Cancun beaches are chilly at times during the winter months.

Cancun’s monthly weather is both warmer and rainier than most major Caribbean destinations.

The average Cancun climate has monthly daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter to low 90s in the summer. Average rainfall ranges from two inches a month in the dry season to nine inches in the rainy season.

Anyone who wants to visit Cancun should consider the monthly weather before choosing a time to visit. Some months are better or worse than others.

This tourist mecca on the east coast of Mexico is the second most popular vacation destination in the Caribbean, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Besides its warmth, Cancun has a large number of luxurious hotels, fine restaurants, shopping, nightlife and attractions.

Not every month is a good time to visit. We were surprised at the chill during a visit in February. Trade winds plus chilly seawater kept everyone on land. Fortunately, our pool was well heated.

Cancun Monthly Temperatures

Cancun’s monthly weather has an average daytime temperature of about 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31 Celsius, according to Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, Mexico’s national meteorology service.

It exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius from May through September. These average daytime highs make Cancun one of the warmest locations among popular Caribbean places to visit—during the summer. July and August are especially hot.

The average monthly low temperature—mostly at night—is less than 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Average highs reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows drop to 69 Fahrenheit in January and February. These low nighttime temperatures cool the sea temperatures and often make swimming chilly, especially in the mornings.

But winter visitors who want to swim shouldn’t despair. Some warmer afternoon temperatures and weak trade winds may make swimming possible.

Monthly Rainfall

Rainfall totals more than 50 inches annually—similar to an island such as St. Lucia. But it rains much less in the spring and much more in the fall than the typical destination. In fact, it rains nearly nine inches a month in both September and October.

Those two months receive the worst weather of the Caribbean’s annual hurricane season, which officially lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. It rains on average about five days a month from February through May and up to 16 days in October.

The most popular months to visit Cancun are March, June, July and December, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The least popular are January (cool weather and water), September and October (heavy rains).

Vacationers will find that most months are fine for visiting Cancun. But March through May are the best weather months for an ideal combination of rain and temperatures.

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