Cancun is a tropical Caribbean destination that offers lots of things to do under a relatively hot, humid climate the whole year round. Thanks to this combination of heat and humidity, hurricane season in Cancun and Riviera Maya is a reality. Nevertheless, the weather in the Mexican Caribbean is split into a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season runs from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April.
The temperature does vary throughout the year, though it’s mainly the lows that are noticeable, as the heat is more or less constant. In winter months you can expect highs of around 82°F, compared to the 90°F of summer; with lows of 61°F and 72°F respectively. The rainy season is at its peak during September and October; on average, it rains on 20 days during September. The driest months are generally March and April, with rain seen on less than 10 days during each month. Finally, the hurricane season in Cancun and the Riviera Maya runs from June to November.
Storm clouds gather over Playa del Carmen.
Preparing for Hurricane Season in Cancun and Riviera Maya
Hurricanes are phenomena that can be foreseen and prepared for; normally, you’ll get up to a week’s notice in the case of one. Just to give some perspective though, at the time of writing, the last major hurricane to hit the region was more than 10 years ago. Just make sure to keep an eye out on weather updates when planning your vacation. It is definitely worth purchasing travel insurance for the rare cases when you’ll need it.
Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels work in close collaboration with local authorities and embassies to make sure people are protected to the best of their ability. A destination management company of the caliber of Amstar also has its set of guidelines to brace for inclement weather. Its top notch operations team has detailed every task and assigned its best people to ensure clients are well taken care of in the event of a hurricane.
In terms of tours, you’ll find out three days beforehand whether your tour is running or not for definite if there is a hurricane incoming. The months with the most rain and tendency for hurricanes are September and October. Nevertheless, this could change with the effects of global warming being felt more and more every year.
The Cancun Hotel Zone during a bout of rain.
What if You Vacation during Hurricane Season in Cancun?
Basically, a vacation during hurricane season is the same as the rest of the year. Just that if something goes wrong, everyone will be there to ensure nothing happens to you. Rainy season can actually be a good time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Often it rains in the evening, meaning you can easily plan your days around it. The rain usually doesn’t stick around for long, as the winds that blow over the peninsula are enough to blow it away.
So what do you need to bring when you’re here during hurricane season in Cancun? It’s already been mentioned, but it’s worth saying again; you’ll want trip insurance. Especially when you need to use it! You can also bring light rain gear, though the temperatures generally stay high enough for you not to want it. The weather usually moves swiftly enough for you not to need it either.
One thing to bear in mind when traveling during the rainy season is the level of mosquitoes. They’re ever-present all year around, but come out to feast in the rainy and hurricane season. The trick is to bring biodegradable repellent and wear light colors. Pants and long-sleeve shirts are also highly recommendable.
Things to Do on a Rainy Day
Even if it rains on your vacation, there’s always lots to do, including swimming with dolphins, or exploring underground rivers. Other activities include a visit to a wellness spa, an ATV tour, or a day trip discovering the life under the water’s surface. Rio Secreto, for example, is a perfect place to go when it’s raining. Here you spend most of your time in underground rivers admiring stalagmites and stalactites. Lots of water-based activities can be done when it’s raining, and there’s an endless variety of them here!
In summary, the hurricane season in Cancun and the Riviera Maya runs from June to November. All the hotels and tour operators have procedures in place to ensure your safety. You can foresee hurricanes and prepare for them days in advance, and you’ll be able to plan accordingly. If you travel during the rainy or hurricane season, you’ll still find excursions to take! The weather tends to move quickly in the area, so it doesn’t tend to rain for long. With a bit of planning and an open mind, you can travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya at any time of year. It is a paradise-like place for an unforgettable vacation experience!
