December weather guide

Weather in Cancun in December

Dry season returns with festive-season crowds

Score71Great
Typical day29°C84°F · low 20°C
Rain & sun80mm6.3 hrs sun/day
Aerial view of the turquoise Caribbean beach and hotel zone at Cancun
By
Institutional byline · Updated

What the weather is like in December

Avg high
29°C
84°F
Avg low
20°C
68°F
Rainfall
80mm
best
Sun / day
6.3 hrs

December swings back to warm, drier high-season weather — 29°C days and rain down to 80mm, with calm seas and low humidity. The catch is the Christmas and New Year surge, which pushes rates to the year's peak. Great weather, priciest holiday window.

Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with 33mm less rain and 0.4 hours less sun a day.

These December averages are station normals for Cancun (Airport/Observatorio) (Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, via Wikipedia, caption 1991-2020, source note 1951-2010); other parts of Cancun vary. Full sources below.

Cancun in December, on the ground

December brings Cancun the start of its dry season: sunny, less humid days and calmer seas on the Caribbean side. Northers, cold fronts from the Gulf, can bring a windy, cloudy day or two.

Crowds and prices in December

The first half of December is one of the better-value times of the dry season. From about the 20th, it is the busiest, most expensive fortnight of the year, with resorts in the Hotel Zone booked full.

What to do in December

  • Visit Chichén Itzá or Tulum’s ruins in the cooler mornings.
  • Snorkel or dive Isla Mujeres and Cozumel on calm days between northers.
  • Swim in the cenotes along the Ruta de los Cenotes inland from Puerto Morelos.

Before you book: Lock in flights and resort rates early if you are travelling between Christmas and New Year.

What to pack for Cancun in December

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
  • Swimwear

Is December the right month?

Cancun's best month, February, is two months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for November. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Cancun, or where else to go in December.

Where to stay in December

December is peak season in Cancun, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms. Every area is compared on airport access and price in our guide, where to stay in Cancun.

  • Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)$$$
    Beaches and resortsThe 22km barrier-island strip of white-sand beaches, big resorts and malls. The default Cancun base — most convenient for the beach, the most expensive, and the busiest during Spring Break.See hotels in Cancun for 12–18 Dec 2026
  • Downtown Cancun (El Centro)$
    Budget stays, local life, authentic foodThe real working city inland from the beaches, with markets, taquerías and far cheaper hotels. You trade beachfront for value and a more local feel; frequent buses run to the Hotel Zone in about 20–30 minutes.See hotels in Cancun for 12–18 Dec 2026
  • Isla Mujeres$$
    Laid-back island pace, calm beachesA small, relaxed island a short ferry from Cancun, with the calm, shallow Playa Norte and golf-cart-sized streets. A quieter, more low-key alternative for those who want the Caribbean without the resort-strip intensity.See hotels in Isla Mujeres for 12–18 Dec 2026
  • Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya$$
    Walkable beach town, Riviera Maya baseAn hour south, this walkable beach town centres on the lively Quinta Avenida and makes a strong base for Tulum, cenotes and Cozumel day trips. More compact and stroll-friendly than Cancun's spread-out Hotel Zone.See hotels in Playa del Carmen for 12–18 Dec 2026

Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Before you go

Book the rest of your December trip

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Cancun in December?
In Cancun, December averages highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F), with about 80mm of rain and 6.3 hours of sun a day. It is the start of the dry season and one of the best months to visit, though the first half of the month is better value than the Christmas fortnight.
Is December a good time to visit Cancun?
December scores 71/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Great" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is one of the best months to visit Cancun — strong conditions and the reason many travellers pick this window. It is also one of the most expensive: book early, and expect holiday-week rates.
Is it cold in Cancun in December?
Not by most standards. Days average 29°C (84°F) and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F), so a light layer covers the evenings.
Does it rain in Cancun in December?
December sees roughly 80mm of rain — moderate rainfall; a packable rain layer helps.
What should I pack for Cancun in December?
For December, pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing; Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen; Swimwear.
How far ahead should I book Cancun for December?
December is peak season, so rooms and fares are at their most expensive and the best places go first. Book several months out, and take a rate you can cancel if your dates might move.

Sources: Cancun Official Tourism Board · Servicio Meteorologico Nacional: Cancun (Airport/Observatorio), caption 1991-2020, source note 1951-2010 · U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory · CONAGUA — Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Full provenance on the Cancun guide.

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