TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

Cancun in August: Your guide to weather, events & travel

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 14, 2025

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Cancún in August pulses with heat, color, and life. Mornings start slow and bright, with the Caribbean glittering in jade and blue hues. By afternoon, clouds gather, bringing short bursts of tropical rain that leave the palms glistening and the jungle breathing steam. It’s the height of summer—hot, humid, and vibrant—with sea turtles nesting on quiet beaches and whale sharks gliding through the open water offshore.

There’s a raw, romantic edge to it all. Streets buzz with local families, the cenotes feel cooler after the rain, and the coast takes on a lusher, more untamed beauty. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you plan around the elements, booking early-morning reef dives before the winds pick up, arranging sunset dinners beneath a palapa roof, or timing a swim with whale sharks when sea conditions are just right.

Is August a good time to visit Cancun?

Yes — as long as you know what to expect, Cancún in August can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. The days are long, hot, and humid, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. You’ll want to spend your mornings in the water and your afternoons somewhere shaded or breezy. Quick, dramatic thunderstorms usually roll through in the late afternoon, offering just enough rain to cool things off and green up the scenery.

August is still part of the peak season in Cancun, with families and local travelers taking advantage of summer break to slip in a relaxing getaway. You’ll notice more activity at the big resorts and beach clubs, but not the kind of winter crowds that pack every chair and fill every table. If you're hoping to snorkel in calm seas, lounge without a fight for shade, or swim with whale sharks, August may be the ideal window.

The one trade-off? It’s hurricane season, which means high humidity and the chance of short, passing storms. But these quick showers often bring cooler air and make the landscape even more lush. An advisor on TravelJoy can help shape a flexible itinerary by scheduling cenote swims and boat rides in the mornings, timing indoor activities for the afternoon, and choosing hotels with breezy terraces or spa access for relaxing during sudden showers.

High temperature
91°F / 33°C
Low temperature
77°F / 25°C
Rainfall
5.3 in / 135 mm
Sun & daylight
8 hours / 12.7 hours
Seasonal tips

- Hot and rainy

- Hurricane season active

- Flexible travel plans helpful

- Pack quick-dry clothes

- Reef snorkeling excellent

Where to go in Cancun in August

Akumal
August is prime time for sea turtle sightings in Akumal Bay. These gentle creatures come ashore to nest, and with the right local guide, you can observe them at a respectful distance. The nearby lagoon stays calm even after short storms, making it ideal for a morning snorkel. You can also find eco-conscious beachfront hotels that support turtle conservation efforts and offer early-access beach walks.
Punta Allen (Sian Ka’an Biosphere)
Tucked at the end of a long coastal road, Punta Allen feels like a world apart. In August, this remote village within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve remains blissfully quiet, with only the sounds of rustling palms and distant bird calls. Boat tours through the lagoons and mangroves offer a front-row seat to dolphins, manatees, and the occasional crocodile gliding through the water. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak up nature at its wildest.
Isla Holbox & Isla Mujeres
August is peak season for swimming with whale sharks, and the warm Caribbean waters near Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres become prime gathering spots. Early morning boat tours take you out into the open sea, where you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s one of the Yucatán’s most humbling and awe-inspiring experiences.
Puerto Morelos coral reef
Just a short drive from Cancún, Puerto Morelos is home to a National Marine Park whose coral reef thrives in August’s warm Caribbean waters (around 84°F). Snorkeling or diving here means drifting over vibrant reef systems alive with parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. Because the area is protected, it’ll feel quieter and more intimate than Cancún’s busier sections.

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Things to do in Cancun in August

Event
Location
Timing
Cancun Rum & Reggae Festival
Rum & reggae festival ignites the night
Zona Hotelera
August 4–6
Isla Mujeres Food Tasting Crawl
Food tasting crawl explores island flavors
Isla Mujeres
August 9–11
Riviera Maya Art Fusion Night
Art fusion night merges creativity & culture
Playa del Carmen
August 12–14
Tulum Full Moon Ceremony
Full moon ceremony in sacred spaces
Tulum
August 15–17
Whale Shark Closing Weekend
Whale shark season concludes with festivities
Isla Holbox
August 18–21
Night Dive Photography Contest
Night dive photography contest captures marine life
Punta Nizuc
August 24–26
Cenote Acoustic Sessions
Acoustic sessions resonate in cenote settings
Tulum Cenotes
August 28–30

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