Average high temperature and rainfall for Cancun in May. © Scott S. Bateman

Cancun weather in May is less rainy than other months, and temperatures are usually quite hot.

Two key events make May a popular month for travelers to visit Cancun. The Cinco De Mayo festival takes place on May 5th, and the famous Cancun Jazz Festival also takes place every year in May.

Spring and early summer are the most popular times to visit because the temperatures are warm, and there is less rain overall.

Cancun Temperatures in May

The average high temperature in Cancun in May is 91 degrees Fahrenheit or 33 Celsius, according to Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, Mexico’s government meteorology service. That makes it one of the warmest destinations in the Caribbean for the month of May. The average low temperature in May is 76 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 Celsius. It usually occurs at night.

By comparison, the warmest months of the year are June, July and August. During these months, the average high temperature can exceed 93 degrees.

Not surprisingly, temperatures are coolest in the winter months. In January and Februrary, average daytime temperatures drop into the low 80s Fahrenheit or mid 20s Celsius. The average monthly low temperature drops to about 69 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius.

The hottest time of day in May is mid afternoon. Temperatures tend to cool off by evening, making nights pleasant and comfortable.

Seawater temperatures average about 82 degrees Fahrenheit during May, making the ocean comfortable to balmy for swimming.

Humidity rises between the months of May and August.

The most arid time to visit Cancun is from January to April, when there is very little rain and temperatures are slightly cooler.

Average Rainfall

February through May is the time of year with the least amount of rainfall for Cancun. 

Cancun has on average about 3.4 inches of rain during May, according to Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Rain falls an average of seven days, which is lower than average for Cancun and similar to other Caribbean destinations.

The rain often occurs in the form of a sporadic, heavy shower that rarely lasts for more than a few minutes in time.

Temperatures are warm enough that the sun dries all remnants and puddles from the rain often in a matter of minutes.

It is important to note that, rain or shine, the UV index in May is very extreme at 11+. Visitors should use sunscreen regularly.

Because of its location in Mexico, Cancun is often warmer and rainier than its Caribbean neighbors.

It has a rainy and dry season. The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, but Cancun receives most of that rain during September and October.

The region is known for getting bad weather and a lot of rain in the autumn months during the peak of the Caribbean hurricane season.

• Cancun weather in
January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Should I Visit Cancun in May?

May is a good time of year to visit Cancun. It is the sixth driest month of the year and temperatures do not reach their peak.