Cozumel is a true Caribbean paradise, famed for its world-class dive spots and stunning beaches. It’s also a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, making for a popular add-on to any Mexico vacation or backpacking trip.
However, like the whole of Quintana Roo, Cozumel does not have perfect weather all year round.
So, before you book your tickets, make sure you know when the best time to visit Cozumel is.
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Cozumel?
The best time to visit Cozumel is in the dry season between March and June. During these months, the daytime temperature is around 80-90°F, so it is hot but not unbearable.
However, the temperatures increase heading towards summer and peak in July and August, which can be uncomfortable.
What’s more, rainfall increases towards the end of summer, making fall one of the worst times to visit Cozumel.
Staying in Cozumel?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the top hotels in Cozumel, Mexico.
Best hostel: Hostel Auikyani
Best hotel: Hacienda Boutique Mi Case Tu Casa
Best resort: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa
Weather In Cozumel Month-By-Month
Here’s an overview of what you can expect when visiting Cozumel month by month.
January
January is one of the coldest months in Cozumel but is still very warm by most people’s standards. Temperatures range from 66°F to 83°F, and the average precipitation is 49- 81.4mm, equating to 8 to 9 days of rain.
January is peak season, and the island is full of American and Canadian tourists escaping the cold winter. Therefore, prices are at the highest during January.
February
February is when the peak season comes to an end, and prices slowly come down. The temperature is almost the same as in January, with perhaps a degree or two increase.
The rainfall is less than January, though, with an average of 6.5 days of rain during this month.
March
March is a delightful month to visit as hotel prices are lower, there is little rain, and the temperature is lovely.
March is also one of the best months for swimming, snorkeling, and diving as the water temperature is ideal, around 78.8°F. There is a slight increase in air temperature, too, with the average temperature of March being 69°F to 87°F.
April
April is perhaps the best time to go to Cozumel, especially if you’re coming for water activities. The ocean is at its best, and temperatures are similar to March.
With an average of 3.7 days of rainfall, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll experience perfect weather during this time.
May
May is also the best time to visit Cozumel. The weather is almost identical to April, and it’s another great month for diving.
However, the air does start to heat up with temperatures peaking at 90°F. There’s plenty of events happening on the island, such as the boat rodeo, fishing tournament, and El Cedral Festival.
June
June is the official start of summer and is the last month when temperatures are bearable. So, if you’re pondering over an early summer or late summer visit, choose the former.
The temperature will be in the high 80’s, but it rarely goes much higher than 90°F.
Rainfall increases in June, though, with 191.7mm of accumulated precipitation and an average of 12.6 days rainfall.
However, if you’re here at the end of the month, you’ll get to experience the week-long festival of San Pedro and San Pablo.
July
Cozumel weather in July is pretty much the same as June but with slightly higher temperatures. There is generally less rain than in June, but there is a higher threat of hurricanes.
However, if you can’t make it to Cozumel in June, you could take your chances in July and probably snap up a great deal on a hotel, too.
August
August is the hottest month of the year, and therefore not the best time to visit Cozumel unless you can handle the heat. Temperatures peak above 90°F during the days, and the nights are humid and, thus, pretty uncomfortable.
The sea is also hot, around 29°C, but it can rain for almost half the month, so boat trips often get canceled.
September
September is one of the wettest months of the year and the middle of the hurricane season, so you won’t see many tourists on the island.
It’s technically the start of autumn, but it doesn’t feel that way as temperatures remain high, dropping just a degree or two.
It could quite easily rain for over half the month, so there’s not much to do in Cozumel in September, and most tour companies will close until the weather improves.
October
October is a bit cooler, with temperatures fluctuating between 73°F and 87°F. However, it’s still best to avoid the island in October as rainfall is as heavy as the previous month.
Plus, it’s still hurricane season, so check for any warnings beforehand if you are visiting in October. In our guide about safety in Cozumel, we recommend avoiding going there from August to October.
November
November is when Cozumel weather finally starts to improve. Temperatures are relatively cool, reaching as low as 71°F, and there is less chance of rain, too.
Tourists begin to creep back in, and if you don’t mind some cloudy and rainy days on your holiday, it’s not a bad month to visit. Plus, as it’s before the Christmas and New Year rush, hotel prices have not spiked up yet.
December
December is when the island awakens after hurricane season and quickly prepares for the influx of tourists coming for a Christmas vacation in the tropics. The weather is cool, but December still sees a fair amount of rainfall, although noticeably less than November.
Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Visit Cozumel
March to June is undoubtedly the best time to visit Cozumel. The weather is gorgeous, the ocean is ideal for watersports, and the island is peaceful.
However, whether you’re planning a short Caribbean getaway or an extended backpacking trip in Mexico, be sure to avoid Quintana Roo in Hurricane season from July to November.
Wondering how to get to Cozumel Island? Read our tips to learn how to go to Cozumel.
