect balance between overpacking and not having the clothing you want while on vacation.
When you travel to Cancun, pack plenty of clothing for the activities you are planning to do.
If you will be snorkeling, scuba diving, and visiting cenotes, make sure to take swimsuits and comfortable beach clothes.
If you want to do luxury catamaran tours and visit fancy restaurants, you may feel more comfortable in sundresses.
Here are some clothing staples you will most certainly use on vacation.
✅ Swimsuits and beachwear
✅ Flip flops
✅ Sunglasses
✅ Hat. Before moving to the tropics I never wore hats. Now I love them! They keep my hair out of my face on windy days and protect my skin from the sun.
✅ Raincoat or lightweight jacket. This will come in handy if it rains or you get chilled on an excursion. If you go snorkeling or scuba diving on a windy day, you will be happy to have a light jacket to put on when you get out of the water.
✅ Sweater or lightweight pants for cool evenings. This can be the same clothing you use to stay warm on the airplane. If a norte blows in, or if you spend a lot of time cooling off in the water, you might feel chilled in the evenings and be happy to have a sweater.
✅ Tennis shoes or hiking sandals to wear on jungle excursions and to ruins.
✅ Formal outfit. It never hurts to have a dress with you in case you decide to have a fancy evening out.
✅ Comfortable clothing. Shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops will be your preferred wardrobe for excursions or hanging out at your hotel.
Here below I have included a few outfit recommendations. Click on the image to see the product ⤵️
Hats
Swimsuits
Beach Cover-up
Cute dresses
Sandals and flip flops
Top recommended tours in Cancun in January
There are so many great activities to do in Cancun- it can be hard to decide what to do! Here are some tours you do not want to miss!
👉 2 Tanks Scuba Diving for Beginners in Cancun ~ Personalized Service
5 ⭐ 49 Reviews
If you love swimming or snorkeling, the next step is to try scuba diving. Cancun is a great spot to try this sport.
The water is warm and clear, and there are amazing reefs to visit. This full-day tour starts with a scuba lesson.
You will learn the basic theory and get into the pool to practice with an experienced instructor.
From there you will get onto the boat and head out to do two dives. The first dive is at MUSA, the underwater museum.
You will see an artificial reef made of sculptures.
Next, you will visit Manchones, a shallow reef. This activity is only suitable for people who know how to swim.
👉 ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park Cancun
4.5 ⭐ 1372 Reviews
This is a great tour for people looking for a jungle adventure. You will start your day by suiting up for soaring over the trees on a series of ziplines.
Next, you will enjoy jungle views as you walk across hanging bridges. From there you will hop onto ATVs and follow your guide through the jungle.
You will finish your tour with a visit to a cenote. You can rope swing, jump, or climb a ladder into the refreshing cenote water.
👉 Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
5 ⭐ 8848 Reviews
Spend a day learning about the history of the Yucatan Peninsula. You will start your day by driving to the archeological site of Chichen Itza.
Here you will admire the Kukulcan pyramid and learn about the Maya civilization.
Next, you will head to the Cenote Saamal. There you will get a chance to go for a swim and cool off.
You will finish your tour with a stop at the colonial town of Valladolid where you can stroll around the main plaza and enjoy a buffet lunch before heading back to your hotel.
👉 Check out all the top-rated tours to the Mayan Ruins from Cancun!
👉 Xplor Fuego Nighttime Adventure with Transportation
4.5 ⭐ 141 Reviews
Spend your day relaxing at the beach or pool then head out at night to experience the Xplor part in the dark.
The park is great for travelers looking for a fun adventure. You can look at the stars while ziplining through the dark.
Attach paddles to your hands and paddle your raft through underground caves where you can see rock formations.
You can drive an amphibious vehicle across rivers. The tour includes a buffet dinner.
👉 Xochimilco Park: Ticket with Transportation from Cancun and Riviera Maya
4.5 ⭐ 163 Reviews
Take a dinner cruise modeled after the UNESCO world heritage site. You will board traditional boats called trajineras and travel along canals.
You will enjoy a traditional Mexican meal complete with tequila and beer while listening to mariachi and marimba music.
What To Do in Cancun in February if it Rains
It is not common for it to rain for long periods of time in February, but anything is possible in the tropics. A norte could blow in and cause a day or two of rain.
It can be disappointing to have a rainy day when you want to be at the beach. Thankfully, there are lots of fun activities to do in Cancun when it rains.
If you enjoy shopping you can check out La Isla Shopping Village. You can shop, go to a movie, and eat in restaurants there.
If you decide to go to the movie theatre, know that most movies are screened in their original language.
When buying your movie ticket the schedule will say if it is in the original language or dubbed into Spanish. Most adult movies have subtitles, and children’s movies are dubbed into Spanish.
