Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico? If you're planning to go to Cancún, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cancún
- Important essentials for Cancún
- Activities for Cancún
- Cancún in January: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in February: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in March: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in April: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in May: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in June: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in July: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in August: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in September: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in October: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in November: weather and what to pack
- Cancún in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Based on the climate and weather in Cancún, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cancún, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cancún. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Cancún in January, you will notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
February
February in Cancún is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
March
March here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
April
April here is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
May
If you vacation in Cancún during May, you are likely to see that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
June
Traveling to Cancún in June, you will notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Cancún in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
August
If you are traveling to Cancún in August, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
September
September in this region can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
October
October in Cancún is constantly hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
In November, Cancún is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Cancún, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
December
December in Cancún is hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
Activities for Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Cancún.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Ledbury, England, United Kingdom, Iiyama, Japan, Zonguldak, Turkey, Homolovi Ruins State Park, Arizona, United States of America, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Madang, Papua New Guinea, Holycross, Ireland, Elafonisos, Greece, Wayland, Massachusetts, United States of America, Evian, France, and Haute-Garonne, France.