Cancun and Cozumel Travel Weather




What's the Weather Like When Traveling to Cancun and Cozumel?

Cancun and Cozumel are popular Mexican tourist destinations. The population of Cozumel is approximately 100,000 and Cancun over 600,000. Cancun is located on the northeastern part of the Yucatan peninsula and it's highest elevation about 30 feet. Cozumel is an island about 6 miles east of the Yucatan mainland, and a little over 55 miles south of Cancun in the northwest Caribbean Sea. Cancun and Cozumel are flat with the highest elevation near 50 feet on Cozumel. Both locations are noted for their beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. Cancun and Cozumel both have Mayan ruins which also attract many visitors.

The weather pattern is dictated by the wet and dry season. It is classifed as a tropical wet and dry climate, better known as a savannah climate. This climate is warm with distinctive wet and dry periods. Much heavier rainfall occurs during the wet season. This coincides with an increase in tropical waves which move across the Caribbean Sea. There is a threat from hurricanes especially in the heart of hurricane season from mid August through mid October.

Cancun and Cozumel Rainfall
Cancun and Cozumel have a very distinct wet season. Tropical rains begin in late May and continue through October. The monthly average rainfall September and October is seven to eleven inches. Mostly sunny days can give way to scattered showers and storms that build during the summertime. The heaviest rains occur from tropical waves or other tropical disturbances. Tropical disturbances can disrupt the weather pattern and bring several days of clouds and rain. Cold fronts can bring rain to the region through autumn. The amounts are not nearly as heavy with monthly average rainfall amounts of a little over three inches.

Travelers wanting to minimize their rain chances should visit in late winter and early spring. This is the driest time of year. On average, only 1/2" to one inch of rainfall occurs each month. Keep in mind that temperatures start to get hot by springtime.

Cancun and Cozumel Temperatures
High temperatures during the spring into summer range from the low to mid 90's at Cancun and low 90s at Cozumel. The temperatures at night dip only down to the mid to upper 70's. The increase in humidity adds to how hot its feels during the summer. The highs are usually slightly cooler on Cozumel where the Caribbean Sea helps keep the readings down. Wintertime high temperatures are pleasant with highs in the low to mid 80's and morning lows in the upper 60's.

Cancun and Cozumel Travel Weather Summary
Travelers visiting Cancun and Cozumel can expect to find hot temperatures late spring through summer. It is common to find passing showers or thundershowers with locally heavy rain during the days when tropical waves move past. Many days are marked by sunshine and are perfect for going to the beach or exploring other tourist interests. The driest and most pleasant time of the year is during the mid to late winter when humidity and temperatures are lower. Travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest tropical weather information if traveling during the hurricane season.

Sunrise / Sunset Times (All times are for the first day of each month)

Cancun
Month
 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sunrise 7:25 7:24 7:08 6:41 6:17 6:05 6:09 6:21 6:31 6:39 6:50 7:08
Sunset 6:17 6:38 6:52 7:02 7:12 7:25 7:33 7:26 7:03 6:35 6:11 6:05

Cozumel
Month
 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sunrise 7:24 7:24 7:08 6:41 6:18 6:07 6:11 6:23 6:32 6:39 6:50 7:07
Sunset 6:19 6:39 6:53 7:02 7:12 7:25 7:32 7:25 7:03 6:36 6:13 6:06

Cancun and Cozumel travel weather quick summary -
  • Cancun and Cozumel travel weather - hottest months: April through September
  • Cancun and Cozumel travel weather - coolest months: December, January
  • Cancun and Cozumel travel weather - wettest months: June - October
  • Cancun and Cozumel travel weather - driest months: February, March, April

Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Month
 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average High 84 86 89 92 93 92 92 92 91 89 87 84
Record High 99 102 108 111 105 104 102 101 104 100 100 103
Average Low 63 63 66 69 72 73 72 72 72 70 67 64
Record Low 40 45 46 50 56 M 60 M 63 53 48 46
Days of Rain 8 6 4 4 8 14 14 15 17 15 10 9
Average Rainfall 2.14" 1.98" 1.52" 1.59" 4.61" 6.76" 5.91" 6.31" 8.28" 6.72" 3.31" 2.24"

Climatology courtesy of the Mexico National Weather Service. Felipe Carrillo Puerto is south of Cancun. The temperatures are generally slightly cooler by 1-2 degrees at Cozumel and Cancun. Precipitation is similar at all locations.


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