Cancun

Cancun

At this point, do we still need to introduce this internationally renowned city that is the center of tourism on the Yucatan Peninsula? With its year-round sunshine, modern infrastructure, and hidden, more traditional side, Cancun has become one of the world’s most popular beach resorts.

Nice weather almost all year round

Average temperatures range from 68°F in the dry season to 86°F in the wet season.

The dry season, running from November to April, offers pleasant temperatures and warm ocean waters for swimming. However, hurricanes and tropical storms can still affect this region in November, while from late November to early March, the north wind (el Norte) can bring cooler, windier days, along with clouds and rain.

The rainy season, from May to October, is hot and extremely humid. The breeze tempers the heat a bit, but the humidity is high. There's plenty of sunshine, as the rain comes mainly in the form of short but intense showers and thunderstorms. Hurricanes pose the greatest threat, and can be devastating, although fortunately they are relatively rare. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but they are most frequent from August to October.

A city with two faces

You can find a hotel to suit every budget in Cancun, from the most picturesque boutique hotels to the most luxurious palaces, from Airbnb rentals to youth hostels. That’s why you meet people from all over the world who have come to enjoy the city’s incredible tourist attractions. While there are many Americans and Canadians, the destination is increasingly popular with European tourists as well.

The rise of tourism has turned Cancun into a city with two faces. Although the world is most familiar with the 23-mile-long hotel zone, where English has practically become the first language, the downtown area has retained its Mexican identity.

The history of Cancun

The city’s name is a reference to Kukulkan, the supreme god of the ancient Maya pantheon. It means “site of the golden serpent” or, less flatteringly, “serpents’ nest.” The Maya knew and occupied the site. It served mainly as a trading center on the road to Honduras. Some of the Maya were still living there when the Spanish arrived.

Its geographical position made it a key departure point for expeditions during the conquest of Mexico, but it remained a fishing village until the second half of the twentieth century. After its recent expansion, the population is now around 750,000.