When is hurricane season in Cancun?
From June to November, the hurricane season in Cancun presents a thrilling blend of adventure and nature’s might.
While storms may occasionally disrupt the tranquility, the allure of reduced tourist traffic beckons intrepid travelers. Picture strolling through empty streets, exploring ancient ruins without the crowds, and capturing breathtaking images of a rain-soaked Mexican Caribbean.
So, should you pack your bags during hurricane season?
Join me as I uncover the ups and downs, providing you with insights to make an informed decision and create unforgettable memories in Cancun.
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When is hurricane season in Cancun & Why?
Hurricane season in Cancun is like a summer fling – it starts in June and wraps up in November. But, you know, instead of romantic beach walks, there’s a chance of tempestuous weather. August and September are the drama queens of the bunch, usually bringing the most stormy tantrums.
Why, you ask?
Well, it’s all about the Caribbean Sea getting all hot and bothered.
The warmer the water, the quicker it condenses, and as summer ends, you have this steamy mix of a humid atmosphere and an even hotter ocean. It’s like a tempestuous telenovela that brews up those storms and makes hurricanes more likely.
Sadly, the same warm ocean water that you’d love to dip your toes in while sipping a margarita also plays a big role in hurricane formation.
Cancun Content you must read before coming
My team and I are working hard to give you the best chance of planning an epic trip to Cancun. You should at least read the following guides:
What does Cancun weather look like during hurricane season?
Imagine it as a tropical rainforest vacation. Expect hot days with an occasional light rain serenade in the afternoon—and sometimes a tropical storm.
With the humidity levels skyrocketing, you might feel a bit sticky and itchy, as if you’ve been playing hide and seek in a sauna. But don’t expect dreary, cold, and dark days. Even with storms, Cancun stays hot, like a spicy salsa dance!
Hey, stop packing your survival-diving kit just yet. Major hurricanes that could potentially ruin your vacation are not very common in Cancun. Only twice in the last 35 years has Cancun played host to major hurricanes
However, a wise man is worth two. Here are a couple of signs you need to watch out for:
The first one is wind speeds. When you see palm trees swaying too enthusiastically, you might be dealing with a tropical storm. Wind speeds of 39 mph indicate a tropical storm, and if it cranks up to 74 mph, you’ve got a hurricane on your hands.
Tropical storms can still make quite a splash, particularly when they bring along their buddy, heavy rain, which often leads to flooding. While floods won’t be as dangerous as crazy Flash-Gordon winds, they still may lead to resort evacuations.
What’s the resort procedure in case of a Hurricane in Cancun?
Hear that?
It’s the rumble of an impending hurricane in Cancun. But don’t fret; your resort has a plan.
They’re not just lounging by the pool sipping margaritas – they’re in cahoots with civil protection to ensure you’re safe and sound. Worst case scenario? You might have to bunk in a public school far from the beach. But before we dive into that, let’s chat about the step-by-step process.
Step 1: The Upstairs Shuffle
When the wind starts wailing and the rain’s pouring buckets, you’ll be whisked away to the higher floors. Why? Flooding’s a pesky problem during hurricanes, and the last thing you need is a surprise indoor pool in your room.
While the resorts may shut down most of their dining options, the main buffet will still be serving up some grub. And no, it’s not because they’ve forgotten about you. In fact, they’re legally required to stop serving alcohol when storms reach a certain intensity.
As for food, your gourmet dinners might be swapped for humble burgers, but hey, at least you won’t go hungry. Plus, the resorts are always stocked with snacks to keep your tummy from rumbling too loudly.
Step 2: Sheltering at the Resort
If the hurricane decides to throw a real tantrum, you’ll be moved to a shelter within the resort. Think of a conference room or auditorium – basically any room that doesn’t have a view of palm trees swaying dangerously in the wind.
And remember, you won’t be left to fend for yourself. The hotel staff will be with you, providing food and snacks.
Step 3: City Shelters – Your Last Resort (easy pun)
In the event of a full-scale evacuation, you’ll be led to city shelters.
But hold your horses – don’t race off to these shelters without the hotel staff’s recommendation.
You might feel safer away from the beach, but these shelters won’t have the same cushy amenities you’re used to at the resort.
