Visiting Cancun in February is a popular choice. The weather is warm and sunny without being overbearingly hot and humid.
And the promise of leaving the cold winter weather at home in exchange for pristine white sandy beaches and translucent turquoise waters is massively appealing. February is the high season for visiting Cancun (and in fact, the entire Riviera Maya).
So, while a winter escape sounds great, you will quickly discover that there are a lot of people that have the same idea! This means that prices are at their highest and you need to move quickly to reserve the best accommodation, rental cars, and excursions.
Beaches and ruins in and around popular destinations like Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Isla Holbox, and Tulum can become crowded. But there are always plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds and visit lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path areas of Mexico’s gorgeous Caribbean coast.
Cancun in February Weather
The weather in Cancun in February is wonderful. You can expect hot, sunny days, and clear blue skies virtually every day of the week.
The average daily temperatures tend to fall between an average low of 66.2°F/19°C and an average high of 82.4°F/28°C. Rainfall is at a minimum at this time of year. (The rainy season in Southern Mexico runs between May and October).
Midday is, of course, the hottest time of day so you should wear sun protection and be mindful of the heat at this time. It gets much colder after sunset, with average temperatures of around 69°F/21°C at night.
Cancun in February humidity
Cancun and the wider Yucatan peninsula are one of the hottest regions in Mexico. The area has a tropical climate and you can expect hot, humid temperatures here all year round.
The humidity makes the heat feel much more intense than it actually is a lot of the time. Although fortunately, the absence of rain during the winter months means that the humidity is only moderate at this time.
Expect around 74% humidity in Cancun in February. This is relatively lower than the 80%+ humidity that you see in Cancun from May onwards.
It can be difficult to understand exactly what those percentages of humidity mean. In Cancun in February, the cooler temperatures with the sea breeze combine to make for a pleasant clime.
It never feels so humid at this time of year that you feel that your hair is an uncontrollable ball of frizz, or that you walk 5 minutes down the road and you are already drenched in sweat. (Apologies for the visuals, but for reference, that is what you can expect in the rainy season and the summer months!)
The only time it feels a little muggy and humid most of the time is right before or after a storm or rain shower.
Does it rain in Cancun in February?
There is an average of 18mm of rain throughout February in Cancun. Meteorologists estimate it is clear and sunny 72% of the time, while 28% of the time it may be cloudy. Fortunately, even when it is a bit overcast in Cancun, it is still hot and it doesn’t have any detrimental effect on you enjoying your time by the beach or the pool, out exploring ruins, etc.
This is the dry season in Mexico. So if you are unfortunate enough to see some rain showers during your trip, they are usually brief and quickly subside so that you can enjoy the rest of your day.
The likelihood of encountering rain in Cancun in February decreases further as the month goes on. It is a good idea to pack a light umbrella or a rain mac to take to Cancun with you just in case.
Cancun in February sunshine hours
In Cancun in February, the sun usually rises at around 7:24 am and sets at around 6:37 pm. This means that you have around 11 hours of sunshine which is plenty of time to enjoy the coast and other outdoor activities.
The sunrise gets much earlier towards the end of the month as summer approaches. By February 28th, you can expect sunrise at around 07:08 am and sunset at 6:51 pm.
Cancun in February sea temperature
The sea is plenty warm enough to go swimming in Cancun, and other Yucatan area beaches in February. It averages a temperature of around 78.8°F/26°C.
So, you might need to brace yourself to get into the water, but from there you will be fine! Cancun in February likely sees equal or hotter temperatures than you are used to in your own country during July or August.
The water visibility is also very good at this time. So, if you are planning on doing any diving or snorkeling in Cancun and Tulum to see the tropical fish or swim with sea turtles, you won’t be met with sargassum (seaweed) or murky waters.
Things to do in Cancun in February 2024
There are plenty of things to do in Cancun in February. Most activities here can be enjoyed all year round, thanks to Quintana Roo’s perpetually warm weather and clear blue skies.
Hang out on Cancun’s paradisical beaches
There are dozens of gorgeous beaches scattered throughout Cancun and its surroundings. Whether you are searching for an upscale, exclusive beach club, a serviced beach with all the amenities, or a secluded tranquil cove, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
Playa Chac Mool, named after the Mayan rain god, is one of the most popular beaches in Cancun. It sits right in front of the bustling bars of the Cancun hotel zone and offers soft, powdery white sands and stunning turquoise waters that could only be found in the Caribbean.
It is a great place to lay down your beach towel, eat some fresh fruit, and lay beneath the sun with a good book. When you decide that you want to grab some lunch or dinner, you have a plethora of bars, restaurants, and cafes just a short walk away.
Still, since Playa Chac Mool is so centrally located, it makes sense that it would get fairly busy. Playa Delfines (dolphin beach) sits a little further down the hotel zone and is somewhat less crowded, partly due to the absence of bars and restaurants on the waterfront.
