Cancun Weather in November & October: 18 Facts To Avoid Mistakes

How will be the weather in Cancun in November and October?

While it’s impossible to predict if it gonna rain or not, I can still help you decide if you should come to the Riviera Maya during this period.

Besides my two months in the Cancun area, I spent long hours analyzing the weather data of the last 15 years in the Yucatan peninsula.

This guide will tell you everything about the months of October and November: weather, temperatures, winds, events, prices, and more!

Grab your bikini/swimming short, and let’s go!

👉 Don’t hesitate to read our Cancun guide to plan your vacation and not make any more mistakes. You will find all our articles about this destination.

Cancun Weather in November & October: The Takeaway

Cancun weather in November and October is somewhat unpredictable, with chances of rain and high winds. 

Weather-wise, visiting Cancun in November is better than in October if you want cooler temperatures, drier days, and sunnier skies. And the Caribbean sea is usually free of seaweed! That said, fewer tourists in October mean fewer crowds at incredible sites like Chichen Itza and better prices on hotels and flights. 

Cancun weather in October is still pleasant, though tropical storms with sudden showers increase the chances of rain on most days of your trip. 

👉 Learn the best months to come to Cancun.

How Is the Weather in Cancun in November and October?

You can always expect to have a great time in Mexico, but it’s crucial to know details about the weather for your travel dates to ensure you schedule your itinerary accordingly and pack the essentials. Learn more about Cancun weather in November and October below. 

1# Rain 

If you’re trying to avoid rain in Cancun, October, and November may not be the best months to visit Cancun. The rainy season, or wet season, goes from May to November, with the wettest month in September and the second wettest month in October. 

The average rainfall in Cancun in October is around 13 days, or 141,8 mm, per month. Meanwhile, November starts getting drier and sunnier, with an average rainfall of around eight days, or 87,2 mm, per month. 

Expect heavy but short tropical showers within a 24-hour period on most days of your Cancun vacation if you travel during the rainy season in October or November. 

2# Sunshine 

While Cancun weather in October brings a lot of rain, tropical showers typically occur for brief periods and often at night. You’ll likely experience the beautiful sunshine of Mexico on your trip to Cancun in October, alongside some cloudy days. That said, you’re likely to see more clear skies and bright sun by November. 

Both November and October in Cancun have an average of seven hours of sunlight. Wake up by 6h40 am in October to catch the sunrise in Cancun, and be sure to head to the beach around 6h20 pm for the epic sunsets. 

The days begin to get shorter in November, with sunrise at around 7h00 am and sunset around 6h05 pm. 

3# Temperature

One of the best parts of visiting Mexico is enjoying the hot weather. The temperature in Cancun in October is warm and pleasant during the evening and morning and hot in the afternoon. 

October sees an average high temperature of 30°C (86°F) and an average low temperature of 23°C (73°F). Meanwhile, November in Cancun sees an average high temperature of 29°C (84°F) and an average low temperature of 21°C (70°F).

The temperature in Cancun in November is warm during the day but cools down at night, leaving a slight chill in the air in the mornings and evenings. You’ll want to pack a light sweater for this time of year. 

4# Humidity 

The tropical weather in Cancun in November and October means average high temps around 30°C and high chances of rain. Together, this means you’ll get muggy days all month in October and most of the month (~25 days) in November, so opt for a hotel with air conditioning. 

The humidity in Cancun in October has an average high of around 95%, while November is slightly lower with an average humidity of around 84%. 

5# Hurricanes 

Bordering the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is affected by tropical weather and hurricane season. 

Nevertheless, Cancun has seen two severe hurricanes in the past 35 years. Cancun weather in October 2005 brought Hurricane Wilma, while in September 1988, part of Cancun’s shoreline was washed away by Hurricane Gilbert. 

While not every rain cloud brings a hurricane, Cancun weather in November and October can include heavy tropical storms and strong winds. 

Official hurricane season in Cancun runs from June to November, with the highest probability of one affecting your trip in the months between August and October. 

For those visiting Cancun in October or November, check the forecast before your trip, get travel insurance, and ensure your hotel or Cancun resort has a cancellation policy. 

How Is the Sea in Cancun in November & October? 

You will find some of the best beaches in Cancun, Mexico. However, it’s good to know how the sea is during your trip. Learn more below about the weather in Cancun in October and November affects the water temperature, visibility, wind, and waves. 

6# Water Temperature 

The water temperature in Cancun is warm year-round. However, October has slightly warmer ocean temperatures than November. Some key things to note about the water temperature at Cancun beaches include the following: 

• The average water temperature in Cancun sees a high of 29°C (84.2°F) from July to September. 
• In October, the water temperature slips to 28°C (82.4°F). 
• November sees water temps cool down to 27°C (80.6°F). 
• Cancun’s lowest water temperature is 26°C (78.8°F) between January and March. 

Pro Tip: Rent a three or five-millimeter wetsuit if your trip itinerary includes scuba diving in Cancun from November to April. 

7# Visibility 

Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea is a great time for the whole family, but some factors can affect visibility underwater, including the following: 

• Weather 
• Suspended particles 
• Water movement 

Cancun weather in October will likely negatively affect visibility because it includes cloudy skies and rain chances. Tropical storms can affect water movement, bringing up particles from the ocean floor. 

That’s why November is the best time to dive or snorkel in the Caribbean Sea because the chances of sunshine are higher, and fewer storms mean less churning of the water. 

8# Wind

October is when the wind speeds start picking up in Cancun. As the days grow warmer and slightly less humid, beachgoers can take advantage of the higher wind speeds with kitesurfing and windsurfing. 

