Things to do in Cancun in Winter

Instead of playing in the snow, you'll be playing in the sand. Cancun experiences some of the best weather in the winter months, particularly from December to February.

Published: July 18, 2024
Cancun in Winter

Cancun in winter typically has less rain, gorgeous, balmy weather, and sunny skies. You'll be able to stay toasty and tan all while mixing in a few holiday events here and there. We've put together a list of the best winter attractions and events for your trip to Cancun, including...

  • Xcaret Park
  • Romantic Dinner Cruises
  • Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour
  • Shopping Tours
  • Chichén Itzá Tours
  • Interactive Aquarium Cancun
  • Parasailing Adventure
  • Tulum Express Tour

Posadas at Xcaret Park

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Celebrate Posadas, a traditional Mexican holiday celebration, while exploring gorgeous Xcaret Park Posadas takes place on the nine days leading up to Christmas, honoring the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. It is celebrated with holiday carols, a parade through the park, and the breaking of piñatas as a grand finale of sorts.

This eco-archaeological park is just south of Cancun and is truly an oasis of relaxation. Explore over 40 different attractions like Children's World, the Old Mayan Temple, and the Village, and take a look at the Xcaret México Espectacular night showThis stunning performance by 300 talented artists displays the folklore of ancient Mexico represented in La Charrería, Papantla Flying Men, and Pre-Hispanic Dances.

Romantic dinner cruise

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If you're spending some quality time with a loved one on this Cancun trip, definitely hop aboard a Columbus Dinner Cruise to commemorate the holiday season. Sail around Cancun's lagoon as the sun sets, soaking in the picturesque views of the Caribbean for 2.5 blissful hours. Dine on an exquisitely-prepared steak or vegetarian meal and enjoy an open bar as you cruise through the water.

Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park

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Take a trip to Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park, an island 30 minutes off the coast of Cancun. Fill up on the continental breakfast provided on the ferry, because you're in for a long day of fun and exploration. Kayak, snorkel, and splash around in the crystal clear waters off the coast.

Kick back and relax at the Beach Club lounge or take a trip into downtown Isla Mujeres to explore the shops and local restaurants. No matter what you do, you'll be surrounded by gorgeous views.

Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour

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Swim along the shallow waters of the Great Mayan Reef and discover the unique and colorful sea life of Cancun’s waters on this awe-inspiring Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour.

Bioluminescence is the biochemical emission of light by living organisms such as fireflies and deep-sea fishes. In other words, it’s what makes certain fishes and jellies appear to be neon! On this snorkeling tour, you'll explore three different areas over the span of an hour and a half.

Your guides will direct you to all the best spots where you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for sea turtle, jellyfish, and tropical fish sightings.

Shopping Tours

Get into the holiday spirit with a shopping spree through Cancun or a trip to Playa del Carmen where you can find all your Christmas gifts at the craft shops. In Cancun, you'll visit Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas. Mercado 28 is a flea-market-style shopping area with booths and restaurants owned and operated by locals. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.

Plaza Las Americas, on the other hand, has all your favorite brands - from Victoria's Secret to Adidas to Sears. In Playa del Carmen, you'll shop famous Fifth Avenue, often called Quinta by residents, a 22-block stretch filled with all types of shops. You can find souvenir shops full of trinkets and jewelry, or you can shop from your favorite brand names. Fifth Avenue has it all, including incredible views of the water and beach as you walk.

Chichén Itzá

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While visiting Mexico, make sure to carve out some time to see its famous archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá. Chichén Itzá, a pre-Colombian city built by the Mayan people, was the largest city of its time and is believed to be one of the mythical Great Cities referred to in Mesoamerican folklore. Explore the temples and structures at your own pace and take a chance to admire some of the oldest buildings in Mayan history.

Interactive Aquarium Cancun

The Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the perfect place to go with the whole family, especially if you're tired of the beach or pool (although, how could you be?). Located in La Isla Shopping Mall, this aquarium is home to over 140 different species of fish, sharks, jellies, and more.

The expert animal trainers host shows throughout the day, where you can watch them feed and interact with dolphins. In addition to live animal shows, you can also catch screenings of ocean-related films in the auditorium.

Parasailing Adventure

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Fly right over the beach on a Parasailing Adventure in the sky. Soar into the clouds on a 10-12 minute journey over the coast and bright blue waters of Cancun. You'll be safely strapped in to your parachute and harness, so enjoy the ride and really soak in the view. As you begin your descent, you'll have the option to land directly on board or be dunked quickly in the water. On a hot day, we recommend the latter.

Tulum Express Tour

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Tulum is another great historical site you can visit while in Cancun. Once thought of as a fortress, the ruins of Tulum once were a busy site of commerce. This was a walled city of laborers, astrologers, farmers and nobility. There are three walls to protect the city from outsiders, the remains of several house type structures, burial sites for the kings. On this Tulum Express Tour you'll cover the entire grounds and hear about the intricate history of the structures.

Save on Cancun attractions this winter

So that's our brief list of the top things to do in Cancun during the winter. With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Cancun must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

Please note: some of these special Christmas & holiday events may be separately ticketed and not included on the pass.

