Stunning shorelines at every turn, lush, turquoise waters, culture-rich, history-heavy - you name it, Cancun's got it and then some. This the perfect place for your next 2024 holiday.
Destination highlights
Over 9,000km of sandy beaches
7 UNESCO World Heritage sites to choose from
Festive fun all year round
Home to the iconic Hotel Zone strip
What are the best beaches in Cancun?
Playa Delfines – with powdery white sands stretching for miles on either side, this spot is Cancun’s most popular beach destination – and justifiably so!
Puerto Morelos – featuring the Mesoamerican reef just off the coast, this relaxing beach is popular with snorkellers
Playa Chac Mool – perfect for the adventurous traveller, with a range of watersports to make holidays to Cancun something to remember
Playa Tortugas – if the kids are looking for a splash, this is a great beach for a fun-filled family holiday in Cancun
Playa Forum – located within easy reach of bars and restaurants, there’s always something to do at this local favourite – day or night
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve – protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s every excuse to experience the beach ‘where heaven began’
Playa Langosta - a quieter vibe - if that's what you're all about - think clear, crystal waters you won't even see your reflection in and the best sunset view you could ask for!
What are the top hotels in Cancun?
Cancun holidays will normally see sunseekers staying in the Hotel Zone in Riviera Maya - a long stretch of land that surrounds the mesmerising Nichupte Lagoon. Can't decide where to stay? Here are some of our favourite Cancun hotels:
Sun Palace - overlooking the Caribbean, this romantic adults-only spot is the perfect hotel if you fancy whisking your special someone away for a couples' holiday.
Beach Palace - With easy access to the beach, pools and playgrounds, this hotel is a great choice for family holidays to Cancun.
Iberostar Selection Cancun - you can't go wrong with Iberostar, and this one opens up right onto the beach. Heaven if you ask us.
Omni Cancun & Villas - a five-star hotel with a variety of pools, Jacuzzis and a range of activities to make your holiday to Cancun one to remember.
Smart Cancun The Urban Oasis- it's not joking when it says Smart right in the name - poolside cabanas, a 24-hour coffee and sandwich shop and gorge rooms to rest your pretty lil' head in.
If you need a holiday, we've got last minute deals coming out of our ears. That's right - prep the out-of-office and get packing...
Weather in Cancun
JAN
28°C
FEB
29°C
MAR
30°C
APR
31°C
MAY
32°C
JUN
32°C
JUL
33°C
AUG
33°C
SEP
32°C
OCT
31°C
NOV
29°C
DEC
28°C
In Cancun, the temperature is hotter than the salsa dance, and twice as inviting - if that's even poss - with year round scorchers, yes, even for some cheeky Winter Sun.
Throughout the year, the mercury struts its stuff between a balmy 25-35°C, perfect for beach bumming, pyramid exploring, or just chilling with a margarita in hand. Surely you're tempted? We know we are.
The best part about the weather in Cancun? It's always ready to party, even when it cools down. The winter months (December to February) see temperatures mellow to a comfortable 25-28°C. Talk about the perfect weather for exploring the vibrant city or snorkelling in those crystal-clear waters - keep the suncream close.
Just remember, Cancun likes to shake things up a bit with a tropical rainy season from June to October. But hey, it's the perfect excuse to indulge in some indoor spa treatments or tequila tasting!
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Cancun?
It takes about 10.5 hours to fly to Cancun from the UK/Ireland - talk about long haul, plenty of nap time to sneak in between your reading and snacking.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Cancun?
Cancun is six hours behind the time in the UK/Ireland - fly early and make the most of day 1!
What currency do they use in Cancun?
The official currency of Cancun is the Peso.
What language do they speak in Cancun?
The official language spoken in Cancun is Spanish.
Below the surface of Cancun’s waters, you’re likely to find more than just dolphins. You won't want to miss the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum, an installation of sculptures and exhibits displayed along the ocean floor. The attraction aims to protect the nearby coral reef by giving snorkellers and divers an alternative hotspot to visit.
