There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Cancún each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1 : New Year's Day (national holiday) January 6 : Epiphany (Día de los Santos Reyes, celebrated nationwide)For the feast of the three kings, Mexicans get together with their families to share the rosca de reyes, a sweetbread baked in the shape of an oval ring, with a plastic figure of the baby Jesus concealed inside.
February/March: Spring Break (local event)After their exams, huge numbers of American students come to party in the major Mexican seaside resorts: Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cancún
February 5 : Constitution Day (national holiday) May 1 : Labour Day (national holiday) May 5 : Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo, national holiday)Celebrated as a holiday throughout Mexico, commemorating the victory of the Mexican militia over the forces of Napoleon III in 1862.
September 16 : Independence Day (Grito de Dolores, national holiday)This celebration commemorates the call to sedition issued by Priest Manuel Hidalgo y Costilla, on this day in 1810. Each year on the night of September 15, the Mexican president delivers a speech from its balcony. When he waves the nation's tricoloured flag, thousands of spectators cry out in unison, “Viva Mexico!”
November 1 and 2 : Días de los Muertos (celebrated nationwide)With festivities that combine Christian and native traditions, this two-day celebration is a very important event for Mexicans. They evoke and pay tribute to the memory of their dearly departed with a festive celebration through prayer, song, music and dance.
December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe (national holiday)Celebration of Mexico's patron saint. Festivities throughout Mexico City and around the country include shows, dancing, concerts etc.
December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe (national holiday)Celebration of Mexico's patron saint. Festivities throughout Mexico City and around the country include shows, dancing, concerts etc.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 20/68 | 26/79 | 81/3.2 | Good period to go
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February | 20/68 | 27/81 | 25/1.0 | Good period to go
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March | 20/68 | 28/82 | 30/1.2 | Good period to go
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April | 22/72 | 28/82 | 36/1.4 | Good period to go
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May | 23/72 | 30/86 | 104/4.1 | Not the best period to go |
June | 24/75 | 31/88 | 185/7.3 | Not the best period to go |
July | 25/77 | 32/90 | 124/4.9 | Not the best period to go |
August | 25/77 | 33/91 | 97/3.8 | Not the best period to go |
September | 23/73 | 30/86 | 119/4.7 | Not the best period to go |
October | 22/72 | 30/86 | 188/7.4 | Not the best period to go |
November | 22/72 | 28/82 | 104/4.0 | Good period to go
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December | 21/70 | 28/82 | 104/4.0 | Good period to go
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Cancún International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre.
Buses are the recommended way of getting around Cancún, as they are convenient, reliable and inexpensive. To explore the area around the city, the best options are taxis or rental cars.
Buses are the most popular mode of transport in Cancún. For less than MXN 10, you can reach just about any part of the city:
Bus lines include:
Taxis are available throughout the city. To take a taxi, you just need to hail one. You can also take one of the taxis waiting just outside your hotel or restaurant, but this will be a little more expensive. Fares are calculated on the basis of established fare zones. Make sure you agree on the price before getting into the taxi.
In Cancún as in the rest of the Yucatán region, roads are well-maintained. City traffic is dense but usually remains fluid. To travel with complete autonomy and explore areas outside the city, you can rent a car or scooter. Several rental companies have counters in the airport and branch offices in the centre of Cancún.
In Cancún and its region, it is easy to rent a bike (around MXN 400 per day). Note that a 100-km-long bike lane was built between Cancún and Tulum.
Upon your arrival in Cancún, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Cancún Visitors Bureau (Dirección General de Turismo Municipal Cancún)Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
$1 = $19.78
$1 = $0.05
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Cancún counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsVisitors arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic must show proof of yellow fever vaccination, usually documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Obtaining a booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio is recommended. For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
There are no food safety risks in Cancún.
WaterTap water is not safe to drink. Favour bottled mineral water instead.
Travellers visiting Mexico for tourism purposes and carrying proof of permanent residence in various countries do not need a visa if they will be staying for less than 180 days. For more information, please check the Mexican Government portal: view information for travellers to Mexico
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Cancún, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: ¡ Buenos días ! (morning) / ¡ Buenas tardes ! (afternoon)
Thank you very much: Muchas gracias
I don't understand: No entiendo
Could you repeat ?: ¿ Puede repetir ?
What time is it ?: ¿ Que hora es ?
Sorry: Disculpe (to say sorry)
Excuse me: Con permiso (to get past) / ¡ Por favor ! (to get attention).
Train station: Estación de trenes
I'm looking for (…): Estoy buscando (…)
How much is (…)?: ¿ Cuál es el precio de (…) ? /¿ Cuánto es ?
Do you have (…)?: ¿ Tiene (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: ¿ Dónde puedo encontrar (…) ?
Tipping
Like in the United States, leaving a tip, called a propina, is expected in Mexico. In bars and restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15%. However, before leaving a tip, check the bill to make sure that a gratuity or service charge is not already included.