10 Things to Do in Cancun in August

Summer has arrived to Mexico, specifically to the port of Cancun, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, and with your flight already booked you still don't know what places to visit? don't worry, here we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Cancun in August to have a unique experience.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in August

Cancun | ©Jo Liu

It's no secret, Cancun has a lot to see and do all year round. Not in vain, it is one of the favorite places for all kinds of tourists around the world, for its culture, history, beaches and, of course, for its nightlife.

If this is your first time in this Mexican paradise, don't worry, we are going to give you the best travel tips to visit the region in August. So get your Instagram ready, because releasing turtles, swimming in beautiful cenotes and partying in the most exclusive places in Cancun will be unforgettable experiences that you won't want to stop sharing on your social networks.

Prepare pencil and paper because we are going to give you a list of 10 things you can do in August on your visit to the Mexican port:

1. Enjoy Cancun's spectacular marine life

Snorkeling with Turtle Watching| ©Karolina Grabowska
Snorkeling with Turtle Watching| ©Karolina Grabowska

In the amazing ecosystems of the Caribbean, each species plays an important role in the ecosystem, from a coral sheltering thousands of species, to a shark eating dozens of fish.

The sea turtle nesting season in Cancun is a beautiful process full of life that takes place every year, being the month of August the perfect season to enjoy these beautiful and important specimens.

This activity is for the whole family, as you don't need to be a nature lover to release a couple of sea turtles so now you know, if you want some relaxation and be in contact with species that we can't observe every day, this activity is perfect for you.

Book a snorkeling experience in Cancun

2. Celebrate the festivities commemorating the Isla Mujeres Foundation

Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr
Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr

A very special day on the Mexican coast in which the Isla Mujeres Foundation is commemorated every year in Cancun with an extensive program of cultural and sports activities, although there are also processions such as the Bajada de la Virgen de Concepción.

Also, during this celebration, the ambassador of the festivities is chosen among the islanders in a beauty pageant, in which the popular Isla Mujeres dresses up. You can even attend fashion shows where you can appreciate the typical costumes worn by the participants.

There is also a 15 km race in which you can test your fitness. Undoubtedly, this is an event where both locals and tourists mingle to enjoy a few days of complete fun. If you want to know more about the excursions organized to Isla Mujeres I leave you this article we have prepared with all the information.

Book an excursion to Isla Mujeres

3. Dance to the rhythm of 70's rock at the Summer Music Festival

Summer Music Festival| ©Vishnu R Nair
Summer Music Festival| ©Vishnu R Nair

This is a cultural event organized by the state government in order to support and promote cultural activities in Cancun.

The event features the participation of different bands that will make you dance to classic 70s rock. If your thing is the dance floor and 80's music, this festival will give you a fun-filled time among the many options that Cancun's nightlife has to offer.

The bands are only a part of what this festival has to offer, you can also enjoy food from the establishments that are set up around the area known as Camp Zero, on Nader Avenue.

4. Dive into a cenote

Cenote in Cancun| ©Viviane Kermeci
Cenote in Cancun| ©Viviane Kermeci

Something you can't miss during your visit to Cancun are its natural beauties: the whole state is full of beautiful mangrove swamps known as cenotes.

The weather in August will be perfect to take the heat off by diving into one of these natural freshwater pools or sailing in one of the lakes that the Mexican peninsula has to offer.

You can do these activities with your friends or companions, they are suitable for the whole family and we assure you that you will have an unforgettable day. Here are some recommendations for an excursion to a cenote in Cancun.

5. Vibrate with Cancun's endless night party in August.

The Coco Bongo| ©Serge Melki
The Coco Bongo| ©Serge Melki

Cancun is a world renowned tourist destination. Young people from the 5 continents choose August to take their vacations in the Mexican Caribbean, so if partying is your thing, you have chosen this place for its vibrant nightlife.

The magic of this place is that in the hotel zone and part of the city you can find avenues full of bars and nightclubs, here no matter your budget or musical preferences, in Cancun you will find fun for all tastes and pockets.

We know that in this city you have a thousand options to have fun, but if your thing is nightlife here is a list with my recommendation where you can have a good time:

6. Taste tequila and mezcal at the Viva el agave exhibition

Tequila| ©Isabella Mendes
Tequila| ©Isabella Mendes

Mexico and tequila; it is no secret that this is an inseparable union. For several decades tequila has been consolidated as one of the most consumed typical drinks in Mexico and you can't miss it on your trip to Cancun.

August can be a good month if you like this liquor, because every year the expo tequila, also known as Viva el Agave, is organized. In this event, the largest producers and consumers of tequila gather in a single place to exhibit or taste both tequila and mezcal, the latter being another of Mexico's native agave distillates.