Post-Hurricane: Back to Your Paradise
Once the storm has passed, you’ll be allowed to return to the hotel. But first, the authorities need to check for any damage, particularly sewerage issues.
Don’t worry; these resort buildings are built tougher than they look. Once they’ve been deemed safe, the staff will roll up their sleeves, clean up, and you’ll be back in your room in no time.
Just a heads-up, though, the streets could be a tad muddy due to the floods. And in extreme cases, some areas could have strong currents. So, unless you’re Aquaman, it’s best to stay clear of those.
Power cuts can also be a bit of a downer post a storm, but hey, most top-notch hotels have generators, so your Netflix binge doesn’t have to be interrupted.
Now that you know the drill, you can rest easy knowing that even in the face of a hurricane, your resort has your back. So go ahead, enjoy that margarita by the pool.
Is it safe to go to Cancun during the Hurricane season?
Now, logic might tell you to stay clear of Cancun during the hurricane season. But let’s crunch some numbers here.
In the past 35 years, only 2 hurricanes have decided to drop by Cancun. So, the odds of you being caught in a storm are pretty slim. Of course, there was that one time in 2005 when Hurricane Wilma decided to throw a tantrum and wreak some havoc, but that’s a rare occurrence.
If unlucky, you’re greeted by a storm, just follow the hotel staff’s instructions.
The Cancun Hotel Association and local authorities are like Batman and Robin during these times, always in touch and always ready.
And thanks to the marvels of modern weather forecasting, you’ll know about a week in advance if a hurricane is planning to visit. This gives the hotels and authorities enough time to get their act together and prepare their shelters.
Why hurricane season could be the best time to visit Cancun
The best thing about the Cancun hurricane season is the reduced tourist traffic.
Imagine being able to stroll into your favorite restaurant without a reservation or exploring the mystical Chichen Itza or the Tulum ruins without having to elbow your way through crowds!
Plus, you can photograph some stunning scenes of a rain-soaked Mexican Caribbean.
The wet season can also be adventurous. Imagine riding an ATV through a muddy trail, dirt splashing up around you. It’s like being in an action movie. Plus, a light drizzle is the perfect excuse to hit the shopping malls. Cancun has a couple of swanky ones you’ll love.
For all you surfers out there, hurricane season is also the golden ticket. Sure, you have to be cautious about spots with rocky beaches, but the swells are perfect, and the prices are much more pocket-friendly.
And let’s not forget most days are still sunny, so a storm is not a given.
By the way, November is the local’s favorite to enjoy Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The Downside of Hitting Cancun During Hurricane Season
We’re talking hurricanes, those big, scary storms that can put a damper on your beach plans.
Even if you’re safely tucked away in your hotel as a storm rages on, the mere thought of evacuation procedures can be unnerving. Families with kids know what I’m talking about.
And even if you dodge the hurricane bullet, you’ll still have to tango with the mosquitoes. Trust me. They’re like little flying vampires.
And let me tell you, those pesky mosquitoes aren’t the only annoyances.
Picture this: you’ve spent your hard-earned money on an adventure-packed day at Xel-Ha, only to find it’s closed due to weather. Bummer, right? Plus, if you’re a boat trip fan, you might just find your voyage canceled on any old rainy day.
Tip to Upgrade Your Cancun Stay During Hurricane Season
First things first, get yourself some traveler’s insurance or ensure you can reschedule your trip if a storm decides to crash your party.
Once you’ve got that sorted, ensure you’re keeping an eye on the weather in Cancun and the Riviera Maya before your trip. These storms like to RSVP at least a week in advance.
If the rain really pours down, you can explore the mysterious caves of Rio Secreto or dive into history at the Mayan Museum. Just a heads up, though, these spots tend to get crowded on rainy days.
Bottom line
Cancun’s hurricane season is not merely a time of caution but an opportunity for unforgettable experiences.
With our comprehensive travel guide, you can navigate the storms and unlock the hidden gems of this captivating destination. From the thrill of reduced crowds to the mesmerizing beauty of a rain-soaked Caribbean, let us be your compass in crafting a remarkable Cancun vacation.
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