Quick Links

Cancun is a world-famous destination known for its pristine beaches, attracting travelers from all corners of the world. It is not only a beach lover’s paradise; the destination is also brimming with endless opportunities for adventurous tourists. Vacationers will find several adrenaline-pumping and fun tours and excursions even in winter! Winter is an amazing time to explore Cancun – the reason it has become a popular getaway for visitors escaping the harsh cold weather in other parts of the world. Temperatures are warmer, and while other people are stuck inside warm blankets, travelers in Cancun can actually enjoy going outdoors. Planning a winter visit to Cancun? Here is how to have the best experience.

Related: Winter In Lake Louise: 10 Things Worth Braving The Cold For

What’s Winter Weather Like In Cancun?

Winter is one of the best times to explore one of Mexico’s top travel destinations. With low temperatures averaging in the 80s, the weather is at its most pleasant, which entices many Americans. The city experiences mild sun and little rain, and the sky is perfectly calm and blue. While the weather is perfect for vacation, travelers should be prepared to pay the highest rates in hotels and flights. Winter is the most popular time to visit Cancun, so vacationers should get ready to rub shoulders, especially in Cancun's most touristy areas.

Ocean temperatures are cooler in winter than in summer but are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or even scuba diving.

What To Do In Cancun In Winter

Explore The Beaches In Winter

Cancun’s beaches are some of the most striking on earth, boasting incredible white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether planning to lounge around these amazing beaches, swim, or stroll along the picturesque shore, taking the spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. While winter is the coldest time in Cancun, the weather is still hot, so the city’s stunning beaches cannot go without mentioning. When looking for a perfect place to relax in winter, Cancun’s beaches are the best places to be!

It is advisable to go to the beach earlier during the day to catch the sun at its strongest.

Some of the beaches to check out include:

  • Playa Chac Mool. One of the most favorite beaches, Playa Chac Mool, stretches for a mile and is among the most accessible. Travelers can get to this beach by public transportation. Nestled right in the Hotel Zone, the beach is easy to get to, and whether one is traveling from Downtown Cancun or another hotel, there are buses making stops here.
  • Playa Delfines. This beach is popular for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets – and has been on the list of Cancun's most spectacular beaches for many years. This is the only place where vacationers can enjoy a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Playa Norte Isla Mujeres. Boasting calm and crystal-clear waters, playa Norte is situated in Isla Mujeres, stretching for 0.62 miles. This is another place to experience some of the best sunsets.
  • Playa Maroma. Getting to Playa Marom can be difficult to get to (only accessible by car or bus), but it is worth visiting. Travelers visiting this beach are asked to pay a small fee, which is given back in the form of drinks and food given to them at the beach club. Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are some of the activities that travelers can enjoy at the beach.

Related: 10 Beaches To Visit In Los Angeles Before Summer Is Over

Explore Cancun’s Underwater Museum Of Art

The breathtaking Underwater Museum of Art cannot go without mention in the top winter activities in Cancun. This museum is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Cancun. At the museum, vacationers will encounter over 500 sculptures representing the native population of the region at different times. The construction of the sculptures aimed to protect the coral reefs by availing a beautiful place for divers and snorkelers as they explore Cancun's beautiful waters. Travelers can explore the sculptures on snorkeling, diving, or boating adventures.

Tips For Exploring The Underwater Museum of Art

  • While Winter is warmer in Cancun than in most regions, it is important to go to the underwater museum earlier in the day when the sun is strongest.
  • Spare some Pesos to tip the tour guides and ferry operators. Travelers should keep in mind that the locals work hard to ensure they have an enjoyable vacation experience. So, tipping them is a nice way of appreciating their hard work.
  • Visitors planning to record their moments in the museum should come with a waterproof camera. The museum only provides the necessary diving equipment.
  • There are diving tours for travelers aged between 10 and 60. Professional diving instructors are there to guide children below 18. Nonswimmers should opt for boat tours and view the gorgeous sculptures from the bottom-glass boats.
  • It is important to arrive there early as most tours begin very early in the morning.
  • Once down in the museum, avoid touching the sculptures or interfering with the underwater life.

Explore The City’s Stunning Wildlife

Cancun is home to incredible wildlife, especially aquatic animals. The marine habitats are very impressive, and every traveler should see them. The area boasts a wide range of tropical species, including sharks, sea turtles, and endless fish species. Beaches are the best places to see the turtles in Winter, December, specifically, as this is the last month the younger ones hatch and flop into the ocean. Tortugranja, located in Isla Mujeres, is a turtle farm and conservation center and the best spot to see sea turtles and interact with them. Other sea creatures to explore include urchins, conchs, and crabs.

  • The cost of seeing turtles in Tortugranja: $3

Explore Cancun Nightlife In Winter

No winter vacation in Cancun is complete without mentioning its vibrant nightlife. After spending a sunny day at the beach, joining one of Cancun's nightclubs is one of the best ways of spending cool winter nights. Some of the best nightclubs to check out are the Coco Bongo, Mandala Beach Club, and the City Nightclub. These clubs feature some world-famous artists and DJs regularly.

Other Things To Explore In Cancun In Winter

Visiting Mercado 28, a large shopping center in downtown Cancun is worth it. Boasting over 600 vendors, travelers will find almost everything in this market. Vacationers should ensure they taste the traditional Mexican food too.

Winter in Cancun can be crowded, but it's definitely the best time to enjoy the splendid weather and some of Cancun's most spectacular attractions.