I went to Cancun the first week of December. I paid for my trip. No sponsors. I wanted sun, tacos, and a break from coats and gray skies. Did I get all three? Pretty much, yes. For a more granular, day-by-day rundown of that same week, you can flip through my extended notes on every sunrise, snack, and slip-up.
Why December felt just right
I chose early December because flights were fair and temps were warm. Not blazing. Just right. Christmas lights were up in the Hotel Zone. It felt festive without the chaos you see at New Year’s. You know what? That little sparkle made the nights feel extra cozy. If you’d like a quick primer on what—and where—the Hotel Zone actually is, this overview maps out the long “7-shaped” strip, complete with its resorts, beaches, and nightlife.
If you’re still deciding which month hits your personal sweet spot, my frank take on the best time to visit Cancun lays out the pros and cons of every season.
The weather, plain and simple
Days sat around 80°F. Evenings dipped into the low 70s. I wore a light sweater at night. One morning was windy, with a short burst of rain. It passed fast. The water felt warm enough for long swims. Less seaweed than summer, which I loved. Waves were calmer on north-facing beaches, but the east side had some punch. Need hard numbers? This detailed December weather snapshot backs up those pleasant temps with daily averages and sea-temperature charts.
I tracked the sea’s “real-feel” temps all week and stacked them against other months in this deeper Cancun water temperature guide.
Where I stayed (two spots, two moods)
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Two nights downtown in an Airbnb by Parque Las Palapas. We walked to churros and watched kids play soccer at night. The plaza had music, snacks, and that happy hum that makes you slow down.
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Three nights at Hyatt Ziva Cancun in the Hotel Zone. It sits on a point, so one beach was calm and the other had fun waves. The coffee shop kept me alive at 7 a.m. The tacos at Habaneros hit the spot. But note this: dinner spots book up fast. I missed a steakhouse night because I waited too long to reserve.
If I’d craved a quieter, boutique escape focused on wellness, I could have slipped down the coast to Ceiba del Mar and soaked in its spa vibes and uncrowded beachfront.
Getting around without wasting cash
The ADO bus from the airport to downtown was easy and cheap. In the Hotel Zone, I took the R1 and R2 buses. They run often. Taxis cost more, so I saved them for late nights or bags. I used pesos most of the time. I pulled cash at a bank ATM in El Centro.
What I actually did (a quick play-by-play)
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Day 1: Landed, dropped bags, and ate beef tacos at Tacos Rigo. The salsa had bite but not tears. Perfect.
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Day 2: Watched sunrise at Playa Delfines. Pink sky, soft breeze, big grin. Stopped at El Rey Ruins right down the road. Small site. Easy walk. Lots of iguanas sunbathing like tiny dragons.
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Day 3: Moved to Hyatt Ziva. Beach time. Then we walked La Isla Shopping Village. Rode the big wheel at sunset. Sky looked like peach candy.
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Day 4: Isla Mujeres day trip. Ferry from Puerto Juárez with Ultramar. Rented a golf cart and looped the island. Playa Norte was clear and calm. We ate shrimp tacos near the beach and wished we had room for churros. Ride back was choppy because a norte wind kicked up. I clutched my hat. It was funny later. Not during.
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Day 5: Chichén Itzá tour. Small group van, a stop in Valladolid for ice cream, and a swim at a cenote. The water was cold but fresh, like a giant green bowl of mint. Bring a towel. And bug spray.
Food wins and a couple misses
- Tacos Rigo downtown: cheap, fast, great tortillas. I went twice.
- Street snacks at Parque Las Palapas: elote and marquesitas at night. Sweet, crunchy, gooey. Yes.
- Lorenzillo’s in the Hotel Zone: lobster was rich and buttery. Pricey date-night spot. Not a daily thing.
- Mercado 23 stall: cochinita pibil torta with pickled onions. Messy in the best way.
- One miss: a beach bar burger near the hotel pool. Dry. Should’ve stuck with ceviche.
Crowds and prices in December
Early December felt calm. Not empty, just smooth. Families showed up closer to the holidays. Prices climbed near Christmas week. If you want deals, go before mid-December. If you want a party, come for New Year’s and bring patience.
What I packed that actually helped
- Light sweater for breezy nights
- Rash guard for sun and salt
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Bug spray for cenotes
- A soft packable towel
- Small first-aid kit (Band-Aids, ibuprofen, tummy meds)
- Cash in small bills for tips and snacks
Want to see every single item I schlepped south—and what earned a spot on my next itinerary? Scan my real Cancun packing list for the keepers and the flops. I also broke down each outfit (and the surprises the humidity threw at them) in this candid Cancun attire diary.
Safety notes from a cautious planner
I felt safe in the Hotel Zone and in busy parts of downtown. I avoided dark side streets late. I kept my phone zipped away on buses. Normal stuff. No issues.
If you’re curious about taking the social side of your vacation beyond small talk, it helps to know how to line up casual meet-ups before you even land. I found this clear, step-by-step guide on how to use Craigslist personals to get laid invaluable—it covers crafting an attention-grabbing post, spotting red flags, and arranging safe, low-stress encounters so you can spend more of your nights on the beach and less time glued to your phone.
Back home, maybe you’re swapping palm trees for Connecticut pines, but you still want to keep the no-strings momentum going. If you’ll be anywhere near central Connecticut, check out this concise rundown of Skip the Games New Britain—it vets local listings, explains typical rates, and shares safety best practices so you can cut through the noise and line up plans faster.
Little things I loved
- Morning coffee with ocean air at Hyatt Ziva. I could hear the waves thump, steady and kind.
- The way staff said “buen provecho” when I walked by with food. It felt warm.
- Holiday decorations along Kukulcán Boulevard. Simple, bright, and a bit cheesy. In a good way.
What I’d do differently next time
I’d plan dinner slots at the resort on day one. I’d watch the wind before booking Isla Mujeres, so I get the smoothest day. I’d also add one slow day with no tours. Just beach, book, nap, repeat.
Who should go in December?
- Families who want warm weather without brutal heat
- Couples who like long dinners and quiet beach time
- Friends who want nightlife near New Year’s week
- Solo folks who like easy buses and safe, busy spaces
Quick tips that saved me time
- Catch sunrise at Playa Delfines at least once.
- Bring pesos for street food and buses.
- Use the bus in the Hotel Zone. It’s quick.
- Save a half day for Isla Mujeres. Golf cart = simple joy.
- Pack a rash guard. The sun will sneak up on you.
- Book big tours on weekdays, not weekends.
My bottom line
Cancun in December felt warm, bright, and easy. I loved the mix: calm mornings, tasty tacos, and short, fun day trips. Was everything perfect? Nope. A windy ferry and a bad burger tried to ruin the mood. They didn’t. I’d go again the first half of December, no question. And I’d bring more room in my bag—because yes, I always come home with snacks.