As the name suggests, this beach is home to many dolphins, whom you can see jumping and frolicking in the warm waters as you relax on the shore. The beaches at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve are set inside a protected reserve.
The coastline is backed by lush, dense jungles that exude desert island vibes. If you are interested in history, if you get bored of laying around, you will be pleased to hear that there are more than 23 archeological sites and Mayan ruins scattered around the reserve.
Take a day trip to Chichen Itza
Vacations to Cancun are mostly about rest and relaxation. But if you only visit one Mayan city during your trip, make it Chichen Itza.
The wonderfully well-preserved ruins at Chichen Itza are one of the “new” seven wonders of the world and have been a UNESCO-protected heritage site since 1988. Once upon a time, more than 35,000 people lived in this city which is believed to date back to around 400AD.
It is easy to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza – either by bus, by renting a car, or by participating in an organized day trip. The site is actually more expansive than many realize and you should dedicate at least 2-3 hours to exploring it.
(Fun Chichen Itza fact: Chichen Itza is actually the name of the city, not the famous pyramid, which is called the Temple of Kukulkan). There are several interesting shrines, pyramids, observatories, and sacrificial cenotes scattered throughout the complex.
Recommended Chichen Itza Tours
Numerous reputable tour companies offer Chichen Itza tours from Cancun. They often include hotel pick-up and drop-off and can take a lot of stress out of waiting for buses or trying to figure out the logistics of managing transport yourself.
A selection of the best Chichen Itza tours is detailed below for your consideration. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment!
- Cancun/Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Valladolid and Cenote tour
- Cancun/Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Cenote and meal
- Chichen Itza early access with cenote and lunch
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil and Valladolid tour from Cancun
- Tour of Chichen Itza, Hubiku Cenote and Valladolid
- Chichen Itza private tour and transportation from Cancun
Experience Cancun by night
One of the things that Cancun is best known for is its party scene. The idea of a night out in Cancun is probably synonymous with the image of raucous clubs and all-night beach parties but there is something for everyone.
There are also a lot of chic, sophisticated cocktail bars and rooftop restaurants, as well as plenty of low-key places where you can grab a quiet beer if you don’t want a crazy night on the town. Coco Bongo (Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera) is one of the hottest clubs in town.
You can think of it as Cirque de Soleil meets an all-night pop and hip-hop party. Here, you can expect to see live acrobats jumping across the ceiling as people dance below, bartenders perform all manner of daring tricks with fire and bottles, and live musicians and dancers take to the stage.
Tickets here cost between $60 and $190 per person depending on what is going on each night. But it is worth coming here at least once. Señor Frog’s (Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5) in the hotel zone is probably one of the best-known Cancun bars.
It’s a cheap and cheerful spot where anything goes that is popular with a younger, student crowd and spring breakers. It isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for a laidback spot to just drink beers or cheap cocktail pitchers with friends, this is it.
For something a little quieter, head to Doble B Bar Cancun for cocktails in an upscale lounge that has been designed to look like 1920s Manhattan. The Mixologists here are some of the best in town, and they serve up an array of classic and unique beverages.
Sample traditional Yucatecan food
Classic Mexican dishes like tacos, tortillas, and tamales are renowned around the world. In fact, Mexican food is so good that it is actually UNESCO protected!
The cuisine was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. For a lot of people, the food is as much of a highlight of traveling to Cancun in February as the beaches and the sights themselves!
However, what few people realize is that Mexican food is much more than just tacos, tortillas, and tamales. The various different regions of Mexico are home to their own regional cuisines.
In Cancun and the wider Yucatan, you can find Yucatecan food. Yucatecan cuisine is one of the oldest cuisines in the world.
It is very different from standard Mexican food and a lot of the recipes date back thousands of years. Many were invented by the Ancient Maya themselves!
One dish to look out for is cochinita pibil. This is slow-roasted pork that is cooked in an underground oven known as a pib and seasoned with orange and achiote.
Papadzules are another mouthwatering dish to try, commonly eaten at breakfast time. These are fresh, warm corn tortillas that are filled with boiled eggs and then drenched in tomato salsa and a sauce made with pumpkin seeds and epazote.
Yum! If you want to try some regional delicacies in Cancun, you should head to Loncheria El Pocito in downtown Cancun (31 Norte Lte 23 Mz35 SM 63, Centro).
Events in Cancun in February
There are lots of wonderful seasonal events and traditions that take place throughout the year in Mexico, including Cancun. Cancun in February sees colorful Carnaval celebrations take place throughout the city and the wider Yucatan region, as locals start preparing for Semana Santa (Easter) in April.
Dia de la Candelaria
The 2nd of February marks the Dia de la Candelaria across Mexico. This day, 40 days after Christmas, marks the day that the Virgin Mary purified herself after she delivered God’s child.
