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Cancun Holidays

Cancun Holidays

Read more about Cancun

Destination highlights

  • Over 9,000km of sandy beaches
  • 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites to choose from
  • Festive fun all year round
  • Home to the iconic Hotel Zone strip

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    Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

    What are the best beaches in Cancun?

    Known for its stunning ocean views and white sandy shores, beach holidays in Cancun are hard to top.

  • Playa Delfines – with powdery white sands stretching for miles on either side, this spot is Cancun’s most popular beach destination – and justifiably so!
  • Puerto Morelos – featuring the Mesoamerican reef just off the coast, this relaxing beach is popular with snorkellers.
  • Playa Chac Mool – perfect for the adventurous traveller, with a range of watersports to make holidays to Cancun something to remember
  • Playa Tortugas – if the kids are looking for a splash, this is a great beach for a fun-filled family holiday in Cancun.
  • Playa Forum – located within easy reach of bars and restaurants, there’s always something to do at this local favourite – day or night.
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve – protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s every excuse to experience the beach ‘where heaven began’.


    • Cancun beach

    What are the top hotels in Cancun?

    Cancun holidays will normally see sunseekers staying in the Hotel Zone in Riviera Maya - a long stretch of land that surrounds the mesmerising Nichupte Lagoon. Can't decide where to stay? Here are some of our favourite Cancun hotels:

  • Sun Palace - overlooking the Caribbean, this romantic adults-only spot is the perfect hotel if you fancy whisking your special someone away for a couples' holiday
  • Beach Palace - With easy access to the beach, pools and playgrounds, this hotel is a great choice for family holidays to Cancun.
  • Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Riviera Maya - Adults Only - a slice of paradise, this hotel offers guests a beautiful pool scene surrounded by pretty gardens
  • Iberostar Selection Cancun - you can't go wrong with Iberostar, and this one opens up right onto the beach. Heaven.
  • Omni Cancun & Villas - a five-star hotel with a variety of pools, Jacuzzis and a range of activities to make your 2022 holiday one to remember.


    • Click here to book your Cancun beach break


    What’s the food like in Cancun?

    Cancun knows exactly how to celebrate its fruit and veg, often combined with meat for some truly delicious dishes. When it comes to Mexican grub, keep an eye out for these specialties:

  • Marquesita - a crepe, rolled like a wrap and filled to the brim with warm melted cheese or a sweet filling of your choice
  • Castacan - a crispy pork belly taco, held together with various shredded cheeses and browned to perfection
  • Pozol - a refreshing drink made from fermented corn dough and cocoa, popular all over Mexico for its rejuvenating qualities
  • Panuchos - fried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans and finished with toppings like pulled chicken, red cabbage, and peppers
  • Sikil Pak - a smoky pumpkin seed dip that goes perfectly with anything from tortilla chips to warm pitta wedges


    • That's the menu sorted, but what about that dreaded question - where to eat? Luckily, we've got you covered with these top dining spots:

  • Fred's House Cancún - serving seafood fare, this family-friendly joint offers menus for both adults and kids
  • Porfirio´s - a restaurant which proudly celebrates the flavours of Mexico, transforming traditional fare into sophisticated dishes
  • La Vincente - a popular grilling spot for friends and family, serving up fantastic food and the perfect chilled atmosphere
  • La Playa Xpu-ha - a friendly beach bar situated along the Riviera Maya - a popular place for local events


    • Cancun food

    Where's the best nightlife in Cancun?

    What’s a summer holiday without exploring the local bar scene? In Cancun, not only do you have access to some of the best nightspots that Mexico has to offer, but you’re also guaranteed that summer feeling all year round.

  • Coco Bongo - a Vegas-themed nightclub hosting an assortment of acts, from stand-up comedians to musical impersonators
  • Champions Sports Bar - keep up with whatever sports matches are on for a little taste of home
  • Dady'O - a popular spot for celebrities and partygoers, this is one you won't want to miss
  • Hard Rock Hotel Cancun - if you live for the party lifestyle, there’s no better place to stay than at this nightclub/hotel combo, where the after-party never ends
  • The Surfin Burrito - if you’re looking for tacos, cocktails and an affordable, relaxed atmosphere - look no further


    • Cancun night

    What events can I go to in Cancun?

    Holidays to Cancun offer endless opportunities to celebrate Mexico’s rich history and culture throughout the year. With such a variety of entertainment, it's hard to know exactly what to look out for. Here are a few of our favourites to keep on your radar:

  • Three Kings’ Celebration (January) - the Christmas holidays conclude as Mexico celebrates the Reyes Magos (Three Kings), by baking and sharing caramelised fruit bread, shaped like crowns
  • Carnaval (February) - a widely celebrated event with five days of colourful parades and extravagant costumes
  • Spring Equinox (March) - in ancient city of Chichen Itzá, you can watch the sun set on the Kukulkan pyramid - at the right time and angle, the shadow of a great serpent appears on the face of the pyramid
  • Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater (April) - in ancient city of Chichen Itzá, you can watch the sun set on the Kukulkan pyramid - at the right time and angle, the shadow of a great serpent appears on the face of the pyramid
  • Children’s Day (April) - make your family holiday that much more special by taking part in this annual event that sees the little ones take centre stage
  • Independence Day (September) - people from all over Mexico come to the National Palace and await the ringing of the bell - a ceremony that’s soon followed by fireworks, mariachi music and lots of dancing
  • Día de los Muertos (November) - it wouldn’t be a list of Mexican festivities without the world-famous Day of the Dead. Complete with parades, floats, and a wonderfully ghostly aesthetic, of course


    • Things to do in Cancun

    Dive into Cancun’s culture

    Below the surface of Cancun’s waters, you’re likely to find more than just dolphins. You won't want to miss the Underwater Museum of Art, an installation of sculptures and exhibits displayed along the ocean floor. The attraction aims to protect the nearby coral reef by giving snorkellers and divers an alternative hotspot to visit.

