Cancun in December is the Caribbean at its best. After living in Mexico for 15 years, I can say that few things compare to spending the holidays with turquoise blue seas, clean beaches, and that dry, sunny weather that only the high season delivers. But December is also the month when prices rise the most, so planning ahead makes all the difference.
In this guide, I answer everything you need to know about the month: weather, rain, hurricanes, sargassum seaweed, crowds, prices, and where to stay. If you're still comparing months, it's also worth reading the complete guide to the best time to go to Cancun , where I compare all the months of the year by traveler profile.
⚡ Quick answer: Is it worth going to Cancun in December?
Yes, December is one of the best months of the year to go to Cancun in terms of weather: dry weather, highs of 28°C, sea at 27°C, clean beaches without seaweed, and zero risk of hurricanes. The downside is the price: it's high season, and the second half of the month, with Christmas and New Year's Eve, has the highest rates of the year. My recommendation: if your budget allows, go without fear and book your hotel at least 3 months in advance; if you want the same weather but pay less, prefer the first half of the month.
- ☀️ Climate: Dry and sunny, one of the best of the year.
- 🌊 Mar: Water at 27°C and beaches virtually free of seaweed.
- ???? Hurricane: Zero risk, the season ends on November 30th.
- 👥 Movement: High season, increasing occupancy throughout the month.
- 💰 Price: More expensive than the average for the year, with peaks at Christmas and New Year's Eve.
What is the weather like in Cancun in December?
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December marks the beginning of the dry season and the high season in Cancun. The maximum temperature is around 28°C, the minimum around 22°C, and the sea water at a pleasant 27°C. In practice, it's that perfect beach climate: sun most days, pleasant warmth without being stifling, and lower humidity than in summer.
One detail that many people don't expect: December nights are slightly cooler. Nothing truly cold, but a light jacket is all you need for seaside dinners and evening strolls, especially when the north wind blows, which locals call "norte".
Remember that Cancun is in the Northern Hemisphere: while it's summer in Brazil, it's winter there. But the Caribbean winter is like this: 28°C and blue skies.
Does it rain in Cancun in December?
Not much. December sees around 75mm of rainfall, well below the rainy months of September and October. When it rains, it's usually a quick downpour that passes and the sun comes back soon after. I've never seen a December trip here disrupted by rain; at most, a tour rescheduled.
Is there a risk of hurricanes in Cancun in December?
No. The official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1st to November 30th, so December is completely outside of it. It's one of the safest months of the year in terms of weather, and that's one of the reasons it's high season: those who travel in December are practically guaranteed good weather.
Is there sargassum in December?
That's another piece of good news. From November to February, Cancun's beaches are noticeably cleaner, and December is one of the months when the sea has that postcard-perfect look: white sand and turquoise water without any algae buildup. If seeing a clean sea is a priority for you, December is a sure bet.
High season: what is the traffic like in December?
December is peak season, but the month has two very different faces:
- First fortnight: Moderate activity, relatively quiet beaches, and even more reasonable prices. In my opinion, it's the best-kept secret of the month.
- Second half of the month: With Christmas and New Year's Eve, the city is packed. Resorts are full, restaurants are crowded, and tours are selling out fast. It's lively and has a festive atmosphere, but you need to book everything in advance.
Many Brazilians take advantage of the school holidays to spend the festivities in the Caribbean, so you'll hear a lot of Portuguese spoken in the Hotel Zone during that time.
How much does it cost to travel to Cancun in December?
To put it bluntly: December is more expensive than the average for the year, and the second half of the month usually has the highest rates on the calendar. I won't make up figures here because they vary greatly depending on the hotel and date, but the logic is simple: the closer to Christmas and New Year's Eve, the higher the price and the lower the availability.
My two rules for paying less in December:
- Book at least 3 months in advance. The best value-for-money hotels sell out first.
- If possible, travel in the first two weeks. You get the same weather and the same sea for less than you would during New Year's week.
Cancun summary for December
| Item |
What happens in December? |
| Temperature |
Maximum temperature of 28°C, minimum of 22°C |
| Sea water |
27°C, perfect for swimming. |
| Rain |
Low, around 75mm, quick impacts |
| Hurricane |
No risk, out of season. |
| Sargassum |
Clean beaches, one of the best months. |
| Movement |
High season, peak at Christmas and New Year's Eve. |
| Price |
More expensive than the average for the year. |
Events and special dates in Cancun in December
December in Mexico is a month of celebration, and this is evident in the city:
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Day (December 12th): The most important religious date in the country, with celebrations, processions, and decorated churches. It's worth exploring downtown Cancun on this day to see Mexican devotion up close.
- Posadas (December 16-24): The traditional festivities that precede Christmas, with music, piñatas, and typical food. Some hotels and parks recreate inns for their guests.
- Christmas: The resorts prepare special dinners and programs, many with dinners by the sea.
- New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve in the Hotel Zone is one of the most sought-after celebrations in the Caribbean, with parties at the resorts, gala dinners, and fireworks on the beach.
Where to stay in Cancun in December
In December, choosing a hotel is more important than in any other month because availability disappears quickly. For the end-of-year holidays, my number one recommendation is all-inclusive resorts: you can take care of dinner, drinks, and entertainment all in one place, without having to rely on restaurant reservations during the busiest week of the year. Start your search with my selection of the best all-inclusive hotels in Cancun.
If your style is simpler hotels so you can spend more on sightseeing and restaurants, check out our complete guide on where to stay in Cancun , with the best areas and options for every budget.
For those who want to go straight to the offers, these are the ready-made searches that I personally use to recommend to readers:
By booking through the links above, you help the Mexico Guide and don't pay anything extra for it.
What to pack for Cancun in December
- Sunscreen SPF 50+: The Caribbean sun is strong even in winter.
- Light and breathable clothing: Cotton, linen, and dry-fit fabrics for everyday wear.
- At least two swimsuits to alternate
- Lightweight jacket or cardigan: December nights call for
- Pants and closed shoes for dinners and New Year's Eve
- White clothes for New Year's Eve. if you value Brazilian tradition
- Sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent. for cenote and jungle tours
Tours in Cancun in December
With dry weather and calm seas, December is excellent for classic excursions: Isla Mujeres by catamaran, Chichén Itzá, cenotes, and the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks. Just don't count on swimming with whale sharks, which only happens between the end of May and mid-September. In the second half of the month, book excursions in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Still unsure if December is the right month for you? Compare all the months of the year in the complete guide to the best time to go to Cancun , organized by traveler profile.
FAQ
Yes. December has one of the best weathers of the year in Cancun: dry, sunny, sea at 27°C, clean beaches and no risk of hurricanes. The only downside is the high season price, which peaks at Christmas and New Year's. Booking 3 months in advance makes the trip well worth it.
No. December is already part of the dry season, with about 75mm of rain in the month. When it rains, it's usually quick showers that soon give way to sunshine. It's rare for rain to spoil a day at the beach or a stroll.
No. Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1st to November 30th, so December is outside the risk period. It's one of the weather-safest months to visit Cancun.
Practically not. From November to February the beaches are cleaner, and in December the sea usually has that classic turquoise-blue color, without any seaweed buildup on the sand.
Yes, December is more expensive than the average for the year because it's peak season, and the second half of the month, with Christmas and New Year's Eve, has the highest rates on the calendar. The first half of the month offers the same atmosphere at lower prices, and booking at least 3 months in advance helps guarantee better rates.
Yes, and it's great. The sea water is around 27°C in December, a pleasant temperature for swimming and snorkeling. The cenotes, with water at around 24°C, are also open and offer a refreshing break on the hottest days.
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