Cancun in November: Weather Info & Travel Tips

Traveling to Cancun in November? Don’t look any further. As I live in Cancun and in this post, I will tell you what is like to travel to Cancun in the month of November and every time of the year.

In this post, you will learn about Cancun weather in November, the best things to do, and events, besides useful practical tips.

If you want to learn about other months, stick around because I am going to publish a post about what is Cancun like in each month of the year. Bear with me while I am working on it. 🥵

Cancun in November in a nutshell

How is Cancun in November? November has comfortable weather and manageable crowds, making it a great time to visit the area.

November is part of what is called shoulder season, which means a transition month from the hot rainy summer to the cooler dry winter both with their pros and cons.

Well, November has the best of both worlds, mild temperatures, pleasant water temperatures, and less risk of hurricanes, but also lower prices and fewer crowds.

November is definitely one of the best months to travel in Cancun. But let’s see more in detail what to expect in Cancun in November.

Cancun in November – What the Weather is Like  

The weather in November shifts from the hot, humid days of the rainy season, to the relatively “cooler” days of the dry season.

From the beginning of November until the end, the weather will transition to comfortable, more predictable winter weather.

Cancun will experience less cloud cover, less rain, and lower humidity as it transitions to the winter months. 

☔️ Does it Rain in November in Cancun?

The beginning of November marks the end of the rainy season in Cancun. The Atlantic hurricane season technically goes until the end of November, but most hurricane activity peaks between mid-August and mid-September.

Thankfully, hurricanes are rare, and the chance of a hurricane messing with your November travel plans is very, very unlikely.

That said, the weather in November can be a little unpredictable, it is still the Caribbean after all.

While November is technically outside of the rainy season, quick showers are not uncommon.

In the tropics, passing rain showers are always a possibility. Usually, the rain comes and goes quickly, and it should not disrupt much of your day.

It is always a good idea to pack an umbrella or lightweight raincoat if you are out and do not want to get wet.

If you are out strolling you can always find a restaurant to pop into and enjoy a drink or snack and watch the storm pass over.

If you are spending the day doing aquatic activities, you will hardly even notice the rain! 

If you are traveling to Cancun you might be tempted to check the weather forecast before hopping on the plane.

People often see that rain is predicted almost daily, and panic. They wonder if they should reschedule their travel plans.

Do not let those forecasts worry you! Unless a tropical storm is passing, it is very uncommon for it to rain all day in the tropics. It might pour rain for five minutes and be sunny a mile down the street.

Rain showers typically move quickly and the sun comes out after they pass. The weather in Cancun changes quickly, and rain in the forecast is no reason to get stressed! 

🌡 November Temperatures 

The weather in November is shifting from the hot summer days to the typical winter weather, so you might wonder, will it still be hot in Cancun in November?

Will you be comfortable at the beach and in the water in November in Cancun? The answer is yes!

Even the winter months in Cancun are hot. The average daily high temperature in Cancun is between 79 and 85 degrees in November.

It cools off a bit at night with the average nighttime temperature being between 70 and 74 degrees.

The highest temperature you can expect in Cancun in November is 87 degrees and the lowest is 70 degrees.

🏊🏼‍♀️ Water temperatures in November

The weather in November is great for spending time at the beach and in the water. The water temperature in November is 82 degrees. You will feel refreshed, but not chilled, jumping into the water.

This is a great time of year for water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkelers will be comfortable floating on the 82-degree surface.

Depending on if you get cold quickly or not, scuba divers will be comfortable in a rashguard or light wetsuit. 

☀️ Tropical Humidity and Sunshine

Is Cancun humid in November? Cancun is located next to the jungle, and it is always humid.

You can expect the humidity to be between 75-86% in November.

Generally speaking, the humidity does not change too much from day to night. The humidity will depend on whether or not it has rained recently.

Love it or hate it, the humidity is part of every visit to Cancun. 

🌞 Is Cancun sunny in November?

Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. You can expect sunny days in November.

The average cloud cover decreases during the month of November from a 49% chance of clouds at the beginning of the month to a 36% chance of clouds at the end of the month.

