Mexico
Cancún
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Cancún: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
The gateway to the Riviera Maya: white-sand beaches on the Caribbean Sea, cenotes, and Mayan sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum a few hours' drive away.
Best weatherDuring the dry season: sunshine and turquoise sea. During hurricane season, go for a flexible booking.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Dry season
Sunshine, turquoise sea and perfect temperatures. In early November, Día de Muertos fills the whole region with colour.
Whale sharks
It's hot and sunny, hotels drop their prices and, from late May, you can swim with whale sharks off Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
29 °C sea
Warm sea, turtles nesting on the beaches and cenotes to cool off in. It's also hurricane season (mainly August to October): go for a flexible booking and cancellation insurance, and you'll be relaxed.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Hotel Zone
A 22 km strip of sand between lagoon and sea, with big hotels, often all-inclusive.
Downtown
The town centre, more Mexican and cheaper. Handy if you're on a small budget.
Playa del Carmen
1 hour south: a human-sized beach town, with its pedestrian Fifth Avenue.
Tulum
2 hours south: Mayan ruins facing the sea and boutique hotels in the jungle.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Chichén Itzá
About 2 h 30 by road, the great Maya city and its Kukulcán pyramid are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set off early to enjoy the site before the heat.
Ideal for history lovers
The cenotes
These natural wells of turquoise fresh water are typical of the Yucatán. For the Maya, they were sacred places; for you, a refreshing swim in a unique setting.
Ideal for nature lovers
Tulum, by the sea
The Maya ruins of Tulum sit on a clifftop above a turquoise beach. It's one of the most photogenic sites on the coast.
Ideal for great photos
Isla Mujeres and Yucatán food
A short ferry ride takes you to this peaceful little island, perfect to explore by golf cart. On your plate, try cochinita pibil, pork marinated in achiote, a Yucatán speciality.
Ideal for a relaxing day