Cancun Rain

Things to Do in Cancun When it Rains

By Nicole Muto

Cancun is known as a beach paradise with endless sunshine and warmth, but every so often you may catch a rainy day. Just in case you are in Cancun when it rains, you might want to have a backup plan. Here are our favorite indoor activities and rainy day trip ideas for Cancun.

  • Interactive Aquarium Cancun
  • Shopping Tours
  • Taco and Beer Tasting Tour
  • Bars and Restaurants
  • Museo Maya de Cancun

Interactive Aquarium Cancun

Located right in the Isla Vista Shopping Mall, Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the perfect place to take the whole family if the weather isn't all sunshine and beaches. Instead, bring beach life inside and discover Cancun's exciting marine life.

You can easily spend the day here, with plenty of touch tanks, fish tanks, and volunteer-led presentations. Watch as dolphins splash around their habitat or get to know the feeling of a sting ray's slimy back as they zip around the tanks. You'll forget you're indoors and not at the beach.

Indoor Aquarium Cancun

Shopping tours

While these shopping tours aren't completely out of the rain, you might find it worthwhile to endure a drop or two as you pop in and out of the shops.

Shop the streets of Playa del Carmen or peruse the booths at Mercado 28 in Cancun (or do both!) on a guided tour of these two city's shopping districts. What better excuse to spend a couple of hours shopping than rain?

Playa del Carmen

Hop aboard the bus and head down to Playa del Carmen, another popular resort destination just outside of Cancun. Your tour guide will lead you down Fifth Avenue, the longest stretch of shops and goods in the area. You can shop anything from local-owned boutiques to popular international brands like H&M.

Cancun

On this guided tour, you'll find other places to shop besides La Isla. Your guide will take you to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas - a shopper's paradise. Mercado 28 is set up just like a flea market, with locally made goods and gifts perfect for friends back home. Plaza Las Americas offers well-known stores like Victoria's Secret, Sears, and Adidas

Cancun shopping

Take your tastebuds on a food tour

Immerse yourself in the local cuisine on a Colors of Mexico Taco Tour and Local Beer Tasting. This fantastic foodie tour will keep you out of the rain for an evening whilst you indulge in the best taquerias in town.

You'll stop at four local restaurants, all chosen to take you on a journey through Mexico. Feast on tacos de cochinita, tacos coapeñito, tacos de surtido, and tacos al pastor as you explore the best food Cancun has to offer. With a perfectly paired beer (or soft drink) at every stop, you'll never want this tour to end!

Your knowledgeable guide will make this unique experience all the better, on-hand to give you a complete history of Mexico's culture, food traditions, and little-known facts about their most delectable secret ingredients.

Tacos in Cancun

Hit the bars and restaurants 

There are plenty of local bars and restaurants in Cancun to explore if your trip to the beach is canceled at the last minute. Find somewhere to settle down for the afternoon to enjoy some delicious seafood and perfectly refreshing drinks.

Fred's House is just the place for a bite and a drink. This American-style seafood restaurant offers beautiful views and private cabana seating that keeps you out of the weather's way. Being inside doesn't have to mean missing out on Cancun's views!

If you're just stopping in for a quick drink, grab a seat at the bar and use your pass for $20 towards drinks. Will you sip on a piña colada or a beer?

Fred's House

Museo Maya de Cancun

Check out one of Cancun's best art and anthropological museums: Museo Maya de Cancun.

This museum holds one of the most important collections of Mayan artifacts, from jewelry to ceramics and sculptures. There are nearly 400 pieces on display, all showcasing Mayan culture. This museum is definitely worth a visit. You'll head home with a wealth of knowledge – not just a tan!

Rainy day savings galore

See? You can stay dry all while having plenty of fun indoors in Cancun when it rains. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoorsy itinerary for your trip! It's always good to have a backup plan, just in case.

Save up to 50% on Cancun attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions, from Xcaret Park to parasailing adventures.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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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.
Nicole Muto
Speedboat with parasail inflated above it in Cancun
Blog