Here are a few excursions that you can enjoy whether the sun is shining or it is raining.
👉 Guided Mexican Food Tour & Spirits Tasting with transportation
4.5 ⭐ 59 Reviews
This small group tour will give you the chance to go into downtown Cancun and eat like the locals. You will get the chance to try different local and national dishes, including seafood and tacos.
You will also try three Mexican spirits – tequila, mezcal, and Maya liquor. You will also get the chance to learn how to make homemade tortillas and listen to Mariachi music.
👉 If you are a food lover, you may be interested also in these top-rated food tours!
👉 Cirque du Soleil® JOYÀ Admission Tickets
4.5 ⭐ 510 Reviews
Joya is the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter searching for the secret of life. Enjoy the mesmerizing acrobatics and music of Cirque du Soleil in this custom-built theatre.
You can choose to purchase tickets with dinner and champagne included.
Best Hotels in Cancun
Cancun hotel options fulfill everyone’s desires. Whether you want a relaxing luxury experience or a place to take your children, you can find it.
Here are some hotel recommendations.
1. Selina Cancun Laguna | Great Option for Travelling on a Budget
The Selina Cancun hotel is a great option if you are traveling on a budget. It has a variety of rooms to choose from, including standard rooms with private bathrooms, suites, family rooms, and dormitories.
The property has a pool, shared kitchen, yoga studio, spa, and movie room.
You can eat at the onsite restaurant, and use the coworking space. This is a great spot for solo travelers looking to meet people.
2. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach | Great Option for Travelling with Your Family
This all-inclusive resort is located in the Cancun hotel zone on a sandy beach. You can choose from a variety of rooms including two-bedroom family suites.
The beach is great for swimming or you can hang out in the pool. There is a kid’s club on site. Adults can enjoy the spa and bar lounges.
3. Le Blanc | Great Luxury Option
If you want a romantic getaway or relaxing vacation, this adult-only all-inclusive is a great option. Le Blanc is located on a beautiful stretch of beach in Cancun.
Le Blanc offers a variety of activities including aquatic spinning and paddleboard yoga.
Indulge yourself at the on-site spa. The resort has over 10 different restaurants to choose from that offer a mix of fine and casual dining.
Cancun Events and Festivals In February
✞ Dia de Candelaria
If you know any locals, you may be able to get invited to celebrate el Dia de Candelaria with them. It is a religious celebration of when Jesus was presented in the temple.
Families who gathered on January 6th to celebrate el Dia de Los Reyes ate a special bread with small Jesus statues baked into it.
The people who received the statues will need to bring tamales for everyone to share on the Dia de Candelaria which is February 2nd.
This day is usually celebrated among families.
Locals will celebrate Carnaval from February 17 to the 25th in 2023. The last day of Carnaval is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Cancun celebrates Carnaval with concerts, parties, and parades in the downtown area.
♬♪ Dave & Tim Riviera Maya 2023
Music fans of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds can enjoy this all-inclusive concert vacation experience on February 17-19, 2023.
They will perform three concerts on the beach at the Moon Palace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Cancun in February?
Yes! The water is comfortable at 78-79 degrees in February. The water in Cancun is warm enough to swim year-round.
Is it safe to arrive in Cancun at night?
Yes, but it is a good idea to book a private shuttle before arriving. Taxi drivers will try to negotiate prices with you, so it is best to have a shuttle booked.
Your driver will be waiting for you and will take you directly to your hotel.
Here is a summary of how to get from Cancun airport to your hotel. And if you are wondering, you can’t take Uber from Cancun Airport.
TRANSPORTATION | DURATION | ONE WAY COST |
30 min. | US$ 39 (from 1 to 3 p) | |
30 min | US$ 30 - 70 (per day) | |
30 min - 60 min | US$ 10 (per person) | |
30 min | from 85 USD | |
1- 2h | $US 5 (per person) | |
30 min | $US 80 - 100 (per taxi) |
Is it too cold to go to Cancun in February?
No! February is one of the coolest months in Cancun, but it is still a tropical location. Cancun is warm and humid all year round.
In February the temperatures will be high enough for you to enjoy swimming and spend time at the beach.
Cancun in February: final thoughts
If you live somewhere with a cold winter, a February getaway to Cancun is a great choice. You can get some sunshine and enjoy the clear skies and predictably good weather.
Cancun in February is hot and humid during the day but cools off in the evening.
If a norte blows in, you may have a few days of rough ocean waves and cooler temperatures. Cooler weather is a great time to go into the jungle and visit Mayan ruins.
It is no secret that February is a great time to visit Cancun. If you plan to come in February make sure to book your hotel and excursions early because it is high season and things fill up fast!
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!
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