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

Waves break on the beach as the sun rises over the windward (eastern) shore. Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 on the island of Cozumel in Quintana Roo, Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Rich Johnson

Cancun and Cozumel are popular Mexican tourist destinations. Cancun is located on the northeastern part of the Yucatan peninsula. Cozumel is an island about 12 miles east of the mainland, in the northwest Caribbean Sea. Cozumel is very flat and is noted for its 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. 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.

Rainfall

Cancun and Cozumel have a very distinct wet season. Tropical rains begin in late May and continue through October. The monthly average rainfall June through October is eight to ten 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.

Temperatures

High temperatures during the spring into summer range from the low to mid 90's. The temperatures drop a couple of degrees during summer as the humidity rises. It actually feels hotter during summer with the increase in humidity. The highs may be slightly cooler on Cozumel where the Caribbean Sea helps keep the readings down. Summertime lows are in the low to mid 70's. Wintertime high temperatures are pleasant with highs in the mid 80's and morning lows in the low 60's.

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.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with more than 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

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