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Cancun in October: What to Expect During Your Visit?

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Hotel Xcaret - Best Family All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun

What is Cancun in October like?

Cancun’s weather in October can be unpredictable with possibilities of rain showers and overcast skies – but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit Cancun

Boasting beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lively nightlife scenes, Cancun is a popular vacation spot any time of the year. Although the weather in Cancun in October may not be the best, there are many great reasons to visit during this month.

In this article, you will find all the information you need to decide if October is a good time for you and your family to visit Cancun.

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Cancun Weather & Temperature in October

October is the second wettest month of the year on average, just behind September. It’s also a transitional month for weather in Cancun, as the rainy season comes to an end and the area begins to dry out. However, there are still more days of rain in October than in other months, though the total amount of rainfall is less than in September. The beginning of the month can be rainy, cloudy, and humid, but the weather gradually improves as the weeks pass.

Although there is a risk of hurricanes during the wet season, which runs from June to early November, storms are relatively rare in Cancun. In fact, only two hurricanes have made landfall in the area in the past 30 years.

By the end of October, clear skies and balmy temperatures are the norms, making it a great time to enjoy Cancun’s beaches. Ocean temperatures are slightly lower than they were in previous months, but they are still warm enough for swimming.

Does it rain all day in Cancun in October?

Although there is a higher chance of rain in Cancun in October than in other months, it usually comes in the form of short showers that pass quickly. These downpours often occur in the early morning or late night and do not last all day. Towards the end of the month, you will see less rain and more clear skies.

What is the average temperature in Cancun in October?

The average high temperature in Cancun in October is around 88°F and the average low temperature is around 74°F.

cancun top things to do

Events in Cancun in October

There are many things to do in Cancun year round, from exploring ancient ruins to soaking up some sun on the beach or enjoying the lively nightlife. But if you visit Cancun in October, you’ll have the chance to experience some unique events that take place during this month.

Día de la Raza (Columbus Day)

Columbus Day is a holiday celebrated nationwide in Mexico on October 12. The holiday commemorates the fusion of the Spanish and Mexican peoples, and many communities across the country hold colorful parades to mark the occasion. In Cancun, the parade is particularly festive, with participants dressed in traditional costumes and carrying banners and flags.

Día de las Brujas (Halloween)

There are many nightclubs in Cancun Hotel Zone that have special Halloween parties, where you will find plenty of people dress up in costumes. They tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance. Not only will it be cheaper than buying at the door, but it will also save you a lot of time not having to wait in line or risk having the tickets sold out. Some of the most popular nightclubs where you can purchase VIP tickets online in advance are below.

🎉Coco Bongo Cancun Gold Member VIP Night Out: Coco Bongo is Cancun’s most famous nightlife venue, and a VIP Gold Member admission ticket is your key to experiencing it like a celebrity. With skip-the-line and early entry included in your VIP pass, you’ll save hours of waiting in line and be able to enter the club one hour before it opens to the general public. Throughout the evening, take advantage of an open bar featuring premium spirits and a front-row seat for the show.

🎉Mandala Club Cancun – Golden Personal Pass: The golden pass allows you to skip the line at Mandala Club Cancun – featuring oriental style, an open facade, a great atmosphere, and a live DJ playing electronic, reggaetón, hip-hop, pop, and dance music. The pass also comes with $50 USD of credit to buy delicious food and beverages from the menu – which pays for the pass itself and practically makes it free!

🎉VIP Nightclub Tour in Cancun: Don’t want to stick with one night club in the Hotel Zone? This six-hour evening tour will take you to skip the long lines and enjoy unlimited drinks at three of Cancun’s top clubs such as Congo Bar, Mandala Disco, Dady’o, La Vaquita, Palazzo, and The City Nightclub.

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebratory holiday that celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. Although the holiday is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, many cities and localities including Cancun start the celebrations at the end of October.

On these days, Mexican families gather to remember their ancestors and to honor their memories. Offerings of food and drink are placed on altars, and candles are lit to guide the souls of the dead back to their homes. Skeletons and skulls are often used to decorate altars and graves, as they represent the physical bodies of the deceased.

