Best time to visit · Cozumel · Mexico
The best time to visit Cozumel
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wasquewhat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Cozumel is from December to April, the dry season, when skies are mostly sunny, humidity is lower and the sea is calm and clear for diving. Winter nortes can occasionally close the port for a day. May to August is hotter and more humid but still good for diving, while September and October bring the highest hurricane risk and the most rain.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–April
- Shoulder season
- May–July and November
- Warmest month
- May (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- September (~15 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Seasons
Cozumel has a hot, humid tropical climate with warm sea all year. The dry season runs from about December to April, though winter cold fronts (nortes) can bring wind that closes the port for a day or two. Rain and humidity increase from June, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in September and October.
December–April
Dry season
Sunny days around 28–31 °C, calm seas and the best visibility, with high prices and busy cruise schedules.
May–July
Early wet season
Hotter and more humid, with short tropical downpours, warm water, turtle nesting and possible sargassum.
August–October
Hurricane peak
The wettest and most storm-prone period; prices are low and some businesses close, but travel insurance is essential.
November
Late season
Rain eases, the triathlon comes to town and the high season begins again towards December.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 20°C | 8 | 27°C | 11 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 28°C | 20°C | 5 | 26°C | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 29°C | 21°C | 4 | 26°C | 12 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 31°C | 22°C | 3 | 27°C | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 32°C | 24°C | 6 | 28°C | 13.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 24°C | 12 | 29°C | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 24°C | 10 | 29°C | 13.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 12 | 30°C | 12.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 15 | 30°C | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 30°C | 23°C | 15 | 29°C | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 29°C | 22°C | 10 | 28°C | 11.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 28°C | 21°C | 9 | 27°C | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnaval de Cozumel — parades and street parties (February or early March) |
| March | Spring break and Semana Santa (March or April) |
| April | Feria de El Cedral (late April to early May) |
| May | Feria de El Cedral (early May) |
| July | Mexican school summer holidays (July–August) |
| September | Independence Day celebrations (night of 15 September) |
| November | Día de Muertos (1–2 November); Ironman Cozumel triathlon (usually November) |
| December | Christmas and New Year celebrations (late December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September, and the sights are quietest in September. Many visitors avoid September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hurricane peak | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cozumel?
The best time to visit Cozumel is from December to April, the dry season, when skies are mostly sunny, humidity is lower and the sea is calm and clear for diving. Winter nortes can occasionally close the port for a day. May to August is hotter and more humid but still good for diving, while September and October bring the highest hurricane risk and the most rain.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cozumel?
Usually in September. The heart of the hurricane season and one of the wettest months; some businesses close for a break.
+What is the rainiest month in Cozumel?
September, with about 15 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cozumel get?
The warmest month, May, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).