It is also known as “Candlemas” in English, as people visit church bearing candles that they want to be blessed. Approximately 80% of the Mexican population identifies as Catholic, and religion is a big deal to a lot of people here.
So, it would make sense that for many people, the Dia de la Candelaria is an important celebration. Many people go to church on this day, which falls on a Thursday in 2023.
Then, they return to the home of a family member to eat delicious tamales, champurrado, and atole. If you are respectful, it is okay to attend church on this day if you are interested.
If you have any Mexican friends or family, perhaps they will invite you to celebrate Dia de la Candelaria with them.
Carnaval
Carnaval in Cancun will run between the 17th and the 23rd of February in 2023. This is essentially the Mexican version of Mardi Gras.
It is a five-day celebration that takes place before Catholic Lent on Ash Wednesday. The occasion sees vibrant floats and parades hosted around towns and cities across Mexico, as well as various parties and events where people dance down the street to music.
In Cancun, several hotels, clubs, and resorts will host parties for the occasion, making nights out in Cancun wilder than ever!
BonBon Reggaeton International Boat Party
Before traveling to Cancun at any time of year, it is a good idea to check the local schedules on Eventbrite to see what parties and events are going on. On the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th of February 2023, you can join the BonBon Reggaeton International Boat Party.
This wild boat party sees you set sail from Cancun and head out across the turquoise Caribbean waters to the beautiful Isla Mujeres. The DJs on board play reggaeton classics and the latest top 40 beats.
Tickets are $91 USD per person and include an all-you-can-drink open bar, free snacks, and sandwiches. The boat will stop at various points, at which you can jump out into the clear blue water, swim or hang out on inflatables.
FAQs about Visiting Cancun in February
Do you have any further questions or concerns about visiting Cancun in February? Hopefully, you will find the answers you are looking for below.
If not, feel free to reach out!
Is it warm enough to swim in Cancun in February?
The water in Cancun in February is warm and pleasant, and plenty hot enough to swim or snorkel in. You can expect an average water temperature of around 78.8°F/26°C at this time, with things heating up as the month goes on.
Is Cancun crowded in February?
Cancun can get very busy in February as this is one of the peak times of the year to travel. Fortunately, it is slightly less crowded and chaotic than in December and January, when many international tourists flock to Quintana Roo to spend the holidays in the sunshine.
But it is still fairly busy. Popular beaches in the hotel zone and the city center get pretty full, so having a relaxing walk along the shore by yourself isn’t really an option unless you are willing to take day trips out to places like Mahahual and El Cuyo.
You should reserve your rental car plenty of time in advance of your trip if you are planning on setting off on a Yucatan road trip. You should also make advance reservations at popular restaurants (at least a couple of days in advance), especially on Valentine’s Day or if you are visiting a fine dining spot like Tora Japanese restaurant or Les Cepages.
Is Feb a good time to go to Cancun?
February is a good time to go to Cancun from a weather perspective. Cancun is very hot and sunny at this time, without being overbearingly so.
The Christmas/New Years vacationers have just left, and the American Spring Break partiers have not yet arrived so although this is a very busy and popular time of year, you should just miss the bulk of the crowds.
Is Cancun rainy in February?
Cancun is not a rainy month. The rainy season in this part of Mexico is over the Summer, between the months of May and early November.
February in Cancun only sees around 18mm of rain, if that. There are just a handful of days when it rains throughout the month, and things get a lot drier towards the end of the month.
What does Cancun look like in February?
Cancun in February offers the perfect summer weather conditions. Almost every day brings clear blue skies and sunshine, and the average daytime temperature falls between 66.2°F/19°C and an average high of 82.4°F/28°C.
Is February hurricane season in Cancun?
No. Hurricane season in Cancun runs from late May to November.
Weather conditions in Cancun in February are very good and you are unlikely to even see any windy days. Fortunately, hurricanes in general, are very rare here, even in the “hurricane season”.
How can I get through Cancun airport quickly in February?
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest international airports in Mexico. It is estimated that over 500 flights land here every day.
In February, you are likely to disembark your aircraft to be met with crowds of tourists and holidaymakers. You really need to have a little patience in dealing with this.
On a good day, you can be through Immigration and Customs in 30 minutes or so. On a bad day, it can take 2-3 hours.
It is a good idea to expect the worst, and be pleasantly surprised if you are able to get to quickly. There are a few tips you can have in mind to help you
Final thoughts on visiting Cancun in February
Do you have any further questions about visiting Cancun in February or planning a trip to Mexico in General? Feel free to reach out to me.
I have been living in the Yucatan capital of Merida for over a year now and I am happy to help out with any queries that you may have. If this is your first time traveling to Cancun, you may also enjoy this article on “Is Cancun safe?” or this list of suggested hotels close to Cancun airport.
Safe travels and enjoy Mexico! Buen Viaje! Xo