The days get shorter in Cancun over the month of November, but you will still get over 10 hours of sunlight every day. 

Regardless, always use sunscreen because you can easily get burned no matter how cloudy the sky is. Remember you are in the tropics.

💨 Wind in November in Cancun

Is Cancun windy in November? Cancun is located on the Caribbean Sea, and you can expect a gentle breeze almost year round. During the winter months, cold fronts blow in from the north.

These cold fronts bring wind, cooler weather, and sometimes rain and rough seas.

They are called “nortes.” Nortes can affect your vacation because the port captain will sometimes make the decision to close the port to recreational activities.

This happens when the authorities decide the waves are rough and it is dangerous for the small diving, snorkeling, and parasailing boats to go out. 

The first nortes of the season can happen in late October or early November. Locals are usually happy for the arrival of the first “Norte”, because it generally signals the end of the active hurricane season.

If you are planning on diving or taking a snorkel tour, a strong norte can mess up your plans for a day or so.

If you see the strong wind in the forecast, try to do your aquatic excursions before or after the Norte blows through.

Even if the port is closed for a day of your vacation, there are plenty of other activities to do.

Cenotes are not affected by the wind, so nortes are a great time to visit a cenote or two! If you plan your Cancun vacation in November, it is possible you will experience one of the first nortes of the season.

Thankfully, this time of year they are usually not very strong and should not mess up your vacation plans. 

Overall, the weather in November is great. It is not uncomfortably hot and humid, but plenty hot enough for you to enjoy your vacation on the beach and in the water.

As the month of November progresses, the weather shifts to the typical dry, winter weather. 

Is there seaweed in Cancun in November 2022?

Sargasso season is usually from June through October, but luckily Cancun had a blessed year and the Sargasso went away much earlier. (yay!)

As you can see from the webcam in real time here below, the beaches are clean and they are back to their usual beauty. So you can book your trip to Cancun in November right now! 🙂

What Makes Traveling in November Great

November is a wonderful time to travel to Cancun. The weather is hot and sunny, but not as sticky and humid as in the summer months.

You will be happy spending the day at the beach and in the water, without overheating.

November is considered shoulder season, the magical time of the year when the weather is good, but it is not packed with tourists!

The high season is from December until April. The busiest weeks of the year are around the Christmas holidays and Semana Santa, or the weather leading up to Easter. 

Traveling in the “off” season is great. You do not need to worry about excursions you want to do being overbooked or full.

You can do all the sightseeing you desire! Popular beaches and attractions are less crowded in November than they will be in December.

You can shop around for great deals on hotels and airfare during the shoulder season. 

November is not as busy as the high-season months starting in December, but there are still plenty of tourists around. Some tropical locations seem to close up shop during the low season.

Cancun never shuts down, so you do not need to worry about your favorite restaurants or tour operators closing up for their vacation during November.

If you are looking to meet other travelers, do not worry.

People are figuring out the advantages of traveling in November, and you will be able to meet plenty of other travelers during this time. 

And yet you will be able to find great deals for traveling in this shoulder season month.

What to Pack for Cancun in November?

There is a fine line between over-packing and forgetting to bring useful items on a trip.

Thankfully, the tropical weather in Cancun makes packing pretty straightforward. Here are a few things you do not want to forget when planning your trip:

✔️ Water bottle – It is true that even locals do not drink tap water in Mexico, but many hotels will have large 20-liter jugs of filtered water.

Some larger hotels even have water filtration systems so you can drink tap water.

Fill up your water bottle with filtered water whenever you can to reduce the number of plastic water bottles used. 

✔️ Sun protection – Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rashguard, and sunglasses. Make sure to be careful here because the sun is strong.

Be extra vigilant on cloudy days, the UV rays are still strong and it is easy to forget to reapply sunscreen. You cannot use any sunscreen in the cenotes so make sure you have clothing that will protect your skin from the sun. 

