Weather in Cancun in October

How October compares

October is the 7th warmest month of the year in Cancun and ranks 31st of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within Mexico it is 5th of 5 (Mexico in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Cancun is 13.5°C warmer by day and 16.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Cancun peaks at 28.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.6°C or more. About 99% of days top 25°C and 1 in 20 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.0°C; one night in ten drops to 23.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 31.8°C (2018-10-09) and the coldest night 19.2°C (2017-10-30).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 21 days with 1 mm or more, 193 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2005 with 529 mm, the driest 1994 with 57 mm. Humidity averages 81%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 28.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.1°C to 28.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (28.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:43 and sets about 18:23 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 58%.

Is October 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.

Expect wet weather, not wall-to-wall sunshine

October is a wet month in Cancun, so leave room to change outdoor plans rather than committing every day to the weather. About 4.9 hours of sunshine within 11.5 hours of daylight means there is sunshine to enjoy, but you should not expect clear skies throughout the day. The rainy-day figure does not tell you how long rain lasts or when it arrives, so do not rely on a dry morning or evening. Pack a light waterproof and keep something to do under cover in mind. This month suits travellers who can make use of sunny spells without needing every day to follow a fixed plan.

Warm swimming, with little cooling after dark

The sea averages 28.5°C, making swimming a clear reason to consider October. The warmth is reliable on land too: 99% of days reach 25°C, while only 5% reach 30°C. That makes this more about persistent warmth than frequent very high temperatures. Humidity averages 81%, so light, loose clothing is a sensible choice, and shade breaks can make time outdoors more comfortable around midday. Nights average 25°C, so do not expect the evening to bring much relief from the heat. Pack mainly for warm conditions, with sun protection as well as rain protection, rather than the layers you would usually need in Britain.