October is an excellent month to visit Cancun. The Low season lasts from June to October.
Prices for flights to Cancun, hotel rooms, and organized tourist tours are lower. There are still no crowds, which in Cancun only start in mid-December when the High season starts.
Magical Caribbean beaches, Mayan archeological sites, shopping in luxury malls or exotic souvenir shops, excursions to exciting places in the Yucatan, crazy nightlife, all this Cancun offers you regardless of the season.
Take advantage of all these benefits and book a plane ticket for an October flight.
From the start, you can save significantly by choosing reasonable offers for flights to Cancun. From the international airport in Cancun, there are direct flights to European capitals, South America, and 42 cities in the United States.
Although the airport is located in the south of the Hotel Zone, don’t be fooled by that and feel sorry that you landed in front of your hotel because the Hotel Zone in Cancun is a row of almost a hundred hotels, beaches, shopping centers, and restaurants, twenty-two and a half kilometers long.
If you’re lucky, the hotel you’ll be staying at has a shuttle service from the airport. If not, take a taxi or a local bus.
You can also rent a car at the airport. This is especially beneficial if you are planning trips outside of Cancun.
You can also explore the Yucatan from Cancun by train. “Mayan Train” takes one route to Riviera Maya, another route goes to Calakmul Mayan historic site, and the third one stops at Chichen Itza historic site and continues to Merida.
Weather in October
October marks the end of the rainy season in Cancun, which is characterized by a higher amount of precipitation than in the months of the dry season.
As a result, temperature differences throughout the year are minimal. The average annual temperature is 260C.
With sixteen rainy days, October is the rainiest month of the year, with an average of 273 millimeters. Although there are the rainiest days in October, there is still less total precipitation than in September.
Rainy days are mainly concentrated at the beginning of the month. It often rains abundantly and violently with much thunder, but the showers are short-lived. At the end of the month, the October sky is completely clear.
With an average high temperature of 31.70C, October is known as the Warm month. The average night temperature is 230C.
From dawn to dusk in October, there are 11.7 hours of daylight, during which you can count on nine hours of full sun. It rises at 6:45 a.m., and the sun sets at 6:23 p.m.
The hurricane season lasts from June to November, and most of them occur in the period from August to October.
Although it rarely happens that Cancun is affected by a hurricane, two devastating ones are still remembered that hit the area in 1988 and 2005.
Hurricane Gilbert was on September 15th, 1988, and Hurricane Wilma was on October 21st, 2005.
The sea temperature is ideal for swimming at 290C, and you can also see some sea turtles laying their eggs before returning to the sea.
Events in October
October in Cancun begins with parties on the beaches, pools, and nightclubs, as the international Mocha Fest takes place from October 5th to 10th.
Dia de la Raza, The Day of the Race, occurs on October 12th. Vibrant, colorful processions pass through the streets of Mexico, commemorating Columbus’ discovery of the New World. The old center of Cancun is also flooded with a festive parade that day.
This October, the tenth anniversary Cancun Music International Festival will take place. More than 200 artists will perform from October 20th to 28th in concerts throughout the Yucatan and the Mexican Caribbean.
The concerts will occur mainly in the Federal State of Quintana Roo in Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Playa del Carmen.
There will be concerts with different types of music, from classical to pop, tango, and jazz.
In Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, for the tenth time in a row, on October 31st, the top gastronomic event Party Package will begin. Star Chefs of Mexico will prepare 30 signature dishes from restaurants across Mexico. It will be a memorable night filled with food, music, wine, tequila mezcal, and beer.
For Halloween night in Playa del Carmen at Thompson Hotel, you will also be able to meet the skills of the Star Chiefs of Mexico at the Angels and Demons-themed Rooftop Party.
And in Tulum, at La Zebra Boutique Hotel, you will enjoy an 8-course feast at the beach party. This time the chefs will be stars from Tulum.
