Winter in Cancun feels like a breath of fresh air. Warm days, mild nights, and lots of sunshine make it a favorite escape from cold weather. Daytime highs usually land around the low 80s°F (about 27°C), and nighttime lows hover near the upper 60s°F (around 20°C), so honestly, you rarely need more than a light shirt or dress.
This tropical spot always feels welcoming, but winter brings less humidity and a gentler vibe than the sticky summer months.
Rain falls less often as winter goes on, so you’ll probably see plenty of blue sky. Humidity drops, too, which makes being outside a lot more pleasant.
With steady sunshine and longer daylight hours as the season moves forward, you get ideal conditions for exploring beaches or checking out local culture.
The Caribbean Sea stays warm enough for swimming, usually around 78–81°F (25–27°C). Gentle trade winds bring a fresh feel to the air.
These steady patterns draw visitors from all over, whether you want to lounge by the water or head out for adventures beyond the resorts.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Cancun
Cancun’s winter brings warm days and mild nights, with only minor changes from month to month. You’ll notice steady warmth during the day, cooler evenings, and sea breezes that keep things comfortable.
Daytime Highs and Lows
During winter, daytime highs in Cancun usually sit between 78°F and 82°F (26°C–28°C). Even on the coolest afternoons, the beach or pool still feels inviting.
Lows during the day rarely dip below 74°F (23°C). Heavy clothing? Not really needed.
This consistency makes it easy to plan outdoor activities without worrying much about sudden changes.
Humidity stays moderate compared to summer, and lower rainfall keeps the air clearer.
Sunshine averages around 7–8 hours per day, so there’s no shortage of daylight to enjoy.
Nighttime Temperature Patterns
At night, things cool off a bit but stay comfortable. Typical nighttime readings fall between 68°F and 72°F (20°C–22°C).
Cooler evenings make it pleasant for walking, eating outside, or sleeping without blasting the AC.
Sea breezes help keep nights from getting too humid.
You won’t find the sticky, heavy air that summer brings after dark.
If you’re sensitive to cooler air, you might want a light sweater in the late evening, especially near the water.
Still, most folks find the nights mild enough to stay out for hours.
Temperature Variations by Month
Winter in Cancun runs from December through February. Temperatures shift just a little through these months.
- December: Highs average around 80°F (27°C), lows near 70°F (21°C). It feels the freshest, with lower humidity and less rain.
- January: Not much changes—highs close to 79°F (26°C), lows around 69°F (20°C). It’s one of the driest months.
- February: Things warm up a touch, with highs near 81°F (27°C) and lows around 71°F (22°C). The sea is at its coolest but still totally fine for a swim at about 78°F (26°C).
With these small shifts, you can count on reliable warmth all season.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Cancun’s winter brings warm temps with moderate rainfall and some changes in humidity. You’ll notice drier days compared to the wet season, but don’t be surprised by a quick shower or some clouds now and then.
Humidity sticks around because of the tropical climate, but it’s not as intense as summer.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall during winter is lighter than the late summer and fall wet months. January averages about 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while February drops to around 2.0 inches (50 mm).
March and April are even drier, often recording less than 2 inches (about 40–50 mm).
This makes winter a comfortable window for outdoor fun. Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day downpours.
Showers clear up quickly, with sunshine returning soon after.
Lower rainfall means clearer skies and fewer interruptions to travel or beach time.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Cancun stays pretty high all year because it’s by the coast. Still, winter brings a slight dip compared to the muggy wet season.
Average relative humidity in February and March often falls between 72% and 76%, while September can go above 80%.
You’ll still feel some moisture in the air, but the cooler winter temps make it manageable.
Nights especially feel less sticky than summer evenings, so walking or eating outside gets a lot more enjoyable.
Thanks to steady sea breezes, humidity rarely feels overwhelming.
The airflow along the coast really helps keep things comfortable, even when the numbers look high.
Rainy Days Frequency
Winter sees fewer rainy days than other seasons. January typically has about 10 days with measurable rain, while February averages 6.
March is among the driest months, with only about 5 days of rainfall.
Rainy days don’t usually mean hours of storms.
Most showers are quick or just light drizzle, so you can plan things without much worry.
Compared to October’s 17 rainy days, winter feels much drier.
Fewer storms mean you can enjoy outdoor trips and the beach without stressing about the weather.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Cancún brings shorter days than summer, but you still get plenty of daylight and steady sunshine.
Even though daylight hours drop to their lowest, you still get enough bright time for the beach, sightseeing, or whatever you’re into.
Daily Sunlight Duration
During winter, daylight in Cancún ranges from about 10.9 hours in December to nearly 11.5 hours in February.
It’s not as long as summer, but it’s plenty for a full day of activities.
On average, you can expect 7.5 to 8.5 hours of direct sunshine per day in these months.
That’s more than enough for beach time, tours, or just hanging out without feeling rushed.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Daylight Hours | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~10.9 | ~8.3 |
| January | ~11.1 | ~8.0 |
| February | ~11.5 | ~8.5 |
Even with shorter days, the reliable sun makes winter a sweet spot for folks who want mild weather without the blazing heat.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover in Cancún during winter is moderate and doesn’t block the sun for long. December and January bring a mix of partly cloudy skies, while February gets a bit clearer.
