Veelgestelde vragen over Cancún

December to April is the dry season — sunny, warm and the calmest sea, but also the busiest and priciest. May to August is hotter and more humid, with a risk of sargassum seaweed. Hurricane season runs June to November, peaking September–October.

Citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. You complete an entry process on arrival and should keep proof of your stay. Always check your own country's current requirements before travelling.

The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency and almost always gives the best value. US dollars are widely accepted in the Hotel Zone but at a poor exchange rate. Pay in pesos, carry some cash for taxis and small vendors, and use ATMs from major banks rather than airport exchange desks.

The tourist areas — the Hotel Zone, the islands and the main Riviera Maya towns — are generally very safe and heavily policed. Use the usual sense: licensed taxis or apps, watch your drinks, keep valuables in the hotel safe, and respect ocean flag warnings and rip currents. Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled or filtered.

Sargassum is a brown seaweed that can wash ashore on the Caribbean-facing beaches, mainly from May to August. It is harmless but smells as it decomposes. Resorts rake it daily; sheltered north-facing beaches, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy are usually clearer. Check daily sargassum maps when planning beach days.

Within the Hotel Zone the R-1/R-2 public buses are cheap and frequent. For longer hops, the comfortable ADO coaches link Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, while colectivos (shared vans) are cheaper for short coastal trips. Ferries serve Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. A rental car is best for the inland Yucatán and cenotes; the new Maya Train adds another option for some routes.