What's the weather like in Cancun in August
August is usually the hottest month of the year for Cancun. And even though it falls within the middle of the hurricane season, only two hurricanes have hit Cancun in the last 30 years Gilbert on September 15th 1988 and Wilma on October 21st 2005 so the chances of one hitting during your August holiday is extremely unlikely. If you want to play it as safe as possible, visit Cancun at the start of August, since the chances of hurricanes hitting increases as the month develops.
Temperatures
During August, the average temperature for the resort is the same as it was in June and July - 28°C/82°F, created by average highs of 34°C/93°F in the heat of the day and average lows of 25°C/77°F in the coolest part of the night. Daily averages fluctuate between 28°C/82°F and 29°C/84°F throughout the month, with 25 days of the month exceeding temperatures of 32°C/90°C and every day exceeding 27°C/80°F.
The first two weeks of the month see more daily averages of 29°C/84°F than 28°C/82°F, making it the hottest time to visit. In recent times, the hottest August temperature Cancun has ever experienced is 37°C/99°F, whilst the coldest August temperature the resort has ever experienced is 20°C/68°F.
Rainfall
In August, Cancun receives more rainfall than it does in July, although it's still less than the resort experiences in September, which is the wettest month of the year. When rain does fall in Cancun during the hurricane season, it's very intense and is over as quickly as it begun. The likelihood of rainfall occurring at this time of year steadily increases as the month develops, starting at 21% on August 1st and reaching 28% by August 31st.
At this time of year, the resort is subject to an average of 181mm/7 inches of precipitation which is spread out over 6 wet days. Fortunately, these 6 wet days will rarely be consecutive. The most common forms of rainfall to occur during this month are moderate rain (which happens on 44% of days with rainfall), light rain (35%) and thunderstorms (16%).
Sunshine
Across the month, Cancun enjoys an average of 11 hours of sunshine every day, along with median cloud coverage which very slightly increases as the month progresses. Cloud coverage starts at 63% on August 1st and rises up to 66% by August 31st. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 24% of the time, partly clear 29% and cloudy/overcast 38%.
Sea Temperature
In Cancun, the sea is always warm enough for swimming, whichever month you choose to visit. In August, the average sea temperature for the waters around the resort is 29°C/84°F. With temperatures this high, the sea can often feel hotter hotel swimming pools.
Humidity
Humidity is intense in Cancun in August and it will feel hot and sticky practically every day. The relative humidity for the resort during this month ranges between 60% (mildly humid) and 98% (very humid), rarely falling below 52% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid).
Wind
During an average August in Cancun, typical wind speeds vary between 0 m/s (calm) and 6 m/s (moderate breeze) rarely going above 8 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 3 m/s (light breeze) happens around August 11th, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s (moderate breeze). The lowest average wind speed of 3 m/s (light breeze) happens around Augus
Hotels for Cancun in August
Crown Paradise Club
When it comes to family-friendly all-inclusive accommodation in Cancun, it's tough to beat Crown Paradise Club. Boasting a prime location on the resort's white sandy beach, this hotel offers a huge range of children's facilities, including the Kids' Paradise Programme with activities for children aged 4-12, kids' themed parties, baby programmes for babies 18 months to three years, mini golf, swimming pools, games room and water park with nine slides, pirate ship, castle and water fountains. For adults, there are water sports at the nearby beach, golf, evening entertainment, tennis courts, multi-purpose sports courts, swimming pool games, gym and spa which offers salon treatments, facials, body treatments, massages and hydrotherapy.
The all-inclusive programme includes seven restaurants which serve everything from sushi and tempura dishes to French specialities and Mexican classics. Accommodation comes in the form of 336 standard rooms, 102 standard plus rooms, 24 family rooms, 113 special category suites and nine honeymoon suites, all of which have sea views. Each unit features cable TV, mini fridge stocked daily, coffeemaker, air conditioning, paid WiFi access and full bathroom with tub and shower. The honeymoon suites are the most luxurious room category and boast a double Jacuzzi on the terrace and a free lagoon cruise.
