What's the Weather Like in Cancun in September
September marks the end of the traditional summer season in Cancun, Mexico.
Despite autumn being just around the corner, September temperatures are just as high as June, July and August. This destination is very popular with visitors wanting to avoid the increasingly cool European temperatures.
Is September a good month to go to Cancun?
From a weather forecast perspective, September is a fantastic month to visit Cancun, despite the fact it is still in the rainy season.
Weather Hazards
Alongside October, September is the month when a hurricane is most likely.
The oceans to the east and south of the resort are where hurricanes form. And since these areas will be at their hottest, their formation is more likely.
But even though September falls in the middle of the hurricane season, the chances of Cancun being affected by a hurricane are still remarkably low. In fact, only two hurricanes have hit Cancun in the last 30 years.
Temperature
In September, the average temperature for Cancun is 28°C (82F), created by average highs of 33°C (91F) in the day and average lows of 25°C (82F) at night.
Daily averages stay pretty constant at 28°C (82F) throughout the month, with a few fluctuations up to 29°C (84F) at the start. Temperatures may drop to around 27°C (80F) by the end of the month.
On average, 17 days of the month see temperatures of 32°C+ (90F) and temperatures exceed 26°C (80F) every day.
This makes the first week of September the hottest time to visit Cancun.
The highest-ever September temperature in Cancun was 39°C (102F), whilst the coldest recorded September temperature was 19°C (66F).
Rain
September is the wettest month of the year for Cancun, with 270mm / 11 inches of rainfall over 10 days. Although it doesn't rain often, when it does rain, it's usually intense. Always check the local forecast.
The chance of rainfal in Cancun in September increases as the month develops, starting off at 29% on September 1, rising up to 31% by September 11. It peaks at 36% by September 28. The most common types of rainfall are moderate rain (43% of days with rainfall), light rain (34%) and thunderstorms (14%).
Sunshine
Throughout the month, Cancun boasts an average of nine hours of sunshine every day two hours less than August alongside median cloud coverage, which stays fairly constant.
Median cloud coverage begins at 67% on September 1, peaks at 70% on September 18, then drops down to 68% by September 30. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 21% of the time, partly cloudy 26% and mostly cloudy/overcast 43%.
Sea Temperature
The sea is always warm enough for swimming in Cancun. During September, the average Cancun sea temperature for waters around the resort is 29°C (84F).
Sea temperatures this warm can often make swimming pool-water feel cooler in comparison.
Humidity
Humidity is excessive in Cancun in September, making the high temperatures feel hotter than they already are.
The relative humidity for the resort of Cancun at this time of year ranges between 62% (mildly humid) and 98% (very humid), rarely falling below 53% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid).
The air is driest around September 1, when the relative humidity falls below 66% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's most humid around September 27, when it rises above 98% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
During an average September in Cancun, typical wind speeds vary between 0 m/s (calm) and 6 m/s (moderate breeze), rarely rising above 8 m/s (fresh breeze).
The highest average wind speed of 3 m/s (light breeze) happens around September 30, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s (moderate breeze).
The lowest average wind speed of 3 m/s (light breeze) happens around September 1, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s (moderate breeze).
Hotels for Cancun in September
Imperial Las Perlas
When it comes to affordable beachside accommodation, it doesn't get much better than the all-inclusive Imperial Las Perlas. Made up of six buildings of three floors each, this complex is located right on the beach within Cancun's Hotel Zone, just a ten-minute walk away from the resort's best clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping malls and a 25-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. Accommodation comes in the form of light and airy two-bedroom apartments decorated with bright coastal tones and light woods. Each apartment features two bedrooms with double beds, two bathrooms with showers, dining area with table and four chairs, small fridge and balcony or terrace with pool or sea views.
Thanks to its beachfront accommodation, there are loads of water sports available, including banana boats, sail boat hire, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and boat excursions. There is one onsite Palapa Restaurant which serves a selection of Mexican and international dishes in buffet-style. Free WiFi access is available in public areas of the hotel and there's also a spa which offers facials, massages and beauty therapies for an additional charge. If you don't want to stay on an all-inclusive board basis, you can book a room-only board basis.
Westin Resort & Spa
For something a bit more luxurious, try the Westin Resort & Spa. Situated in the centre of the Cancun Hotel Zone directly on the beach, this hotel offers something for the whole family. For kids there's the Westin Kids' Club, indoor and outdoor playground, kids' entertainment and toys. For adults interested in well-being, there's the Westin Fitness Studio with TV-integrated cardio machines, free weights, strength training machines, personal trainers and workout classes, plus the Heavenly Spa with beachside cabanas for individual treatments, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis.