Candles and marigold petals are also used extensively as they are believed to light the way for the spirits to return home. The Day of the Dead is a time for family, friends, and community to come together and remember those who have passed on.

Some all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya may also have special events featuring traditional food, theme nights, or cultural performances.

From October 30th to November 2nd, Xcaret Adventure Park will be hosting the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, one of the most popular Cancun events in October.

Book Ticket for Festival of Life & Death Traditions at Xcaret Park

This celebration has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. During the festival, there will be food, offerings, altars, workshops, handicrafts, expositions, theater, dances, and gala concerts.

cancun in october events - day of the dead xcaret

Seasonal Attractions and Activities in Cancun in October

Swimming & Snorkeling with Turtles

Every year, thousands of vacationers flock to the beaches of Cancun in search of sun, sand, and sea. But what they may not know is that some of these beaches are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles.

Adult sea turtles begin heading back to shore to lay their eggs in May, as the weather begins to warm up. These nesting sea turtles will continue to lay eggs until October, with the last few nesting turtles laying their eggs at the end of this month. The baby sea turtles then begin hatching in July and continue their journey into the sea through mid-December.

Although they are tiny, these baby turtles are full of determination and grit. They must make it past predators, harsh weather conditions, and other obstacles in order to make it safely into the sea. If you add a turtle snorkeling tour to your itinerary in October, you may be able to catch some of these tiny baby turtles making it to the sea.

🤿Book a 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour: Swim with Turtles, Reef, MUSA, Shipwreck and Cenote

This 5-in-1 kid-friendly snorkeling tour takes you to explore the underwater world in five different areas, each with its own unique attractions. First, you’ll snorkel on a coral reef teeming with fish and marine life. The water is warm and relatively calm, making it ideal for beginners or first-time snorkelers.

Next, you’ll explore MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), a unique underwater museum located in the National Marine Park in Cancun and the Isla Mujeres area. There are over 500 sculptures with coral reefs and colorful fishes. This is a very popular attraction and suitable for all ages.

Then it’s time to find some turtles! The chances of seeing turtles during the season are very high, so keep your eyes peeled. After that, you’ll explore a shipwreck covered in coral and vibrant fish. Finally, you’ll visit a cenote – a natural pit or sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock.

akumal snorkel 2 hours from bacalar

Reasons Why October is a Good Month to Go To Cancun

Even though the weather in Cancun in October can be unpredictable, there are many reasons why it is a good time to visit Cancun!

👍 Fewer crowds

Cancun in October is the perfect time to visit if you’re looking for a quieter getaway. During this time of year, Cancun sees far fewer international tourists. With fewer people around, you’ll be able to enjoy Cancun without having to fight for space on the beach or in the city’s popular attractions.

👍 Lower Prices for Hotels and Flights

Hotel rates are significantly discounted during this time of year, and deal-hunters will also find cheaper fares on flights and excursions. So if you’re looking for a bargain getaway, put Cancun at the top of your list for October!

👍 Unique Events and Seasonal Activities

There is a variety of seasonal attractions and activities in Cancun in October. For example, October is one of the best times of the year to swim with sea turtles. If you’re looking for a more festive activity, Cancun is also home to a number of Halloween parties and Day of the Dead celebrations. From costume parties to traditional parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Cozumel Day Trip from Cancun & Playa del Carmen

Cancun Weather & Travel Seasons FAQs

When is the peak season in Cancun?

The peak season in Cancun is during winter and early spring from December through April – the driest and sunniest months of the year, with low humidity and temperatures in the low 80s. As anyone who has ever been to Cancun during the winter months can attest, there is truly no better place to escape the cold than this paradise on the coast of Mexico.

Great weather with beautiful sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and low cloud coverage during this dry season months make it the best time to visit Cancun. Although prices for flights and hotels are at their highest during this time, many people consider the extra expense to be worth it for the gorgeous weather and perfect ocean temperature.

When is the shoulder season in Cancun?

For those looking forward to avoiding crowds but also enjoying some sunny days, the shoulder season between the high and low seasons in Cancun is the perfect time to visit. From April to May, temperatures are slightly higher than during peak season and can sometimes climb up to the low 90s. From October to November, the temperatures are lower, but humidity is higher and there are more chances of rain showers.