On the last day of October in Cancun, preparations begin to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Traditionally on two levels, the so-called altar of the dead is assembled.
Believers rest on the second level, and the first is earthly. The celebration lasts four days and is full of costumed locals and tourists.
Dad’y O club in Cancun organizes the best parties for Dia de las Brujas, Halloween.
In which part of Cancun to stay?
It is estimated that there are currently around thirty thousand hotel rooms in Cancun. Therefore, the offer is diverse, and the prices go from completely acceptable to extra high in luxury hotels.
Many of the most luxurious hotels are located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, but there are also some in the Cancun Riviera, Playa Mujeres, and the center of Cancun.
In the center of Cancun, you can find cheaper accommodation than in the Hotel Zone, but even in the hotel zone, there are differences, both in price and in which part of the hotel is located.
As for the price, it is easy to explain because those hotels that are on the coast and face the open sea have higher prices than those facing the lagoon.
But as the hotel zone is a 22.5-kilometer-long series of hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, resorts, and shopping centers, this first division by position to the sea is not the only one. The hotel zone is divided into Southern, Central, and Northern.
Some beaches in the Southern Hotel Zone are quieter, and there are few restaurants and entertainment facilities beside the hotel. Severna is known for its beaches with the best sand, good restaurants, and nightclubs.
Srednja is the epicenter of Cancun, with excellent beaches and entertainment facilities for the whole family, but it is also known for the best nightlife.
Downtown Cancun is located to the west of the North Hotel Zone, and Playa Mujeres is to the north. The Cancun Riviera continues down the Hotel Zone to the south.
While Downtown Cancun offers a relaxed local atmosphere, traditional food, small shops, markets, and the most affordable accommodation prices, Playa Mujeres is known for its pristine beaches and calm seas without large waves. Playa Mujeres is the newest tourist complex in Cancun.
The Riviera de Cancun has the largest resorts, excellent beaches, amusement parks, and cenotes in the mangrove jungle.
If you are in Cancun for the first time, you should choose a hotel in the Hotel Zone. It doesn’t matter which part, because you will find everything you need within those 22 kilometers of incredible tourist offers.
The tourist resorts are so big that they can be compared to smaller cities. It often happens that even those who have already been to Cancun several times spend the entire stay inside the Hotel Zone, and even then, they only get to know it partially.
If you go to Cancun with a pre-prepared plan to spend time at parties and enjoy the nightlife, then the center of Cancun and the central Hotel Zone will meet all your expectations.
The largest concentration of nightclubs is in Punta Cancun at the northern end of the Central Hotel Zone. La Vaquita, Coco Bongo, and Mandala are the most popular nightclubs on both sides of the street.
In the center of Cancun, you will have a good time in bars and dance clubs in a more relaxed local atmosphere, and in that part of Cancun, there are also the best restaurants with traditional Yucatan and Mexican dishes.
Suppose you came to Cancun to enjoy the local beaches and take advantage of being in the Yucatan and seeing traces of the ancient Mayans. In that case, you should stay in the Central Hotel Zone or the center of Cancun.
The great archaeological site of El Rey and the Cancun Mayan Museum is already in the Hotel Zone itself. El Rey is the ruins of a settlement on the Mayan trade route. The Cancun Mayan Museum exhibits a collection of over three thousand five hundred artifacts.
From the center of Cancun, you can go to a slightly more distant destination because from there, there are bus lines to Chichen Itza, 200 kilometers away, to Tulum, 130 kilometers away, and to the Mayan Ruins of Coba, which are 160 kilometers away.
Visit these restaurants in Cancun
El Galleon del Caribe
El Galeon del Caribe is located in the Southern Hotel Zone. Due to its offer in the local Cancun style with a palapa roof and earthen floor, El Galeon del Caribe is quite lonely in the whole Hotel Zone, which is one of its most significant advantages. They are known for pescadillas or fish tacos.