It is usually held in Playa del Carmen, so you can throw on your swimsuit and take advantage of a sunny day to lie relaxed on the sand.

7. Explore Cancun's marine wildlife

Swim with sharks at Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario
Swim with sharks at Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario

If you are adventurous, Cancun offers a great diversity of adventure experiences, many of which are aimed at getting to know the bottom of the sea. From diving in a cenote to swimming with whales, dolphins and turtles, the month of August is when you can enjoy Cancun's incredible marine life up close.

The experience of living close to these fabulous sea creatures is priceless, but if you want to talk about economics, the price is around 150 euros.

Cancun is one of the best places in the world to have a contact with nature, so I consider that you can not miss some of the tours and excursions that will make you discover some dream places.

8. Discover the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza| ©Luiz Eduardo
Chichen Itza| ©Luiz Eduardo

The pyramids of Chichen Itza in Mexico City is one of the 8 wonders of the world that not everyone has the pleasure of enjoying. If you are in Cancun, don't worry, here you can also enjoy the beautiful Mayan sculptures with the many excursions to Chichen Itza.

Remember to hire a good tour, as the walk is about 3 hours so prepare your water bottles, sunscreen, and get ready to take a trip back in time through the history of Mexico.

Book a tour to Chichen Itza

9. Enjoy an unforgettable day at Xel-Ha Park

Xel-Ha Park Natural Park| ©Silvia J
Xel-Ha Park Natural Park| ©Silvia J

August is an ideal month for outdoor activities. Although it may rain one of the days you spend in Cancun, the truth is that when the sun comes out, the heat can be overwhelming, so an activity like spending a day at Xel-Ha Park is a highly recommended experience.

If you are also traveling with your family to the Mexican city, this is a plan you can not miss because, thanks to the more than 20 activities you can do in this natural setting, the little ones will have a great day of fun. They will be able to jump on the slides, swim in the cenotes, as well as enjoy direct contact with nature through sports such as snorkeling or zip lines.

In addition, with some tickets you can enjoy Mexican food buffet. For more information I recommend you to read our post about Xel-Ha Park Cancun Tickets: how to buy and prices.

Book tickets for Xel-Ha Park in Cancun

10. Relax on a paradisiacal beach

Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric
Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric

You already know all the cultural variety, nightlife, and endless adventure activities that are available, but something you can't miss, whether you are in Cancun for three days or you are lucky enough to enjoy a five or seven day trip to the Mexican region, is to enjoy a day of sun and beach.

If you plan a relaxing day on the coast, enjoy some postcard images, unpack your camera and put on your swimsuit to have an unforgettable day with family or friends. Here is a list of the best beaches in Cancun:

  • Maroma Beach
  • Paraiso Beach
  • Delfines Beach
  • North Beach
  • Holbox Beach

What kind of weather can I expect in August in Cancun?

Afternoon in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton
Afternoon in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton

In this season there are highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C. The heat is humid, although a little cooler at night. Mid-July to mid-August is the worst time for heat. You can expect average daytime temperatures of 29.5°C and nighttime temperatures of 27°C.

Although, these are approximate temperatures as August can change the weather drastically. There is a chance of rain about 10 days in the month, so you should keep in mind that high temperatures are not synonymous with sunny days, as August is within Cancun' s rainy period. Although you should know that the rains are intense but do not last long.

If you are still doubting when to travel to Cancun, be sure to read our post in which you will see more information on what is the best time for it.

What should I bring in my suitcase?

Luggage| ©Anete Lūsiņa
Luggage| ©Anete Lūsiņa

If the decision to travel in August has been made and all you have to do is pack your suitcase, don't wait any longer and get started! To help you with the task, once you have checked the weather in Cancun, I recommend that you take a look at this list of tips I give you so that, once there, you do not miss any relevant garment or accessory:

  • Wear light-colored clothing: wearing this type of clothing helps to keep you cool, since being coastal the temperatures are high.
  • Sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts: Sleeveless shirts are recommended because being a hot climate, keeping your arms out in the open air will help cool them.
  • Sunglasses: remember to always have them handy, as they can be somewhat annoying and even impair your vision.
  • Shorts: probably one of the most important items of clothing for the beach or for your cultural visits. They can also be your best ally for your boat trips.
  • Bathing suit: essential for a day at the beach or for activities such as snorkeling.
  • Sandals or flip-flops: no doubt with the overwhelming heat of the beach you will not want to wear shoes or tennis shoes. The latter can be recommended for an experience like the ones I recommend in this post about the best off-road tours in Cancun.