Cancun weather in May: is it a good month to travel?

Cancun is beckoning, but let’s check out what’s Cancun weather in May is like, before planning your trip. In this post, I will share everything you need to know about traveling to Cancun in May, including weather, prices, events, and more.

Cancun is one of the most popular Mexican beach destinations, especially loved by spring breakers, but not exclusively!

In fact. it’s the perfect destination for family gatherings, couples getaways, or solo travelers. Cancun makes everyone happy, with its turquoise waters, incredible cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and a whole lot of activities to choose from.

So if you are planning your trip to Cancun for May, in this post I will tell you all you will find.

✔ Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico? – Yes, you do!
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We have a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in. I’ll begin with some average figures for Cancun’s weather during May.

Cancun weather in May at a glance

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE	27ºC	81ºF
LOWEST TEMPERATURE	24ºC	75ºF
HIGHEST TEMPERATURE	33ºC	91ºF
AVERAGE DAY TEMPERATURE	28.5ºC	83ºF
AVERAGE NIGHT TEMPERATURE	26ºC	79ºF
SUNSHINE HOURS	11 hr
RAINFALL	28mm
SEA TEMPERATURE	28ºC	82ºF
CHANCE OF CLOUDY DAYS	18%
CHANCE OF WINDY DAYS	25%
SUNSET HOUR	From 7:12' (May 1st) to 7:25' (May 31st)
SUNRISE HOUR	From 6:16 am (May1st) to 6:05 am (May 31st)

Sources: Time zone, Holiday weather, Accuweather

Cancun weather in May – what to expect

The most noticeable change in May is the rise in temperature compared to the previous months.

Don’t be alarmed, though. The weather will still be very pleasant and tropical, with 11 hours of sunshine on average per day.

May is one of the best months for sunbathing in Cancun, but remember to take precautions and wear your sunscreen.

The rainy season technically starts in Cancun during May, and a lot of tourists are concerned about the upcoming rains. However, there’s nothing to worry about. The frequent showers won’t start until June.

In fact, May is the third driest month of the year in terms of humidity, and the second driest in terms of rainfall if you measure in millimeters.

On average, you’ll get around 5 days of rain in the whole month; and these are showers that pass very quickly.

Temperatures in Cancun in May

With an average temperature of 27C (81F) and an average daily temperature of 28.5C (83F), Cancun will be noticeably warmer compared to April and March.

There’ll also be around 4-6 days where you’ll get temperatures close to, and even exceeding, 90F. Luckily, May is the third driest month of the year, so the heat doesn’t feel stifling.

Nights are slightly better, with an average temperature of 26C (79F) and lows of 24C (75F). It’s a very comfortable temperature that’s neither too hot nor too cold, and you won’t need to pack clothes for any cold nights.

Humidity and rain in Cancun in May

Humidity during this month is quite high, but beaches are very tolerable thanks to breezes. If you’re planning on visiting Chichen-Itza or other attractions, I highly recommend you go in the early morning and return before the afternoon because you’ll really feel the humidity there.

As for the rain, you have nothing to worry about on that front either. Technically, the rainy season starts in May, but there is very little rainfall during the month.

You might get around 5 rainy days, with rains passing very quickly and giving way to sunny days. In fact, on average, May has the second-lowest amount of rainfall in the entire year (only 28mm in the entire month).

Traveling to Cancun in May

Despite not being part of the peak season (which ends in April), May is a great month to visit Cancun. I’ll cover a few reasons why.

To begin with, there are noticeably fewer tourists in Cancun during May.

That’s not to say it’s a dull season, a lot of honeymooners and vacationers visit during this month.

You’ll just not have to encounter crazy crowds at almost every popular attraction, which is great for people like me who love their peace and quiet.

The great thing about May is that it’s a great month for encountering wildlife.

Whale sharks start arriving in the waters around Cancun, and sea turtles start nesting on the Cancun beaches.

I highly recommend taking tours to see both.

👉 Planning to swim with whale sharks? Book your tour in advance on VIATOR

If you’re worried about the rain, because May is technically within the rain season, don’t be. On average, this month has the second-lowest amount of rain in the whole year.

