Cancun in December: Weather, Crowds, and Prices

Cancun weather in December is warm, dry and sunny: daytime highs around 83°F, nights around 67°F, Caribbean water near 81°F and roughly 3 inches of rain spread over about seven days. Sargassum seaweed is usually at its lowest of the year. That is the easy part. The part weather sites skip is the price cliff that hits around December 20. This guide covers the weather, the crowds, and the exact window that gets you dry-season Cancun at shoulder-season rates.

Cancun weather in December, by the numbers

December is the start of Cancun's dry season, and the numbers show it. Here is what a typical December looks like in the Hotel Zone.

Rain in December usually arrives as a short shower that clears within the hour. The bigger weather variable is the "norte," a cold front that pushes down from the Gulf of Mexico a few times each winter. A norte can bring a day or two of wind, choppy water and highs in the 70s. It rarely ruins a week, but pack a light layer for evenings.

The Riviera Maya weather in December is nearly identical. Playa del Carmen and Tulum run a degree or two warmer and sit slightly more sheltered from the wind. For a broader view of the year, see our best time to visit Cancun guide.

Is the water warm enough to swim in December?

Yes. Cancun's water temperature in December averages about 81°F, which is warmer than most pools. It cools slightly toward late December and into January, but it stays comfortable for swimming and snorkeling all month.

The Hotel Zone's east-facing beaches can get rough waves when a norte blows through. On those days, Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas on the calmer bay side, or Isla Mujeres across the water, are the better swim spots.

Sargassum in December: usually the cleanest month

December is normally one of the lowest sargassum months in Cancun. The heavy seaweed season tends to run from spring through late summer, and by December most beaches are clear.

Seaweed is not perfectly predictable, though. Check our live sargassum update for Cancun in the week before you fly.

The holiday price cliff: December 20 to January 2

The most important thing to know about Cancun in December is that the month has two very different price tiers. The first half is dry season at shoulder-season prices. The last 12 days are the most expensive window of the entire year.

Here is how December usually breaks down:

• December 1 to 15: The sweet spot. Weather is already dry, resorts are not full, and nightly rates sit well below the holiday peak.
• December 16 to 19: Prices start climbing as schools let out.
• December 20 to January 2: Peak of peak. All-inclusive rates commonly run at double or more of early-December pricing, many resorts require minimum stays, and flights from the US are at their highest.
• January 3 onward: Rates drop back quickly, though January is still high season.

Crowds follow the same curve. Early December feels relaxed, with easy dinner reservations and open beach loungers. Christmas week brings full pools, booked à la carte restaurants and longer lines at Cancun International (CUN).

Our recommendation: go December 1 to 15. You get the same weather as Christmas week for a fraction of the price. If school calendars lock you into the holidays, book early, because the best family suites sell out by late summer. Our best month to visit Cancun breakdown compares every month on weather and value.

Where to stay in Cancun in December, at every budget

These four all-inclusive resorts cover the main budgets and trip styles. All are in the Cancun Hotel Zone or a short drive from it. For the full ranked list, see our best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

Value pick: Hotel Riu Cancun

Hotel Riu Cancun is one of the most affordable beachfront all-inclusives in the Hotel Zone, and it welcomes families as well as couples. It sits near the Punta Cancun party strip, so you can walk to nightlife. Rooms are simple, but the beach and location are hard to beat for the price.

Check current rates for Hotel Riu Cancun on Expedia→

Best for couples on a mid-range budget: Riu Palace Las Americas

Riu Palace Las Americas is an adults-only all-inclusive at the tip of the Hotel Zone. It is close to restaurants and shops, and it sits on a calm stretch of beach. It is a strong early-December pick for couples who want upscale service without luxury-tier pricing.

Check current rates for Riu Palace Las Americas on Expedia→

Best for families: Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Hyatt Ziva Cancun sits on Punta Cancun with water on three sides, which means a calm swimming beach even on windy days. It has a kids club, a water play area and a long list of restaurants. That makes it one of the safest family bets for Christmas week, if you book early.

Check current rates for Hyatt Ziva Cancun on Expedia→

Splurge pick: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun is the Hotel Zone's best-known adults-only luxury all-inclusive. Expect butler service, a large spa and top-shelf drinks included. Holiday weeks here are among the priciest in Cancun, so early December is where Le Blanc offers real value.

Check current rates for Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun on Expedia→

FAQ

Is December a good time to go to Cancun?

Yes. December is one of the best weather months in Cancun, with highs near 83°F, low rain and very little sargassum. The first two weeks also cost far less than the holiday period.

How cold does Cancun get in December?

Nights average about 67°F. When a norte cold front passes through, daytime highs can dip into the low 70s for a day or two.

What is the water temperature in Cancun in December?

The sea averages about 81°F in December. That is warm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkeling all month.

Is Cancun more expensive at Christmas?

Yes. December 20 to January 2 is the most expensive stretch of the year in Cancun, and all-inclusive rates often double compared with early December.

Is Cancun better in December or January?

December 1 to 15 usually wins on price, while January is slightly cooler with similar dry weather. Both beat the Christmas week window for value.

The Bottom Line

Cancun in December gives you dry, sunny weather, warm water and clean beaches. The catch is price. Book December 1 to 15 and you get the same conditions as Christmas week for a lot less.

Start with our Cancun destination guide to compare areas, then pick a resort above. If you want help pricing your dates, request a free quote through our advisor team.