Les Cepages
Les Cepages is the best French restaurant in downtown Cancun. They are known for brie salad, lamb chops, and chocolate souffle. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Sushi Go
Sushi Go is located in the North Zone of the Hotel. They are famous for their Dragon Roll, made of tempura shrimp, cream cheese, and eel sauce. Also try the tempura udon.
La Habichuela
La Habichuela is a Mexican-Caribbean restaurant located in downtown Cancun. It was opened in 1977. You will find everything that can be described as the authentic spirit of Cancun in this restaurant.
It is famous for cocobichuela lobster with curry and fish with rice served in a coconut and topped whit grilled pineapple. The ambiance is entirely Yucatan.
Everywhere there are Maya Statues, palm fronds, and discreet lights that add to the pleasant atmosphere in the garden courtyard where the dining tables are.
Restaurante Margely
Restaurante Margely is located in the Mercado 28 flea market in downtown Cancun. The Mercado 28 flea market has a long tradition. It has food stalls, souvenir shops, clothes, and everything found at flea markets.
And on this one, you will also find Restaurante Margely, which offers authentic Yucatan dishes.
The pearls of their offer are conchinita pibil or slow-cooked pork stew, parrilada yucateca or barbecued meat in a citrus marinade with puffed tortillas, and lime soup.
Casitas
Casitas is located within the Kempinski Hotel in the Central Zone of the Hotel. They are famous for their version of Yucatecan tikin xic. Fish rolled in spices and citrus juices cooked in a banana leaf.
Los Aguachiles
Los Aguachiles is located in downtown Cancun. They are famous for their shrimp and octopus ceviche. Ceviche is served with homemade salsa.
Here it would be best if you tried mezcal, a distilled alcoholic drink made from agave, mixed with aquas frescas, first of all, maracuya, which they call passion fruit.
Porfirio’s
Porfirio’s is located in the Central Hotel Zone. This luxury restaurant is packed with a lively Mexican atmosphere.
They are known for street-style grilled corn with cheese, chili powder, and mayo but also for traditional, albeit unusual, dishes such as fried grasshoppers with guacamole. Try it. You will be delighted. This dish is called chapulines.
La Fonda del Zancudo
Fonda del Zancudo is located in downtown Cancun. The food is prepared from organic ingredients grown in their small garden, located within the old house where the restaurant is.
They are famous for their tuna tartare, roasted figs, and empanadas. Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open for dinner.
Excursions outside Cancun
Visit Isla Holbox
A trip to Isla Holbox will take you away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun and into the relaxed atmosphere of a charming little island just off the Yucatan coast. The streets are sandy, and the only transportation on the island is golf carts.
Beach bars have an informal, intimate atmosphere. The houses are very colorful, and the Caribbean Sea glows bluish at night because these waters are bioluminescent.
There are many trails on the island for you to explore the surroundings, and almost 75% of the island is covered in mangrove jungle, which you can explore by kayak.
Flamingos can often be seen in hidden lagoons. On this island is the beach of Playa Punta Cocos, famous for the beauty of its turquoise water.
Daily ferries from Cancun to Isla Holbox and tours include breakfast and lunch.
Visit Isla Mujeres
The Maya revered Isla Mujeres as a sacred place. Legend has it that this island was home to the Mayan goddess Ixchel, goddess of the moon, luck, and fertility. On the southern side of the island, there is a temple dedicated to this goddess.
Isla Mujeres is located near Cancun across the bay. There are daily ferries every half hour from the Puerto Juarez terminal. The trip takes about fifteen minutes.
Daily Catamaran cruises along the Cancun coast and Playa del Carmen include an excursion to Isla Mujeres. You can rent a car, golf cart, or bicycle on the island, and taxi transport is exceptionally efficient.
Although October is the rainiest month of the year, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on the island. If you decide to stay there for a few days in October, you will be greeted by lower accommodation prices.