✔️ Mosquito Spray – You will not be allowed to use it in the cenotes. Look for eco-friendly versions. As the weather gets drier, there are fewer mosquitoes to deal with; however, it is still a good idea to bring some with you. ↳GET IT ON AMAZON

✔️ Drybag – For the beach, cenotes, or any outdoor excursions, it is great to have a waterproof bag. Make sure to get a waterproof phone case too!↳ GET IT ON AMAZON

✔️ Raincoat – A lightweight raincoat is easy to carry around with you and can come in handy if you get caught in a shower. ↳ GET IT ON AMAZON

✔️ GoPro – Get great pictures and videos while on excursions. Make sure to have waterproof housing if you are diving with it! ↳ GET IT ON AMAZON

✔️ Beach towel and bag. Check if your hotel will supply a beach towel. If not, make sure to pack one. Bring a bag that is comfortable to take with you to the beach. 

✔️ Sense of Adventure – Be ready for a great vacation. Do not let any unexpected rain shower ruin your day! 

What to wear in Cancun in November?

Here below are a few outfit ideas. Click on the image to check out the product on Amazon.

Hats

Swimsuits

Beach Cover-up

Cute dresses

Sandals and flip flops

Activities to Do in Cancun in November

There are tons of great activities to do in Cancun in November. The weather is hot and sunny, and not as humid as it is during the summer months.

Traveling to Cancun in November means you get the benefits of comfortable weather, without the crowds that begin to arrive in December. 

No vacation to Cancun is complete without a few lazy days enjoying the white sand beaches.

When you are ready for adventure, there are lots of options to choose from. Having a hard time deciding? Here are some activities you do not want to miss.

🤿 Scuba Diving

Whether you are a certified diver or ready to try diving for the first time, November is a great time to scuba dive in Cancun.

The water is a comfortable 82 degrees, meaning you can dive in a thin wetsuit or just a rash guard.

It is not the high season for travelers, so you will not be running into a lot of other dive groups on the reef.

Beautiful spotted eagle rays come to the Cancun water during the winter months, and you will have a good chance of spotting them in November. 

The crystal clear water of Cancun makes it a great spot to scuba dive all year round. There is something for everyone here.

New divers will love exploring the shallow reefs and the MUSA, the underwater museum.

Experienced divers can ask to go to the Cancun shipwreck- the C-58. Quick rain showers that can happen in November are not a problem if you are scuba diving- you will be getting wet anyway! 

Check out the suggested tours below or head over to my complete post on scuba diving in Cancun.

🤿 Visit a Cenote

The Riviera Maya is full of underground rivers. Surface openings to the underground river systems are called cenotes.

Cenotes can be large, pool-like openings, or small openings that lead to waterways with rock overhangs.

Cenotes are important to the Maya culture, the Mayan people believed they were the entrance to the underworld.

No visit to Cancun is complete without visiting a cenote! 

Certified scuba divers can book an excursion to dive in the cenote caverns. You will dive into the crystal-clear water and see beautiful rock formations and stalactites.

If you are not a diver, you can snorkel in the cenotes. Cenote Dos Ojos is a great site for snorkelers to visit. 

🚴🏻‍♀️ Visit Rio Secreto on an Adventure Tour

Have a fun adventure that ends with a relaxing swim in a cenote! You will start this tour with a fun bike ride through the jungle. Next, you will trek through the jungle, and finish the tour with a swim in Rio Secreto! 

This is a great tour for people who want a fun adventure that ends at a beautiful cenote! This tour is recommended for physically-fit guests who are ready for biking and walking. 

🏛 Visit Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was a major city in the Maya world. This archeological site is home to several architectural styles including the famous Kukulcan temple. This site was named one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.

Millions of visitors go to Chichen Itza every year. November is a great time to go because it is not high season. In high season the site gets really crowded. The weather in November is great for a day walking around the ruins.

Whether you are into history or not, Chichen Itza is an impressive site that you do not want to miss. 

There are many ways to get to Chichen Itza, but the best options are either by car rental or by joining a tour.

I have included the top-rated tour to Chichen Itza here below.

