I went to Cancun this September. (More on my experience of Cancun in September here.) Not once, but twice now. Cheaper flights pulled me in, and I’m weak for warm water and tacos. Here’s how it really felt—sweaty, sunny, a little wild, and worth it.
The Vibe Right Away
Fewer people. Softer prices. Thick heat. That’s September.
I’d walk the Hotel Zone bus stop and not wait long. The R1 bus rolled up fast. I grabbed a seat, windows down, salty wind on my face. And you know what? I liked the calm. No spring crowds. No rush.
The Weather—Yes, It Rains
Let me explain. September sits in storm season. It’s hot, humid, and the sky can flip fast. If you peek at the data, holiday-weather.com’s September charts show those steamy mid-80s temps and the spike in mid-afternoon showers, while locals on forums like cancuncare.com joke you can set your watch by the daily 3-p.m. downpour.
- One day, I was at Playa Delfines at 2:40 p.m., feet in powder sand. By 3:05 p.m., boom. Rain hit hard. I ducked under the lookout deck with six other soggy folks. We laughed. Ten minutes later, sun again. The sand steamed.
- Another day, a storm lingered all afternoon. I grabbed a slow lunch indoors, then swam in warm water under gray skies. Still fun.
Heat is real. I carried a little towel and a big bottle of water. No shame.
Seaweed check? Not bad where I was. A few clumps on the sand some mornings. Hotel teams raked it up fast. It can change by beach, but I saw clear water most days.
Where I Stayed (And What I Paid)
I split my time:
- First two nights downtown: a simple hotel near Mercado 28. Clean room, cold AC, strong Wi-Fi. About $55 a night.
- Then I did a day pass at a big all-inclusive in the Hotel Zone. Pools, snacks, the whole thing. I paid less than a room night and got my fill.
If you want the beach every day, book in the Hotel Zone. If you want value and real local food, stay downtown and bus to the beach. I liked the mix.
For a splurge that still feels low-key, consider a night down the coast at Ceiba del Mar, a beachfront hideaway that’s worlds quieter than the Hotel Zone.
Getting Around (Easy Mode)
- From the airport, I took the ADO bus to downtown. It cost me around 140–160 pesos. Comfy, no fuss.
- R1/R2 buses run the Hotel Zone. Cash only. My fare was about 12 pesos. Bring small bills.
- Taxis cost more. I used them when it rained hard or late at night.
I kept pesos on me. Cards worked at bigger places, but street food wanted cash.
Food That Made Me Smile
I eat like I mean it:
- Tacos al pastor at Tacos Rigo downtown—juicy, with a little char. I still think about that salsa.
- Fish tacos at the tiny shack near km 19.5 (locals call it El Galeón). Fresh, limey, messy hands.
- Cochinita pibil on a soft roll near Mercado 28. Tangy, tender, a little drip down the wrist. Worth it.
- Night snack? A warm marquesita with Nutella and cheese. Sweet. Crunchy. Weird good.
I drank micheladas on sticky afternoons and mango agua fresca when I needed to slow down. If you're curious about what you can and can’t do with that cerveza on the sand, skim my no-fluff take on Cancun’s drinking laws.
A Day Trip That Hit Just Right
Isla Mujeres was a full-body yes. Here’s how my day went:
- I took the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juárez. Smooth ride, about 20 minutes.
- Rented a golf cart for the day. Not cheap (mine was about 900 pesos), but pure joy.
- Swam at Playa Norte. Clear, shallow, calm. It felt like a big, warm pool.
- I had whole fried fish with tortillas and lime. Fingers greasy, heart happy.
I got one short rain burst there too. I waited it out under a palm and watched the water go glassy again.
Rain Plan Wins
When clouds stuck around, I:
- Visited Museo Maya de Cancún. Small, cool, and quiet. I geeked out on pottery and old carvings.
- Walked the El Rey Ruins near the hotel zone. Lizards everywhere. Easy, quick, and calm.
- Hid in a taquería during a thunderstorm. Ordered extra guac. No regrets.
- Got social online while the storm rumbled—jumping into the random cam rooms at Chatrandom’s gay version let me trade beach tips with fellow travelers and pick up fresh nightlife ideas without leaving my dry hotel balcony.
- Curious about how people in totally different cities filter out flaky hookup ads, I fell into a guide on Cedar Rapids nightlife at Skip The Games Cedar that spelled out smart safety moves and profile-vetting tricks I later used when swiping in Cancun.
Money Stuff (Real Numbers I Saw)
- Roundtrip flight: mine was under $300 from a big U.S. hub.
- Decent hotel downtown: $50–$70 a night.
- Good all-inclusive deals: I saw $170–$230 a night for two people on sale.
- Street tacos: about 20–35 pesos each.
- Beach beer: around 60–90 pesos, depending on the spot.
September felt friendly on the wallet.
Little Annoyances (That You Can Handle)
- Mosquitoes love September. I used bug spray at dusk and after rain. Helped a lot.
- Humidity makes cotton feel heavy. Light, quick-dry clothes saved me. I wrote a full rundown of what I packed and what I’d change in my Cancun attire guide.
- Short power flickers happened once during a storm. Came back fast.
- Some boat tours got canceled when wind picked up. I kept plans flexible.
Quick Tips I Wish I Knew
- Bring a thin rain jacket or a light poncho. Not cute, but handy.
- Reef-safe sunscreen for the win. The water stays clearer, and yes, the fish matter.
- A hat and a neck fan made the heat easier.
- Ferry early to Isla Mujeres to beat lunch crowds.
- Learn two words: “agua natural” and “gracias.” You’ll use both a lot.
Who Should Go In September?
- Deal hunters who don’t mind a wet hour here and there.
- Couples who want quiet pools and space on the beach.
- Food folks who want local spots without lines.
- Families okay with flexible plans and pool time when clouds roll in.
If you need zero rain and perfect skies, pick winter. I break down the pros and cons of every month in my best time to visit Cancun guide. If you want warmth, savings, and a relaxed scene, September works.
What I Loved
- Warm ocean like a bath
- Fewer crowds almost everywhere
- Lower prices on rooms and food
- Isla Mujeres—easy, breezy, clear water
What Bugged Me
- Sticky heat and surprise storms
- Mosquitoes after rain
- Some tours canceled for wind
My Bottom Line
Would I go to Cancun in September again? Yes. I’d pack light, plan around the 3 p.m. showers, and keep one extra day for plans that shift. The sea was kind, the tacos were bold, and the breaks in the clouds felt like a gift.
Honestly, I left full, sun-kissed, and a little spoiled. Isn’t that the point?