Thinking about a fall trip to Cancun? You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and a break from the big summer crowds. Daytime highs usually sit in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, and evenings cool down into the low 70s, so it’s great for both the beach and wandering around.
The weather changes slowly as fall moves along, giving you a mix of sun, clouds, and some rain here and there.
Rain shows up more in September and October, but it starts to let up by late November. Days get a bit shorter, though the sun still feels strong enough for outdoor fun. Humidity drops off too, so late fall feels a lot more comfortable.
Since fall overlaps with hurricane season, you really want to keep an eye on weather forecasts. Big storms don’t happen every year, but it’s smart to prepare wisely. If you time it right and know what to expect, you’ll enjoy Cancun’s beaches, culture, and lively vibe in pretty comfy weather.
Overview of Cancun’s Fall Climate
Fall in Cancun brings a slow cooldown from the summer heat, and rainfall peaks before it eases off as winter nears. The region’s spot on the Caribbean Sea shapes its tropical weather, so you’ll notice the coastal influence.
Typical Weather Patterns in Autumn
Daytime highs in fall range from about 90°F (32°C) in September down to 83°F (28°C) in November. Nights stick around the mid-70s°F (about 24°C).
October is usually the wettest month, with rainfall at its heaviest. You could see 14 rainy days per month and totals near 7–8 inches (180–200 mm).
Even with the rain, there’s still plenty of sunshine. Clouds thin out as fall goes on, and late November often brings clearer skies. Humidity stays up there, but the sea holds steady at 81–82°F (27–28°C), so swimming’s always an option.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall feels hotter and wetter than winter. When winter hits, highs drop to the upper 70s°F, and rain isn’t as much of a thing, so outdoor plans are easier to count on.
Spring is drier than fall, with only about 1–2 inches per month of rain in March and April. That’s way less than what you get in October.
Summer runs hotter than fall, with highs above 90°F. Rainfall in late summer and early fall looks similar since it’s rainy season. The main difference? Fall is the tail end of hurricane season, so storms can still pop up until late November.
Geographical Influences on Climate
Cancun sits on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, right up against the Caribbean Sea. That means warm, moist air keeps humidity high and showers frequent in fall.
No mountains around here, so storms and rain move in easily. The flat land doesn’t slow them down.
The warm Caribbean water keeps sea temps steady, which is great for swimming but also means heavy rain and storms can fire up during the fall.
Average Fall Temperatures in Cancun
As fall rolls in, Cancun cools off from the summer heat and settles into milder, more comfortable temps. You’ll notice a steady cooling trend from September to November, with both daytime highs and nighttime lows dropping bit by bit.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Early fall days can hit 90°F (32°C), but by late November, highs usually sit closer to 83°F (28°C). Nights start off warm at 76°F (24°C) in September and cool to about 70°F (21°C) by November’s end.
This slow drop makes evenings nicer than those sticky summer nights. Temps rarely fall below 63°F (17°C), so heavy clothes aren’t needed. Most days stay between 79°F–93°F (26°C–34°C), keeping things warm but not over the top.
Humidity backs off a bit as fall goes on, so it doesn’t feel quite as muggy as summer.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown: September, October, November
- September: Highs near 90°F (32°C), lows around 76°F (24°C). It’s the warmest part of fall, and nights can still feel sticky.
- October: Highs drop to about 86°F (30°C), lows average 73°F (23°C). Evenings get more comfortable, but rain is still around.
- November: Highs reach about 83°F (28°C), lows settle near 70°F (21°C). This is the coolest fall month, with drier air and clearer skies.
Each month brings a different vibe. By November, the weather’s just right for staying outside longer without that intense heat.
Historical Temperature Extremes
Averages tell most of the story, but records show some swings. Early fall highs have sometimes topped 93°F (34°C), though that’s rare. On the cooler side, lows can slip to 63°F (17°C), usually late in the season.
Even at the extremes, Cancun doesn’t get cold. Freezing temps aren’t a thing here. The Caribbean keeps both air and sea warm, so you’ll avoid big temperature swings.
For planning, you can count on steady warmth and only small changes from day to night.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Fall
Rain comes often and can be heavy in Cancun’s fall, with September usually the wettest. Showers are short and intense, but the overall amount and number of rainy days might affect your plans.
Monthly Rainfall Totals and Rainy Days
September usually sees the most rain all year. Expect 200–250 mm (8–10 inches), spread across 14 to 16 days.
October stays wet but eases up a bit, with 150–200 mm (6–8 inches) and about 12 to 14 rainy days. By November, rain drops to 80–100 mm (3–4 inches), with 7 to 9 rainy days.
Rain is common, but it doesn’t pour all day. Most showers hit in the afternoon or evening, so you’ll still get clear, sunny stretches. Checking the daily forecast helps you dodge the worst of it.
Typical Rainfall Patterns and Variability
Most fall rain in Cancun comes as brief but heavy downpours, sometimes with thunder. These storms blow through quickly, though they can bring localized flooding in low spots.
September brings the wettest weather, often when tropical systems are nearby. October still has some storm action, but things start to calm down. By November, rain is less frequent and skies brighten up.
Rainfall totals jump around from year to year. Some falls are wetter, some are drier. That’s just how tropical climates work, so think of averages as a rough guide, not a promise.
Impact of Rain on Travel Plans
You’ll want to stay flexible with your plans in fall. Outdoor stuff like snorkeling or boat trips might get paused by a sudden shower. Still, storms usually move on fast, so you can pick up where you left off.
Pack a light rain jacket or keep indoor options handy, like museums or shopping. Resorts know the drill and usually have covered walkways and things to do inside.
If your plans depend on timing, like tours, check the local weather every morning. It’ll help you dodge disruptions and make the most of your stay, even if it’s rainy season.
