Destination
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún pairs Caribbean water the colour of a swimming pool with nonstop flights from almost every US hub, so it is the easy first trip to Mexico for beach, nightlife and Maya ruins.
Trips to Cancún from every city
No live trip to Cancún right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
Lowest fares to Cancún by city, last 30 days
| From | Lowest, 30 days | Checks |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $326 | 1 |
| Houston | $339 | 1 |
| Miami | $344 | 3 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $350 | 3 |
| Las Vegas | $387 | 3 |
| San Antonio | $387 | 3 |
| Los Angeles | $388 | 3 |
| Washington, DC | $388 | 4 |
| Chicago | $405 | 3 |
| New York | $406 | 5 |
| Pittsburgh | $412 | 3 |
| Raleigh-Durham | $412 | 3 |
| Baltimore | $413 | 1 |
| Tampa | $413 | 2 |
| Orlando | $415 | 3 |
| Providence | $434 | 1 |
| Syracuse | $438 | 2 |
| Buffalo | $439 | 2 |
| Oklahoma City | $440 | 2 |
| Phoenix | $442 | 2 |
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | avoid |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- March: US college spring break fills the Hotel Zone and drives up prices.
- May, June, July, August: Sargassum seaweed can pile up on east-facing beaches; north-facing beaches in the Hotel Zone stay cleaner.
August, September, October: Peak Atlantic hurricane season with the heaviest rain and humidity of the year.
Where to stay in Cancún
- Zona Hotelera: The 14-mile barrier-island strip of beachfront resorts, with the calmest water on the north-facing stretch.
- Punta Cancún: The party corner of the Hotel Zone, walking distance to Coco Bongo and the big clubs.
- Costa Mujeres: Newer all-inclusives on a quieter beach north of the city.
- Downtown (El Centro): Local taquerías and Mercado 28 at a fraction of resort prices, a 20-minute bus from the beach.
- Isla Mujeres: A 20-minute ferry away, with small hotels and golf carts instead of high-rises.
What to do in Cancún
- Snorkel the MUSA underwater sculpture museum
- Day trip to Chichén Itzá with a cenote swim on the way back
- Ferry to Isla Mujeres and rent a golf cart for Playa Norte
- A night at Coco Bongo in Punta Cancún
- Swim the cenotes along the Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos
- Sunrise walk on Playa Delfines by the Cancún sign
Good to know
| Airports | Cancún International (CUN) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | America/Cancun |
| Kind of trip | beach, nightlife, family, adventure, island |
Questions about Cancún
When is the best time to visit Cancún?
November, December, January, February, March, April and May. August, September, October: Peak Atlantic hurricane season with the heaviest rain and humidity of the year.
Do US citizens need a passport for Cancún?
Yes. Cancún is in Mexico; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Cancún on the ground?
Cancún is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.