Playa Norte is the most popular on Isla Mujeres. This beach is among the best beaches in the Caribbean. Next to the clubs on the shore, there are hammocks for resting. Mayan ruins are located in Punta Sur Park on the island’s south.
Enjoyable walks along the cliffs and paths of this park. The underwater park has over 500 sculptures of animals and people, cars, and various other things.
Plant and animal ecosystems have developed on the sculptures, and they have also become home to corals. The appearance of this place is surreal.
Diving and snorkeling are highly recommended. The Parque De Los Suenos Beach Club in Kin Ha has several terraced pools overlooking the sea.
Hotels and restaurants are mostly located in Centro, the focal point of life on the island. It is located on the north side of the island. There are several residential areas in the Mid-Island Bay Area.
Staying in this part of the island will bring you closer to the life of the locals and the local culture. Sas Bayo is a peninsula in the western part of the island. Several luxury hotels, restaurants, and residential houses are located there.
Lonceria La Lomita is a small restaurant south of the center. It is famous for its bean soup in a clay pot and seafood chile rellenos. At Los Tacos de Humo, guests are often given complimentary cinnamon donuts.
This restaurant is known for excellent tacos, especially fish tacos. El Charcho is among the best restaurants on the island.
They prepare traditional Mexican food. They are famous for their steak tacos. Mango Cafe is the locals’ favorite place for breakfast. They are known for their huevos rancheros and breakfast quesadillas.
To experience authentic everyday island food, look for Food Carts in the town square in the evening. They are known for their delicious salbutes, tacos, empanadas, and marquesitas. You can also find such strollers by the beach.
Q’Bravo is the best restaurant in the central part of the island. The menu is compiled depending on what is available at the time. It must be fresh and local.
They are known for their classic Mexican lunches. To the surprise of visitors, Olivia is a restaurant that serves a mixture of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Greek meals.
Lola Valentina is a restaurant known for its blue corn empanadas with tamarind sauce and coconut French toast. Zama Bech Club is famous for Mayan Octopus Tacos. Capricci Pizza & sfizi is a pizzeria that offers wood-fired pizza.
Limon Seafood Restaurant is located within the Limon Hotel. They are known for their excellent steak and freshly caught lobsters. The Lolo Lorena restaurant can only be accessed with a reservation.
They are famous for a fillet in a banana leaf or seafood cassolet. Casa Rolandi is known for its extravagant dinners.
Zipline tours
There are many zipline parks in and around Cancun. Lush vegetation, Mayan Ruins, cenotes, underground rivers, and untouched beaches ignite the imagination and invite adventure.
Flying over the jungle can’t be compared to any other experience. Adrenaline dose is guaranteed.
Xplor Adventure Park is located near Cancun. It has the highest zipline in Cancun, which is at the height of 49 meters.
Hammocks are strung above the treetops, and you can walk on them and swim in the underground river, ride a raft under the cave vaults, or in amphibious vehicles through the jungle. The park has two trails with seven ziplines.
The tour includes refreshments and an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.
Xplor Adventure Park also organizes night adventures. This tour has a unique name, and visitors often do not associate it with the same area where the daily tours occur. The offer includes everything included in the day tour.
The magic of the night and the explosion of adrenaline transform this space into something new, filled with the night sounds of animals and the forest of treetops above which you fly under the starry sky.
Refreshing drinks and an all-you-can-eat buffet meal are also included in this tour.
Zipline in Selvatica is an adrenaline park that provides adventures throughout the day. Ziplines are at ten different heights, each with its specifics, after which they are named. Aquazip line also passes through water.
The muddy track on which the ATVs go raises the adrenaline in seconds. You can even go skydiving in this park! The tour includes a Mexican lunch.
Cancun Extreme Zipline Canopy Tour has the longest ziplines with spectacular jungle views. This dizzying chase above the treetops is only for true adventurers.
