Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun

Published: July 18, 2024

Are you heading to Cancun on Labor Day weekend? Then you'll need to know what to do! Below, we detail the best things to do in the city and answer all your burning questions. Whichever you pick, you're bound to have a blast!

Including:

Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend?
Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico?
Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun?
Is it still sunny in Cancun in September?
The best things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun

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Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend?

On Labor Day weekend, countless souls travel across the border to party up, and ring in the end of summer. Taking place across the long weekend from September 1 - 4, Labor Day itself lands on the final Monday. It's your last hurrah before Thanksgiving, so make the most of it. You'll be in good company too, as plenty of people have the same idea.

Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico?

Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and Cancun is arguably the touristic jewel in its crown. So, yes, it's always a good time to visit Cancun, and September is one of the months in our calendar. However...

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Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun?

Did you know that September is Mexico's wettest month of the year? Yes, even the country that Breaking Bad bathed in warm, orange hues has rain. How much rain, you ask? Well, 9 inches over seven days throughout the month. So, while it may be the country's wettest month, it's hardly comparable to most of North America.

Is it still sunny in Cancun in September?

You'll be pleased to hear that, yes, you're still likely to have some sun over nearly every day in September. There's nearly a 30% chance you see nothing but sun and blue skies, but over 70% chance of some clouds blocking the perfect view. So, pack the sunnies, short shorts, and sunblock, but add a light waterproof or umbrella just to be safe.

With all your burning questions out of the way, let's explore the best things to do in Cancun on Labor Day weekend!

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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Congo Bar Cancun

It wouldn't be Labor Day weekend without enough booze to forego operating heavy machinery. Yes, that was a poor attempt at a labor joke. While the joke may disappoint, Congo Bar Cancun certainly will not.

Making bassy waves in the center of Cancun's party district, Congo Bar is always packed with revelers hoping to drink and dance the night away. They're joined by DJs playing hand-raising anthems, go-go dancers riling the crowd up, and a whole host of cocktails, beers, wines, and shots. From 9PM - 3.30AM, expect nothing but drunk conga lines, an assortment of party props, and drinks. Lots of drinks. Oh, and did we mention that with us, nearly every drink on the menu is part of the ticket? Not just one per head, but all your drinks throughout the night? There are plenty of bars open for business in Cancun on Labor Day weekend, but why settle for anything less than a night of free-flowing booze? You'd be silly not to, really. Are you silly? No, we thought not.

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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Snorkeling Tour

Immerse yourself in a captivating snorkeling expedition off Cancun's stunning shores.

This adventure encompasses five unique sites: El Meco, part of the Great Mayan Reef, offers an up-close encounter with vibrant coral formations. At the second stop, embrace the enchanting presence of sea turtles in their natural habitat before switching gears at stop three for the MUSA underwater museum, where captivating exhibits blend art and nature. The pinnacle awaits at stop number four, where you'll explore a sunken shipwreck. Finally, marvel at the ethereal beauty of cenotes at your fifth and final stop.

Ignite your spirit of discovery and relish intimate glimpses of the hidden marine world on this unforgettable journey.

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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid

Experience Mexico's cultural riches with a comprehensive roundtrip tour of Chichén Itzá, the awe-inspiring Mayan marvel. Your journey begins with hotel pickup, leading you to the historic site.

Then, you'll have two and a half hours to explore the enigmatic temples, delve into their history, and capture memorable photos. Following the pyramid's mystique, venture to Valladolid, where you'll have an hour and a half to meander through baroque cathedrals, Spanish colonial architecture, and charming pastel-colored edifices.

If you want to balance out your weekend of partying with some culture and history, go explore some ancient wonders!

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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Parasail Adventure

If you don't suffer from vertigo, and the thought of sailing high above the seas tethered to a speedboat fills you with glee, then you'll love this parasailing adventure over the clear blue Cancun waters!

Soar above Cancun's coastline for approximately 3 miles, treating your senses to mesmerizing beach vistas. Equipped with a walkie-talkie, you'll stay in touch with the crew, who'll adjust your altitude throughout your 10-minute thrill ride, so you always feel completely safe.

See the Cancun coastline like never before, and relish the sensation of flight – a one-of-a-kind opportunity for unforgettable memories.

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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Ventura Park

And finally, if you don't mind braving the crowds for some white-knuckle fun, Ventura Park is a must-visit.

Thrill-seekers can dive into the heart-pounding world of Aaahventura, a high-flying zip line that sweeps you above the treetops. But that's just one of the many pulse-pounding attractions at Ventura Park. There are a ton of rollercoasters, waterslides, and other entertainment to keep the blood pumping.

And for those who savor a relaxed pace, worry not – we've got you covered too! Drift along the Lazy River, taking in the stunning surroundings at your leisure. Engage in a game of mini-golf, explore virtual reality adventures, or indulge in dolphin swimming for fellow animal enthusiasts.