There's also an outdoor swimming pool with views of the Nichupte Lagoon, lit outdoor tennis courts and six international restaurants. Guests can choose between three standard room categories and five suite categories, all of which are adorned with dark wooden furniture and airy, white décor. Each room features cable TV, lagoon or sea views, paid WiFi access and full bathroom with bath and shower. Suites are much more luxurious and come with separate lounge areas and more opulent décor.
Coral Mar
Families and couples searching for budget accommodation in Cancun should consider staying at Coral Mar. Situated on the Nichupte Lagoon, at the end of Pok-Ta-Pok Avenue, this complex is comprised of one- and two-bedroom apartments, each of which features traditional Mexican décor with tikki-inspired furniture, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, cable TV and WiFi access. Onsite services and facilities include large swimming pool surrounded by solarium and landscaped gardens, one bar, one restaurant and free parking. The major negative point of this complex is that the beach is 2-3 miles away this is the main reason why the room rates are so affordable.
Casa Turquesa
Casa Turquesa is a top pick for intimate boutique hotels in Cancun. This elegant resort is decorated with bronze statues, international artwork and typical Mexican décor, giving it an artsy feel that you don't get from other Cancun hotels. Accommodation is limited to 30 suites divided between eight categories. The most basic suites Garden Suites are located on the ground floor and feature one bedroom with king-size bed, walk-in dressing room, separate living room with sofa bed and cable TV, and full bathroom with shower and complimentary toiletries. Onsite dining options include the poolside international El Mirador restaurant, Terraza Belle Vue restaurant with pool views, fine-dining Celebrity restaurant and the casual swim-up pool bar, plus 24-hour room service. There's also an onsite spa, gift shop, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court and free parking.
Beaches for September for Cancun
Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol is known as the last "real beach" in the north of the resort along the Hotel Zone, found in between Plaza Caracol and Xcaret Dock. This beach is made up of fine golden sand and clean waters which are often subject to strong winds that create waves. These waves provide the perfect conditions for windsurfing and sailing. There are several water sport kiosks peppered along the beach where you can hire water sport equipment.
If you walk along the beach to where the Fiesta Americana Gran Coral Beach Hotel is, you'll find calm waters protected from waves and wind by a jetty, making them suitable for swimming and snorkelling. This beach gets very busy during the peak season, but it should begin to quiet down toward the end of September. If you're visiting at the start of the month, walk westward along the beach - you'll soon come to a quiet section where you'll find plenty of space to relax. Onsite services and amenities include lifeguards, bars, restaurants, sun loungers and parasols.
Playa Langosta
For another quiet beach, try Playa Langosta. Also set within the north of the Cancun Hotel Zone, this beach is made up of fine golden-white sand and gentle turquoise waters which are roped off so swimmers can't go too far and get swept out to sea. The sea is very shallow for a long way out, making it ideal for snorkelling. Although there are no toilets provided on the beach, there is a snack bar which sells traditional Mexican food and cool drinks, plus locals regularly walk along the beach selling fruit and homemade sandwiches. The beach is lined by loads of hotels, bars and restaurants, giving you plenty of choice when lunctime comes around.
Restaurants and Bars for Cancun in September
Harry's Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar
Boasting some of the very best steaks in Cancun, Harry's Prime Steakhouse and Raw Bar is a carnivore's dream. Situated in the heart of the Hotel Zone, this restaurant serves dry aged steaks and premium seafood. Foodies will be very impressed with their wide selection of wines available, with at least one bottle to accompany every dish.
Things to Do in Cancun in September
Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado
If you want to attend mass whilst on holiday in Cancun, stop by Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado. Only a short drive away from the centre of the resort, this open-air church features a beautiful altar below one painting of Jesus and one of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There is an English confession on Sunday from 8am until 9am, followed by an English mass at 9am. If you're feeling a bit peckish, visit the locals outside the church who regularly sell various homemade Mexican dishes.
Mayan Museum
If you experience some wet weather in Cancun in September, seek shelter from the rain at the Mayan Museum. This attraction features three exhibition halls which cover more than 400m2, two permanent exhibition halls and one temporary hall which hosts national and international exhibitions. Within the museum you'll find many authentic Mayan artefacts, including 14,000-year-old skeletal remains discovered in Tulum's underwater caves and the 10,000-year-old remains of "the Woman of the Palms" which were found in a cenote. Outside the building there's also a genuine village excavation next to a small pyramid. Flash-free photography is allowed throughout the entire site, so make sure you pack your camera.