⛵️Visit Isla Mujeres

Located only 20 minutes ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the unmissable places to visit if you are traveling to Cancun. There are many ways to get to Isla Mujeres and one of the most popular ones is by catamaran cruise.

Otherwise, you can take a ferry ride and explore on your own, check out the spectacular Playa Norte, rent a golf cart and explore the island all the way to Punta Sur. Here below I am sharing the top-rated catamaran cruise.

If you are wondering if it’s better to travel to Cancun or Isla Mujeres, I’ve got you covered as well. Check out my above-linked post.

🏄🏽‍♀️ Go Surfing

The waves in Cancun are dependent on the wind. If the wind is blowing in the correct direction, you can get fun waves for surfing or body boarding.

November can be a great time to go surfing. Small tropical storms in the Caribbean can send a great swell to the Riviera Maya. 

What to do in Cancun in November if it rains

🌮 Take a Cooking Class

Rainy days in Cancun? Worry not. If you are ready to get out of the sun for a few hours or happen to have some bad weather in the forecast, a cooking class is a fun way to spend your day.

You can take a piece of Mexican culture home with you when you learn how to make traditional food using local ingredients.

This tour begins with a trip to a local market where you will shop for regional ingredients. You will then cook a delicious four-course meal using traditional tools such as stone mortar. 

🏛 Check out the Maya Museum

A relatively new museum in the Hotel Zone, the Mayana museum is located in a new modern building and showcases a collection of findings from the archaeological sites of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.

Opening hours: Open every day except Mondays from 9 am to 6 pm

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.

Where to stay in Cancun in November

Among all the Cancun hotels you will find so many options for every budget and type of hotel.

If you want to look at the spectacular colors of Cancun I would suggest you stay in the Hotel Zone.

Otherwise, you can find cute budget options in the downtown area not that far from the beach. Here below are a few options ⤵️

Best hotel for Solo travelers – Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Best hotel for Families – Hyatt Ziva Cancun All Inclusive
Best hotel for couples – Turquoize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Best Luxury Hotel in Cancun – Nizuc Resort and Spa
Best Cancun Vacation Rental Property – Budget (downtown) – Villa Sofia
Best Cancun All Inclusive luxury hotel in the Hotel Zone – Live Aqua Beach Resort All Inclusive Adult only

What’s Going on in Cancun in November 

There is always something exciting happening in Cancun. Here are a few of the events that happen in November.

💀 Day of the Dead Celebrations

If you are in Cancun at the beginning of November, you do not want to miss experiencing the beautiful traditions of the Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 2. It is a country-wide holiday where families celebrate life and death.

In the state of Quintana Roo, the holiday is called Hanal Pixan. Hanal Pixan is important in the Maya culture, as families get together to celebrate loved ones who have passed.

Families celebrate their loved ones coming back to visit them. 

Families build altars with traditional offerings such as cempasuchil flowers, salt, food and drinks, and pictures of loved ones. Many hotels and restaurants will have altars on display.

If you want to really enjoy the beauty of the Day of the Dead celebrations, head into downtown Cancun to Parque de las Palapas.

You will find beautiful altars and the locals gathering. 

Mayakoba Golf Tournament 

The Mayakoba Golf Tournament is a great event. You do not need to be a golf enthusiast to enjoy the week of entertainment at the Mayakoba Golf Course. 

Golf fans will enjoy seeing great PGA golf players come to Cancun. The golf course was created by Australian golfer Greg Norman. 

Is Cancun Safe?

Yes, we can say that Cancun is relatively safe. After all the fact that 22.5 million people traveled in 2021 through Cancun airport, it says a lot.

You still need to use some common sense and be aware of your surrounding, in other words, avoid getting yourself into trouble. Read more on safety in Cancun in my Cancun Travel Guide to learn how to do that.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Cancun?

Yes, I would get travel insurance everywhere I travel no matter what. You never know what can happen.

If you ask me I have two recommended travel insurance sites, one is SafetyWings, which I find relatively affordable and quite comprehensive.

The other one is Travel Insurance master, a site that will help you find the perfect insurance for you.