During this time, visitors can enjoy all that Cancun has to offer without having to fight for space on the beach or at popular tourist attractions. And with an abundance of flight and hotel deals, shoulder season is an affordable time to visit this Mexican hotspot.

When is the low season in Cancun?

The low or off-season in Cancun is from June to November. Although there are more chances of rain showers, the rates for flights and hotels are significantly lower than during the high season.

During the summer months, the beaches may still be busy with domestic travelers but the crowds thin out by August-September. This is also when you can find the best deals on airline tickets and hotel rates. So if you’re looking to escape the crowds and save some money, the low season after the summer months is the ideal time to travel to Cancun.

Visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar) during the rainiest months of the year means that you may see more cloudy and rainy days than sunny skies, but you will be rewarded with many unique seasonal events and activities. From seeing the first baby turtles making their way to the sea to catching the first whale sharks of the season, anything is possible.

Some of the best times to visit Cancun during the low season include Day of the Dead (October 30th – November 2nd), Fall Equinox at Chichen Itza (September), Mexican Independence Day (September 16th), Cancun Jazz Festival (October), and Mexico’s Navy Day (June).

When is the hurricane season in Cancun?

The hurricane season or rainy season in Cancun runs from June to November, with the highest average rainfall of the year. However, there have only been two hurricanes over the past 30 years. It can be humid, hot, and rainy – all in one day – but the benefit is that beaches and attractions are mostly empty. You have the peace of fewer crowds during hurricane season, just be sure to plan around a few rain showers!

While you may expect rain showers in Cancun during the wet/rainy season, they tend to be short-lived. Most of the time, they consist of quick, heavy downpours that pass as quickly as they come. However, there are also times when tropical storms can bring prolonged periods of rain. The rains usually eventually let up and the sun comes out again. While the rains can be a nuisance, they are typically not a major problem in Cancun.

When it does rain, you can retreat to the luxury and comfort of your resort activities. For instance, Hotel Xcaret Arte has several workshops, yoga classes, and activities on-site to entertain their guests.

🏨Check out my reviews of 20 Best All-Inclusive Resorts vs Non All-Inclusive Hotels in Cancun!

When should you avoid Cancun?

Peak travel times in Cancun include Thanksgiving week, Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa Holy Week (Easter Week), but most people try to avoid Cancun during spring break (March-early April).

If you travel during this peak time and want to avoid the spring break crowds, you may want to consider staying off the main hotel zone.

One great option is Puerto Morelos, a beach town located just 20 minutes away from Cancun International Airport. If you’re looking for even more relaxation, Isla Mujeres is a small island located just off the coast of Cancun that is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and simply taking in the incredible views. Akumal is another option that is well known for its serene beaches and turquoise waters – it’s perfect for those who want to spend their days lounging on the sand or exploring the underwater world.

Summary: Is October a good time to go to Cancun?

Cancun is one of the most famous beach destinations in the world, with its pristine white sand beaches, world-class spa facilities, and sparkling turquoise waters. As a result, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the globe per year, especially during the peak season when the weather and temperatures are the best. However, if you are looking for a more laid-back vacation where you can save money on airfare and hotel rates, the low season is an ideal time to visit Cancun.

Overall, October is a great time to visit Cancun thanks to the pleasant weather, thin crowds, and plenty of flight and hotel deals to be found. If you visit at the end of October, you will also be able to join the celebration of Halloween and Day of the Dead!

Just be sure to pack your raincoat in case of a quick shower!

Cancun Travel Resources

  1. Travel Insurance:
    • No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong. Don’t take the risk when you can be covered for cheap.
    • Safety Wing is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as policies start at just $40 USD for a whole month! Basic policies cover travel emergencies, medical costs, and medical expenses while you’re in Mexico as well as transportation back to your home country under circumstances.
  2. Getting around Cancun
  3. Car Rental Scam
    • Don’t fall for car rental scams in Mexico! Make sure you have full coverage when you make the reservation so car rental agencies can’t upsell their insurance.
    • Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day. 
  4. Best Places to Stay in and near Cancun
  5. Best Attractions & Activities in Cancun

Bonus: 61+ Best Cancun Quotes for Instagram & Social Media Captions!