The Best Time To Visit Cozumel: Cozumel is considered to be a Caribbean paradise for a reason. The largely undeveloped island is mostly surrounded by lush tropical jungle and flanked by the azure Caribbean Sea. With protected reefs and little development polluting the water, Cozumel has some of Mexico’s most vibrant and diverse coral reefs, attracting divers and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world.
Despite Mexico’s reputation for predominantly warm and pleasant weather all year round, the weather isn’t perfect 100% of the time. It’s important to check on the weather and other local conditions to figure out the best time to visit Cozumel before booking your flights.
When is the best time to visit Cozumel?
Weather-wise, your best time to visit Cozumel is between March and June, during the dry season. Rain can really put a damper (no pun intended) on swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. During this time, temperatures during the day are around 80-90°F which is still nice and hot without being completely unbearable.
The dry season also means lower humidity levels which also contribute to much more comfortable weather conditions. Can you imagine exploring the ancient ruins in stifling humidity? No thanks! Less rainfall also equates to clearer water which makes visibility for diving and snorkeling at its best. You don’t want to miss out on getting a clear view of the reefs, they’re some of the most magnificent in the world.
When is the worst time to visit Cozumel?
Temperatures peak in July and August and can soar to some pretty unbearable temperatures. Rainfall starts to pick up at the end of summer, making fall one of the worst times to visit Cozumel. It can rain for almost half the month until the end of October, making visiting pretty miserable. Most tour operators are closed during the rainy season to take a breather before the mania of high season hits. Those that are still operating will not be able to guarantee your activities as they could be cancelled at short notice if rain rolls in.
Weather in Cozumel by Month
January
January is considered to be the coldest month of the year in Cozumel, however it’s actually still warm by most people’s standards! The average temperature during the day is 66°F to 83°F, with around 8 or 9 days of rain the whole month. January is also a very busy month in Cozumel being over peak season, so there are many tourists visiting from the USA, Canada and Europe. Because it is so busy and the weather isn’t at its finest, this is not the best time to visit Cozumel.
February
High season ends in February and prices across the board decrease again. The temperatures hold pretty consistently from January with on average 2 to 3 days less rainfall during the month.
March
March is considered the best time to visit Cozumel by many seasoned travelers. The temperatures increase slightly to between 69°F to 87°F making for near perfect conditions. Skies are clear and sunshine abounds with very little rainfall. Prices drop even lower in March and it’s unlikely you’ll run into too many Spring Breakers seeing as they stick to the mainland cities like Cabo and Cancun.
April
For water sports, April is the best time to visit Cozumel. Temperatures are similar to March with a slight increase in sea temperatures making the water near perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also on average 3 days of rainfall in April giving you a good chance of having absolutely perfect weather during your stay.
May
May is also the best time to visit Cozumel, with very similar weather to April, however daytime temperatures now hit a high of 90°F. There are also some fun activities taking place on the island including the El Cedral Festival and a fishing tournament.
June
June marks the start of summer and is also one of the last months to visit Cozumel before temperatures soar a little too high. For those who don’t like extreme heat, June is the best time to visit Cozumel. Rainfall is a little higher in June, with an average of 12 days of rain over the course of the month.
July
Temperatures hold steady in July and there is also less rainfall, however the threat of hurricanes does increase slightly. They are rare and unlikely to happen during your stay.
August
If you can handle the heat, August is the hottest month of the year with temperatures soaring above 90°F and very humid nights. If your hotel doesn’t have air conditioning, you’re going to be very uncomfortable. Half of the month it tends to rain so often catamaran cruises and other outdoor activities get rained out and cancelled.
September
September has some of the highest rainfall of the year and is also in the middle of hurricane season. Most tour companies close over this period so it’s not the best time to visit Cozumel.
October
In October, temperatures drop to between 73°F and 87°F and rainfall is just as heavy as in September, so travel to the island is best avoided at this time.
November
Rainfall decreases significantly in November with temperatures hanging around the mid to low 70s. Hotel prices are still pretty low so it’s a good time to visit for deals if you aren’t bothered by a cloudy day here and there.
December
The weather in December is moderate and there is less rainfall but there is a massive influx of tourists flocking in for Christmas break which can make hotels and attractions pretty crowded, but less so than in Cabo and Cancun.
March to June is by far the best time to visit Cozumel with plenty of warm, sunny days and very little rainfall. It is also one of the quieter times of the year to visit so beaches, hotels and other attractions won’t be as crowded. The island is best avoided during the very wet and rainy hurricane season with most tour companies closed before the Christmas rush.
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