Top tips for Cancun in April

When it comes to attractions, Cancun has a lot to shout about. There are the long stretches of pure white sand lined on the one side with palms and on the other by the coral-rich waters of the Caribbean Sea. And there’s nightlife so good it’s a favorite with the spring break crowd. But there’s also a rapidly-evolving food scene, as well as an extraordinary array of sites left by the Maya – to the extent that this part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known as the Riviera Maya. There’s probably no better time to check them out than Cancun in April. Eager to know why? We explain all below! Tip 1 – Cancun weather in April is excellent Cancun’s climate can be split into just two seasons – wet and dry. April sits at the end of the dry season, when daytime temperatures range from 23 – 33°C. This means that even in the evenings you’ll need little more than a light sweater or shawl. Largely cloud free, visitors can expect ten hours of sunshine per day, so don’t forget your sunscreen! Rainfall is limited to around 20 mm for the entire month, falling over three days. It makes April the driest month in the Cancun year. Anyone looking to jump on a jet ski will be happy to hear that sea temperatures remain at 26°C throughout. Tip 2 – the beaches are sublime April is the perfect month to enjoy a beach getaway in Cancun. Even if you stick to the shores of the hotel zone (and as gorgeous expanses of soft white sand we can’t see why you wouldn’t) you’ve got 11 different beaches to choose between, half of which fly a Blue Flag – the international gold-standard for cleanliness. Amongst them, Playa Delfines is known for its laid-back vibes, since it’s largely undeveloped and all but free from beach hawkers and water sports. Worth the taxi fare for a selfie with the brightly-colored Cancun sign, the surf also regularly welcomes dolphins – hence the name. For the complete antithesis of Playa Delfines try the likes of Playa Chacmool. Lined with some of the chicest hotel options, there’s jet ski rentals and a surf school as well as the chance to observe it all from the viewpoint of a bird with a parasailing adventure. Tip 3 – don’t forget to head beneath the waves From above, you’ll see just how much of the Yucatan remains primary jungle alive with the hoots of howler monkeys, chattering of birds and scuttling of armadillos. This wall of vegetation can be explored in a number of ways, including by taking the controls of your very own speedboat on Nichupté Lagoon on the way to snorkeling on the reefs at Punta Nizuc. Elsewhere, snorkeling at Isla Mujeres should be high on the list of anyone keen on their own underwater adventures. Forming part of the largest reef system in the western hemisphere, it provides vital habitats for around 500 different species of tropical fish, alongside visiting sharks and sea turtles. For guaranteed child-friendly encounters, look no further than Interactive Aquarium Cancun. The interaction comes from both touchscreen displays and tanks where you’re free to submerge your hands to be tickled by starfish and rays. Tip 4 – April’s a great month for discovering Mayan history The fact it was almost lost to the surrounding jungle and has been known to the outside world for less than 200 years as a result takes nothing away from the breathtaking beauty and accomplishment of Chichen Itza, a city built by the Mayan people roughly a thousand years ago. One of the literal pinnacles of their empire is the city’s El Castillo pyramid, rising 30 meters over the surrounding plain and topped with a temple to the feathered serpent god Kukulcan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of a cluster of major ruins that provide an alternative face to the beaches of Cancun in April. Immediately behind Playa Delfines, El Rey Archeological Site comprises 47 individual structures and is perhaps the easiest to visit for those with just a casual interest, whilst the remains of the pyramid at Coba is not only tops out a full 12 meters above that of Chichen Itza’s El Castillo, but can also be climbed. Tip 5 – Pick April in Cancun for a slice of festive life The start of April sees rooms up and down Cancun’s hotel zone busy with the end of spring break from US colleges, but the rest of the month is decidedly family orientated. If you need proof of this, look no further than Children’s Day on April 30. Although schools remain open, it can be thought of as a Christmas in miniature, with special classroom events, gifts from parents and hotels going all out to welcome their youngest guests. Most years April will also coincide with Easter celebrations, which means several weeks of festivities for the country’s Catholic faithful. In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, or Domingo de Gloria — the ‘Sunday of Glory’, churches such as Catedral de la Santisima Trinidad in downtown Cancun are richly decorated. Processions and passion plays reenact the religious events of the period, whilst Easter Sunday sees people enjoy street food, ice cream and fruit ices flavored with pineapple, chia seeds and melon after mass. Other special Easter treats include roscas enriched bread rings and muéganos – cubes of deep-fried dough doused in honey and other syrups. A salad made from the fleshy leaves of the nopal, or the prickly pear cactus, is also common at this time of year. For a broader view of Cancun’s mouthwatering cuisine, don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s markets and street food stalls in the presence of an expert guide. Your stomach will thank you for it! Save on attraction admission with Go City The biggest tip of all for traveling to Cancun in April has to be Go City! Your friendly go-to pre-pay pass will help you save big on admission to many of the top things to do in Cancun in April, whether they are attractions or activities. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook to see the latest happy vacationers who’ve made use of our passes before adding your own snaps to our growing collection!
Ian Packham
A couple enjoy the beach at Cancun
Blog