    Walk in the shoes of history

    Take a walk through the jungle before catching a show in Mayan Village for a true taste of the Mayan lifestyle. This journey is a real trip to the past - who said time travel can't be done?

    Zip through the jungle

    Take a leaf from the Jungle Book and experience how it feels to soar above the trees with one of Mexico’s favourite pastimes. Thrill-seekers can find zipline parks all over Cancun.

    Be tickled pink

    We’ve seen our fair share of vibrant blue ocean, but pink? In Las Coloradas, a private salt processing factory allows salt to naturally accumulate and turn the water pink, or sometimes a deep shade of lavender. Camera at the ready!



    Cancun boat

    What's the weather like in Cancun?

    While winter never comes to Cancun, the temperature can sometimes dip during the holiday season. But since the surrounding ocean keeps warm all year round, there’s always an excuse to head to the beach - and we're never ones to complain about that!

    Month

    Average temp.

    Sea temp.

    Hours of sunshine per day

    Jan 23 °c 26 °c 6 h
    Feb 24 °c 26 °c 7 h
    Mar 25 °c 26 °c 8 h
    Apr 26 °c 27 °c 8 h
    May 27 °c 28 °c 8 h
    Jun 28 °c 28 °c 7 h
    Jul 28 °c 29 °c 7 h
    Aug 28 °c 29 °c 7 h
    Sep 28 °c 29 °c 6 h
    Oct 26 °c 29 °c 7 h
    Nov 24 °c 28 °c 6 h
    Dec 24 °c 27 °c 6 h

    Click here to book your Cancun beach break »

    Important Information about travelling to Cancun

    How long does it take to fly to Cancun?

    Flights from the UK to Cancun take around 11 hours.

    What’s the time difference between the UK and Cancun?

    The local time in Cancun is five hours behind the UK.

    What currency do they use in Cancun?

    The official currency used in Cancun is the Peso.

    What language do they speak in Cancun?

    The official language of Cancun is Spanish.

    Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Cancun?

    We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the Mexico on the FCDO website.

    Do I need any vaccinations to visit Cancun?

    Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

    Do I need a visa to travel to Cancun?

    You don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, but you will be required to fill out an immigration form before your arrival.

    Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

    • Playa del Carmen
    • Puerto Vallarta
    • Riviera Maya

      • Customer reviews

      At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Cancun for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

      Keith Holbrook:


      First class service, very happy.

      Ms Amanda Burroughs:


      Always my first choice for booking holidays. Seamless from beginning to end every time. Great locations, accommodations and prices.

      Simon Norman:


      It was a pleasure to book on this site, no hassle or complications...fully recommended.

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    Top Cancun Hotels

    Cancun Weather

    A hot, tropical paradise, Cancun is a true year-round destination. With highs of 33 and 34C, May to September is the hottest time to visit Cancun, whilst visiting in winter months will see average temperatures of 23C. The driest months are April and May whereas September sees the most rainfall.
    Jan 28ºC
    Feb 29ºC
    Mar 30ºC
    Apr 31ºC
    May 32ºC
    Jun 32ºC
    Jul 33ºC
    Aug 33ºC
    Sep 32ºC
    Oct 31ºC
    Nov 29ºC
    Dec 28ºC

    Things To Do on Cancun Holidays

    Explore Chichen Itza
    Immerse yourself in true Mexican culture with a visit to Chichen Itza. This pre-Columbian city was built by the Mayans around 600AD and stands amazingly preserved to this day. Believed to be one of the oldest Mayan cities, this site is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a definite must-see if you’re off to Cancun.

    Xcaret Adventure Park
    Inspired by nature and fuelled by ecotourism, Xcaret Adventure Park is a one-stop-shop for all things nature, culture and adventure. Spend time swimming in cenotes and underwater rivers, meet a variety of different animals, visit a replica of a traditional Mayan village, zipline through the jungle and then hit one of the best wine cellars in Mexico – and that’s just a few of the attractions on offer!

    Visit a Sea Turtle sanctuary
    If you’re an animal lover, then this is for you. A working turtle conservation farm, Tortugranja offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Top tip: nesting season is roughly May to October so a visit then means you might even get to see the turtles hatch on the private beach area.

    Catch a Lucha Libra Show
    Lucha Libre is the Mexican sport of wrestling. Defined by the colourful masks worn by each wrestler, Lucha Libre has been a huge part of Mexican culture since the early 20th Century. Wrestlers will go to extreme lengths to conceal their identity and some may never been seen in public without it.

    Book a Cancun Holiday now!

    Mexico can offer you everything you could ever want in a holiday and Cancun is the ideal place to go for your first trip there. The tourism developments mean you'll have all the amenities you'd expect from a holiday while the city still retains much of it's authentic culture and atmosphere. And all this with a fantastic nightlife to boot, what more could you want? Book your cheap Cancun holiday now with On the Beach!