Cenotes: Fun at the entrance to the underground world
Deep in the jungle, surrounded by ancient ruins, lie breathtaking cenotes. The Mayans used them as sacrifices to the gods. For them, cenotes were the entrance to the underworld.
If we ignore the magical beauty of cenotes for a moment and return to the real world, the explanation of how cenotes were formed would be that it happens due to the collapse of porous and weak rocks. There are several types of cenotes.
Cave cenotes are created inside caves. Semi-open cenotes were made after the cave vault collapsed, and Open cenotes are more reminiscent of lakes.
Cenote Chaak Tun is located fifteen minutes from Playa Del Carmen. You have to follow special rules at this cenote. You can go on a tour only with a guide. He will lead you through the caves. This cenote has no swimming, no frolicking, no jumping from the shore into the water, and no sunbathing.
Gran Cenote is located 3 miles from Tulum. It is a system of several connected pools where turtles and fish live in crystal-clear water. Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote. It is suitable for snorkeling and swimming.
Cenote Azul is an open-type cenote near Playa Del Carmen. The water in this cenote is transparent and distinctly blue. Therefore, it is excellent for swimming.
Cenote Sac Actun is located near Tulum. It is a semi-open cave cenote. Its underground water system is the second longest in the world. It is excellent for diving and snorkeling but not for swimming.
Cenote Xunaan-Ha is an open-type cenote near Tulum. Here you can enjoy peace surrounded by greenery. The water is miraculously clean and transparent, with plenty of secluded places. It is excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
In this deep cenote, fish can be seen feeding on underwater plants.
Cenote Car Wash is located near Tulum. The locals say it got this strange name because there used to be a car wash nearby. Cenote Car Wash is an open cenote where marine life flourishes, and there is also an entrance to the cave under the water. It is excellent for diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
However, it is fifty meters deep, and exploring its intricate underwater corridor system is not recommended. However, there are plenty of places to sunbathe around this cenote.
Cenote Crystal is an open cenote ten minutes from Tulum. It is suitable for swimming and a picnic because many tables are nearby in an excellent environment of lush vegetation.
Escondido Cenote is located near Cenote Crystal. The name of this cenote, in translation, means hidden cenote. And indeed, although the very popular and visited Crystal Cenote is nearby, there are no crowds around the Escondido cenote.
If you’re lucky, you might be alone in that magical place early in the morning. This cenote is excellent for swimming.
Cenote Calavera is a semi-open cenote just minutes from Tulum. The name of this cenote translates to the skull. It is so named because two small pools and one larger one look like the eyes and mouth of a skull from the air.
An actual entrance to the underworld! It is not for nothing that they claim that it is the most dramatic cenote in the area.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha is a cave cenote near Tulum. It is dark. Illuminated by artificial light, the cave vault amazes with its beauty. It is excellent for swimming and diving. The underwater corridors are very branched and deep.
Cenote Zacil-Ha is an open type of cenote. It is excellent for swimming. It is located only ten minutes from Tulum. There are two natural pools next to which there are places to sunbathe on deckchairs or enjoy the shade in the observation decks. There is also a restaurant nearby.
Cenote Dos Ojos is 30 minutes away from Tulum. They are two semi-open cave cenotes connected by an underground passage. It is excellent for diving and snorkeling because it is part of an extensive underground system.
On the surface, swimming in a beautiful environment is an absolute pleasure. She is very popular. The water temperature does not change and is 250C.
Casa Cenote is an open cenote by type but small by size. There is a hotel near this cenote. The blue water of this cenote is different than usual in other cenotes. It is not calm, and you swim harder in it. Casa Cenote winds its way through the mangrove forest.
Due to the current of the water on the shore, they rent life jackets to those who are uncomfortable with this phenomenon. And that’s not all that’s unusual about this cenote. It is known for one of its residents – Panchit, the crocodile that lives in it.
They say you’re safe as long as you keep your distance. The distance is debatable if the cenote is small, like Casa Cenote.
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