☀️ Compare Cancun passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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Cancun's hotel zone beaches in February
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Reasons to visit Cancun in February

February is a great month to visit Cancun. Slap bang in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula’s dry season, the wardrobes of many visitors don’t extend much beyond swimwear – though there are some excellent shopping opportunities should the need arise. Temperatures are warm but not too hot by both land and sea, whilst the clear blue skies of Cancun in February are sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone coming from cloud-covered nations further north and east. But there are plenty of other reasons to consider visiting Cancun in February, as you’ll discover below. Perfect conditions for a beach break A beach destination par excellence, February sees the sands of Cancun’s 20 kilometer coastline at their very best. Its almost endless ribbons of beautiful white sand receive an average of nine hours of sunshine per day, which sees average temperatures range between 24 – 29°C and daily lows still into the twenties. The cool temperatures of evening make the hours around sunset a good time for a stroll or bike ride along the coast, whilst the Caribbean Sea is warm enough for both swimming and snorkeling without having to resort to a wetsuit. There is a limited chance of seeing some rain when visiting Cancun in February, but totaling just 44 mm split between five non-consecutive days, showers are easy to avoid even if they do develop during your stay. Ideal for sea-based adventures Mexico’s Caribbean shores around Cancun have a commanding presence above and below the surface. And it’s not just their dramatic contrast against the white sands or the phenomenal temperatures of around 24°C that draws people into the water at this time of year. February is also known to be a month with fantastic underwater visibility. It’s not surprising then that snorkeling and scuba diving are so popular in Cancun in February. Although sea turtles don’t generally appear in large numbers for another few months, as part of the world’s second-largest reef system there’s still plenty of life to become absorbed by. Soft and hard corals provide habitats for around 2000 individual species, ranging from lobster and clown fish to shark and rays. The best snorkeling locations require a short trip out by boat, so look out for tours to El Meco, one of the best-preserved areas of reef. If you’re yet to earn your water wings, you can take in the beauty of Cancun’s underwater worlds without getting wet onboard the glass-bottomed boat which forms the centerpiece of the Paradise SubSee Excursion at Paraiso Nizuc instead. Unique sinkhole adventures Not very far from the coast lie other spectacular watery discoveries, Cancun’s cenotes. There are somewhere in the region of 30,000 of these entirely natural sinkholes, each one of which is unique and offers something different to those visiting. You can think of them as underground caves with the roof or a side wall peeled away, which is exactly what has happened to most of them after thousands of years of freshwater flowing through them weakened the limestone rock they’re made of. Between them, they contain dramatically-shaped formations, large fish and turtle-filled ponds, tiny pools hidden in the jungle and grand cenotes complete with cabanas, restaurants and changing facilities. With something for everyone, cenotes become the favorite part of a trip to Cancun in February for many. Cenote Azul is a great example, with two swimming areas and a cliff-edge platform used for jumping and diving. Slightly further away, Cenote Chichen Itza (also called Cenote Ik Kil) feels fully enveloped by the surrounding jungle. Cenote Tankah Ha is ideal for cooling off after climbing to the summit of the Mayan’s tallest pyramid – Coba. Celebrations galore Romance may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a trip to Cancun, but with Valentine’s Day on February 14 there’s a good chance you’ll be in the region on what’s often hailed as the most romantic day of the year. Have no fear – Cancun’s got you covered! A luxurious catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres is sure to set the mood perfectly with its mix of snorkeling, feasting and island views. Alternatively, you might like to enjoy a two and a half hour dinner cruise with a multi-course meal set to sunset or moonlight. You’ll need your feet firmly on dry land to experience Carnaval. Marking the start of the Catholic fasting period of Lent, it echoes the celebrations that take place in Rio de Janeiro, with streets filled with colorful floats, richly-decorated performers shimmying along main avenues and the election of a carnival queen. Festivities can go on for a week, culminating on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras). If you’re in Cancun at the start of February, there’s also a chance to get involved with Candlemas celebrations (El Dia de Candelaria). Also known as Tamale Day, expect to see no shortage of these delicious menu items in restaurants and on the street food stalls, alongside the sight and sound of parties going on long into the night. Awaiting jungle adventures February is also a fantastic time of year to visit Cancun for anyone keen to explore the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. The limited rainfall ensures trails aren’t washed away, and lower humidity levels help to make jungle expeditions easier too. Although trekking on foot is an option, you might prefer to cut through the tree cover on the back of an ATV, something that’s easy to do at Extreme Adventure Park. Motor engines play an important role in yet another way of encountering the jungle just a short distance from Cancun’s hotel zone, with the chance to control a speedboat across the wildlife-rich Nichupté Lagoon. Getting the most out of your Cancun February vacation With so much to see and do in Cancun in February thoughts might invariably head to how to afford it all. Explore with Go City and you get the benefit of significant savings on admission to many of Cancun’s top attractions. Other advantages include the fact our pre-paid passes mean you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash on you. So don’t delay, buy one today!
Ian Packham
Things to do at Night in Cancun
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Things to do at Night in Cancun - Evening Activities

