Cancun’s September Weather: Average Temperatures, Rainfall, and Hurricane Threat

When someone tells you they went to Mexico on vacation, what is the first location you think of? If you thought of Cancun, then you’re with most people. Cancun is one of the top destinations in the world to visit. People flock to Cancun’s beaches and cultural sites. The local government was worried their tourist economy would suffer after COVID, but it bounced back. Cancun was recently named the second most visited city on the planet.

Whether you’re looking to relax at the beach to get away from work or you’re going for a romantic getaway, Cancun in September is quite a perfect time to go. Let’s take a look at Cancun’s September weather including some fun activities to do and what to eat and drink.

Average Temperature

Cancun’s average temperature in September ranges from a high of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) to a low of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). This makes the weather very predictable for planning what you will wear. Sunrise is around 6:30 am and sunset is at around 7:00 pm, which gives you about 12 hours of daylight. That’s plenty of time to hit the beach or explore the city center.

The Hottest Temperature on Record

Usually, the summer months have very hot temperatures in Cancun. The hottest day of the year is usually on August 1. In September, though, it commences to cool down. The record high temperature in September has been 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The beginning of the month is usually hotter than the end of the month.

The Coldest Temperature on Record

September in Cancun is not known to be a cold month. The summer is just winding down, which means the beginning of the month is way hotter than September 30. If you are looking for more pleasant weather, the end of the month is a better time to visit. Even the record-low temperature in September was not too cold. But like in any other place, some anomalies happen. The coldest temperature in September ever recorded was 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius).

Average Rainfall in September

Interestingly enough, September is the wettest month of the year. Sure, it’s hot and pleasant the entire month, but the rainy season of Cancun falls between June and November. There are about nine inches of rainfall in the month and there are a total of seven rainy days in September. All this means that it hardly rains the rest of the year. 

Because September falls in hurricane season, the rainfall could be heavy when it does rain. It’s also noteworthy that rainy days increase towards the end of September.

UV Index in September

Cancun is located at the tip of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico. This means it gets a lot of sun year-round. Because of that, September is hotter than most months. The sun shines quite strongly from sun up to sun down. In September, Cancun has a UV Index of 11, which is the highest number in the UV Index. This means the sun can damage your skin. This is very close to 8-10, which indicates that the sun can burn your skin within 10 minutes. There is also a danger of extreme radiation.

It is important that, if you visit Cancun in September, you protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays by putting on sunscreen every few hours. Make sure you have a hat handy for further protection and wear loose clothing to avoid getting overheated.

Natural Disasters in September

Cancun’s location is right smack in the middle of a hurricane area. Luckily, in the past thirty years, Cancun has only had two hurricanes that badly damaged the city. Tourists shouldn’t worry about being hit by a hurricane during their stay.

September, though, is prime time for hurricane season, so be aware of that. In an article featured in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, it was said that the government’s neglect of environmental factors has affected the ecosystem in Cancun. That, along with climate change, can harm Cancun and its surrounding ecological areas.

Visiting Cancun in September

Being one of the top tourist destinations in the world means that Cancun has a myriad of fun-filled activities for every type of person. Whether you enjoy nature or history, lying on the beach, or bar hopping, Cancun has something for everyone. Being a history and culture person is a big plus when you visit Cancun. There are pyramids like Chichen Itza or Tulum and archeological sites you can explore. There are also museums, aquariums, and Xcaret Park, an amusement and water park, to take the kids.

If you want to do fun, outdoor activities, you can always go to the beach for some tanning or swim in its turquoise waters. You can also explore the underwater caves by snorkeling or scuba diving. If that’s not enough, you can visit a sinkhole or deep natural well. Lastly, if you want to shop for some cool knick-knacks, head over to Mercado 28. You’ll find many things at very affordable prices. 

Things to Eat and Drink in Cancun

When in Mexico, you should eat Mexican food. Being one of the most popular cuisines in the world, there are many Mexican restaurants to satisfy your hunger needs. Some of the local specialties include a tamal torteado de pollo, sopa de lima (lime soup), or shrimp ceviche. If you’re craving tacos, you can pick from so many varieties — carne asada, al pastor, fish, or chorizo. Just make sure you put some guacamole and salsa on your tacos for extra flavor.

It’s a well-known fact that Cancun is a popular spring break destination for university students. This means there is vibrant nightlife in the city for everyone over the age of 18 to enjoy. When it comes to drinks, there are many Mexican beers to quench your thirst, from Dos Equis to Corona. You can also try the many brands of tequila, a homegrown distilled drink of Mexico.

Fun Facts About Cancun

• Cancun means “nest of snakes” in the Mayan language.
• Cancun generates one-third of Mexico’s tourism revenue.
• The Maya Barrier Reef, which stretches for more than 600 miles along the coastlines of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, is the second largest barrier reef in the world.
• There is an underwater museum called MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) surrounding Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
• Because Cancun was a planned city, before 1970, only three people were living on the island of Cancun.

Conclusion

Cancun in September is quite nice. If you go toward the end of the month, once autumn begins, the weather will be more pleasant than the first week of September. There isn’t a lot of rainfall during the month, even though it is hurricane season, and that is what makes it perfect for beach days and cultural exploration.

Being one of the top tourist hubs in the world, there are so many things to do in Cancun. There won’t be a shortage of fun-filled activities to do. From visiting a nearby archeological site to scuba diving with colorful fish, there are things to do for all types of people. Your vacation in Cancun will be such a thrilling time!