When rain does happen, it passes very quickly. The rainy weather doesn’t start in earnest until June.

One thing to note is that humidity during May will be noticeably higher, especially towards the end of the month.

On less breezy days, try to check out attractions in the early mornings and return by the afternoon.

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Events in Cancun in May

Cancun is famous for its events, I’ll cover a few that you can expect during May.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862, in Puebla At this point, it’s celebrated even in the US with parties.

However, while it’s a national holiday in Mexico, you won’t find any major events or parties during this day.

Bars run a few special drinks, and you can find small parties in tourist resorts, but that’s about it. If you want to experience a proper celebration of Cinco de Mayo, you’ll have to travel to the city of Puebla.

Festival de Cultura del Caribe

This festival, as its name implies, celebrates all the Caribbean cultures. Two of the most notable cultures among these are Mexican and Mayan cultures.

You’ll get to experience food, parties, movies, music, plays, and a lot more. This festival usually occurs in the first half of May.

Check out their Facebook page to find out the exact dates when you’re going to Cancun.

Cancun Jumpoff

Want to experience the wildness of spring break parties but during May and for grownups? Cancun Jumpoff is the perfect event for you.

This event has 5-6 days of non-stop partying, day and night. Plenty of music combined with beach parties, pool parties, overnight parties, you name it.

The next Cancun Jumpoff is scheduled to happen at May 25-30, 2022, you can find more details on Cancun Jumpoff website.

Regata del Sol a Sol

Regata del Sol a Sol is a yacht race that started in 1968 and occurs every year. The yachts start in St. Petersburg, Florida, and race to Isla Mujeres.

Technically it’s not an event in Cancun, but Isla Mujeres is close enough that it counts. Besides, if you’re in Cancun, you should visit Isla Mujeres. Make sure to check out their website if you’re interested in the event.

Travesia Sagrada Maya

Every year, Mayans used to make a pilgrimage to worship their goddess of fertility, Ixchel.

Today, 300 canoeists prepare for months in order to face the challenges at sea, and at the end of May, recreate the journey from Xcaret to Cozumel.

This event usually happens at the end of May, but it got canceled this year due to Covid-19. If you’re interested in attending, keep an eye on their website for event dates next year.

Even though it doesn’t take place in Cancun you can plan your visit to Xe-la’ to welcome the brave athletes.

The best tours in Canun in May

Here are the top selected tours that you can join in May in Cancun!

What To Pack for Cancun in May

Here is a short packing list of essential items for Cancun in February. As you notice I am including a light sweater cause it can indeed be chilly.

✔️ swim suite

✔️ water bottle – important to save the environment from plastics and stay hydrated

✔️ sunscreen – (eco-friendly – but remember you cannot use it in Cenotes)

✔️ flip flops

✔️ beach towels (unless you are going to a beach hotel in which case you will be provided)

✔️ mosquito repellent (eco-friendly – but remember you cannot use it in Cenotes)

✔️ Go Pro for amazing pictures while diving and snorkeling

✔️ Phone waterproof case

✔️ Drybag for your belonging when you are on the beach and in the water

✔️ Beach bag

✔️ Sun Glasses

Here below some outfit ideas: click on the image to see the item⤵️

Cancun in May FAQ

Are there a lot of crowds in Cancun during May?

Most of the tourists from the high season leave by the end of April. May is one of the best months to visit Cancun if you’re not a fan of crowds.

There are still quite a few tourists around, but the popular attractions aren’t nearly as crowded as they were before.

How’s the humidity during the month?

I’ll be honest here, May is a lot more humid than the previous months of the year, especially towards the end.

On the beaches, this humidity isn’t as noticeable due to breezes, but it’s very noticeable inland.

That’s why I recommend going to attractions and parks in the early morning and returning by the early afternoon.

Is May a good month to visit Cancun?

Absolutely! There are a ton of festivals and events during the month, not to mention that you can go and see whale sharks and sea turtles.

Despite the monsoon season, there is little to no rain during May so you won’t have to cancel any plans.

Weather in Cancun for every month of the year

If you want to have an overview, first, you can check out my guide to When is the best time to travel to Cancun?

Otherwise here below you will find thorough information on Cancun weather and events for every month.

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