Visiting Cancun in May

Although it’s the official start of the wet season, you shouldn’t be put off from visiting Cancun in May. The prevailing climate is still very much geared towards enjoying the city’s spectacular coastal attractions, from its ancient Mayan sites to over 22 kilometers of beaches on the Caribbean Sea. So why not let us guide you through the very best things to do in Cancun in May? First though, we describe one of the most important aspects of heading to Cancun at this time of year – what to expect from the weather. Cancun weather in May Yes, May 1 is the date marked in Cancun diaries as the first day of the rainy season. No, this doesn’t mean you’ll be faced with 12 hours of wall-to-wall rain if you decide to visit Cancun in May – the sun still makes its presence felt most days. Thunderstorms are most common towards the end of the month, and even then tend to be short, heavy showers. They affect life on the streets for just a couple of hours in the late afternoon. Evenings are generally balmy with clear skies once more. Although May is one of the most humid times of year in Cancun, if you’re sticking to the coast you’ll hardly even notice. Temperatures here are 1 – 2°C lower than inland areas – where temperatures range from 23 – 33°C – since the sea breeze helps whip away the muggy air. Say hi to the local wildlife Plan your vacation to Cancun in May and you won’t be the only new arrivals in town. The turquoise waters immediately out to sea also welcome whale sharks from May through September. The world’s largest fish, these gentle giants feed on nothing but plankton. Measuring up to 18 meters in length, swimming or snorkeling close to them is a magical experience whatever your age, and easy to organize too. Other arrivals include endangered green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Snorkelers can find them relaxing amidst the shallows of the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef, sweeping down from Cancun to the central Americas. But even if you keep your feet firmly dry, it’s possible to witness them after dark as they bury their eggs on the beaches of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, where you can also encounter manatees. Roughly 30 minutes from mainland Cancun by ferry, the journey is even more memorable on your own crewed catamaran. Experience the strip For a slice of local life, head away from the high-rise towers of the beachside hotel zone for downtown Cancun. It’s home to Cancun’s best shopping – the famous Mercado 28 market and the giant Plaza Las Americas shopping mall. But the downtown area is not just a shopper’s delight. It also has a charming lagoon-side promenade, the Malecon Tajamar, where you’ll find many families enjoying the coastal breezes long into the night. The center of Cancun’s legendary nightlife remains firmly within the main strip that forms the hotel zone. For many it focusses on Coco Bongo and the similar sounding Bar Congo, who both have a legion of fans taking to their dance floors for live DJ sets on a nightly basis. If your clubbing days are behind you, there’s still plenty to entertain you within the hotel zone. For instance, beside the stores of La Isla sits the La Gran Rueda Cancun Ferris wheel. Open from the early afternoon until late evening each day, its gondolas bring you high above the hubbub of street level to spectacular views across the coast. Discover Cancun’s Mayan history Cancun’s Caribbean shores aren’t the only way to experience sparkling waters. This region of coast is also home to a miraculous series of natural sinkholes formed by freshwater dissolving the limestone rock over thousands of years. Known as cenotes (say-no-tays), there are around 30,000 in total, and every one offers something slightly different. Filled with crystal clear waters, they are the perfect place to cool off. Ranging in size from a couple of meters wide to the size of a football field, some of their pools are large enough to have become populated by fish, whilst others provide dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations beyond the dense foliage and vines of the surrounding jungle. Amongst the best – Aktun Ha and Oxman cenotes. Considered sacred by the Maya, cenotes are not the only part of Mayan culture to slip into the life of modern-day Cancun. Another is the temazcal ceremony, which lurks somewhere between revered rite, spa treatment and sweat lodge. Most comparable to the sauna experience, steam scented with herbs such as copal and sage is produced by pouring water over hot stones. Often accompanied by shamanic chants, sessions last around two hour and relax you in body and mind, as well as drawing toxins out of your body. To dodge the afternoon showers that can affect Cancun in May, head to the city’s Maya Museum (Museo Maya). Filled with natural light, its contemporary design ensures its many treasures are displayed at their very best. A path also leads from the museum through the jungle to San Miguelito, a ruined settlement containing temples, pyramids and the remains of homely dwellings. Festival fever If the point of your vacation in Cancun is to let your hair down and forget your worries, you’ve certainly come to the right place. One of the top things to do during the evening hours is to join the Xoximilco party boat. Taking its lead from the cultural traditions of the country, step aboard and you’ll discover a brightly-colored world of live music, tasty foods, singing and dancing. The region’s cuisine is also centerstage during May’s Food and Wine Festival, attracting many of the top chefs in the area. The most important date in the calendar when it comes to music has to be the US Memorial Day Weekend, preceding the last Monday of the month. The long weekend sees the arrival of Cancun Jumpoff, one of the world’s largest urban electronic music festivals. Save on attraction admission in Cancun in May! Although your mind might have already turned to all things beachwear, don’t forget the one very easy way to make the most of your vacation – and make significant savings to – Go City! Explore with Go City and you’ll have access to many of Cancun’s top attractions without losing the flexibility you’re sure to crave!
Ian Packham

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