10 Essential Tips for Visiting Cancún: From Sargassum to Tipping

Cancún, a popular Mexican resort destination, presents visitors with unique challenges and customs that can be navigated with proper preparation. The high season from December through April offers ideal weather with average highs around 28°C (82°F), but also brings higher prices and larger crowds. The Carnaval de Cancún, held in February or March, adds a festive atmosphere but requires early booking. Hurricane season from June to November offers lower prices, and water temperatures remain warm year-round. A minimum stay of three nights is recommended, with a week to ten days allowing for exploration of the Yucatán Peninsula's Mayan ruins and cenotes. The hotel zone houses most all-inclusive resorts, while El Centro offers cheaper accommodations, with prices 30% to 50% lower. Tipping customs vary: 15% gratuity in restaurants, 30 Mexican pesos per bag for porters, 10-20% for tour guides, and 5-10 pesos for gas station attendants. Using 'señor' or 'señora' in interactions is a sign of respect. Haggling is acceptable at markets, with counteroffers around 70-80% of the asking price. While Cancún is generally safe, travelers should be cautious with drinks and ATMs at night. Sargassum seaweed surges, occurring from March to August, can affect beaches, but the NGO Red de Monitoreo de Sargazo provides updates, and some resorts clean their beaches daily.