And those were our picks of the best things to do on Labor Day weekend in Cancun! If you're spending a few days around the holiday and want to know how to spend it, 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

Go City Travel Expert

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Christmas in Cancun

Swap your snow boots for your flip-flops and your scarfs for your bikini bottoms by spending Christmas in Cancun. With sands so white you could easily mistake them for snow, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. However, this gives the resorts of the hotel zone a phenomenal atmosphere, whilst the glorious high season weather means nothing is off the menu when it comes to attractions. Add to this a platter of feast days and special events and you’ve got a festive season like no other! Here’s our guide to everything going on at Christmas in Cancun and the surrounding area. Early December In this devoutly Catholic country, the Christmas period doesn’t begin with December 1, but the first day of advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. Traditionally seen as a time of preparation, churches such as Iglesia de San Servacio in the old quarter of Valladolid sparkle with nativity scenes and candles, echoing the lights which add another layer to the buzz of Cancun’s hotel zone. Just 45 minutes away from Valladolid stands Chichen Itza, one of the most important Mayan sites in the entire Yucatan. Immortalized on a hundred T-shirts and as thousands of souvenir models of all sizes, it contains the impressive El Castillo pyramid, a structure perhaps even more impressive today than when it was built 1600 years ago. Las posadas The next big marker is Las posadas, beginning on December 16. It is a nine day event typified by candlelit evening processions through the streets of Cancun. Residents dress up as the Holy Family, and seek a place to stay for the birth of Jesus. After being rejected from entering two homes, as in the Bible accounts of the birth, they are welcomed into the third, where a party with food, drink and pinatas are often evident. Homes are decorated with red-leaved poinsettias – native to Mexico – and other evergreen plants. In addition, children cut the sides of paper bags into a variety of shapes that are then illuminated by candles – a little like a festive version of a jack o’lantern. They’re called farolitos and are placed on windowsills and doorsteps. Christmas shopping In between the nightly processions there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the independent and big name stores that make up Cancun’s retail spaces. For souvenirs and other handmade items we’d suggest downtown’s Mercado 28, followed by a trip to the boutiques of US-style mall Plaza Las Americas. Decked out in all its Christmas finery, it has a friendly rivalry with Kukulkan Plaza a short distance further south, whose elegant flat-domed ceilings provides the perfect spot for the free nightly performances from December 20 – 31. Head to Punta Cancun (the Party Zone) for the best of the city’s nightlife. Around 25 major clubs do their best to attract you, offering open bars, giant dancefloors and DJ sets that extend towards daybreak. Nochebuena Rather than December 25, it’s Christmas Eve – or Noche Buena – the last day of Los Posedos which is the big day for family gatherings in Mexico. Children lead processions into their local churches, at which point the baby Jesus is placed in the manger of the nativity scenes. Most people attend midnight mass with church bells ringing out and fireworks exploding to mark the Holy birth. The feasting continues long into the early hours of Christmas morning, so don’t be surprised if some places are slower to open up than usual. It’s also Christmas Eve when children receive some of their gifts, especially those from Papa Noel (Santa Claus). When it comes to closures, you’ll see nothing like the complete shut down that takes place on Christmas Day in the US or Europe. Generally speaking, resorts and attractions remain fully open, although it’s well worth checking out individual places if you plan a Christmas Day visit. Christmas Day For a sense of the dishes enjoyed at this time of year in Cancun don’t miss your chance to explore the city’s puestos (market stalls) in search of the best seasonal street food. Christmas dinners usually begin with an oxtail soup containing beans and chilies. Bacalao (dried cod) and revoltijo de romerito (stewed greens with potato and dried shrimp) are also common. These are followed historically by a suckling pig, although the US influence has made turkey and glazed hams much more common. Adults then set about consuming large quantities of ponche con piquete, a hot alcoholic drink flavored with seasonal fruits and cinnamon that’s a little like mulled wine. Children get to play with luces de Belén, or Bethlehem lights, a type of sparkler. Holy Innocents Just a couple of days later, on December 28, comes one of Mexico’s more unusual celebrations. Although it commemorates the massacre of the Holy Innocents by King Herod after the birth of Christ, it has become the Mexican version of April Fool’s Day, with pranks played on those deemed ‘innocent’. Everyone seems to save their best tricks for the day, with newspapers and television programs also getting in on the action. Past stories have included reports that Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was leaving Britain’s Prince William for a Mexican soccer star. New Year’s Eve Christmas in Cancun continues into January with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This is when many children receive the bulk of their gifts, just as Jesus was gifted the gold, frankincense and myrrh from the Three Wise Men. But for most, the season ends on New Year’s Eve. Celebrations take a number of forms, with dining out a particularly popular choice for the evening hours. As the clock turns towards midnight, many holidaymakers head to the bars and clubs, whilst still more await the fireworks which erupt over Cancun on the stroke of twelve. Save at Christmas in Cancun Packed full of special events and traditional insights, there’s even more reason to visit Cancun at Christmas than at other times of year. For the most part your favorite attractions will remain open, so don’t forget to do the sensible thing and travel with Go City. Do this and you’ll make huge savings on admission costs to top attractions – it’s really as simple as that!

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