Humidity, Sunshine, and Daylight Hours
In fall, Cancún’s air feels stickier than winter, and sunshine hours start to shrink as the months pass. You’ll also notice daylight fading a bit earlier, which changes how long you can stay outside.
Average Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity in Cancún stays high during fall, usually between 75% and 78%. September is the muggiest month, thanks to warm water and regular rain.
October keeps humidity up, averaging around 77%, so it can feel hotter than the thermometer says. November drops a little to about 75%, which feels a bit better for walking around.
If muggy air gets to you, mornings and evenings feel nicer. With temps around 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) plus humidity, drink water and take breaks inside.
Hours of Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Cancún averages 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in early fall. By November, it’s closer to 8 hours. September and October bring more clouds and rain, so direct sun is less common.
October stands out as the cloudiest month, with a lot of overcast days and storms. Still, the sun comes back after showers, and clear periods aren’t rare.
Late fall brings more blue sky and steadier sunshine. November feels brighter than early fall, even though the days are a bit shorter.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight in Cancún drops as fall goes on. In September, you get about 12.3 hours—plenty for the beach or exploring.
By October, daylight slides to around 11.5 hours. In November, it’s down to about 11.1 hours. Evenings come sooner, so plan your outdoor fun earlier.
Even with shorter days, steady sun and warm temps mean you’ll have enough time for swimming or sightseeing. The early sunsets also make fall evenings a nice chance for dinner or a stroll on the sand.
Hurricane Season and Weather Risks
Fall in Cancun means warm temps but also the highest chance for tropical storms. Rain picks up, and while many days stay sunny, it’s smart to plan for weather risks.
Hurricane Probability in Autumn
Hurricane season runs from June through November, but the biggest risk comes in August, September, and October. Warm Caribbean and Atlantic waters can spark strong storms.
September and October are the busiest months for hurricanes and tropical storms. These months can bring heavier rain, strong winds, and a better shot at flight delays.
Direct hurricane hits don’t happen every year, but you’re more likely to see a few days of rain or rough seas than in winter or spring. Even if storms stay offshore, rain bands can still close beaches, limit water fun, and cause temporary flooding in low spots.
If you visit in fall, expect short-term weather hiccups but enjoy fewer crowds and better hotel deals.
Storm Preparedness and Safety Tips
If you’re heading to Cancun in the fall, prep for tropical weather just in case. Book flexible flights and hotels that let you change plans without big fees. Travel insurance that covers weather delays is a good idea.
Most Cancun resorts are ready for storms. Staff will tell you what to do if one’s coming. Follow their lead, stay inside if they say so, and keep off the beach during rough surf.
Pack a small kit: bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, and a charged power bank. You probably won’t need it, but it’s handy if the lights go out.
Keep an eye on local alerts. The Mexican government puts out warnings, and hotels usually post updates for guests.
Weather Forecast Resources
When you’re in Cancun during hurricane season, checking a reliable weather forecast just makes sense. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) gives you detailed storm tracking for the Caribbean, which can be a real lifesaver.
Local news outlets and Cancun-based meteorologists often share practical updates in both Spanish and English. Many resorts hand out daily weather briefings, so you can tweak your plans for snorkeling, diving, or those boat tours.
For quick updates, I’d go with trusted apps like NOAA Weather, Windy, or AccuWeather. These apps show you rainfall predictions, wind speeds, and where storms might head next.
Check forecasts not only for Cancun but also for the wider Yucatán Peninsula. Storms can change direction fast, and it’s good to stay ahead of them.
Travel Tips for Visiting Cancun in Fall
During fall in Cancun, you’ll get warm days, cooler evenings, and a mix of sunshine and quick rain showers. If you plan ahead, you’ll stay comfortable and enjoy seasonal activities. Plus, the lower travel costs and smaller crowds are a bonus.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
For daytime, pack lightweight, breathable clothes since highs usually reach the low to mid-80s °F (about 28–30°C). Cotton shirts, shorts, and sundresses all work great.
Bring a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt for evenings, when it cools down to the low 70s °F (21–23°C).
September and October bring frequent rain showers, so toss in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket. Sandals are perfect for the beach, but if you’re heading to ruins or nature parks, closed-toe shoes are better.
Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat to protect yourself from the sun. Throw in a swimsuit—actually, two makes life easier so you always have a dry one.
Insect repellent comes in handy, especially after it rains and the mosquitoes come out.
Best Activities for the Season
Fall is a great time for snorkeling and diving since the Caribbean waters usually stay warm at about 27–29°C. After heavy rain, visibility sometimes drops, but most days are still good for underwater adventures.
Exploring Mayan ruins like Tulum or Chichen Itza feels nicer with fewer crowds around. Cooler evenings make walking tours much more comfortable anyway.
Beach days are still fantastic, and you’ll find plenty of seasonal events at the resorts. If you’re into nature, check out the cenotes (those freshwater sinkholes). The cooler air feels amazing when you jump into the chilly water.
Fishing picks up in fall too, with mahi-mahi and marlin active offshore. If you’d rather stay indoors, Cancun’s museums and cultural centers offer a nice break from the humidity.
Advantages and Considerations for Fall Travel
One great thing about traveling in the fall is that hotel rates usually drop compared to those sky-high winter prices. Resorts try to pull in more guests with tempting discounts, and honestly, the beaches just feel way less packed than they do in the summer.
But here’s something to keep in mind, fall lines up with the Atlantic hurricane season. Big storms don’t happen all the time, but it’s smart to keep an eye on forecasts and maybe grab travel insurance that covers weather issues.
It tends to rain more in September and October, though most showers don’t last long. By November, there’s less rain, the air feels less sticky, and the skies open up a lot more.