Most days, you’ll get a balance of sun and clouds, with 59–65% of daylight hours being sunny.
Clouds usually drift by quickly instead of hanging around all day.
This setup means you can count on steady light for outdoor plans.
Brief overcast spells pop up, but the sun comes back soon.
Travelers can count on good light for sightseeing and photos, without too many interruptions.
Sea Conditions and Water Temperatures
Winter in Cancun brings warm sea conditions perfect for swimming and water sports. The Caribbean waters stay inviting, dropping just a little compared to summer.
Most days, the sea feels calm, though a quick winter shower might stir things up for a bit.
Average Sea Surface Temperatures
From December through February, sea temperatures usually stay between 26°C and 27°C (79°F to 81°F). These numbers barely budge, based on long-term data.
| Month | Average Sea Temp °C | Average Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| December | 27.2°C | 81°F |
| January | 26.4°C | 79°F |
| February | 26.3°C | 79°F |
Even at night, the water keeps its warmth, so you won’t get a shock when you jump in.
Unlike some beach spots where winter water feels chilly, Cancun’s Caribbean location keeps things mild all year.
That’s a big reason why winter swimming here is so popular.
Swimming and Water Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, and diving are all comfortable in winter. The water’s warm enough for long swims without a wetsuit, though divers might want a thin suit for longer sessions.
Visibility for snorkeling and diving usually stays good, especially if it hasn’t rained.
Calm conditions are pretty common, but a quick shower may stir up the water for a short bit.
If you’re into boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding, winter seas are usually gentle with light winds.
Strong currents are rare close to shore, but always keep an eye on local safety flags and advice.
Winds and Weather Events
Winter in Cancun brings steady breezes and the occasional weather shift that can shake up outdoor plans. Most days, you’ll feel consistent wind patterns, but sometimes a passing cold front brings a change.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In winter, the main winds in Cancun usually blow from the east and southeast. These trade winds come off the Caribbean and keep the air feeling fresh, even when it’s warm.
Average wind speeds run from 10 to 15 mph—enough for a little surf but not enough to mess up most beach plans.
Sailors, kitesurfers, and windsurfers actually look forward to these steady breezes.
Mornings often start calmer, with winds picking up a bit in the afternoon.
Early hours are great for swimming or snorkeling, while later in the day suits windier water sports.
Thanks to these steady winds, you rarely get stuck with still, humid air in winter.
That really helps keep things comfortable for outdoor fun.
Occasional Cold Fronts
From November through March, cold fronts called nortes sometimes sweep into Cancun. These systems move down from North America and bring short-term changes in wind and temperature.
When a front hits, winds usually shift to the north or northwest and can get stronger for a day or two. Gusts might reach 20 to 25 mph, making rougher seas and stronger currents along the coast.
You’ll probably notice cooler air, with daytime highs dropping a few degrees and nights feeling fresher.
Rain showers and heavy clouds sometimes roll in with these events, but they usually don’t last long.
If you’ve got water activities planned, check local forecasts when a front is coming.
Ports may close briefly for small boats, and swimming conditions can get iffy until the winds settle down.
How Winter Weather Affects Travel and Activities
Cancun’s winter brings warm days, cooler evenings, and less humidity than the summer. These conditions make it easier to enjoy being outside and plan activities without constant rain interruptions.
Best Outdoor Activities
Daily highs usually hit the low 80s°F (27–28°C), and the ocean feels warm at around 78–80°F (25–27°C). You can swim, snorkel, or try out water sports without shivering.
People love beach days, but honestly, winter feels perfect for checking out Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza or Tulum. The heat doesn’t hit as hard, so walking through archaeological sites or hiking jungle trails feels way easier than it does in summer.
You might get a short rain shower, though they tend to pass before you know it. Sometimes, northern cold fronts called nortes blow in and make the water choppy for a bit.
On days like that, it’s nice to switch to land-based stuff—maybe a biking tour, a trip to the cenotes, or wandering around downtown markets.
If you like spotting wildlife, winter actually works great for birdwatching in the lagoons and nature reserves nearby. The air often feels clear, so snapping outdoor photos turns out better too.
Travel Tips for Winter Visitors
Winter brings the dry season and lots of travelers, so go ahead and book your hotels and tours early. Prices climb higher than in summer, and popular resorts fill up fast, especially around the holidays.
Pack lightweight clothes for the daytime. Still, you’ll want a light sweater or jacket for those evenings when the temperature drops into the 60s°F (16–20°C).
Grab a compact raincoat for brief showers. It’s just easier to toss one in your bag than to get caught off guard.
You’ll probably notice fewer mosquitoes in winter, but insect repellent still comes in handy if you’re heading into the jungle. Don’t forget sunscreen—it’s a must all year since the UV index stays high, even when the air feels cooler.
If you want to get in the water, think about bringing or renting a thin wetsuit for scuba diving. The sea feels warm enough for swimming, but after a while underwater, longer dives can start to feel chilly.
Try to keep your schedule a bit flexible. Sometimes a short cold front blows in with wind and rough seas, but that usually passes in a day or two, and then you can get back to the beach and water fun.