Walk in the shoes of history
Take a walk through the jungle before catching a show in Mayan Village for a true taste of the Mayan lifestyle. This journey is a real blast from the past - who said time travel wasn't real? Because they were lying.
Zip through the jungle
Take a leaf from the Jungle Book and experience how it feels to soar above the trees with one of Mexico’s favourite pastimes. Thrill-seekers can find zipline parks all over Cancun sure to make your eyes water and your heart pound.
Be tickled pink
We’ve seen our fair share of vibrant blue ocean, but pink? In Las Coloradas, a private salt processing factory allows salt to naturally accumulate and turn the water pink, or sometimes a deep shade of lavender. Camera at the ready!
Take A Boat to Isla Mujeres
Sometimes, you've gotta get your sea legs strapped on to make the most of a jolly, and Cancun is no different. The stunning Isla Mujeres - that translates to Bay of Women, immediate win - is the perfect way to break up your days with more white sand beaches and crystal waters, but why stop there? Head to the Hacienda Mundaca to explore stunning pirate ruins, or make a day of the Tortuga Granja - that's Turtle Farm to us.
What events can I go to in Cancun?
Holidays to Cancun offer endless opportunities to celebrate Mexico’s rich history and culture throughout the year. With such a variety of entertainment, it's hard to know exactly what to look out for. Here are a few of our favourites to keep on your radar:
Three Kings’ Celebration (January) - the Christmas holidays conclude as Mexico celebrates the Reyes Magos (Three Kings), by baking and sharing caramelised fruit bread, shaped like crowns.
Carnaval (February) - a widely celebrated event with five days of colourful parades and extravagant costumes.
Spring Equinox (March) - travel to the ancient city of Chichen Itzá and witness the sun set on the UNESCO-protected Kukulkan pyramid. At the right time and angle, the shadow of a great serpent appears on the face of the pyramid.
Children’s Day (April) - make your family holiday that much more special by taking part in this annual event that sees the little ones take centre stage.
Cinco de Mayo (May) - a cause for celebration throughout Mexico with bars and hotels commemorating the military defeat of the invading French army in 1862 the only way that feels appropriate - mariachi sing-alongs, 2-4-1 margs and a whole lotta good vibes.
Gay Pride (June) - a time for joy and celebration for the LGBTQ community with parades, parties and activism to uplift everyones spirits - it's no wonder this is one of our picks for a gay friendly holiday in 2024!
Isla Mujeres Fiestas de Fundacion (August) - remember the gorge island we mentioned earlier, well this month commemorates the founding of the place with dancing, religious processions, cultural events and even pirate-themed plays - talk about a great day out!
Independence Day (September) - people from all over Mexico come to the National Palace and await the ringing of the bell - a ceremony that’s soon followed by fireworks, mariachi music and lots of dancing.
Fall Equinox (September) - A spectacle and testament to the craftsmanship of the ancient Mayan's - and something that only happens twice a year - head to Chichen Itza and bask in the afternoon sun, you'll catch a glimpse of a swanky shadow serpent while you're there which we reckon is well worth the wait.
Día de los Muertos (November) - it wouldn’t be a list of Mexican festivities without the world-famous Day of the Dead. Complete with parades, floats, and a wonderfully ghostly aesthetic, of course.
Where's the best nightlife in Cancun?
What’s a summer holiday without exploring the local bar scene? In Cancun, not only do you have access to some of the best nightspots that Mexico has to offer, but you’re also guaranteed that summer feeling all year round.
Coco Bongo - a Vegas-themed nightclub hosting an assortment of acts, from stand-up comedians to musical impersonators - think top hits and lucky 7's.
Champions Sports Bar - keep up with whatever sports matches are on for a little taste of home in your new jolly paradise.
Dady'O - a popular spot for celebrities and partygoers, this is one you won't want to miss - especially if you've got eagle eyes for people watching.
