Cancun weather in May
May is still a good time to visit Cancun, despite it being the start of the hot, wet season.
You can expect hot and humid weather with around eight hours of sunshine daily and the occasional rain shower.
How hot is it in Cancun in May?
Daytime temperatures in Cancun in May usually reach an average high of 31°C (87°F), with high heat and humidity, and low of 24°C (75°F).
However, on the warmest days, which usually occur at the end of the month, the temperature may climb to around 33°C (91°F).
How sunny is it in Cancun in May?
There are usually 8.5 hours of sunshine each day in Cancun in May – that's around 65% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in May?
Sunrise is around 6:10am with sunset around 7:20pm.
How warm is the sea around Cancun in May?
The average sea temperature in Cancun in May is 27°C (80°F), which is very pleasant for swimming.
Does it rain in Cancun in May?
There is usually 110mm (4in) of rainfall in Cancun in May, distributed across seven days.
How windy is it in Cancun in May?
May sees an average hourly wind speed of 13 kilometres per hour (8 mph; 7 knots).
What to do in Cancun in May?
May is still excellent for all water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Despite the odd rain shower, May is also a good time to explore the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum, Chichén Itzá and Coba, or indulge in an adventure tour through the wetlands of Sian Ka’an.
Festivals to see in during May include: the Cinco de Mayo, celebrated with fiestas and parades, and the Cancun Jazz Festival, with live performances at the Parque de las Palapas.
Local holidays?
Labour Day – 1st May.
May is the start of the low season in Cancun, with more competitive hotel rates.
Cancun weather in May
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High Temp: 31°C (87°F) |
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Low Temp: 24°C (75°F) |
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Sunshine: 8.5 hrs per day |
13
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Daylight: 13 hrs 10 mins per day |
 |
Wind speed: 13 km/h (8 mph; 7 knots) |
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Wet Days: 7 days |
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Rainfall: 110mm (4in) per month |
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Comfort Level: High heat & 75% humidity |
11
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UV Index: Extreme |
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Sea Temp: 27°C (80°F) |
| Cancun, Mexico | |
Best time to visit Cancun
The best time to visit Cancun for a beach holiday is during the warm, dry season from December through April, with March the ideal time as it's the driest month and humidity is low.
You can expect sunny, dry days with an average high temperature of 29°C (84°F).
Cancun has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a warm, relatively dry season from November through April, and a hot and humid, wet season from May though October.
Cancun weather by month
Note: Meteorological data for Cancun is based on weather statistics gathered for the 10-year period 2010 to 2020, and is sourced from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) – Mexico's national weather organisation – at the closest weather station, Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is located 20km (12mi) south of central Cancun. Additional climate data is sourced from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Cancun Weather in May: 8 October, 2023
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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