You fill out the form with the information about your profile and requirements and they select the insurance company that is a good fit.

Cancun weather by season

💦 Cancun wet season (summer) -The wet season starts approximately in June and until Mid September – October.

It’s characterized by higher temperatures and a better chance of rain, and even hurricanes (that is why it’s also called hurricane season).

This is also when usually the sargasso is most likely to show up.

On the bright side, the sea is warmer and prices go slightly down.

☀️ December through April (winter) – Winter is also called the dry season when temperatures get milder, and the sky is blue and sunny. The water temperature is cooler and it’s less likely to rain.

This is also called “high season”, because of the beautiful weather. It’s when you find the highest prices and the bigger crowds.

At this time of the year, you can also find Sprig break season which is usually March or April, something to keep in mind if you want to avoid this kind of noisy tourists.

😎 After Easter – beginning of June (shoulder season) – That is when the prices are at their lowest, there are fewer crowds, and the water gets warmer.

We are still in the dry season slowly sliding into the wet season with more chance of rain and cloudy days.

⛈ Mid-September – November (shoulder season) – This is another so-called shoulder season when the weather is the worst.

The temperatures are at their highest until the end of October when it starts to cool down.

This time of the year is really unpredictable. The only thing you can be sure of is that it’s hot and humid. Sea temperatures are the warmest of the year and water temperatures are pleasant. Sargasso is going away (🥳) and the beach is cleaning up for the dry season!

The lower rates and fewer crowds make this season still an interesting time to travel to Cancun.

When is the best time to travel to Cancun?

As you can see there is no best or worst time to travel to Cancun. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Cancun in November FAQ

Is it too cold to swim in Cancun in November?

No, it’s not too cold to swim in Cancun in November. Although the water temperature starts to cool down, it’s still retaining some of the heat from the summer. You will find pleasant water temperatures in Cancun in November.

Is November hurricane season in Cancun?

The hurricane season in Cancun occurs between the start of June and the end of November. However, the months with the highest risk of hurricanes are September and October. Since in November the water temperature starts to cool down, the risk of hurricanes is much lower than in the other months, but not impossible.

Is it worth going to Mexico in November?

Going to Mexico in November is definitely worth it. In November, also called the shoulder season

Is it worth going to Cancun in November?

It’s definitely worth going to Cancun in November as it’s less expensive and crowdy and the weather starts to get nicer with less chance of rain compared to October.

Is November a good time to visit Cancun?

Absolutely! The weather is hot and sunny, but not as humid as rainy as in the summer. You can spend your days in the warm water and on the beach. There is plenty to do in November, but it is not as crowded as it will be in December. 

What’s the worst time to visit Cancun?

It depends on what you are and are not looking for. There is no particular worst and best time. Check out the Cancun weather by season section to learn more.

What’s the cheapest month to go to Cancun?

The cheapest months to go to Cancun may be September October and November and also May and June.

Is Cancun busy in November?

No, Cancun is not that busy in November. However, people are starting to understand that it’s the best time of the year to get to Cancun and it keeps getting every year busier.

Is Cancun hot in November?

Yes! The days can hit the low to mid-80s. With the sun shining the weather will feel hot, but not uncomfortable.

Is November a rainy month in Cancun?

At the beginning of November, the rainy season ends in Cancun. As I mentioned before, there is less chance of rain compared to October.

Can I see the whale sharks in November?

No, the whale sharks in Cancun show up from mid-June through the end of August. In November it’s difficult to see whale sharks in Mexico as they will start getting to the pacific coast around December.

Weather in Cancun in November: final thought

If you have read the entire post you have realized that November is a great time of year to visit Cancun.

The weather is transitioning from the really hot and humid days of the summer to the comfortably hot days of the winter.

You might get to experience a few small rain showers, but you will also have plenty of sunshine.

The water and air temperature are ideal for spending days at the beach, scuba diving, or snorkeling.

Cancun is not as crowded in November as it will be around the December holidays. You can peacefully enjoy all the area has to offer!