The average wind speed in Cancun in October is 12.8 km/h, while in November, it picks up to 13.9 km/h. 

9# Waves

As the wind speed picks up from October onwards, so do the waves. Cancun weather in October brings storms and rain that can cause rocky seas, reducing visibility and increasing waves. 

While Cancun weather in November sees less rain and sunnier skies, the higher winds make the water choppier than calm days in October. 

What To Wear in Cancun in November & October?

If you’re visiting Cancun, you must pack appropriately for Cancun weather in October and November. Be sure to pack the following clothing essentials on your trip: 

• Sandals 
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for excursions 
• Socks
• Bathing suit
• Hat and sunglasses 
• Underwear 
• Shorts 
• T-Shirts 
• Something nice for exploring the nightlife of downtown Cancun
• Long pants for the evening 
• Long-sleeved shirts for evenings 
• A cardigan or light sweater 
• Pajamas 
• Umbrella 
• Rain Jacket 

If you forget something, don’t worry! Most hotels have gift shops where you can pick up essentials onsite. Or, go exploring downtown Cancun and purchase what you need. 

Festivals in Cancun in October & November

Visiting Cancun in October and November provides the perk of experiencing exciting festivals. October or November is a good time to visit because you can enjoy days on the beach in the warm weather and celebrate fun holidays and happenings. 

1# Halloween in Cancun 

Halloween, October 31st, 31/10, whatever you call it, is a fun holiday worth celebrating in Cancun. 

Cancun, Mexico, is a destination predominantly visited by Americans, so Halloween festivities are sometimes even livelier than celebrations the following days for the Día de la Muerte. 

Vacationers don’t need to leave the resort to find exciting nightlife and special events. Most hotels and resorts have shows, dinners, drinks, parties, and themed decorations for the occasion. 

However, Cocobongo, Mandela, and other popular clubs in Cancun organize wild Halloween parties for those looking to explore the Cancun party scene. 

2# Día de Los Muertos

While Halloween is a big celebration in America and Canada, Mexicans celebrate Día de Los Muertos on November 1st and November 2nd. However, the Cancun hotel zone usually celebrates this pre-Hispanic tradition between October 31st to November 2nd. 

Since 2008, Día de Los Muertos has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This tradition honors departed ancestors and loved ones. Family and friends gather together to celebrate through Mexican food, gravesite vigils, ceremonial altars, and lighting candles. 

Head to Xcaret Park between October 31st and November 2nd for a special Day of the Dead event where you’ll enjoy the taste of traditional and regional gastronomy, processions, dancing shows, workshops, rituals, concerts, and more. 

3# Mayakoba Championship

The Mayakoba Championship runs from October to November. This professional golfing championship in Cancun, Mexico, is highly-renowned, with a global viewership and high-stakes prizes. 

Those traveling to Cancun during the Mayakoba Championship will likely find increased hotel rates at nearby hotels and resorts. 

4# Solfest Cancun

Solfest Cancun is a soul music festival at the start of November. This incredible multi-day music festival is packed with activities, a breathtaking resort experience, and an impressive lineup of famous artists. 

Be sure to book tickets in advance if you plan to attend. If you don’t plan to attend, remember that you may see surges in flight prices to Cancun in November. 

5# Cancun Jazz Festival

The Cancun Jazz Festival in November is an exciting multi-day music festival for jazz lovers. This festival comprises epic performances by renowned jazz musicians, luxury resort accommodations, and activities to keep you busy all vacation long. 

Cancun Travel Tips for October & November

Learn more about ways to take advantage of Cancun weather in November and October with the expert travel tips below. 

1# High Season in October & November

While October and November are not the busiest time of year to visit Cancun or the Riviera Maya, there are some short peaks where the chances of crowds are higher. 

• October 31st to November 2nd: Halloween and Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) bring crowds to Cancun. 
• The first week in October: Canadian Thanksgiving inspires some families to spend the holiday together on a beach in Cancun.
• The last week of November: American Thanksgiving brings traveling families to the beautiful resorts in Cancun.

Apart from the above, crowds are not common in October and November. Unfortunately, fewer crowds in October may mean some bars, clubs, and restaurants are closed.

2# Prices

The hotel zone along the Riviera Maya and all of Cancun reduce prices to attract travelers during the low travel season. 

Cancun weather in October brings great deals. If you avoid Canadian Thanksgiving and Halloween dates, you will score the best deals on hotels, all-inclusive vacations, and flights. 

That said, visiting Cancun in November is another way to save on your vacation by taking advantage of reduced rates in Cancun’s off-season. 

3# Sargassum

Sargassum is a type of algae that floats in the Caribbean Sea and floats in island-like masses that never attach to the seafloor. This brown seaweed changes the color and visibility of the water, piles up on the shore, rots, and smells something fierce, making it a big issue for Cancun and the Riviera Maya. 

While swimming pools are fun, swimming in the ocean is one of the best things about visiting Mexico. Luckily, sargassum is typically out of the water and cleaned off the beaches in October and November.

4# Mosquitoes

The cenotes and Chichen Itza are magical any day of the year. Unfortunately, mosquito bites can be a lasting reminder of your visit. 

Luckily, the less rainfall in November makes mosquitoes less of a concern on your trip. That said, pack some mosquito repellant in your bag for still nights or if you’re planning on hiking or adventuring outdoors. 

Pick another month to visit Cancun

Become Mr. Weather in just a few minutes:

• Cancun in January
• Cancun in February
• Cancun in March
• Cancun in April
• Cancun in May
• Cancun in June
• Cancun in July and August
• Cancun in September
• Cancun in December

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