Grand Park Royal Cancun Caribe
Grand Park Royal Cancun Caribe is another great choice for all-inclusive accommodation in Cancun. This hotel claims to be the most extravagant all-inclusive hotel in the resort and is comprised of 311 luxury guestrooms and suites decorated with placid ocean tones with sea views, cable TV, air conditioning, coffeemaker and full bathroom with shower and tub. A deluxe room with garden view is the most basic and affordable accommodation choice, whilst the villa master suite is the most luxurious and boasts a mini pool terrace, marble floors and personalised butler service. The all-inclusive programme covers 11 different bars and restaurants, plus never-ending in-room mini bar, non-motorised water sports, running track, gym access, two swimming pools, Jacuzzis, Balinese beds, snorkel tour and nightly entertainment.
GR Solaris
GR Solaris is ideal for holidaymakers who want to be in the centre of all the action. Located in Cancun's Hotel Zone directly on the beach, this well-respected hotel offers 300 deluxe rooms, panoramic view rooms and ocean view rooms with Jacuzzi, each of which is decorated with typical Mexican décor and features cable TV, air conditioning and terrace or balcony with sea or Nichupte Lagoon views. Onsite dining options include four restaurants (two international buffets, one themed restaurant and one deli) and three bars (one swim-up bar, one snack bar and one lobby bar).
There's loads of night time entertainment on offer, including welcome parties, Mexican nights, casino nights, Caribbean nights, karaoke sessions, magic shows and themed decade parties, plus a kids' club with lots of child-friendly entertainment. There's also an onsite spa with mud body wraps, natural face masks and holistic treatments, plus swimming pools, one adults-only pool with Jacuzzi and free WiFi access in the lobby.
Fiesta Inn Cancun Las Americas Hotel
For something more basic and affordable, consider staying at Fiesta Inn Cancun Las Americas Hotel. Located in Downtown Cancun, just 0.2 miles from the Dubai Palace Casino, this hotel has 152 guestrooms, divided between superior double rooms, superior twin rooms, junior suites and handicapped rooms. Each guestroom is decorated in a minimalist, business style with work desk, coffeemaker, free WiFi access, air conditioning, cable TV and full bathroom. Within the hotel you'll find La Isla restaurant open 24-hours a day, outdoor swimming pool with lap lanes, fitness centre, laundry services and indoor parking for an extra cost.
Beaches for August for Cancun
Playa Marlin
Make the most of the hot summer weather by spending the day at Playa Marlin, located on the resort's eastern side. The eastern cost of Cancun is affected by strong winds and waves a lot more than the northern side is, so it's no surprise that Playa Marlin is best known for its choppy waves. Although these waves can make swimming difficult and sometimes dangerous, they create the optimum conditions for parasailing, body boarding and kitesurfing. The sand here is fine and white with no rocky patches and it stretches on so far that it will never feel crowded - even during the busy summer season. There are toilet facilities, parasols and sunbeds to rent, as well as an on duty lifeguard. If you want something to eat or drink, you can head to one of the hotels, bars or restaurants which line the promenade.
Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is perfect for beachgoers looking for a beach with a lively, party atmosphere. This beach is one of the smallest in the resort and is made up of a crescent-shaped golden sandy bay flanked on one side by a pier that you can dive or bungee off. Because this beach is protected on one side by a pier and a harbour on the other, the water is never rough, making swimming and snorkelling perfectly safe at all times. Playa Tortugas is the launching point for diving on the Great Mesoamerican reef which stretches for 725km between Cancun and Honduras. The currents can sometimes be particularly strong close to the reef, so it's only a recommended dive site for intermediate divers. You'll find a volleyball court on the beach, plus sun loungers, parasols and a restaurant bar that serves typical Mexican cuisine.
Things to Do in Cancun in August
Temple of the Warriors
Temple of the Warriors is a large stepped pyramid set within the Chichen Itza Park. It's comprised of four platforms surrounded by 200 columns and features over 300 carvings of soldiers dressed for battle. At the top of the pyramid, you can see a statue of Chac Mool protecting the entrance to the temple. The Temple of the Warriors is open from 8am until 5.30pm every day and is laid out like an open-air museum, full of unique photo opportunities. If you want to get the most out of your visit, it's recommended that you join a guided tour, otherwise you might not know what you're looking at.
Avenida Tulum
If you're looking for somewhere to pick up a souvenir or buy some gifts for friends and family back home, be sure to stop by Avenida Tulum. Here you'll find kiosks, shops and boutiques selling everything from traditional clothing, artisan jewellery, intricate ceramic works, Mexican food, designer goods and perfumes. There are also some supermarkets where you can pick up essentials. If you're not comfortable exploring the area on your own, you can sign up for a guided tour online before you go.