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun - if you live for the party lifestyle, there’s no better place to stay than at this nightclub/hotel combo, where the afters never ends
The Surfin Burrito - if you’re looking for tacos, cocktails and an affordable, relaxed atmosphere - look no further than this top-tier spot.
The City - it's got a reputation - being hailed the largest nightclub in Latin America will do that to a place - dance til' your feet throb, get VIP treatment and enjoy plenty of tasty tipples.
What’s the food like in Cancun?
Cancun knows exactly how to celebrate its fruit and veg, often combined with meat for some truly delish dishes. When it comes to Mexican grub, keep an eye out for these specialties:
Marquesita - a crepe, rolled like a wrap and filled to the brim with warm melted cheese or a sweet filling of your choice
Castacan - a crispy pork belly taco, held together with various shredded cheeses and browned to perfection
Pozol - a refreshing drink made from fermented corn dough and cocoa, popular all over Mexico for its rejuvenating qualities
Panuchos - fried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans and finished with toppings like pulled chicken, red cabbage, and peppers
Sikil Pak - a smoky pumpkin seed dip that goes perfectly with anything from tortilla chips to warm pitta wedges
That's the menu sorted, but what about that dreaded question - where to eat? Luckily, we've got you covered with these top dining spots:
Fred's House Cancún - serving seafood fare, this family-friendly joint offers menus for both adults and kids
Porfirio´s - a restaurant which proudly celebrates the flavours of Mexico, transforming traditional fare into sophisticated dishes
La Vincente - a popular grilling spot for friends and family, serving up fantastic food and the perfect chilled atmosphere
La Playa Xpu-ha - a friendly beach bar situated along the Riviera Maya - a popular place for local events
Harry's Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar - for the perf blend of juicy, premium cuts of steak, gorge seafood and zesty cocktails, you best believe you should be zooming all the way here.
Places to visit
Puerto Morelos
If you aren't about hustle and bustle - we don't blame you -then this is an absolute must. The cutest lil fishing village you ever did see in the South of Cancun complete with lush, sandy beaches, gorge crystal waters and even coral reefs teeming with life for you to feast your eyes on. Snag yourself a beachfront massage, cycle along the promenade, stop off for some delish food and refreshing drinks, this place really does have it all for a truly relaxing day on your holiday to Cancun.
Rio Secreto
A surreal marvel tucked away beneath Cancun - we're talking stalactites and stalagmites up to your eyeballs (quite literally), underground rivers, Mayan history all around and the tranquil silence away from the boisterous beaches. Enjoy hikes and swims through a stun haven of silence and take tours that are well and truly going to blow your mind. We reckon this is about as close to a natural wonder of the world you can get and you'd be silly not to make a day of this - it's one of those experiences you talk about to your pals at the pub when you're home over and over again that'll make em say, "We get it, you went to Cancun."
Coba Ruins
Who said you can only see pyramids in Egypt? They lied. This marvel deep in the jungle is a time capsule of history and culture waiting for you to climb right to the top, camera at the ready to snap some pics that are gonna flood your Insta with likes and comments. We're talking stunning views of the lush surroundings and even better, a much quieter day out than the typical Mayan ruins scattered throughout the region so no worries about having to bin that perfect pic because you caught someone in the corner chowing down on their lunch. You can even rent a bike and take a leisurely cycle through the jungle paths before making the must-do climb to the top of thr 138-foot pyramid. We mentioned there was a pyramid, right?
Key facts about Cancun
Flight time
10.5 hrs
Time difference
-6hrs
Currency
Peso
Language
Spanish
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Cancun?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Cancun?
A departure tax of around 1200 Mexican Pesos (approximately £60, $80 or €70) is payable locally by all visitors in cash only.
From 1st February 2023, an environmental tax of approximately $31.12 MXN per room, per night is applicable in the Quintana Roo territory in Mexico. This includes the Riviera Maya, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
