Weather in Cancun in July

How July compares

July is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Cancun and ranks 43rd of 134 destinations we compare for July - see where else is hot in July. Within Mexico it is 5th of 5 (Mexico in July). Against London's average high of 21.8°C in July, Cancun is 8.0°C warmer by day and 12.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in July

The typical July day in Cancun peaks at 29.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.0°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 26.3°C; one night in ten drops to 25.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest July day here reached 32.5°C (2018-07-23) and the coldest night 23.3°C (2018-07-20).

Rain in July

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 18 days with 1 mm or more, 112 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest July was 2010 with 249 mm, the driest 2015 with 26 mm. Humidity averages 80%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in July

The sea averages 28.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.0°C to 28.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (28.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:14 and sets about 19:32 local time in mid-July. Average cloud cover is 51%.

Is July a good time to visit Cancun?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Cancun on our scoring are April, March, February; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Heat that stays with you after dark

July is among Cancun's warmest months, and the humidity makes the temperature alone an incomplete guide to comfort. At 80% humidity, light, loose clothing is a more practical choice than anything heavy or close-fitting. Days reach 30°C on 44% of occasions, so plan outdoor time around your tolerance for heat rather than expecting every afternoon to feel manageable. Keep the middle of the day flexible, with shade and indoor breaks available. Evenings are warm rather than cool, so you are unlikely to want substantial layers outdoors. Air-conditioned accommodation is a sensible priority if warm nights tend to interrupt your sleep.

Expect rain, without writing off the sunshine

With about 18 rainy days, July is not a good match for a holiday that depends on staying dry every day. That does not mean constant grey weather: there are about 6.5 hours of sunshine a day within 13.2 hours of daylight. The useful approach is to leave outdoor plans movable and carry a light waterproof rather than a heavy jacket that adds to the heat. These averages cannot tell you when rain will arrive or how long an individual spell will last. Do not build your plans around an assumed afternoon shower pattern, or take the sunshine average as a promise for each day.

A warm sea is the strongest reason to go

The sea averages 28.5°C, making July a good fit if comfortable swimming matters more to you than dry weather. The supplied year-to-year range of 28°C to 29°C also points to consistently warm water, rather than a swim that takes determination to get into. The catch is that water this warm may offer less cooling relief than you expect after time in the humid air. Pack swimwear, light clothes and sun protection, but keep room in your plans for rain breaks. Overall, July suits a swimming-focused holiday with a relaxed schedule better than long, uninterrupted days of activity in the heat.