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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 3, 2025

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There’s something special about Cancun in December that makes you want to stay out from sunrise to sunset. The air is warm but gentle, holiday lights flicker along the beach bars, and locals set up bright nativity scenes that spill onto the sidewalks. You’ll hear live music drifting from restaurants at night and see families gathering for tamales as the sun sets over the sea.

Cancun can get busy with the holiday rush setting in, but it never feels overwhelming with the right plan. An advisor from TravelJoy can help you create the perfect itinerary to bypass crowds even during the busy season. They can snag seats at beachfront holiday feasts, point you to neighborhood plazas hosting live music and festive lights, and line up reef tours early in the day so you enjoy the best of Cancun without the crowds.

Is December a good time to visit Cancun?

Yes. December is one of the best times to visit Cancun. Daytime temperatures hover in the low 80s, with cooler evenings that make strolling the beach or enjoying dinner under the stars comfortable. The start of the dry season means you’ll see less rain and humidity compared to summer, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming.

December kicks off the peak season in Cancun, with the island becoming busier as Christmas and New Year’s approach. Hotels fill quickly, beaches feel livelier, and prices tend to rise. If you visit earlier in the month, though, you’ll still find sunny days and a festive mood without the peak holiday crowds.

While December may not be the cheapest time in Cancun, the payoff is warm weather, colorful events, and the energy of a city gearing up for the upcoming celebrations. Planning ahead helps, and an advisor from TravelJoy can guide you toward quieter stretches of beach in Punta Nizuc or Puerto Juarez, help you time reef tours before peak holiday traffic, and line up local events so you can experience Cancun’s December magic without the stress.

High temperature
84°F / 29°C
Low temperature
70°F / 21°C
Rainfall
3 in / 75 mm
Sun & daylight
7 hours / 11 hours
Seasonal tips

- Holiday season

- Book early for NYE

- Festive events all month

- Swimsuits + resort wear

- Warm but not humid

Where to go in Cancun in December

Isla Mujeres
Just a short ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres feels relaxed in December. You can snorkel colorful reefs at Garrafon Park, then wander into town where holiday lights twinkle across the main plaza and fishermen grill fresh snapper on the sand.
Downtown Cancun
Parque Las Palapas becomes a gathering spot in December, filled with families enjoying tamales and hot chocolate while musicians play festive songs. You can browse holiday markets for handmade piñatas and local crafts or sample seasonal treats like buñuelos sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Chichen Itza
About two and a half hours from Cancun, Chichen Itza feels especially inviting in December’s cooler weather. You can walk the grounds without the stifling summer heat, hear guides explain the mysteries of El Castillo and the ancient ball courts, and see sunlight illuminate carvings that have stood for centuries. If you’re visiting Cancun in December, head out early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the ruins in the soft, golden light of daybreak.
Cenotes near Tulum
December’s cooler, drier days are perfect for exploring cenotes without the heavy summer crowds. An early, well-planned start is a must if you want to reach places like Cenote Dos Ojos or the sunlit caves of Gran Cenote before most people arrive. Then you can head to Tulum’s cliffside ruins for an afternoon of history and ocean views, taking in the coast at your own pace.

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Things to do in Cancun in December

Event
Location
Timing
Riviera Maya Holiday Market
Holiday market offers festive shopping
Playa del Carmen
December 5–15
Isla Mujeres Holiday Carnival
Holiday carnival brings joy to the island
Isla Mujeres
December 18–22
Luxury Yacht NYE Cruise
Luxury yacht cruise rings in the New Year
Marina Puerto Cancun
December 31
Mayan Winter Solstice Ceremony
Winter solstice ceremony honors ancient traditions
Tulum
December 21
Cancun Jazz Christmas Nights
Jazz nights add rhythm to Christmas celebrations
Zona Hotelera
December 22–25
Boutique Holiday Art Walk
Holiday art walk features seasonal creations
Cancun Centro
December 26–29
Fireworks on the Lagoon Show
Fireworks illuminate the lagoon in celebration
Nichupté Lagoon
December 31

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