Cancún in May
In May, Cancún averages 33°C (91°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (109 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May in Cancún is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Cancún
May is one of the warmest months in Cancún (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (31°C). May runs 1°C warmer than April (32°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Cancún
Times shown for Cancún local time (America/Cancun), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cancún — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Cancún's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cancún in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Cancún's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Cancún
Cancún is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Cancún
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cancún — May
Across the year Cancún's sea swings from 26.7°C (February) to 29.5°C (September) — May sits at 27.4°C.
Cancún in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 89 mm | 8 | — |
| February | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 56 mm | 6 | — |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 41 mm | 4 | — |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 39 mm | 4 | — |
| May | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 109 mm | 7 | — |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 26°C / 79°F | 165 mm | 9 | — |
| July | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 89 mm | 8 | — |
| August | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 116 mm | 9 | — |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 218 mm | 13 | — |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 196 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 102 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 102 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cancún in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cancún in May?
In May, Cancún averages a high of 33°C (91°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cancún in May?
May sees occasional rain in Cancún, with about 7 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Cancún?
May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cancún in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Cancún for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.