Looking for the best things to do in Cancun at night? You've found them! Below, we'll cover all the best experiences you'll find when the sun goes down. So have a nap, settle down, and strap in, because we're pulling an all-nighter! Including: Romantic dinner cruises Great views of Cancun's skyline Bar hopping fun Night time snorkeling and more! Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise Ahoy there, lovers! If you've never boarded a Spanish Galleon and sailed the seven seas while having a romantic dinner for two, then this one's for you! Because that's exactly what this is! Soak in the breathtaking views of Cancun's glistening shoreline while gorging on a mouthwatering multi-course dinner. From succulent steak to veggie delights, your veggie/meaty need will be more than met. And with an open bar, you can keep the drinks flowing as you toast to the good life. But wait, there's more! There's even a live saxophone band onboard, so you can boogie the night away while sparks fly. And, if you want to capture the magic of the moment, you can get commemorative snaps for just $20. You can even get a lift to and from your hotel for a few bucks. And if you're celebrating a special occasion like your birthday or anniversary, just give them a heads up, and they'll add some extra sparkle to your night. If your trip to Cancun is a romantic one, this dinner cruise is easily one of the best things to do at night in the city! Sky Wheel Cancun Take a late-night ride through the sky and watch the sunset over the gorgeous ocean and beaches aboard the Sky Wheel. This colossal 177-foot-tall observation wheel offers a 20-minute breezy ride with some of the best views of the city. Each gondola is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate six to eight people, so there's plenty of room for your friends or family. These cozy capsules boast 360-degree crystal windows and air conditioning that keep you cool as a cucumber while you ride. As you rise to the top, feast your eyes on the serene lagoon on one side and the seemingly infinite, crystal-blue ocean on the other. Take a chill pill and enjoy the peaceful loop with your entourage as you complete four or five rotations on the wheel. And don't worry; that'll give you ample time to capture the ultimate Instagram-worthy shot! Drinks at Fred's House Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and get your chill on at Fred's House. This hip and modern American seafood restaurant and oyster bar is situated on the lagoon side of Cancun's Hotel Zone, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure. With Go City, your pass unlocks $20 to splurge on drinks from their fully stocked bar, where you'll find a plethora of tantalizing options. From refreshing cocktails to fine wines, you'll find something to take the edge off on your oh-so-strenuous vacation. They even do signature drinks that'll make you feel like a VIP, and their delicious local beer will quench your thirst like nothing else. Whether you're hanging out with your pals or having a chill night with the fam, this happening hotspot is definitely worth a visit. Go crazy at Congo Bar Cancun Located smack dab in the heart of Cancun's party central, Congo Bar Cancun is a mecca for the wild and crazy crowd. This open-air bar is always jam-packed with locals and tourists who are out to have a good time. Go-go dancers are on hand to entertain the crowd while DJs spin and scratch on the decks to keep your head bobbing. And, every now and then, get ready for a massive ballo n and confetti shower that will make you feel like you're living your best life. Get your conga line game face on, grab your party props, and get ready for an epic night of fun and entertainment. Plus, the cherry on top, your ticket includes a complimentary domestic bar from 9PM until 3.30AM, so you don't have to break the bank for a drink. Beers, spirits, and cocktails are all available, so really, you've no excuse! Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour Ever snorkeled with the devil in the pale moonlight? Dive into the shallow waters of the Great Mayan Reef and prepare to be amazed by the vibrant sea life of Cancun. Snorkeling at night is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will blow your mind! Your Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling trip will take around 90 minutes in total and includes a briefing before you start, and then three stops at three unique reefs. The first reef is a coral reef, where you'll find octo us, moray eels, squid, lobsters, and crabs swimming around the unique reef formations. Reef two is where you have your best shot at swimming with a sea turtle or two. Most snorkelers consider this their favorite part of the Moonlight Snorkel Tour. And at the third, you'll switch off all lights and see the 'Tinkerbell Experience'; hundreds of tiny bioluminescent particles will provide all the wonderful, natural light you'll need! You'll be given a briefing prior to entering the water, so there's no need to worry if you're a newbie. And, when you're done, you'll get a free souvenir photo included in your trip to commemorate your undersea adventure. Easily one of the best things to do at Night in Cancun for nature lovers! Lucha Libre, Tacos, and Beer Witness the true power and key strength of Mexican wrestling! AKA Lucha Libre! Join the enthusiastic locals as you cheer on your wrestler of choice in an edge-of-your-seat match that will leave you breathless. But before the action-packed show, you'll need some fuel. How do five tacos sound? Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork, marinated in a heavenly blend of spices and achiote paste and served in freshly made corn tortillas with all the trimmings. That'll do nicely. And, to wash it all down, enjoy a selection of refreshing Mexican beers. Once you're fueled up, your guide will take you straight to the skip-the-line entrance for the Lucha Libre show. Brace yourself for flying attacks, acrobatics, and larger-than-life displays of showmanship, as the técnicos (goodies) and rudos (baddies) face off in the ring, garbed in their iconic colorful masks and skin-tight spandex suits. For a perfect evening of entertainment, this Lucha Libre show is one of the best things to do in Cancun at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Cancun at night! Looking for some daytime distractions? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's hottest attractions for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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