The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun

The best time to visit is from December through April, when temperatures are mild (27-29°C) and rain is less frequent, especially in April with only 7 rain days. May is also pleasant and drier before the wet season. From June through October, expect frequent afternoon showers and high humidity, with September and October being the rainiest months.

Stay in the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) along Blvd. Kukulcan for beachfront resorts and easy access to nightlife and water activities; it suits most visitors. Downtown Cancún (El Centro) is better for local markets like Mercado 28 and a more authentic feel. Playa Mujeres, north of the city, offers quieter, upscale all-inclusive resorts. Puerto Juárez is a practical base for ferry access to Isla Mujeres.

Start at Mercado 28 for local crafts and food, then relax at Dolphins Beach for soft sand and clear water. Parque de las Palapas is a lively square with evening music and street food. Punta Sur offers scenic views and a small lighthouse. For a fun break, ride the Ferris Wheel Cancun for skyline views, and visit the Cancun Wax Museum for quirky photo ops.

Full-day tours from Cancún go to Isla Mujeres, a laid-back island with beaches and snorkeling; Chichén Itzá, the famous Mayan ruins; and Tulum, a coastal archaeological site. You can also take a tour to the cenotes near the Riviera Maya for swimming in natural sinkholes. These are the main day trips offered from the city.

Plan 4 to 5 days for Cancún. Spend 2 days on the hotel zone beaches like Dolphins Beach and Punta Sur, plus a day for Mercado 28 and Parque de las Palapas. Add a day for MUSA or the Ferris Wheel. If you take a full-day tour, add an extra day.